Things I Always Do Before Rearranging Furniture
Rearranging furniture is not just moving pieces around. It’s an art of creating a fresh, new look and feel in your home. It’s a way of redesigning your space to make it more functional and aesthetically pleasing. The task can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be a fun and satisfying experience. Here are the 11 things I always do before embarking on this adventure.
1. Assess the Current Layout
Before I start moving things around, I take time to assess my current layout. I look at how my furniture is placed, how the flow of the room works and where the focal points are. This gives me a clear idea of what works and what doesn’t.
For example, if I notice that my couch is blocking the natural light from the window, I know that it needs to be moved. Or if my coffee table is causing a traffic jam in the living room, it’s clear that it’s not in the right spot. This assessment helps me identify the problems I need to solve when I start rearranging.
2. Measure the Space and Furniture
The last thing I want is to move a heavy piece of furniture, only to find out that it doesn’t fit in its new spot. To avoid this, I always measure my space and my furniture before I start rearranging.
I use a measuring tape to get the dimensions of the room and the furniture. I also take note of the size of the doorways, hallways and stairways, to make sure that the furniture can be moved easily. This helps me plan the new layout more accurately and avoid any potential mishaps.
3. Sketch a Floor Plan
After measuring, I put pen to paper and sketch a floor plan. This doesn’t have to be a professional architectural drawing. A simple sketch with the measurements noted down is enough.
This visual representation of the space helps me experiment with different layouts without any physical effort. I can easily see if a certain piece of furniture will fit in a spot, or if it’s better to move it somewhere else. It’s a great way to play around with different ideas and come up with the best plan.
4. Consider the Functionality
When rearranging furniture, I always consider the functionality of the room. How the room is used and by whom it is used are important factors to consider.
For instance, if it’s a living room where the family gathers to watch TV or play games, the seating should be arranged in a way that everyone can see the TV and interact with each other. If it’s a home office, the desk should be in a spot that gets good natural light and is away from distractions. Keeping the function of the room in mind ensures that the new layout is not just visually pleasing, but also practical.
5. Plan for Traffic Flow
A good furniture arrangement allows for easy movement within the room. I always make sure to plan for a clear traffic flow when rearranging furniture.
This means leaving enough space between furniture pieces for people to walk through. For example, there should be at least 2 feet of clearance around the coffee table, and 3 feet for main pathways. Also, the furniture should not block access to doors and windows. A clear traffic flow makes the room feel more spacious and comfortable.
6. Keep Balance in Mind
Balance is key in any good furniture arrangement. I always strive to create a balance of visual weight in the room.
This doesn’t mean that everything has to be symmetrical. Instead, it’s about creating a sense of equilibrium. For example, if there’s a large, heavy sofa on one side of the room, it can be balanced by a couple of chairs and a side table on the other side. This balance makes the room feel stable and harmonious.
7. Protect the Furniture and Floors
Before I start moving furniture, I make sure to protect the pieces and the floors. The last thing I want is scratches on my beautiful hardwood floor or on my favorite coffee table.
I use furniture sliders for heavy pieces, and I put felt pads under the legs of chairs and tables. For extra protection, I sometimes use a blanket or a rug under the furniture when moving it. This little preparation goes a long way in preventing any damage during the rearrangement process.
8. Enlist Help
Moving furniture can be a physically demanding task. I always make sure to enlist help when I’m planning to rearrange furniture.
This could be a family member, a friend, or a professional mover. Having an extra pair of hands not only makes the job easier, but it’s also safer. And it can be a lot more fun to brainstorm ideas and execute the plan with someone else.
9. Clean the Space
Rearranging furniture is also a great opportunity to clean the space thoroughly. Before I start moving things around, I always make sure to clean the room.
I dust and vacuum the floors, clean the windows and the baseboards, and wipe down the furniture. This way, when the furniture is in its new spot, everything is clean and fresh.
10. Be Flexible
When it comes to rearranging furniture, I always remind myself to be flexible. Even if I have a detailed plan, things may not always go as expected.
Maybe the new spot for the couch is not as perfect as I thought, or the coffee table looks better in its old place. That’s okay. The beauty of rearranging furniture is that nothing is permanent. I can always move things around until I’m satisfied with the result.
11. Enjoy the Process
Lastly, I always make sure to enjoy the process. Rearranging furniture can be a lot of work, but it’s also a creative and rewarding task.
I take my time, play some music, and maybe even have a glass of wine. After all, the goal is not only to create a beautiful and functional space, but also to have fun along the way.