How to Arrange Furniture Like Designers or Decorators

Key steps create the ideal furniture arrangement.

Furniture arrangement can make or break a room's design and function. Designers and decorators use specifics steps to ensure a room is both inviting and useful.

Instructions

1. Place large pieces first, then items that complement those items. For instance, bed, dresser then night table, or sofa then end table.

2. Allow 24 to 30 inches between furnishings for walking around furniture. Consider the traffic pattern and avoid blocking conversation areas. However, don't put too much distance between related pieces or they will feel disconnected.

3. Move certain pieces, such as sofas or chairs, to the middle of the room, from being against the walls. Having all pieces lining the walls can create boredom and isn't conducive to conversation.

4. Be careful not to obstruct doorways and windows.

5. Center furniture around existing focal points (fireplace, windows with a view, large artwork). Create a focal point if one does not exist. This can be an artificial fireplace, a decorative screen, a large piece of artwork, or even a mirror. Hang mirrors where they reflect something beautiful and are at eye level.

6. Watch the heights of your furniture. Vary heights of pieces that are adjacent to one another. Do not put all low tables and chairs together for example.

7. Set your arrangement, then exit the room and reenter, noting your reaction. Adjust anything that doesn't feel right. Keep creating conversation areas in mind.

References

• Well Dress Interiors: How to Arrange Furniture in a Room