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DIY & Deco

Arranging furniture

Jul 25 03:35pm

Clever room arrangements can transform a conventional room into something new and different. Here's how.

Shape that space and solve the room-arranging puzzle in five steps!

Step 1: Find the focal point
The cornerstone of every arrangement. It might be a view, fireplace, or a wall of built-ins are obvious possibilities. In rooms without a focus consider grouping furniture around a dramatic painting, freestanding shelves, a tall cupboard or armoire or a wall of collectables.

The room in the picture above, painted in Wattyl's new season colours, is focused on some spectacular windows.

Step 2: Determine the traffic flow
People cutting in front of the sofa while you are trying to chat is a no no. Make sure electrical cords are not across walkways and that rugs are anchored by non-slip backing. Move furniture away from the walls to get away from that 'waiting room' look.

Step 3: Consider the composition

Include a mix of large- and small-scale furniture. Remove non-essential furnishings to create space or add furniture to divide a room into activity areas. Breaking a room into two or more groupings can help it function better. The furniture in the picture above is from Freedom.

Step 4: Break the rules
Consider a dining table that is not centred! Avoid labelling a room and use the space creatively - why not dine in the living room if it feels right?

Step 5: Add your personality

Surround yourself with collections and pieces you love - that way the room will feel satisfying.

Tips

Measure your room and arrange paper templates on a simple grid - saves moving the real thing around!
To emphasise the width of a room angle a large piece like a sofa across one corner.
Raise a low ceiling with floor-to-ceiling window treatments. 'Lower' a ceiling with a colourful area rug and low-level lighting.
Choose furnishings with multiple functions such as the wall unit that houses the computer or TV, and the drop-leaf table for occasional dining.
Make some pieces mobile - the ottoman, small tables and benches, lightly scaled chairs.

5 Comments Report Abuse

1. southie418 - Jul 23 01:00am

tell me how do you NOT put your sofas across your wall RE:to avoid the waiting room look if yor space isn't large enough 2 do otherwise-
I JUST PURCHASED a sofa/loveseat which both recline-sofa massages.In the store I measured-it would fit,then I also measured how far the store had the furniture off the wall 2 recline-5in. each-so when u enter 2 the left is the love seat w/a small table beside it w/a candle and a stable art piece,to the right is the larger sofa w/an end table{larger} next 2 it

2. teganleighcooper - Jul 23 01:32am

all very well and good If you can move things arround, come and visit my tiny litlle apartment and tell how the hell I can reorganise it, with out throwing all my belongings away or in the garage

3. lexsyro - Aug 21 03:02am

you have nothing on fireplaces. nothing.

4. sparkierbella - Sep 12 10:49pm

i have a red lounge, and i want to do a red feture wall, my unit is small would it make it smaller, and is it better to do a small wall or a big one. bella

5. ctoffey - Oct 01 08:24am

I'm going to be moving to another 1 bedroom apt. problally similar want it to look nice and classy. but always wanted a recliner and sofa. Any suggestions????