- Use a focal point piece of furniture to set a tone or a theme for the room, particularly in rooms that are used for entertaining. You might invest in a bold designer couch for a contemporary look, or a faded Chintz vintage sofa for cottage style. If you host dinner parties, a stylish dining room table that allows for extensive seating may be a priority. Try a wooden farmhouse table for a rustic tone or a Formica table with diner chairs for retro charm. Add visual pop to the bedroom with an antique metal bed frame painted periwinkle blue or an armoire with a hand-painted scene or trim.
- Many people love a clean, uncluttered look but do not have the lifestyles to maintain it. You can opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes to cut down on space consumption and clutter. For example, a loft bed allows you to tuck a home office area below it. A tall bookcase can act as a privacy screen or a room divider. Ottomans and benches may feature seats that open up to store textiles or other small items. An armoire or a wall cabinet allows you to hide electronic equipment while also beautifying a room. An ottoman can become a table with the addition of some floor cushions, while a coffee table that has a shelf underneath becomes a magazine rack.
- Use furniture to define spaces. For example, a bistro set turns a corner window in the kitchen into a breakfast nook. In the living room, a love seat and an armchair placed in an L-shape around a small coffee table creates a conversation corner. A chair and ottoman next to a floor lamp becomes a reading corner. In tight spaces or studio departments, use drapery or screens to add privacy. Small space solutions include using vertical space with tall skinny shelves, floating a shelf or niche in a forgotten corner, or creating built-ins for holding books and displaying artwork.
