Arranging furniture sounds simple enough, but there are some basics you should know. Here are five tips on how to arrange furniture to ensure your space looks its best.
5 Basic Guidelines for Arranging Your Space
Standing in the middle of your empty living room and scratching your head on where to start? We've got you covered: Start with these five steps to arranging your space.
Build your foundation
Before focusing on decorative elements and finishes, you want to select your biggest piece of furniture and determine where it will go. Identify your "center" feature space, like your largest wall or focal point, to determine where the rest of the pieces will go. It's like beginning with your outfit, then moving on to your accessories. Thoughtfully align your furnishings to create a vantage point which draws the guest into the room.
Sketch it out
Whether you're an artist or not, the room is your canvas. Stand in the entryway to begin to gain perspective on the foreground, mid-ground, and background of a room. Imagine placing furniture in the room in a way that invites you into it, whether at an angle, or turned to focus on another part of the room. Before you start hauling around large-sized furniture items, like couches or credenzas, draw up a quick sketch to plan your layout.
Do the math
Know the dimensions of your rooms. Take measurements of your walls, windows, and furniture to make sure everything will fit the way you envision. This makes it easier to select furniture since pieces can vary by size and shape. Don't forget to measure doorways and entryways to ensure you'll be able to get your furniture into your space. Nothing worse than an oversized couch stuck in a stairwell (i.e., pivot!). It will help you and any movers avoid a case of Mid-Project Regret Syndrome (MPRS).
Divide and define
Imagine the different functions taking place in each room. Create two to three zones of functionality to maximize use of your space. In your living room, you may have a TV viewing area, as well as a cozy reading nook. Duality is key, especially in smaller spaces.
Add in and tie it together
Time to bring it all together with accent pieces and décor. Use an area rug to fill space or add a splash of color and texture. Add a coffee table for functionality and to display items. A round coffee table helps unite multiple seating pieces. If you are restricted on space, try a coffee table that is long and narrow.
Don't be afraid to float your furniture! The sofa doesn’t always have to go up against a wall. Often, it can go in the center and divide the room into halves. This move requires experimentation to see if the placement looks and feels right, so don’t be afraid to shift things around. Hang up artwork at eye level, light up the room with lamps, and try a mirror to add dimension.
Bottom Line
When presented with a bare room, it's easy to be overwhelmed with the endless possibilities of furniture arrangement. Although we can't tell you exactly where you should put what furniture, try these tips to help determine how you'll use your space. Missing some essential pieces? Brook has the furniture, décor, housewares, and more to help turn your dream home into a reality! And if you're not sure where to start, our Concierge Team is happy to help you find exactly what you need.
