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The furniture layout rules you need to know

March 29, 2022 Leave a Comment

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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.

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Floor to ceiling tiles are not the only option! I Floor to ceiling tiles are not the only option!

I'm actually a big fan of the contrast you can achieve by only tiling part way as @naomifindlayofficial has here in her Carrington House reno. And she topped them with an @intrimgroup chair rail to give a finished look.

Read more about how Naomi used timber mouldings to achieve a consistent look, feel and flow between the original cottage and the modern extension on the blog now. Via the homepage (link in bio).

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Our new podcast is launching soon๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿป The bas Our new podcast is launching soon๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿป

The basic premise is getting the experts to help with the interior challenges and questions faced by our readers. And on that note, I'd love to know what you struggle with when it comes to decorating or renovating? 

Please comment below and it could become a podcast episode!

#heartyourhomethepodcast #interiorsaddictheartyourhome
It's a great time to be an interior designer! Wou It's a great time to be an interior designer!

Would you agree?

The latest @houzzau industry report found that residential design and construction professionals are very optimistic about business prospects. Interior designers and decorators were the most optimistic about revenue growth in 2022 among those surveyed, followed by home builders and building designers. 

A third of businesses reported that they were looking to hire more staff this year which is great news for jobseekers. 

The only negative finding was around the rising cost of doing business. One of the most significant factors was the price volatility of productsand  materials.

All in all though, it's a great time to be in the design industry. If you are, do you agree? Please drop us a comment below๐Ÿ™

Photo: @carlacapdevilafotografia
Boys' wardrobe makeover for under $500๐Ÿค— Anyone Boys' wardrobe makeover for under $500๐Ÿค—

Anyone else have those basic as built ins in an older house with a hanging rail and nothing else?! Not exactly great use of space or ideal for kids' clothes! 

We replaced the doors on all our wardrobes years ago but the internals behind were still pretty lacking. I recently made much better use of space in here with 2 @flexistorage flatpacks from Bunnings. They fit perfectly with easy access and 4 drawers and 3 shelves each is more than enough for kids. We attached them to the inside of the wardrobe so they're safe and sturdy.

They're $209 each and then we cut down a  brass wardrobe rail to create 2 hanging rails in between. They can even reach the bottom one themselves. I labelled Seb's too so he knows where to find things quickly.

Before this we were using those hanging shoe racks. The worst!

TA-DAH! SO MUCH BETTER USE OF SPACE!

#interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #wardrobemakeover #diywardrobe #builtinwardrobe #budgetwardrobe #gifted

We used the Flexi Storage White 3 Shelf 4 Drawer Built In Wardrobe Unit. Swipe for the before.

Handles from @gainsboroughhardware Doors from @sydney_doors Hanging rail from @hafelehome

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The winner is @foysfolly PLEASE DM us your details The winner is @foysfolly
PLEASE DM us your details! 

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With winter approaching, is there anything better than fresh new bed linen? There is actually: new linen bed sheets AND linen pyjamas, all for free!

One lucky follower will win a fitted and flat sheet set with pillowcases and a pair of gorgeous linen PJs from @carlottaandgee worth $600!

TO ENTER:

*Follow @carlottaandgee and @interiorsaddict

*Tag a friend below and tell us which colours you're loving on your bed this winter. 

You can enter as many times as you like, tagging one friend per entry. Entries close 15 May at 5pm AEST. Australian residents only. In no way affiliated with Instagram or any other pages.
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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.

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