Best way to arrange a room
How to Arrange Bedroom Furniture
- Arranging bedroom furniture in an apartment can be difficult due to limited space
- Sketching out a plan and paying attention to function and necessity are key
- Follow our seven steps and your bedroom will look professionally decorated
Arranging furniture is an art: It’s one of the most important parts of interior design.
That’s not to say that you have to be a pro to do it well. With just a little thought and willingness to experiment, you can do quite well on your own, and have some fun along the way.
One of the most difficult rooms to design is the bedroom, especially if it’s small. Fortunately, we have some simple tips and tricks on how to arrange bedroom furniture.
How to arrange a bedroom
Before you start arranging your furniture, watch our video on how to create a bedroom layout that is easy to navigate and how to arrange furniture in an aesthetically pleasing way.
How to arrange bedroom furniture in 7 steps
Now that you know the basics, here are seven steps that will help you organize your space like a professional.
1. Use only necessary furniture
There are a lot of things you could have in the bedroom, but you should start with just what you need to have. Trying to work with a lot of different items can easily become a mess, and you might not need all of them in the end.
This is especially important in small apartments when there isn’t a lot of extra space — using fewer pieces will make the room look and feel a lot more spacious. If your room is extra tiny, use taller dressers and shelves to get more storage while taking up less room.
2. Think about function
The best way to only have what you need in the bedroom is thinking about what you’re going to do. If you have a good idea of what you’re going to want and need to do in the bedroom, you can design around that.
If you watch a lot of TV in bed, find a layout that works well for that. Plan a walkway from one place to another — you don’t want to find the path between the dresser and the mirror blocked when you’re trying to make sure your clothes look right.
3. Draw it out
It’s easier to sketch out different furniture arrangements than to move furniture around the room. It’ll save you a lot of errors of thinking something will fit when it won’t or scratching your floor or walls while moving your dresser for the zillionth time (believe us, it happens).
Measure at least your biggest items (bed, dresser, shelves, etc.), as well as the dimensions of your room, then sketch out a couple of different options. If you’re not much of an artist, check out an AR app that can do the job for you. Try Home Design 3D (iOS) or Floor Plan Creator (Android).
4. Start with the bed
At some point, you have to move things around the actual room and not around your drawing.
Since the bed is the most important part of the bedroom (it’s right there in the name), get it in place first. Generally, you’ll want to put it against the wall opposite the door or the largest wall with no windows, but your choice may vary.
In a small bedroom, that may not work. Find a spot for your bed that makes the most sense to you, just make sure you can open and close your bedroom and closet doors. Also, while placing your bed under windows is totally OK from a design perspective, you may find yourself feeling uncomfortable drafts over the winter.
5. Go big to small
Once you’ve found the best place for your bed, arrange everything else starting with the biggest bedroom furniture item followed by smaller ones. Usually, the dresser comes next, followed by bedside tables, a desk, shelves, chairs and anything else you may have. Generally, the tables will go next to the bed, the dresser on the opposite wall and a desk in the corner, but these can all vary.
Small-bedroom tip: If your closet is spacious, see if you can fit your dresser inside it.
This will open up a lot of extra space in the room itself.
6. Place your area rug properly
Though it’s not a furniture item the area rug is still a key component of how to arrange bedroom furniture. Keep in mind, your area rug placement will depend on your room’s finalized layout.
Area rugs are typically placed underneath the lower two-thirds of the bed so they create a cushy area to step on as you get out of bed in the morning. If your bed is tucked into a corner, your rug will likely have to be placed somewhere else, like next to the bed or in the center of the open part of your room. Wherever it goes, hopefully, that rug really … sorry, we can’t make a “The Big Lebowski” reference. You know it already.
7. Arrange the furniture you have first
Don’t buy new furniture until you’ve arranged the pieces you already have. This should be an obvious point, but it’s really easy to buy things you think you need before you actually need them.
When you wait until arranging what you already have, you’ll know exactly what you need and where you want to put it. You’ll also be able to make sure anything you get is the right dimensions and style to fit in the room, both literally and stylistically.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
There are a lot of guidelines about how to arrange bedroom furniture, including some listed in this article. They’re just that, guidelines, and there’s no real right or wrong way to do it. Just figure out what works best for you and your space.
If you want, try experimenting with different layouts during your first few weeks living in your new apartment. It’s easier when you have less stuff to move around, and when you hit on one that works, you’ll know it.
