Furniture Placement: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Furniture placement tips

When it comes to interior design, one of the biggest frustrations clients often have is knowing their room doesn’t feel quite right, but not being able to put their finger on why. Often, it comes down to how the furniture has been placed.

Getting the layout right is about more than simply fitting everything in — it’s about creating a space that feels balanced, welcoming, and works for how you actually live.

Here are some of the most common mistakes I see, and how to avoid them:

Pushing everything against the walls
Many people think pushing furniture against walls will make a room feel bigger, but in reality, it often leaves an empty, awkward void in the middle of the room.

Try floating your sofa or chairs slightly off the wall to create a more intimate, connected seating area.

Ignoring traffic flow
Furniture should support the natural flow of movement through the space, not block it.

Ensure there’s a clear pathway between doorways, and avoid creating pinch points where people have to squeeze past furniture.

Overcrowding the room
Too much furniture — or oversized pieces — can overwhelm even a spacious room.

Be selective. Choose fewer pieces that serve multiple purposes and give your furniture room to breathe.

Neglecting balance & proportion
A room filled with all large-scale pieces can feel heavy, while one filled with only small items can feel cluttered.

Mix sizes. Pair larger anchor pieces with smaller accent pieces to create balance.

Poor focal point placement
Every room needs a focal point, whether that’s a fireplace, a beautiful window, or a piece of art.

Arrange your furniture to support that focal point, rather than compete with it.

Thoughtful furniture placement = a space that works
When you get your furniture placement right, your home simply feels better: more functional, more inviting, and more comfortable to live in. If you follow these furniture placement tips you will be well on your way to creating a space that works.

Need some help?
At Loke Interiors, I work closely with my clients to create layouts that not only look beautiful, but work practically for everyday life. Whether you’re rethinking a single room or planning a full redesign , having expert advice early in the process can save costly mistakes and ensure you make the most of your space.

If you’d like to explore how I can help create a home that feels perfectly tailored to you, book your free discovery call today. For more furniture placement tips follow along on instagram or facebook.

This blog is part of my “Back to Basics with Interior Design” series, where I’ll share tips to help you create spaces that are functional, stylish, and personal. See previous posts and stay tuned for the next post: How to Create a Cohesive Colour Palette.

jenine@lokeinteriors.com
+44 7740 720301