Decorating With Furniture

The most common practice when redecorating is to choose one piece of furniture and base your decorating philosophy on it. It can be any piece of furniture that you particularly like. Some people choose a sofa or chair, others a rug, or maybe even a cabinet or table. It is completely up to you and your individual style.

If the piece of furniture you have chosen is to serve as a focal point then other furniture should be rearranged or bought to enhance it. A few examples are outlined below:

• Reupholster other chairs to contrast with your favourite sofa or chair. If your favourite is dark or patterned, try a plain, light coloured fabric on the other chairs.
• Avoid putting any ornaments or tablecloths on an antique table. A visitor's attention would immediately go to the decoration rather than the table that is supposed to draw interest.
• Keep a cabinet or table highly polished at all times. A dull sheen would do little for the room that is supposed to highlight it.
• Place a prized rug in the centre of the room and avoid putting any other furniture on top of it. The furniture will hide it and an off-centre placing will divert attention. The exception to this rule is an authentic fireplace, which would enhance it and draw attention to it.

Obviously you must have other furniture in any given room so that you want to spend time in it, but you must be careful with the colour schemes and furniture you select. The furniture and chosen colour scheme must refrain from stifling or detracting from your centrepiece in any way. However, there is another factor that can actually draw attention from your furniture. It can be difficult to keep it as the centre of attention if you tend to hoard or collect clutter easily. The best way to avoid this is taking a photo of your finished room before you actually begin to live in it. This will remind you of what it should look like and encourage you to remove the clutter.

Decorating with furniture can save you money and retain the sense of individuality throughout your home. It is also a good idea for first time buyers to decorate this way because it makes the settling period much easier. You retain your identity but make a fresh start.