If you’re new to decorating, you might feel a little lost when it comes to furnishing your home. We want to make sure you get your money’s worth out of your new furniture, so we’ve put together this list of furniture do’s and don’ts. When you know what to do and what not to do, you’ll get the most out of your furniture and make decorating easier.
It can be daunting to arrange furniture for the first time. After all, you want to make sure that the space looks beautiful and is functional for your needs.
Ensuring Furniture Fits Against the Wall
When it comes to furnishing a space, it’s important to remember the golden rule: measure twice, cut once. Making sure that the furniture will fit in the designated space is key, and it’s especially important to measure against the walls. Furniture that is too big or too small for the space will look awkward and will be difficult to navigate. In addition, furniture against the wall can create an optical illusion of more space. Make sure to measure the width, height and depth of the furniture against the walls to ensure a seamless look.
Designing Small Spaces With Furniture
When it comes to small spaces, less is definitely more. You don’t want to overwhelm the area with too much furniture and accessories.
A great way to add seating to your room without taking up too much space is by opting for benches and ottomans. Not only do they provide extra seating, but they can also be decorative pieces that add to the overall look of the room. When choosing a bench or ottoman, make sure to consider the style of your furniture and the other accessories in the room. For example, if you have a modern and minimalistic aesthetic, you’ll want to choose a bench or ottoman with clean lines and a simple design. On the other hand, if your room is more traditional or eclectic, feel free to experiment with different styles and textures.
Furniture Transitions for Every Room
In a small living room, avoid using too much furniture. This will make the space feel cramped and uncomfortable. A couple of well-placed pieces will do the trick. For example, a stylish chair or stool can act as both a seating area and a focal point. In a bedroom, go for a big, comfortable bed that will make you feel relaxed when you walk in. Don’t forget to add a bedside table for your bedside lamp and book! When it comes to choosing furniture for your home, it’s important to think about the overall look and feel you’re going for.
Don’t stack items on chair backs
A common mistake people make when arranging furniture is to pile items on top of chair backs. Not only does this create an unnecessary mess, it also puts unnecessary strain on the chair, which can lead to breakage. Chair backs are not meant to be used as storage and should be reserved for seating only. If you need to temporarily store something, find an alternate place to put it – like a shelf or the floor. Placing furniture in an organized and intentional way will create a more polished and pulled-together look.
Do think about the spacing between your furniture
Spacing is key when arranging your furniture. You want to make sure that there’s enough room for people to walk around and that the furniture doesn’t feel too cramped. One way to make sure of this is to think about the size of the furniture. For example, if you have a large sofa, you might want to put a couple of smaller chairs on either side to create a bit of breathing room. You also want to be mindful of how the furniture is positioned in the room. For example, if you have a TV in the room, you might want to place the sofa so that it faces the TV. Our Taylor Sofa is the perfect option for a comfortable and stylish living room.
Don’t mix old and new furniture
Mixing old and new furniture is a big no-no. It might be tempting to use your old furniture piece as a side table or to put your new bed against the wall where your old bed used to be, but it’s important to remember that each piece of furniture in your home should have a purpose. A mismatched look will make your home feel cluttered and will be difficult to style. When it comes to furniture, simplicity is key. That’s why it’s important to choose pieces that will work well together and will complement your existing decor. Stick to a neutral palette and you can’t go wrong.
Do pick furniture with details
When you’re shopping for furniture, don’t be afraid to go bold. Classic staples are always a good option, but sometimes it’s fun to mix things up with statement pieces. One way to add personality to your furniture is by choosing pieces with interesting details. Whether it’s a chic floral design or an interesting texture, details can really elevate a piece. So don’t be afraid to take your time browsing and pick something with a little bit of personality. Just make sure the overall aesthetic of your home is in mind when you make your final selection.
Do figure out your furniture layout ahead of time
Planning is key when it comes to furniture. You want to make sure that you have enough seating for your guests, that the traffic flow in the room is good, and that the furniture is arranged in a way that makes the room look pulled together. In order to do this, it’s a good idea to plan out your furniture layout before you purchase anything. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your space.
Don’t put large pieces in your living room where people walk
You might be tempted to place your new, oversized couch in the living room where everyone will see it. But think again. Placing large pieces of furniture in the walkway is a big no-no. Not only will it make it difficult for people to walk around, but it will also make the space feel cramped and uncomfortable. Instead, try placing larger items like couches and chairs against the walls. This will open up the space and make it feel more inviting.
Do slipcover your furniture
A great way to protect your furniture, and to add a pop of color or pattern to your living room, is to slipcover it. You can find slipcovers in a variety of fabrics and styles, so finding one that matches your furniture and your style should be easy. Not only will this protect your furniture from dirt, dust, and stains, but it’ll also add an extra layer of comfort. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to give your furniture a new look, a slipcover is the way to go!
Don’t place furniture on a carpet
When you’re choosing furniture, one of the most important things to keep in mind is placement. You want to make sure that your furniture is both comfortable and visually appealing. A big mistake people often make is placing their furniture on a carpet. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also be bad for your furniture. Carpets can cause your furniture to become stained and dirty over time, which is why it’s best to place furniture on hardwood floors or tile. If you don’t have either of those, then be sure to use a protective mat.