We’ve all made decorating decisions that seemed great at the time but turned out… less than ideal. From trying valiantly to squeeze a giant sofa into a tiny space, to accidentally blocking a doorway or window with a misplaced armchair. Or, avoiding That room (yes, you know the one) because you just can’t decide how it’s supposed to look and it’s better if you don’t look at all. These are all a lot more common than you’d think – believe me! Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this blog we’ll go through some common furniture fails and more importantly, how to fix them!
The Oversized Sofa Dilemma
The Problem: You’ve finally found the sofa of your dreams. It’s stylish. It’s comfortable. It’s … too big. Suddenly, it’s dominating your living room. Oh, and there isn’t any space for anything else in the room (or for you to walk around, for that matter).
The Fix:
- Measure twice, buy once: Before you shop and commit to a piece, measure your room and use this to determine the perfect dimensions for your sofa.
- Think in scale: Before you settle on a sofa for good, make sure you consider how you’ll use the other space in the room. Do you need to accomodate a rug, a sidetable? Or even just room to manouever? Make sure you factor this in before making your choice!
- Consider modular options: A modular sofa might just be the answer to your prayers. These sofas can be adjusted to fit your space perfectly!
Sophie’s Choice; Looks over Comfort?
The Problem:Yes, that chair is perfect… if it only existed in the vaccuum of a pinterest board or your instagram feed. In reality, you can’t sit comfortably for more than five minutes without giving yourself a knot in your back.
The Fix:
- Test before buying: Make sure to visit a store near you to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Use the ‘sit-test’ to determine if that chair or sofa (or bed!) is as comfortable as it is striking before you buy!
- Prioritise ergonomics: Think of your back in the long run! Make sure to look for supportive seating and practical designs that suit the way you sit, not the other way around!
- Don’t sacrifice comfort: Now, we can’t stop you, obviously. But don’t settle for something that looks good, and only looks good. You can find lots of beautiful furniture that’s functional and comfortable on our website, trust us!
The Trap of a Well-Matched Home
The Problem: While it’s true that buying a complete furniture set all at once might seem easier than snooping for and picking pieces over time, it sometimes does have a bit of a tendency to leave the room looking just a tad flat. If this cohesive look is one you like, then skip on ahead – this section isn’t for you!
The Fix:
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Mix materials: Try pairing a sleek leather sofa with a more rustic coffee or side table to make the space seem less samey-samey. A colourful accent chair or curtains in a different fabric are a great way to achieve this effect too!
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Play with colour: Use throws, cushions and rugs to inject some colour and contrast into the space. This is a fun way to add personality and depth, without breaking the bank!
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Switch styles: Don’t be afraid to incorporate some mismatching, or unique pieces to the room to add a bit of depth.
If you’re guilty of any of these decorating mistakes, don’t worry! They’re all easy to fix! The key when decorating or styling a space is to balance function and style while creating a space that feels comfortable and inviting. If you’re looking for some help finding the right furniture for your home, visit any one of our stores for some expert advice and stylish solutions!
Happy decorating!