Furniture Placement

By Alex Chapman

Considerations for furniture placement and complimentary furnishing statements are dependent on key elements, such as the size, shape and function of an individual space. However there are guiding principles that aid in creating balanced rooms that are thoughtfully arranged. Rooms that invite their owner to use their space to its fullest potential, whether that be for work or rest and relaxation.

Identify your life patterns and prioritize key functions within your living space. What does this mean? Think about your day-to-day routine and needs. Your home should reflect these. For example, if you eat the majority of your meals outside of your home then you may want to consider dispensing with a dining area. If you work from home then you will need space for an office, or at the very least a desk - perhaps the area for the dining table you never use would be the perfect office area? The idea is to make the best use of your space, so that your space is functional and meets your specific needs.

Select furniture that is appropriately scaled for the area. Generally, you should opt for simplicity of line and form. This creates a harmonious balance in the room. If you want to draw attention to a certain area then accent or feature items, such as pillows or mirrors, are the elements to use, instead of furniture.

Don't block natural traffic routes. Try to plan your seating area so that traffic can pass behind, rather than through it. Using your furniture to foreshorten or define a space would be an exception to this rule. For example, positioning a sectional to define a "corridor," leading possibly to an adjacent bedroom.

Install heavier pieces at the perimeter of a space. Let the heavier pieces lead the eye through and around the room, and place these pieces with care to create overall visual balance. Placing all of the heavy pieces on one side of the room, or using too many pieces that are either all bottom-heavy or top-heavy, will cause the room to look off balance. If out of necesity the balance of space becomes off then consider painting a contrasting accent wall to redress the situation.

We each have our own aims with our home.

Smaller space: Combining surfaces and/or shapes that are similarly toned, but fabricated in different textures and materials, is a good starting point for your furniture placement composition.

Open-concept space: Balance solid and open elements (unless your intent is to create a heavier massive look). Transparency, openness of form and surface reflectance are all important design tools for creating an open-feeling and an enlivened space.

Intimate space: Completely floating a furniture grouping is an effective way to create intimacy for those blessed with too much space.

Creative spaces: Experiment with setting furniture pieces, especially lighter, moveable elements, on an angle to create a different dynamic. Area carpets laid similarly is an effective way to anchor the composition. Place your furniture so as to draw the eye to vistas beyond the immediate boundaries, to adjacent spaces either inside or out (unless your intention is to deliberately enclose a space).

Alex Chapman, of Chapman Design Group Ltd., has spearheaded numerous

projects in North America and overseas, including the exclusive Cotton

classic design solutions. 416-597-1576.