These Home Decorating Tips and Techniques can transform a house into a home. Whether you’re creating a cozy living room or setting up a functional workspace, the way you position furniture impacts comfort, flow, and aesthetics. Let’s explore practical tips and techniques to arrange your furniture like a design professional.
1. Focus on Functionality First
Before placing furniture, think about how you’ll use the space. For example, if your living room often doubles as a dining area, prioritize versatile furniture like nesting tables or ottomans with storage. A bedroom setup should cater to relaxation, with a focus on uncluttered paths to essential items like nightstands and dressers. Understanding your room’s purpose will help guide your design decisions.
2. Emphasize Easy Navigation
Creating clear pathways is essential for both comfort and safety. In high-traffic areas, leave at least three feet of clearance between large furniture pieces. For less busy spaces, two feet should suffice. This allows family and guests to move freely without awkward maneuvering, making the space more functional and welcoming.
3. Anchor Your Design with Properly Sized Rugs
Rugs do more than add warmth and texture—they also define spaces. In living rooms, choose a rug large enough to fit the front legs of all seating pieces. In dining rooms, ensure the rug accommodates chairs even when pulled out. Properly scaled rugs tie the furniture together and create a cohesive look.
4. Balance Wall and Floor Elements
Art and wall decor can elevate your room, but placement is key. Hang artwork at eye level—typically around 57 inches from the floor to the center of the piece. In rooms with seating, ensure the bottom edge of the artwork is no more than 10 inches above furniture backs. This harmony between wall and floor elements creates a polished and inviting atmosphere.
5. Define Zones in Open Layouts
Large, open spaces benefit from visual boundaries. Use furniture arrangements or rugs to carve out distinct areas for different activities, like a reading corner, entertainment zone, or workspace. Adding room dividers or tall plants can further delineate spaces without sacrificing the open feel.
6. Break the Rules to Personalize
While these Home Decorating Tips and Techniques guidelines can help, they’re not set in stone. If you have a cherished heirloom or unique design vision, let it shine—even if it breaks a few rules. Your home should reflect your personality and preferences, making it a true sanctuary.
Additional Resources for Inspiration:
- Furniture Layout Mistakes to Avoid
- Tips for Choosing the Perfect Rug
- Designing with Functionality in Mind
For more tips on creating your dream space or finding the perfect home to decorate, contact the Onward Real Estate Team at Keller Williams. Our team is here to help you turn any house into a home!