Do you ever struggle with furniture arrangement? I did in our Elshire home, but after much thought and careful planning, I finally figured it out! This is the step-by-step guide I used:
Determining How the Space was to Be Used
The lower level in our Elshire home was quite challenging as I could not readily see a clear furniture arrangement.
My 1st step was to list how the space would best be used by our family. Our daughter, Kate, loves puzzles so a table was in order. My husband, Daryl, needed office space. Our son, Sam, would love a book-reading niche. And, of course, what would a lower level be without a TV lounge? So, a total of 4 spaces in one large room.
- Puzzle table
- Office
- Book reading niche
- TV lounge
Sketching Out the Room Dimensions
The 2nd step was to sketch the room with a computer program called Floorplanner, but you could do the same thing with graph paper. It is important to include windows, doors, and floor changes. For example, there was luxury vinyl tile in front of the sliding glass door and directly across the room in front of the long wet bar leaving an awkward area between.
Evaluating Current Furniture
Step 3: Before placing furniture I evaluated what was currently on hand. I found I could use my TV console, heirloom library table, folding office tables, and end tables.
Sketching the Furniture Layout Desired
For the 4th step, I sketched where the 4 distinct spaces would fit best. The awkward area between the bar and sliding glass doors was an obvious place for the puzzle table. The bump out with a curtain worked for an office space. That left the TV lounge and reading niche which fell into place on opposite ends of the room.
Shopping for Furniture
When shopping for furniture, the 5th step, I kept in mind that this space would be lightly used as Kate was in Chicago attending college and Sam was temporary until he purchased his own home. Keeping the anticipated use in mind I chose not to spend money on high-end furniture. I found what I wanted at Furniture Row. In the Floorplanner program, the furniture could be sketched in exact dimensions before ordering, thus knowing everything would fit.
Originally, I envisioned a sectional for the TV lounge, but after sketching out the room I realized one would not fit so I chose a small couch with a chaise and a matching chair.
The high-top table with 4 chairs was a floor model and just the size and look I was after. Plus, it was a great price! It has already been used to assemble several puzzles when Kate is home.
The loveseat in the reading niche was the same as the TV lounge furniture and tied the two spaces together.
The only place my ornate lion mirror would fit was on the wall to the left as you turned the stairs. I looked high and low before finding the perfect size cabinet to fit beneath at a store called “At Home”. Or, as I like to think of it, “Home Goods” on steroids.
Adding Accessories to the Room
The 6th, and final step, was adding accessories. The family golf pictures that hung in our Highover home (see “Tips for Designing a Wall Collage You Will Love!) were re-purposed for the wall at the base of the stairs.
I fell in love with a Furniture Row distressed bookshelf and bought it specifically for the lower level, but did not know at the time where it would fit. It is the featured item in the library nook.
My mother, Elaine, gave me her antique oval library table which was her mother’s and is over 100 years old. It was originally stained brown and did not work with my decor. It was almost a shame to whitewash but it had to be done.
The floor lamp and footstool came from Target.
The star of the room is the black wet bar with a striking hexagon tile backsplash. Hence, most of my decor was black, white, and grey, including the grommet curtain which I sewed to fit the office bump out.
The end table and TV console are furniture I built. (see “How to Build Furniture the Easy Way!). The round table was from Daryl’s temporary apartment.
The black and white poster of the First Emperor in China’s Terracotta Army was from a “Camp Cheryl” excursion with the kids to the Atlanta High Museum of Art many years ago.
The black lamp, black and white pottery and white candlesticks on the bar were items I already had. The beverage cooler was purchased on Amazon after assuring it would fit the opening in the cabinet.
Lastly, greenery always adds a warm touch, but what little green thumb I possess does not transfer inside. This faux fiddle leaf fig tree placed in my Red Wing crock looks almost real and was purchased online.
After completing all my steps the end result was one large beautiful room with 4 distinct spaces.
I used to hate our Elshire lower level, but once I decided on my furniture arrangement and added the finishing touches it gives me a warm fuzzy every time I walk down the stairs.
Do you have a space you are struggling with? Tell me about it in the comments below. Maybe, I can help.
Meanwhile, I hope this post has given you ideas on furniture arrangement that is not only functional but beautiful too!
Looks great Cheryl and lots of good information.
Thanks Karen!
Beautiful – hope to visit sometime!
We would love to have you!
Great ideas, Cheryl. We are moving into a 55+ apartment around 1000 sqft. It will be a challenge. BTW, I have the same Target floor lamp. Thanks!
Good luck with your move Barb. The floor lamp is a classic!
I think this is my favorite post so far. The office space is especially clever and inviting. The wet bar is dramatic and a little tricky as such, but it blends well, especially with the museum poster close by. You are a planner and I appreciate seeing your steps clearly written out. You forgot to mention the small round table by your bookshelf (with black metal legs) was a gift from your sister and is a Kelli Kerns original. I think it is so sweet. I wonder if she has any more? -Christie
Yes! I love that table made from a tree trunk. My miss for not including your special gift. Especially, as I love anything to do with natural elements from trees!
Cheryl I always love walking into your homes! So inviting
Thank you Beth. ❤️