Nine Layout Mistakes To Avoid

Layout mistakes can make a room feel small, stuffy and unpractical. It can also make you start to dislike your home because you think the problem is the size or the floorplan when it could really just be how furniture is laid out. I've put together a list of common mistakes so whether you need to check this list to ensure you're not a culprit or if you just need ideas for that one piece of furniture, read on!

Not leaving enough room for walkways

Always consider how people will move through your space, especially when laying out your living room. You want to create clearly-defined walkways that are comfortable and natural for yourself, your family, and guests. Leave ample space between sofas, accent chairs, coffee and side tables.

Lack of practical surfaces

When a living space lacks side, coffee, or accent tables, it can makes the space feel uncomfortable. If you often find yourself awkwardly holding your coffee cup, book or phone with nowhere to set it, you may be guilty of this. Pro tip: get a lightweight, floating cocktail table that can add functionality to a super deep sofa or accent chair.

No spaced out seating

Above all else, a living room is a gathering space meant for interaction. If your furniture is arranged in a way that promotes uncomfortable leaning, shouting, or re-orienting, people will naturally gather in a more central location like the kitchen. Consider adding an accent chair or two or floating furniture off the walls to create a cozier atmosphere.

Putting your bed in a corner

At times, this layout choice can feel unavoidable. But even if you have a tiny bedroom, we always encourage at least trying to center the bed. This placement immediately makes the room feel more sophisticated, and less dorm-like. Creating a walkway around both sides of the bed, even if it’s tight, adds so much functionality to a bedroom.

A too-small rug

Not only does a too-small rug skimp on coziness and warmth (especially in a living room or bedroom), it throws off the scale of the entire space. A rug that only sits underneath a coffee table, for example, can make the furniture look like it’s floating in the room.

Matching all of your furnishings

We know matching furniture sets can make interior design feel so much less overwhelming. But, they also can make a space feel overly uniform and cookie-cutter, as opposed to personalized and comforting. What’s more, matching furniture sets often lock you into a specific style. Instead, mix in a few mis-matched pieces like matching square side tables paired with a curved coffee table!

Under-furnished bedrooms

Understandably, tucked-away bedrooms tend to fall to the bottom of the design priority list. But when the time (finally) comes, give your bedroom the design love it deserves. If you have space for end-of-bed seating, add it. If a cute corner nook feels doable, go for it!

Unconsidered transition spaces

From hallways to entryways, important transition spaces are often neglected from a design perspective. A small console table, some artwork, or a mirror can go a long way when adding texture, personality, and life to these small nooks. Ideally, even transition spaces will fit in with the overall aesthetic of your home.

Lack of definition in open-concepts

Making an open-concept space work comes down to the polar opposite: thoughtful division and separation. Always aim to create separate “rooms” via furniture, lighting, or rugs to add ambiance, coziness, and warmth to a large, open space. The space will feel much more cohesive and practical when distinct areas are defined.

- Raph