We all like to think that we’re good decorators – but truthfully – we all probably make a few decorating mistakes here and there, especially when it comes to furniture. No worries, here are some tips to help you choose and place your furniture pieces expertly.
Westwood Sofa by Classic Home
1. No Matchy Matchy. Resist the temptation to make everything match. If you buy a dark wood bedroom suite, pair it with glass and metal night stands. Choose accent chairs that are different than your sofa and loveseat. Everything should blend and you need anchors, but mixing it up will add visual interest.
2. Stay on Scale. A small room generally needs smaller furniture pieces, while a larger room can carry off substantial items. But beyond the overall size of a piece, also consider how it will work with the other elements around it – for example – your end tables and coffee table need to balance with the proportions of your sofa. Likewise, don’t choose large, plushy accent chairs if your sofa is more delicate in design
3. Don’t be too Formal. If not done right, formal can say ‘stay away’ to your guests. Every room should have a warm, inviting feeling. If you love a formal style like Victorian, use sparingly and soften the effect by including relaxed pieces.
4. Seek Continuity. Beware of the furniture in each room of your home standing alone. Eclectic is fun, but everything must harmonize with a common foundation as you walk from room to room. Avoid having a different look in each space – yes, mix and match – but go with a primary style or colour throughout.
5. Look Beyond Looks. We fall in love with how furniture looks, but make sure it’s also comfortable and durable. No matter how beautiful that dresser is, if the drawers don’t open smoothly, you might want to consider something else. Same for that gorgeous loveseat if it doesn’t offer solid lumbar support.
‘Tie One On’ Chest by Caracole
6. Keep Themes in Check. A theme is fun but refrain from being ‘cutesy’. Some of the best ways to tame theme overload is to ground it with natural materials and neutral colours.
Melange Bed by Hooker Furniture
7. Go Off the Wall. Attempt to bring your furniture forward and away from the walls. It’s cozier and more conducive to conversation. Frame with side tables or anchor with a rug. Tip: If you have space in your bedroom, a ‘floating’ bed is gorgeous.
‘It’s Black and White’ Nightstand by Caracole
8. Say So Long to Stuff. Edit, edit, edit! No matter how beautiful your furniture is, if you bury it in ‘stuff’, it goes unnoticed. Too many collections, photos, books – ask a friend with a good eye to help you purge.
9. Stay Up to Date. When you buy investment furniture, you want it to last – and it should. But don’t get stuck in an era. Sometimes, just changing drawer hardware or adding new accessories ups the wow factor. One new focal piece in a room can totally change the vibe of the space.
10. Show Your Personality. You are one of a kind and your home should be too! Don’t be afraid to incorporate furniture you love. That accent chest in your bathroom? Yes! The antique secretary in your modern family room? Absolutely! Just be sure you make it work by blending. Put a neutral pillow that matches the sofa on the chair. Use a modern nickel finish lamp on the desk.
Leave a Reply