An empty room can be intimidating to fill. You may not know where to start when buying new furniture or how to place the furniture you have. A quality layout will showcase your prized pieces, provide comfort and create utility. Your living space should be both functional and pleasing to the eye. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you arrange your home.
In a dinning room the table should be centered. Adding a china hutch can add visual interest and provide needed storage space.
1) Measure
This may seem like a simple step, but it is often left out when you fall in love with a specific piece. Skipping this step can lead to heartbreak later. Measure your space to make sure there is room for the new piece as well as any other pieces you want in the same area. Don’t forget to measure entries to ensure that the furniture will fit through doors, around corners or in stairwells.
2) Think Like an Artist
HGTV points out that many of the design elements that artists use are also used in interior design. One example given is using triangulation. You could place two arm chairs on either side of a fireplace and use art placed over the mantle to draw the eye up toward the middle point, thus creating a visual triangle. You can also find a focal point in the room and arrange furniture so that the eye is drawn to the focal point. This is particularly easy to do in bedrooms and dinning rooms.
3) Clear the Walls
An article on BobVilla.com suggests that putting furniture against the wall will make a room seem stagnate. You may not have enough space to avoid placing all of your furniture against the wall. Instead, the article suggests putting the sofa against the wall and placing smaller, floating pieces around it such as armchairs, a love seat or coffee table. Again, keep utility in mind and try to arrange living room furniture in a manner that will encourage conversation.
4) Do What you Like
It is nice to have some expert tips as you arrange your home, but don’t forget that it is your home. There is no right or wrong way to arrange your furniture. If you like it, are comfortable and find it useful, then you have done it right! Don’t be afraid to experiment and rearrange until you are pleased.