13 Rules to Arrange Living Room Furniture for TVs, Tables & More
Create a designer-worthy living room with popular decorations and electronics
By
Lauren Flanagan
Lauren Flanagan
Lauren Flanagan is an interior design expert with over 15 years of experience writing, editing, and producing articles for renowned Canadian publications and shows for HGTV on home decor.
She worked in high-end home decor retail before discovering her passion was to share what she knew in publications and on television.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 09/22/22
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Arranging living room furniture with a TV can be a daunting task. When you're faced with an empty room, filling it in a way that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing around your electronics can seem like an overwhelming task. But over the years, interior designers have recognized a number of simple, easy-to-apply principles that work to make your TV look good in your living room. Just follow these common-sense rules and you'll find that arranging furniture—with or without a TV in the picture—isn't so scary after all.
Consider Popular Furniture Layouts
Simplify your options by considering timeless living room layouts that designers gravitate to for the most beautiful rooms. Here are a few living room furniture arrangement examples.
- Symmetrical layout: A symmetrical layout works in any size or shape room because it visually balances the space. Two sofas facing one another separated by a table is a symmetrical layout. A sofa flanked with matching side chairs is considered symmetrical.
- Floating layout: If you have a living room with many windows but not enough wall space to anchor your furniture, opt for a floating furniture layout. Float your furniture a few feet away from the walls to create an island in the center of the room with a TV mounted on one wall.
- L-shaped layout: An L-shaped living room and dining room combination is considered an awkward space and presents its own set of challenges, such as less wall space for furniture and TV placement. There are usually two walls you can use for furniture and TV positioning; the sofa sits on the long wall and the TV can be positioned on the wall directly in front of the sofa.
- Layouts for irregular rooms: Narrow living rooms, spaces with nooks and crannies, or fireplaces on an angle—all are considered awkward or irregular-shaped rooms.
The key to arranging furniture in awkward living rooms is to create zones using furniture on area rugs. You can also anchor a zone with an oversized statement piece like a dramatic floor lamp. - Layouts for long, narrow rectangular living rooms: You'll have two long walls to work with so it's common to place a sofa on one wall and the TV on the opposite wall, whether it's mounted or placed on a stand.
Choose a Focal Point
Never underestimate the power of a focal point in a room. Sometimes they appear naturally, such as if you have a prominent window or a built-in fireplace mantel, while other times you may need to create them yourself, as with TV stands and televisions. Whatever your chosen focal point, make a decision and stick with it. You’ll want to arrange furniture around it as much as possible.
The Spruce / Letícia AlmeidaDon’t Push Furniture Against the Walls
The measurements of the room will dictate how far you can pull your furniture away from the walls, but even in a small space, you’ll want to give pieces a little breathing room by allowing a few inches between the backs of furniture pieces and the walls.
Despite popular belief, this little bit of space can actually make rooms feel bigger. Of course, if you have a larger space, feel free to arrange furniture in such a way that conversation areas are created in the middle of the room, leaving several feet between the walls and the furniture.
Determine TV Placement
Where you place your TV in a living room can depend on its size and a few other factors. Here are a few tips:
- The TV should be placed in an area of your living room that is not affected by sunlight or glare from natural or other lighting.
- Place your TV out of high-traffic areas. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to watch TV while people keep walking past it.
- In general, your TV should be positioned facing your seating so you can comfortably watch it from your couch or chairs.
- Mounting a TV above a fireplace has its pros and cons but if it's done correctly it can free up floor space in a small living room layout.
Create Conversation Areas
People should naturally be able to talk to each other without having to crane their necks or shout across the room. Position the sofas and chairs to face each other (not necessarily straight on, but close), and so they are close enough that people can converse without raising their voices. If the room is too large, create multiple conversation areas.
Find Balance When Arranging Furniture
Balance is always important in decorating, and never more so than when arranging furniture and other items in your living room. Consider both size and placement of the various pieces, making sure not to group all the large or small pieces in one area or to one side of the room, which can make the space feel lopsided and a little unsettling. Also make sure there’s variety in the shapes—if you’ve got straight-lined seating, for example, consider a round coffee table.
Consider Traffic Flow
One of the most important things to consider when arranging furniture in any room is traffic flow.
People should not be tripping over furniture, or each other, to pass through the room. Make sure there are a couple of feet (give or take a few inches) between the coffee table and sofa and between chairs. Create a clear path so people can walk from one end of the room to the other without difficulty.
Use the Right-Size Rugs
Area rugs belong under the furniture—all the furniture if you can manage it. Exposing some flooring around the edges of the room is fine, but when using an area rug, make sure it’s big enough that all the furniture in a seating arrangement can rest on it. At the very least you want the front legs of large pieces to sit on the rug (the backs can be on the floor, if necessary).
