How to Arrange Furniture: Design Tips for Every Space

How you arrange your furniture affects the style and comfort of your home. Here’s how to do it like the professionals!

1. Measure the Space

Taking the time to measure your space before shopping for furniture may seem obvious, but failing to do so is one of the most common causes of having to return or exchange furniture purchases. If you need to add a piece or two to refresh an already-furnished room, measure the area of the floor where you plan to place the new piece – but if you’re starting from scratch, looking to fill a new home with a set of new furniture, be sure to measure the entire perimeter of each room.

Opt for Versatility: Once you know the exact measurements that will work with your space, choose pieces that will allow for versatility; 3-piece sectionals that can be arranged and re-arranged, mix-and-match styles and pieces with storage will all help to keep your space feeling sleek and fresh through the years.

2. Define the Space

Next, you’ll need to define your space. Designating a specific floor area for a specific function will help keep your furniture layout organized and your space feeling open and clutter-free. One of the easiest ways to do this is through area rugs. To separate a living room lounging area from a home bar area, for example, placing a bold area rug in each space creates a well-defined aesthetic.

Set a Point of Focus: In the living room, create a defining focal point by choosing one of your larger pieces – such as a coffee table or sofa – in a darker color that stands out from the rest.

3. Create Clear Pathways

You can spend all the time in the world planning out the pieces and arrangement of your new furniture, but it’ll all be to no use if you don’t account for foot traffic! Make sure you, your family and your guests have room to comfortably maneuver between sofa, coffee table and other furniture pieces without stubbing toes or tripping over!

Invite Conversation: Group together extra seating to spark conversation between guests – but don’t forget to keep enough of a distance so that they can comfortably walk to and from their seats.