When decorating your home, the most important consideration is your furniture. Your furniture is not only functional, but it also speaks volumes about your taste and style. While your budget might not allow for the most expensive furniture, it is important that you select pieces that are comfortable and aesthetic in order to have a comfortable home.
1. Comfort and Durability
No matter what your budget allows, it is important that you choose furniture that is comfortable over pieces that are merely aesthetic, especially if you will be using the furniture frequently. Comfortable and sturdy furniture is an investment that will last with you longer than pieces that are poorly manufactured or that you want to throw away sooner rather than later.
If you are on a strict budget, look for pieces at a local thrift store or discount warehouse. Investigate their manufacturing to ensure that the seams are firmly joined. If it is a sofa or armchair, make sure that the cushions and back support you well enough so that you do not sink into the piece. Especially if you will be sitting on the piece frequently, you will need to have firm support for good posture and overall health.
2. Fabrics
The fabrics that you choose for your furniture will influence your room and your entire home. Choose colors that suit your style well and will not overwhelm your space. Bright colors will stand out, whereas neutral colors will tend to blend in. Be sure to match the fabric color to the color of the walls and other items, such as important pieces of artwork, in your room. If you are decorating with patterned fabrics, then be sure that the patterns blend and do not clash with any wallpaper, carpet or other furniture already in your room.
Aside from colors and patterns in your fabrics, you will also want to consider texture. Many people find that using slip colors to match the seasons is a beneficial and fun way to create a constantly fresh and inviting space. Lighter fabrics, such as cotton and linen, are perfect summer dresses. Heavier fabrics, such as wool or corduroy tend to be excellent cold-weather options. You can purchase ready-made slipcovers at most home stores or you can make them out of any type of fabric that you purchase from a fabric warehouse.
3. Arrangement
When arranging the furniture in your room, keep in mind that the way you place furniture will create a certain flow and feeling. Remember your proportions and symmetry, avoiding placing a large sofa next to a small coffee table and vise-versa. Avoid over-cluttering your space with too many pieces, be they large pieces or small pieces. Every piece should have a purpose – whether functional or aesthetic. Your home should have plenty of egress so that you and your guests can move about comfortably as well.
Following these few tips will help to ensure that you decorate your space with furniture that fits and feels as if it belongs there. You will enjoy having a space that matches your personality as well as your functional living needs.