The living room is the heart of the home and requires more attention to detail than any other room in the house. Arranging living room furniture can be an intimidating task for many homeowners because once we have made a big decision, it’s much harder to change. What begins as a whim could very well become a permanent fixture in your home. A well-designed living room should both be functional and expressive of your sense of style, so here are some common mistakes to avoid when arranging furniture and designing your living room.
Don’t forget that comfort is key
Comfort should be at the top of your list when thinking about designing your living room. Ask yourself, is this piece comfortable but also stylish? Something that really should be considered is purchasing your sofas and armchairs in person. Make sure you sit for a long while and really feel if that particular piece is a good fit for your needs. Remember to always follow your heart!
Don’t forget to plan
It may seem easier to buy furniture pieces that pique your interest as you stumble upon them, but often this leads to a miscalculation of what will fit where. A careful design takes time, consideration, and coordination.
Make sure to measure your space and take stock of any existing furniture pieces so you can determine what kinds of furniture you still need to buy. You can also check out these living room essentials. Avoid clutter and give your guests some room to breathe! So, get out the ruler, pencil, and paper and start sketching out your dream space.
A well-arranged living room takes into consideration how people will be walking through the area and the direction they’ll be facing while seated. Make sure your guests are able to converse easily without having to turn or lean in their seats.
Don’t try to match colors exactly
First, decide on a color palette for your major pieces, throw pillows, and cushions, and make sure all the colors you choose complement one another. Second, consider the amount of each color you use. Too much of any one color can throw off the balance in the room.
Third, try to mix warm and cool tones together to create visual interest. Finally, don’t be afraid to add some neutral tones to the room; they can help ground the color palette and make your entertaining area flow more harmoniously. Click here for some color scheme tips for your space.
Don’t forget about how important lighting is
Lighting plays an important role in creating a unique and comfortable living space. Planning your lighting ahead of time can help create that perfect atmosphere that you’ve been seeking. For example, you would not want strong light from outside to be directly in the eyes of your guests when they’re trying to sit comfortably on your couch.
You should consider the amount of natural light that enters the space, and at what times of the day it comes. Take advantage of it by placing furniture and artwork strategically and using curtains to diffuse the light.
Incorporate multiple lighting sources. Using lamps and wall sconces, as well as overhead lighting, allows you to change the intensity of the light depending on the occasion. Next, select a type of lighting that matches the style of your room.
Choose something classic and elegant for a traditional look, or go for something funkier and more modern. And, of course, don’t forget to think about dimmers and adjustable lights. Dimmers are great for creating ambient lighting for entertainment and relaxation.
Don’t let one piece of furniture dominate the room
Make sure to consider the size and scale of the furniture when shopping; try to find pieces that are the right size for the space. Create focal points throughout the room using art, rugs, and other accessories to draw your eye around the space, rather than just focusing on one single piece or area.
If you have large pieces of furniture on one side of the room, make sure to have smaller pieces on the other side. Also, don’t forget to incorporate house plants and other greenery into the design, as they can help soften the atmosphere, add life to the space, and purify the air in your home.
If you’re in search of interior design services in Lafayette, LA, to assist with arranging living room furniture or designing the space, contact Albarado’s Fine Furnishings today. Our friendly, experienced design experts are happy to help you create the living room of your dreams.