When adding a new dining table and chairs, make sure you can pull out the chairs and sit down comfortably. Even if it seems to be saving space by cramming items together, this will be countered by a lack of convenience. In smaller areas, make sure the access to desks, wardrobes or cupboards isn’t too cramped, as this can become stressful – don’t forget to allow for doors that need to open and close freely. If you’re dealing with a very large space, you can leave a larger area that’s proportionate to the size of the room. Generally speaking, leave around 48 inches around a piece of furniture to allow sufficient space to allow people to pass by unhindered. If you think it will be a tight squeeze for one person to navigate around a new piece of furniture in a particular spot, then it’s best not to install it, as it will become irritating when you have to squeeze around badly-placed items that are too large for their surroundings. These can include built-in cabinets or access areas, such as doorways and French windows. When you’re thinking of buying new furniture, a good rule of thumb is to use the size of one person as a guide to how much room you need to leave around fixed items. Make sure your plans adhere to your budget, which should be pre-determined before you start carrying out any practical changes.Ī good room layout enables people and animals to easily move around. Don’t have over-ambitious ideas that are impossible to achieve – work within sensible boundaries to avoid disappointment. The secret is striking a fine balance to best accommodate the flow of foot traffic in, out and around the room, while also being clear on the elements that can’t be altered. However, when working with open areas, like your living room or dining room, there are elements you can reorganise to suit your preferences, such as the furniture, rugs or artwork. When you’re working with a particular living space, such as your kitchen or bathroom, for example, there are certain fixtures and fittings that can’t be rearranged. It will have a big impact on how aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and functional a room will be. The layout of each room is an important consideration when it comes to décor and design. Nothing can compare with the joy of designing your own home exactly the way you want it.

Design room layout