Need a home refresh but don’t want to spend big bucks? Rearranging furniture is a simple, wallet-friendly way to transform your space. Our surroundings are vital to our happiness and productivity, after all. So if you want to bring new energy to your home without the expense of a renovation, consider moving around some furniture. But you don’t need to move a lot; here’s how to refresh your space by moving just one piece of furniture.
Improve Functionality
To begin, find a room you feel needs a fresh look. If you choose your living room, for example, make note of all the furniture and decor in the room. Is there anything that seems in the way? Having too much furniture in one space can make one feel crowded. Interior designer Emily Henderson explains, “For example, if you enter a room and immediately walk into the back of an armchair, it’s going to make the space feel closed off and have a bad flow.”
Try moving an armchair from one side of the room to another. This can create a wider walkway and make everything more accessible. Remember to focus on the function of a room. In a living room, one of the key purposes is socialization, so putting sitting chairs too far apart can dissuade conversation and hinder the use of the room. Keep your eye on the prize: functionality and balance.
A room’s aesthetics are also important. Accent pieces are some of the easiest and most effective swaps. Instead of buying a new rug to replace the one you’re bored with, try swapping your living room area rug with the one from your bedroom. Wall decor is another effective swap. See if you can consolidate wall art from a few rooms to create a unique portrait wall. Or, swap a portrait from your living room with a mirror from the guest room to make the space feel bigger. Putting old decor in a new space gives it a second life.
Define a Focal Point
Another way to enhance aesthetics is to define a room’s focal point. This can be a large piece of furniture, such as a bed or dining table, or an aspect of the room, such as a fireplace or a large window. Is there something throwing the focal point off balance? For example, a large bookshelf on one side of a fireplace and nothing on the other will detract from the fireplace and make the room feel off-balance. Try moving the shelf to another room instead.
Peaceful Sleep
Not many people consider moving their beds — some might have it against the same wall for decades. However, your bed’s location can set the tone for the entire room, so placing it in a comfortable and functional area is essential. There are a few tips and tricks for arranging your bedroom and picking the best location for your bed. Good feng shui says the bed should be south-facing, but that might not be possible in some home layouts. Instead, aim for a wall that doesn’t directly face the door. This type of layout can be psychologically distressing because it’s a primal instinct that doors and windows are “dangerous.” For optimal peace and serenity, choose a wall parallel to the door.
It’s essential to look at the big picture in a living space. Sometimes, that means looking beyond the space. At first glance, your sitting area might seem at its most functional layout. The couch has access to the coffee table and provides a wide walkway. But your arrangement might not be living up to its full potential. Sit down in every seat around your home and admire the view. Is there any room to rearrange for better scenery? This might mean rotating your couch 90 degrees so you face the window instead of the side door — but that little bit of work will pay dividends in relaxation and happiness.
Deep Clean and Declutter
Not only will you have a new perspective on your space and a boosted mood, but during the process, you’ll be able to multitask and get a few other things done. Rearranging is an excellent time to deep-clean the room you’re focusing on. Getting to dust bunnies, stains, and hard-to-reach places is easier when you’re moving furniture around. This is also an excellent opportunity to declutter your space. For example, if you’re moving a bookshelf from one end of the room to another, why not consolidate the items on the shelf? Not only will your newly renovated space look great, but it will also be sparkling clean, and you’ll love it even more.
Rachel Gresh, Better Report