It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a homeowner – one day or 10 years – trying to position your furniture in the living room of a new property can be a challenge.
When we move into a new home, these are some common questions we ask ourselves: Does the furniture fit? What’s the best flow for the space? Should everything point at the TV? If it does, how do we have conversations and host guests?
And, of course, we want the room to feel stylish and uncluttered, so there are questions arising about the best furniture for the space. Or, whether you need a complete aesthetic upgrade to make the most of your new living space.
If you’ve found yourself in this position, here are a few tips to help you out:
Make a choice – What will be the focal point of your living room? Will it be the TV? Or, will you decide the fireplace is your centrepiece. Some people like furniture facing each other to encourage conversation. Whatever your preference, make a choice and build everything around that decision.
Rug up – Many interior designers suggest the next decision centres on the flooring. That’s because your rug will be an anchor for the living room. When it comes to rugs, the most common mistake is to have them too small.
The 2:3 rule – This little gem suggests your couch can be up to two-thirds of the size of your room. Of course, if you have an open plan area that embraces the kitchen, then this rule will not always work. However, it’s a useful guide to red-flag oversized furniture.
Sofa space – Interior designers rail against putting a sofa against the wall. They love to see it with space all around. It doesn’t sound practical, but it works. It’s worth experimenting. Even 50cm off the wall will make a big difference to the appearance of the room.
Fine balance – Be careful not to place all the furniture to one side of the room. You want a visual balance that will be enticing and give you the lifestyle and relaxation you’re seeking.
Dimensions – If your current furniture is too big for the space, there’s really no way to overcome this challenge. Oversized furniture makes a room feel small and cramped. Retail therapy may be in order.
Always measure – Don’t dash to the mall without measuring first. If you can, consider using tape on the floor to plan your room. This way, you’re going to know the ideal sizes for a couch, chairs, table and so forth.
There’s an app – Of course there is! Apps such as 5D Planner and Spoak will help you visualise your layout before making a purchase, negating the need to put tape on the floor. But it’s your choice whether to do this digitally, or stay old-school with a tape.