Get a Big Coffee Table
When it comes to coffee tables, more often than not, bigger is better. A large coffee table in the middle of a seating area is great for both aesthetics and function. It acts as an anchor for the room and it leaves plenty of space for people to put down drinks or for you to display favored accessories.
A large table also offers easier access from the seats around it. That said, make sure to leave enough room between the seating and the coffee table for people to pass through (about 18 inches). And if you can’t find a suitable large coffee table, two smaller tables or other coffee table alternatives can be a good substitute.
Put Tables at Arm’s Length
Every seat should have easy access to either a side table or coffee table. Avoid layouts that force people to move from their seats to set down or retrieve drinks. When it comes to table height:
- Side or end tables should be approximately the same height as the nearby chair arms (if that’s not possible, lower is better).
- For coffee tables, the height should be the same height as chair/sofa seats, or lower.
Let There Be Light
Lighting is one of the most important elements of any room, and it is neglected all too often. Always use a mix of overhead lighting, floor lamps, and table lamps (and sconces, if you can).
A floor lamp looks great at the end of a sofa or behind an accent chair. Table lamps look lovely on side tables, shelves, and even mantels. Lighting needs to be placed at different levels to be properly balanced, so use a variety of fixtures liberally throughout your room.
Use the Right-Size Artwork
Things that are hung on the wall—whether it’s artwork, mirrors, or sculptural objects—need to be placed strategically, and in proportion to the furniture. Don’t hang a tiny photo over the back of your sofa, for example; instead, use either a large piece that is approximately two-thirds the length of the sofa, or use a grouping of pieces. If you’re absolutely determined to use a particular piece of art that is too small, put it in a larger frame with a large matte around it so it can hold its own when positioned near a large furniture piece.
The Spruce / Letícia AlmeidaPutting It All Together
When it comes to arranging furniture and accessories, it's best to plan ahead if your plan involves buying new pieces.
Either use an online floor planner or old-fashioned graph paper to sketch out your desired floor plan. It's the only surefire way to know whether or not things will fit the way you want.
How to furnish, equip a small room 15 photos
- 9 tips on how to equip a small room
- How to furnish a small room photo
A small room is always associated with a lack of space. Poor planning can result in a cramped and cluttered look. But it's easy to fix. Even the smallest and most uncomfortable room can be made comfortable and functional with these simple tips and photo examples. In addition, you have a great opportunity to experiment and create your own unique interior. And for the room of your favorite kids, read how to furnish a nursery, even if it is small. nine0009
9 tips for decorating a small room
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Create a 3D interior design in your own style.
Download Interior Design 3D right now! nine0009
1. Colour. The right choice of color can visually increase the space, so try to choose paint for walls and ceilings in light colors (white, beige, gray, blue, light green). This rule also applies to wallpaper. Designers recommend choosing wallpaper with small ornaments, and abandoning large patterns. The flooring should be a little darker, but not too dark, otherwise the room will look low. Try to stick to monochrome in the room: various interior items (furniture upholstery, table and chairs) made in the same color visually expand the space, multicolor creates the opposite effect. See our article which colors are best combined in the interior of the room. nine0009
2. Curtains. If there are large windows in a small room, then it is better to hang the curtains at the edges, then they are
Do-it-yourself apartment design. How to furnish / equip a small room beautifully and compactly with photo examples.
will seem even bigger. Choose long (floor-length) curtains and tulle in the same color scheme as the walls. Give preference to light flowing fabrics that do not weigh down the space and do not focus attention on themselves. If possible, replace blackout curtains with gas tulle. This will allow maximum light into the room. nine0009
3. Make the most of the space. Each piece of furniture, especially in a small room, must have its purpose. Try to make the most of it. For example, a furniture wall is a great option for those who live in a one-room apartment. It does not take up much space and combines several types of furniture at once: a wardrobe, a bookcase, a chest of drawers, a TV cabinet, a mini-bar, shelves for souvenirs, photographs and other small things.
