In December, folks in the USA tend to move furniture to make way for the Christmas tree. Often, this rearrangement is done so that the tree and twinkly lights can be featured as a holiday window display. But in January, once the festivities pass and the tree is taken down, that furniture is generally returned to the same old place from which it came. Sometimes there is an “empty” look where the dazzling tree once stood, and the area can feel dull. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Perhaps it’s time to change things up by rearranging furniture. It can be a fun way to make an uninspiring room come alive.
It’s best to design a mini-scale model of your room using graph paper. You can also cut out mini furniture pieces and play around with room design on paper first. That way, you can visualize how the pieces will fit before moving anything. This exercise using paper can open your eyes to design options. For ideas, look through magazines or on creative apps such as Pinterest. When considering layouts, remember the purpose of your room, whether it’s for conversation or tv watching, for example. Be reminded that larger or heavier pieces, such as built-in bookshelves, may need to stay put. Moving furniture may also necessitate the rehanging of wall art and photos, so be mindful of wall features. Also, consider electrical outlets that need to be accessible for lamps, charging stations, and so forth. But, before you begin rearranging, apply some commonsense safety tips first:
- Moving furniture is not a solo task. Whether you will assist in the rearrangement, or you are supervising, be sure to have plenty of able-bodied help. Or hire home furniture movers.
- Best if children or pets are not present while moving furniture for their own personal safety.
- Research proper lifting techniques to avoid harm. It is generally best to lift with your legs by bending at the knees to prevent back injuries.
- Wear appropriate footwear, not loose sandals or flip flops that can cause you to trip.
- Have helpful tools on hand for moving furniture, such as a furniture dolly, furniture gliders, straps, and more.
- Place accessories such as lamps in a safe location and room should be 100 percent clutter-free to avoid tripping over electrical cords, rugs, dog toys, and more.
- When relocating heavy pieces of furniture, decide whether it is possible/best to disassemble into pieces first. Consider the entire moving trek, including stairs, doorways, and tight hallways.
- Always measure your space and the pieces you wish to move to make certain that they will fit.
- Take small steps when carrying furniture and keep a watchful eye on where you are stepping.
- When relocating furniture, anchor pieces to the wall as needed for stability.
There are some sensible rules for furniture placement. Do not block traffic flow areas, doors, or windows. Per Elle Décor, if you’re planning a conversation area, chairs should be no more than 8 feet apart, and the ideal distance between the television set and seating is three times the size of the screen; thus, if your tv is 40-inches, your chair should be 120-inches away. Distance matters in dining rooms and sleep areas, too. In a bedroom, most experts recommend 24-inches between the side of the bed and wall and enough room between the bed and a swinging door. In a dining space, there should be 48-inches between the edge of the table and the nearest wall or piece of furniture.
Furniture pieces should not be too large or packed in so tight that they crowd the room, nor be too small or placed too far apart that they make the space feel cold or void. If it is an informal room, think of comfort in placement, perhaps angling furniture or having it face a focal point, such as a fireplace or bookshelf. For a more formal room, consider creating a conversation area by placing two formal chairs across from a couch or sofa, with a coffee table in between. Remember that all furniture does not always need to be pushed up against a wall. In fact, a newer designer trend features four comfortable chairs surrounding a low circular table placed in the center of a room. In an office space, decide whether you’d prefer to have the desk face the doorway or if you’d rather take advantage of outdoor views. Be imaginative, and don’t be afraid to borrow or swap out furniture from other rooms to jazz things up.