Furniture arrangement is an integral part of the home decor process that yields best results only if curated consciously and done thoughtfully. While arranging the furniture, it is essential to ensure that it does not overwhelm the space and feels cohesively integrated. With the rise in the preferences for compact living spaces among contemporary homeowners, proper furniture arrangement becomes even more important. In this article, we will delve deeper into the craft of furniture arrangements for homes and discuss some common mistakes you should avoid for a harmonious space.
See also: Bed direction and position as per Vastu: Bedroom design tips
Ignoring the room’s function
Each room has a specific purpose to serve. The living room is for hosting guests, the bedroom is for rest and relaxation and the dinding room is for meals. So while deciding upon a furniture arrangement scheme, do not forget to consider the primary function of the room. Failing to do so can result in a mismatch between the furniture layout and the intended use of the room. Therefore, keep the room’s function in mind and tailor the furniture arrangement accordingly.
Ignoring traffic flow
Ease of movement within a room is absolutely necessary to avoid mishaps and inconveniences. If you place the furniture in a way that obstructs pathways or creates bottlenecks, it can impede movement and make the room feel cluttered and cramped. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain adequate space between pieces of furniture in a room to ensure that pathways for movement are clear and unobstructed.
Pushing furniture against walls
You might often have resorted to pushing furniture against walls to maximise floor space. But what if we tell you it is not a sensible thing to do? That’s right. Doing so can make your space feel stark and unwelcoming. A more utilitarian alternative to this involves opting for floating furniture arrangements, where furniture is placed away from the walls and grouped in an aesthetically pleasing and functional manner. This can also help create designated zones for specific activities within the room.
Overcrowding the space
Placing too many pieces of furniture and disrupting the balance between the available space and how much it can accommodate results in overwhelming the whole room. Carefully and consciously strike a balance between function and spaciousness by opting for only necessary pieces of furniture and arranging them in a manner that leaves ample room for comfortable movement and flow of air.
Mismatched scale
By the scale of the furniture, we mean their sizes with respect to the size of the room. Placing too large or too small furniture pieces can throw off the room’s balance and proportions, adversely impacting the visual harmony of the space. Avoid this mistake by choosing pieces of furniture that match the proportions of the room and the scales complement each other.
Ignoring the focal points
Every room has a focal point that should be the centre of attention. Whether it is a fireplace, a statement piece of art, or a window beholding a picturesque view, the options available are endless. If you ignore the focal point of a room during the process of furniture arrangement, the result would feel disjointed and lacking cohesion. Furniture should always be arranged in a manner that accentuates the focal point instead of playing it down to maintain the visual interest of the space.
Disregarding balance and symmetry
Balance and symmetry are key players in ensuring a harmonious and visually pleasing space. Therefore, it is recommended to always arrange the furniture in a way that promotes these factors by distributing the visual weight evenly throughout the room. Aim for a sense of equilibrium and work accordingly. A simple way to do this is by paying close attention to the placement of furniture pieces in relation to each other and checking if they are resulting in a balanced visual appeal.
Lack of functionality
Agreed, functionality is subjective. Nevertheless, ignoring it completely can be a fiasco and it is essential to make it your top priority when it comes to furniture arrangement. Think comfortable seating areas, adequate storage and easy access to essential items, according to the practical needs of the space. Keeping all this in mind, arrange the furniture in a way that enhances the function of the room and makes it more conducive to everyday activities.
Ignoring proportions
Using out of proportion furniture results in an unbalanced and awkward final outcome. To ensure a harmonious space, go for appropriately sized furniture for your room and also ensure that the size is in proportion to the other pieces of furniture housed in the room. This simple two-step method can go a long way to enhance visual appeal.
Neglecting personal style
At the end of the day, we all want our space to feel authentic and reflective of our personal taste. Therefore, make sure to incorporate elements that resonate with your creativity in terms of colours, patterns, textures and accessories. Go bold and experiment with eclectic layouts until you hit the jackpot and find the one that suits your style the best and also enhances the overall living experience.
FAQs
Why should I not push furniture against walls?
Pushing furniture against walls can result in an uninviting atmosphere that hampers the sense of flow of conversation and unity within the room.
How is the focal point of a room crucial to the furniture arrangement process?
The furniture arrangement of a room should be done in a way that highlights the focal point in order to achieve a more cohesive and visually appealing layout for the entire space.
What are some common mistakes related to furniture scale and proportion?
Furniture that is too large or too small with respect to the size of the room or other pieces of furniture housed in the room can significantly disrupt the balance and proportions of the space.
How can I ensure maximum functionality with my furniture arrangement?
Consider the practical needs of the space while arranging furniture and incorporate comfortable seating arrangements, adequate storage and accessibility of essentials to enhance functionality.
How can I avoid overcrowding the room with furniture?
Select only necessary pieces of furniture and arrange them in a way that allows ample space for movement to avoid overcrowding the room.
How can I incorporate my personal style into furniture arrangement?
Select pieces of furniture that resonate with your creativity and sense of style in terms of colours, patterns and decor accessories. You can also experiment with different layouts.
What role does balance and symmetry play in furniture arrangement?
Balance and symmetry in furniture arrangement ensure a visually pleasing layout that feels harmonious and cohesive by distributing the visual weight equally throughout the room.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
Riddhi Chatterji is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English literature from University of Delhi. Her meticulous attention to detail and the desire to make a learning experience out of every opportunity has allowed her to work with different forms of textual content for digital platforms, ranging from social media to news desks. When not working or studying , you can find her with her head buried in a book, discovering new music and movies, or out and about exploring the city on the metro.
