Styling a home with furniture is no small feat. It requires time, thought, and patience. To help you out, here are some tips for you to consider before you set yourself up for success.
Firstly, measure your space. It can be difficult to assess what furniture will work best in a space, if you don’t know its exact parameters. Most furniture pieces come in standard dimensions, so knowing the size of the area that needs to be filled can dramatically increase the potential for accuracy when it comes to picking out pieces.
Another important factor to consider is the purpose of the furniture. What do you need it to do? Will it be used daily, or just occasionally? Knowing how often you plan to use a piece will help you decide what type of material and construction will be best for the item.
The colour of the furniture is, of course, important too. Whether you prefer light or dark shades, neutral tones or even splashes of colour, deciding on a colour scheme and the types of furniture you need to fit into it can help you get the look you’re going for faster and easier.
Think about the use of patterns, particularly for soft furnishings, such as curtains, rugs, and cushions. Patterns can bring texture, depth and even character to a space, so don’t be afraid to indulge a little.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment. Compile photos of spaces you appreciate and take note of the elements you like. Then, apply them to your own space. Take a juggling approach to styling your home and have fun with it.
Finally, try to plan your furniture layout before you take delivery of the pieces. This will not only save time, but it’ll also give you a chance to figure out the best places in the room for each item.
When it comes to selecting furniture, don’t be overwhelmed. Just remember to keep in mind all the different elements you’re trying to achieve: functionality, comfort, texture, colour, and pattern. Once you have those five points nailed, you’ll be able to confidently set up your home in no time.
When you have the essentials out of the way, it’s time for the finishing touches. Accessories can make your furniture stand out, from vases, figurines, and plants, to photo frames, throws, and wall art. As an added bonus, accessories are easy to switch out, meaning you can play around with the design look in no time.
Don’t forget to take into consideration the natural environment in which your furniture resides. Any pieces that are close to windows may require additional protection, like blinds or heavier drapes, to prevent the sun’s rays from slowly fading furniture over time. On the other hand, artificial lighting needs to be carefully adjusted, to avoid creating weak or harsh spots within the room.
Your floor also needs to be taken into consideration, for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Consider the use of sleek tiling or carpets to draw the eye and tie in the different elements of the room. Also, if your furniture is liable to move around, you may want to invest in furniture pads or corner protectors.
Accessorizing isn’t just for the final touch, either. Furniture pieces, such as cabinets, ottomans, and beds, can all look a lot more appealing with some goodies in them. A few strategically placed books, family photos, and statues can give life to a room, adding a little pizzazz to each area.
When it comes to furniture, bigger isn’t necessarily better. A few oversized pieces of furniture can overcrowd a smaller room and take up far too much of the available space. Consider going for multi-functional items, like an ottoman with hidden storage that doubles up as a footrest, or a side table with drawers for extra storage.
Creating a versatile space with furniture isn’t easy, but it is achievable. Aim to create harmony between all the elements in your home and build an environment you can feel comfortable in. Luxury and comfort go hand-in-hand, so don’t be afraid to splurge on a select few pieces that you’ll cherish and use for years to come.
When space is limited, look up. Instead of trying to fit as much furniture as possible into your room, why not opt for open shelves? These can be hung above beds, sofas, and anywhere else, creating more space between the furniture and the floor, as well as adding valuable extra storage.
Finally, remember to arrange furniture in a way that makes sense. Doing this means going beyond the simple rectangle or square path, by creating different paths around the room and forming small ‘conversation areas’ too.
Staining furniture is another potential way to add some pizzazz to an already stylish space. Whether you want to draw attention to a wall art or piece of furniture, staining can bring out the wood’s natural grain, as well as tying together different sections of the room.
When selecting furniture for small spaces, opt for pieces with fewer legs, such as a small ottoman or a round coffee table. These can be moved around the room easier and aren’t as invasive as some full-size pieces of furniture.
When it comes to furniture, be sure to pick up items with solid and durable constructions. Bending and breaking can be a common issue with cheaper pieces of furniture, so it’s essential to invest in quality items that are built to last.
Finally, don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from finding the pieces that match your desire and colour scheme. Don’t be afraid to take the plunge and purchase furniture from different sources. Online destinations like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon are great resources for one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted furniture pieces, for an affordable price.
Style and design aren’t the only elements to consider when styling a home. Comfort and practicality play an essential role in creating an attractive, yet sensible, home. Signature and branded furniture have become increasingly popular these days, as they combine comfort with style and don’t compromise on either aspect.
Splurging on a few signature pieces here and there can have numerous benefits, like longer lifespan and better overall construction. When browsing for luxury furniture, make sure to take into consideration the expected lifespan of the piece, the type of construction, and the warranty length, for each item.
Before furnishing your home, it’s important to make sure you have a clear plan of action in mind. Consider the pieces you need, the total cost, and the available space within your home, in order to create a furniture shopping list that makes sense to you.
No matter which type and style of furniture you opt for, a few simple changes can make a big difference, in terms of the overall look and feel of the home. It’s okay to be ambitious, but don’t forget that simplicity and subtle details can be just as powerful.
Style and comfort should always intertwine, therefore look for pieces that can serve your needs and wants, as well as those of the people living in your home. Don’t forget that furniture not only provides a physical space, but also a psychological one by making a home come alive.