• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • AFTER lounge80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
    • Tv-Removal-2_a-1Before and after: how to make the most of compact living
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • AFTER lounge80’s beach shack now an eclectic, retro-inspired holiday home
    • AFTER kitchenKitchen reno proves space planning just as important as finishes
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • Greg Natale accessoriesGreg Natale debuts new lifestyle collection at Maison&Objet Paris
    • Joan BlondNew Aussie original art collection inspired by our endless summer
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Screen Shot 2023-01-23 at 4.05.25 pmTerrazzo and character are in and grey is out, says designer
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • 0Q7A5539Foodie Friday: Confit salmon with preserved lemon & pomegranate
    • Burrawang HouseNew Hamptons style luxury retreat in the NSW Southern Highlands
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

The furniture layout rules you need to know

March 29, 2022 Leave a Comment

FacebookPinEmailTweet

The following is an excerpt from Colour Is Home, the new book by Australia-based international interior designer Charlotte Coote.

Rooms designed to enhance conversation, comfort and functionality are, to me, the most successful. In a space that is comfortable and considered, you don’t have to shout to be heard by the person sitting opposite at the dinner table, or get up from your armchair to set down a drink or book.

When deciding how the furniture in a room will be arranged, it is important to consider all the different ways the space could be laid out. Compare the various options, and weigh the problems and advantages of each. Often the best solution will be a combination of one or more of your potential layouts. By following some simple guidelines, the most fitting layout will soon reveal itself.

Creating a Floor Plan

When designing the layout of any room, it is essential to create a scale floor plan. This plan shows the exact dimensions of the room, and the placement and size of each element you will include. If you donโ€™t have the skills to draw up a plan yourself, enlist the help of a designer, draftsperson or architect.

An accurate floor plan will allow you to check your proposed layout for functionality and flow. For example, you can easily measure whether walkways are wide enough, or whether there is ample space for dining chairs to be pushed in and out. A floor plan may need to be revised many times before you arrive at your final layout.

Creating a Great Focal Point

The focal point of your room should be a central item or asset, like a fabulous big rug, a beautiful fireplace, a striking artwork or even a spectacular view. Choose your focal point first, then build the layout of the room around it. Begin by looking at the architecture of the space and then consider which pieces you will use to fill it.

Creating Balance & Symmetry

It is important to create balance and symmetry in your layout. The various pieces of furniture must work together harmoniously. To achieve balance, follow the โ€˜opposites attractโ€™ principle: combine furniture that is big and small, curved and straight, tall and short, hard and upholstered, old and new, or masculine and feminine. 

To create symmetry, place similar or matching pieces opposite each other in the space (try this with chairs, side tables and lamps). The eye should be drawn around the entire room, not to one element in particular. If one piece is standing out too much, it may be an indication that the layout is not balanced. Conversely, if a certain component is getting lost among the scheme, you may need to try rearranging things.

TIPS ON FURNITURE LAYOUT

Below are some of my golden rules for furniture layout. However, remember that in design, as in life, some rules are meant to be broken. If you do decide to break the rules: never complain, and never ever explain.

  • Ensure that ample walkways are included in each room and that they are not too narrow. A main thoroughfare through any given room (e.g. between the back of an armchair and the wall) should be a minimum of 80 centimetres (30 inches) wide.
  • A big room can often work well with less furniture, while a small room is more appealing when it has lots of furniture.
  • Every seat in a room should have a table within armโ€™s reach.
  • All chairs, whether armchair, dining chair, breakfast-bar stool, or sofa, must be inviting and comfortable.
  • In living and dining spaces, there should be enough chairs to accommodate the homeโ€™s residents, plus additional seating that can be utilised for guests.
  • Occasional chairs, which are light and easy to move, are a good option for extra seating. Placed symmetrically around the perimeter of a room, they can be a feature of interest until needed.
  • Avoid placing sofas in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, as they will block out too much light.
  • Rugs should be positioned at least 40 centimetres (16 inches) away from walls, and away from solid pieces of furniture like television consoles and book cases. Ensure the front legs (at least) of your sofa or armchair stand on the rug.
  • Design any built-in joinery joinery โ€“ wardrobes, cabinetry and shelving โ€“ to be as tall as possible. Not only will this provide more storage space, but it will make the ceiling feel higher by drawing the eye upwards.
  • Free standing furniture can be be more interesting and storied than built-in joinery. If you canโ€™t find a piece that is quite the right size, you can make it appear larger by flanking it with a pair of chairs.
  • Choose bedside tables that are as large as will fit in the room, to provide plenty of space for lamps, books, reading glasses, cups of tea and vases of flowers.

–Colour Is Home by Charlotte Coote published by Thames & Hudson. $59.99.

Buy online

The best looking coffee table books: Amy’s top 10
Part conversation starter, part requisite styling item, I’m yet to meet a coffee table book that I don’t like. There’s…
Anna Spiro’s new book A Life in Pattern
Celebrated Queensland interior designer Anna Spiro has a beautiful new book out, A Life in Pattern. In the below extract,…

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Palette Cam 15 apps to help you build your dream home
  • IKEA hacks Australia: DIY built-in HEMNES cabinetry how-to
  • The best places to buy Australian bed linen online
  • AFTER kitchen Kitchen reno proves space planning just as important as finishes

Follow us on Instagram

The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital ๐Ÿ˜œ

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
The unluckiest girl or the luckiest? Day 6 in int The unluckiest girl or the luckiest?

Day 6 in intensive care after suddenly coming down with a very serious necrotising fasciitis in my elbow on Sunday. Four operations later (with more to come) I'm out of the woods, alive and have my arm. But I won't be going home until after Christmas. Also picked up a bonus bit of pneumonia to keep things interesting.

I won't lie. This has been super super hard but I feel extremely lucky nonetheless. Have come across some exceptional surgeons, anaesthetists, doctors and nurses who have been incredibly kind at my most vulnerable as well as great at their jobs. I'm really grateful. Huge thank you to my amazing husband who is holding down the fort with the help and cooking of our wonderful friends. And to friends who check in, send love, flowers, snacks and sushi, I will never forget it.

Of course I will be sad tomorrow but my boys can visit and we will have another Christmas next month.

I'll leave you with this. Never ever ignore those health niggles. @healthdirectaus is always a great starting point.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and will enjoy everyone else's celebrations on here with only a hint of bitterness ๐Ÿ˜‰

PS. Does this win the most unflattering photo of me ever published? I think so! No lippy for a WEEK.
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

More from Decorating 101

Styl Studio box

DIY interior design kits delivered to your doorstep

Seasonal styling on a budget: 20 Kmart homewares under $20

Considered patterned curtains? Neale Whitaker shares his tips

Granite Lane

How to avoid waiting for furniture amid pandemic delays

Julia Green on renovating with paint & latest styling secrets

Change up your seasonal decor with these autumn styling tips

The most popular Facebook groups for interiors and reno addicts

AFTER

90s revival: Is burgundy paint the latest interior trend?

Candace has personalised the apartment with pops of pink paint

How to personalise your rental home with colour and more

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!