10 Common Ways You’re Arranging Your Furniture Wrong
September 10, 2020Arranging your furniture in an empty room is not like arranging your cupboards or wardrobe. It can be daunting and it can be overwhelming because knowing what to put in which spot doesn’t exactly come naturally to anyone. And although there isn’t really a completely wrong kind of arrangement since everyone has different preferences, there are some arranging mistakes that can hinder the practicality, atmosphere, or balance of your living space. Here are some arrangement mistakes to look out for when you’re filling out that empty room or trying out a new arrangement style. Once you avoid these, filling in the remaining spaces will be as easy as ever.
Mistake 1: Wallflower Furniture
A lot of people’s first instinct when arranging the big pieces of furniture is to push them all against the wall. It’s easy and it would make the room look bigger. But if you’re shouting across the room just to have a decent conversation with your family or pals, it might be time to rethink that arrangement. Plus, pushing everything towards the walls can make the middle area feel too wide and empty. Pushing them closer together or positioning them around a focal point can create cozier conversation areas and a better sense of balance.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Practicality
Think about your creature comforts and the things you usually do in your living room. Do you put your feet up on the table? Do you eat a meal or drink wine while sitting on the couch? Consider these and arrange your furniture as such to accommodate these comforts. Place the coffee table closer to the sofa or have side tables easily within reach and the like.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Traffic Flow
In addition to practicality, you should also think about how people would be moving around your furniture. No one should be tripping over table or chair legs while getting up or having to awkwardly sashay and tango to get out of the seating area. Make sure there’s always a clear path to walk to and fro from the area.
Mistake 4: Having More Than One Focal Point
Each room has to have one and only focal point to anchor everything around it. This creates a balanced space that feels and looks pleasant. Otherwise, the room can just seem cluttered and disorganized. Sometimes, it occurs naturally with a wide window or a fireplace or things like that. Sometimes, you have to create it yourself.
Mistake 5: No Balance
Your living room doesn’t have to be symmetrical. In fact, asymmetry is great for keeping things interesting and unique. What’s important is there is balance. Distribute your furniture all over the room and balance your furniture with pairings that make sense for the overall design of the space.
Mistake 6: Having Too Much
In design, the saying less is more is one of the best rules to follow. Don’t overrun your living room with too much furniture and accessories. Choose a few huge key pieces then start decorating around that and learn when to stop adding on. Select a simple layout that’s pleasing to the eye, practical, and that gives the room space to breathe..
Mistake 7: Forgetting to Get Situational
Yes, you may have achieved everything from balance and focal points. But are you sure none of your furniture is blocking other furniture pieces like cabinets and drawers that you would often access? Make sure that none of your sofas or chairs are blocking any storage places that you’d often open and close so you won’t have to keep moving things aroun
Mistake 8: Sticking to Conventions
Some rooms are simply a little bit odder than our ideal conventional ones. Some may be oddly shaped and others may have windows facing the wrong way. Either way, you can still make it work by letting go of those conventional notions of arrangement. It’s also great for rearranging your furniture. It provides interest and it renews your space like nothing else.
Mistake 9: Blocking Windows
Natural light is vital to make any room feel spacious and comfortable. And as a general rule, you shouldn’t be blocking it by placing furniture, especially tall ones, in front of your windows. Sometimes living room formats though don’t give us a choice especially if you have floor-to-ceiling windows. If you have no other choice, maximize all the remaining light filtering into your room with reflective surfaces and mirrors. Then balance it out further with a great lighting plan.
Mistake 10: Bad Backs and Poor Rugs
Your furniture arrangement can affect first impressions of your home. Imagine you’re a guest and you open the door only to be greeted by the ugly or plain back of an otherwise great piece of furniture. No matter how beautiful that is on the front, it will still be hard to forget that sight greeting you on your first steps into the house. Make sure to tuck those bad backs into a corner or if you have no other choice, why not give reupholstering a try. Also, remember to make the right rug choice. Ideally, the legs of your furniture should be safely lying on top of your rug. If not, at least have the front legs on top of the rug. If you have small rugs, you can try layering them for a modern look.
