4 tips for professional furniture arrangement

Empty rooms can be as intimidating as a blank page — even with all the furniture ready to go it can be difficult to know where to begin. There are endless ways to arrange furniture and many people prefer to experiment until they get it right. Here are a few tips from professional decorators that should help you get started:

  • Function: Consider what a room is used for and how much traffic you expect it to get. Living rooms, for example, will be used much more than a study or a guest bedroom, and the furniture and decor of a living room should reflect that.
  • Focal point: Furniture should be oriented around a central point of focus, such as a fireplace, a television, or a large window. Focal points can also be created if there is nothing in the room that automatically makes sense as a center. A table for example, or a large carpet, can easily become a point of convergence.
  • Priority: The largest pieces of furniture should always be placed first since they will take up the most room. Generally this piece should directly face the room's focal point. In a living room, chairs should be no more than eight inches apart to allow for easy conversation. Avoid pushing furniture all the way up against a wall, which can leave a room feeling empty and bare.
  • Keep a clear path: All rooms should be easy to maneuver. Remove any obstacles, and remember not to over-fill the area. There is a fine line between cozy and cramped.

At Arwood's Furniture & Mattress, one of the best Missouri furniture stores, we have the stock and experience to help you gather beautiful pieces that are sure to brighten any room in your home.