Furniture is the heart of any home and it’s where most people spend their time. Aside from enhancing a room’s aesthetic, it can also have practical purposes, like enabling people to sit comfortably or store items safely.
Whether your style is contemporary, modern or traditional, furniture is an essential part of any design. But, as a homeowner, it can be difficult to know how to select and arrange furniture pieces for maximum functionality and visual appeal. This article will provide tips and tricks to help you create a well-designed room with beautiful furniture that is perfectly tailored for your home.
The First Step: Plan the Room
The most important step in designing a room is planning the layout and furniture placement. Using our free online room planner, you can create a virtual blue print of your space before making any major purchases. By answering four simple questions, you can figure out the ideal floor plan for your space.
How large is your space?
The size of your space dictates the scale and quantity of furniture you’ll need. For example, if you have a small space, you may only have enough room for a sofa and coffee table. If you have a large space, you might have more freedom to place larger pieces, such as a sectional or a dining table.
How many people will be using this space?
If you want to host a lot of guests, it’s best to arrange seating in a way that allows for plenty of conversation. For instance, you can pair two sofas together and arrange them so they face each other. This encourages interaction and makes for a welcoming and friendly environment.
What is your desired ambiance?
Before deciding on the color palette and furniture arrangement, it’s helpful to decide what kind of atmosphere you want. Do you prefer a warm and inviting space or a cool and sleek look? These will influence the materials you choose and the colors you use. For example, a rustic wooden table might work better with a country-style kitchen while a sleek leather sofa is more suitable for a modern living room.
How formal or casual do you want the space to be?
There’s nothing wrong with mixing classic trends with a touch of modern flair, as seen in this polished yet cosmopolitan living room by Shawn Henderson. Dainty florals and ginghams are paired with sleek silhouettes and modern accents, so they don’t feel too old-fashioned or stuffy.
The most common mistake that people make when arranging furniture is not leaving enough clearance between pieces. This can result in tripping and clumsiness in the space. To avoid this, be sure to leave a few feet of space between your couch and coffee table or chairs. It’s also a good idea to plan for storage so you can easily access items when needed. For instance, you might want to keep spare blankets in a basket on the end of the sofa or a set of books in the corner of your room.
