By Stacy Sarikanon, Stunning Spaces–Decorating Den Interiors
Why do so many people constantly rearrange their furniture and still remain dissatisfied with the results? In some cases, after living with pieces in the same home for many years, I find that many of my clients still push sofas and chairs here and there in search of the best arrangement.
Naturally, I feel that everyone would benefit from the services of a professional decorator to help them solve this universal dilemma. Successful furniture arrangement is not a hit-and-miss matter. It results when professional skill is applied to the job of furniture arranging.
There are two major factors that must be taken into consideration before beginning a furniture arrangement plan. First, you must consider the BEST USE of the piece or pieces and, second, the BEST APPEARANCE of said pieces.
Things that fall into the BEST USE group are factors relating to your physical needs. And the items that fall into the BEST APPEARANCE group relate to creating a pleasing aesthetic in the room.
Often times these two factors are at odds with each other. For instance, a piece may look best in one particular location, but might be totally impractical for use there. For example, a chair which looks just perfect in a corner behind the door does no good if it is never used by the family. I have always found that the BEST USE factor always “wins!”
Another belief that I hold dear when working with my clients is that an under-furnished room is far preferable to an over-furnished room. And by under-furnished, I mean the actual number of furnishings used in a room – not an incomplete decorating job.
I also feel strongly that furnishings that are used together should be placed together – a reading chair accompanied by a side table and a lamp and perhaps a footstool would all be considered one grouping and therefore placed together.
These are just a few furniture arranging ideas! I’d be happy to share even more with you, should you desire to have some help finding that “perfect spot” for your furnishings!
