14 Furniture Arranging Tricks to Make Your Home Feel Bigger

Reorganising your living space can be totally transformative. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, uninspired or a little cramped, there are loads of ways to shake up your home environment!

Maximise your space like a pro with these 14 simple arranging tips and tricks:

1.   CONSIDER THE FUNCTION

Decide on the room’s main use and consider who is using it and when. By having a good understanding of a space’s primary functions, you will be better equipped to organise properly.  

2.   FIND YOUR FOCUS

From a fireplace to windows or art, select a defining element to work around. Once you have your focal point, you can arrange your furniture in relation to it; for example, in your lounge. you would place your couches to face your TV, or in your bedroom, the bed would be the centrepiece.

3.   PRIORITISE LARGE ITEMS

Bigger furnishings will dominate a space, so it is best to begin with these to get a general feel of how everything is going to look. Always remember to be consistent with your scale to avoid any awkwardness with your final layout.

4.   THINK CAREFULLY

Plan! By being extra thoughtful about your layout, you will minimise any second guessing. If you’re looking for a formal look, go for a symmetrical layout. If you want a casual feel, then opt for something more asymmetrical. Not sure yet? Sketch out a plan or use an app to test your ideas before you bring them to life.

5.   GET THE TRAFFIC MOVING

You don’t want to be bumping into furniture or objects every time you need to use or pass through a room in your home. Keep natural traffic paths clear of any obstructions for ease of use — walkways are important for function and for a spacious look.

6.   KEEP IT COMFORTABLE

Make sure that any table or lamp is within reasonable reach of couches, chairs or stalls to maintain the comfort factor in a room. Always remember to put foot rests and coffee tables close enough to use, but far away enough to avoid any unwanted toe-stubbing or visual overcrowding.

7.   CREATE YOUR OWN SPACE

Pulling the furniture a few inches away from the walls will give the illusion that there is more space in your home. A little extra breathing room will trick the eye into thinking that the walls are further away than the really are. 

8.   GET LINEAR

Striped surfaces are naturally elongating, you can use horizontal or vertical patterns to stretch out any area. For some understated detailing that won’t overwhelm a room’s overall look, add in features such as striped pillows or table runners – it doesn’t have to be too obvious to do the trick.

9.   REFLECT

A great way to create the illusion of extra space is to add some mirrors. They will reflect everything and make your room appear much bigger. For a spacious boost, hang your mirrors portrait, this will bring a lengthening effect.

10.   ADD SOME DEPTH WITH CONTRAST   

Create interest throughout a space by incorporating contrasts. Combinations of lighter colours on dark furnishings will visually adjust the dimensions of a room whilst bringing texture and personality to your home.

11.   STRATEGIC PLACEMENT

Achieve the illusion of higher ceilings by utilising the negative space around your artwork. Placing your wall décor lower will elongate your walls and open up the room. 

12.   USE YOUR ANGLES

Diagonally arranged furniture is less jarring and will smoothly guide your eye. Simply adjust your angles and the room will immediately feel more spacious and inviting.

13.   SPLIT THE LIGHTING    

Get the most impact out of light fixtures by taking advantage of a few floor and table lamps. These will define different areas and add ambient layers of light for all times, functions and

moods.

14.   BE CLEAR

Never block any of your doorways or windows. By leaving these areas bare you will create the impression of a very open and bright room as soon as you walk through the door.

Follow these simple and practical steps to reinvigorate your home today. If you’re feeling slightly lost, head to a varied but stylish furnishing site such as 1825 Interiors to find some inspiration!