4. Multifunctional furniture. nine0035 It is not necessary to approach the issue radically - to purchase a bed that turns into a wall, or a table that folds into a coffee table, especially since such innovative ideas from designers are not cheap. 5. Reflective and transparent surfaces. Mirrors and other reflective interior elements can also visually enlarge the space and make the room brighter due to reflected light. It is desirable that the mirror is opposite the window. A wardrobe with large mirrored doors or a wall with mirrored tiles visually double the room. Transparent interior items made of durable plastic, less often glass, (for example, tables, chairs) allow you to visually expand the space. Furniture with transparent legs creates the effect of lightness and soaring. These simple ways allow you to effectively furnish a small room in an apartment or house. nine0009 6. Zoning of the premises. 7. Avoid clutter. This is especially noticeable in a small space. Do not "litter" the room with unnecessary things. Determine your priorities: get rid of what you do not need, hide what will someday be useful in closets and drawers, and for those things that you use constantly, determine the most accessible places. 8. More light. Natural and artificial light tend to expand the space. Even if the window is large, try not to cover it with curtains. If the room is not on the sunny side, you can use built-in light sources around the perimeter of the room. 9. Small furniture for a small room. Refuse bulky interior items, especially if they do not carry a functional load. Large chairs can be abandoned, replacing them with no less comfortable chairs. A small folding table is useful both for receiving guests and for a home office. Replace the luxurious corner sofa with a more modest size. It is no less comfortable and takes up much less space. Now we recommend you to visually see the design of projects for the arrangement of rooms on our website for apartment renovation with your own hands. Thanks to the recommendations for the compact arrangement of small rooms, you can arrange comfort in the apartment. 
The most common and affordable way to save space is a sofa bed. At night, it is a comfortable double bed, which is assembled in the morning into a full-fledged sofa on which you can receive guests. In addition, usually, under the cover of the sofa there is a place for bed linen, blankets and pillows. nine0009 To make the room more functional, divide it into zones. For example, you need to separate the work area from the bed. Use different color combinations, divide the space with screens, curtains or bookshelves. Use different light sources to create the illusion of two different rooms. Arrange furniture around the room so that it is accessible and you can move freely around the room. Remember: the more floor space is free, the more spacious the room will seem. nine0009
Choose a small chandelier, a large one will look ridiculous. Ceiling transparent chandelier - the best option. See the article on how to choose lighting in the interior of rooms, this will help to achieve a visual increase in space and better equip a small room, the photo examples below clearly demonstrate this. nine0009 nine0009
How to furnish a small room photo
Videos:
Videos:
design ideas, furniture, photos of interiors
If you do not have a spacious apartment, then you are probably wondering how to equip a small room so that everything is compact, functional and in its place.
Today we will show photos of interesting ideas for small rooms. Of course, all of them cannot be applied in one interior, but you can borrow some of them when drawing up a design for future repairs.
Contents
- Cabinets and storage
- Furniture for small bedrooms
- Lighting
- Zoning
- Podium
Wardrobes and storage
If you are wondering what furniture should be for a small room, the answer will be one: compact and functional. Colors should be combined with the style of the entire interior. It is recommended to use light colors that will visually enlarge the space.
Related article: choosing a roomy wall-slide for the living room.
Use full-height wardrobes with mirrored doors: they are roomy and take up relatively little space. The sliding wardrobe will allow you to put all the necessary and unnecessary things. The main thing is to competently approach its filling: all shelves and hangers should be well thought out so that you place things as compactly as possible.
Recommendations for filling the wardrobe (see other photos in the article about built-in wardrobes):
Layout of shelves in the closet
More mirrors - another way to visually increase the area of the room. But do not overdo it with glossy surfaces, they must be used very carefully in a small space.
Use the free space under the bed, sofa, above the door and on the walls. There can fit a lot of things that just roll around the room. You can use wall shelves without visible fasteners to place some of the things from the floor cabinets in them. Do not overload the space, this is the main rule: as few unnecessary things as possible in plain sight. nine0009
Furniture for small bedrooms
Often a large bed takes up all the free space in the room. This problem is solved by French hanging beds under the ceiling and beds in the closet, which are completely removed during the day and free up space. Examples of such bedrooms are in the photo below:
Many refuse beds altogether and use sofas for a small room as a sleeping place.
If you have a small room, how can you arrange it for several people? You can use bunk beds and loft beds, they allow you to correctly distribute free space. nine0009
Lighting
Perhaps one of the most important elements of any interior is harmoniously selected lighting. Forget about old shades and chandeliers - create multi-level lighting for different areas. It will allow you to adjust the light in the room as you wish: when you need it bright, and when you decide to watch a movie in the evening, a soft glow against the wall will be enough.
The most commonly used for embedding directional luminaires are single- and multi-level plasterboard ceilings and stretch ceilings. In addition, think about the option of LED strip, it can be glued to any place without any problems and allows your designs to “float in the air”. nine0009
The photo shows examples of well-chosen lighting in small rooms:
Zoning
The design of a small room using space zoning allows you to place accents, and also visually increases the area (see the article about the design of a room of 18 squares).
