Furniture ArrangingBasic guidelines using the elements and principles of design

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NUMBER ONE CONSIDERATION..

FUNCTION

Ever notice how some rooms feel warm and inviting and others feel cold and distant? Why?

While many factors such as color and lighting contribute to a room’s atmosphere, the way furniture is arranged can also influence the mood, comfort, and function of the space.

F____ follows F_______orm unction

Functional Furniture Arrangement? Function is how a

space will be used. Function of a room

determines the selection and the arrangement of furniture. A Bed does not go in

the dining room nor does a dining table go in a bedroom

1st Analyze the Space Observe the amount of space within the room and the

contents of the room Identify the traffic pattern of the room How will room features and traffic flow affect placement? Is there a focal point that can be used? How will the furniture be used?

Identify the purpose of the room, how many people will use the space, as well as the room’s architectural features. What activities will take place? How much space is needed for each activity? What basic furnishings will be needed for each activity? How much space will the furnishings occupy?

1. Furnishing Guidelines Group furniture according to activity.

Furniture is useful and multi-functional depending on where it is placed.

Furniture scale should be appropriate for the space available.

Is lighting adequate and well located? Are there tables and shelves to rest things on?

Place large furniture first and then smaller furniture.

Large pieces of furniture should be placed parallel to walls Everything does not

have to be up against the wall.

Angle for variety. Don’t block windows.

Don’t overcrowd a room. Leave some open space for a feeling of airiness.

Minimum dining size for four people.

80 square feet Space required to seat four to

eight people and place a hutch and buffet in the room:

180 square feet Space around areas: Bed― 22” Dresser― 42” Closet― 33” Door― 33”

2. Consider Mechanical, Electrical, and Architectural details

Such as air circulation vents, electrical outlets, TV cables, phone jacks, windows, doors, arches, cabinets, shelving, fireplaces, stairs…..

3. Control Traffic Flow by Strategically Placing Furniture.

• Traffic patterns should not interrupt activities within a room.

• Redirect or restrict traffic flow by the furniture arrangement

• Make sure there is adequate passing space for traffic areas (3-4 feet).

• Space clearances must allow for function and use

4. Room should always appear balanced

Opposite walls should lend visual weight, whether it be symmetrical or asymmetrical, so the room will feel balanced.

Visual mass is more important than dimensions (glass vs. wood table)

Consider Furniture, doors, windows, and fireplaces.

Furniture groupings (pair of matching sofas facing each other)

5. Identify a focal point in the roomGroup furniture in such a way that it accentuates the emphasis.

Large pieces of furniture draw more attention and emphasis.

If a room lacks a focal point, use a piece of furniture as that focal point.

fireplace, picture, window, piece of furniture.

6. Plan for conversation areas in appropriate rooms.

Generally arrange seating in a circular pattern so that each person can see each other comfortably.

U - Shaped Furniture Grouping

L Shaped Furniture Grouping

Parallel Furniture Grouping

Primary Conversation Grouping Area where people

will primarily be directed.

8-12 feet is the ideal diameter for the primary

conversation area

Secondary Grouping Area used less,

separate from the primary grouping, more intimate, smaller.

Secondary furniture grouping: Seating for 2-3 people,

a piano, a desk or a chair for one person

7. Appropriate furnishings for the 3 zones-what would you choose?

A. Living / Social Conversation, recreation, dining,

entertaining, hobbies, relaxing, TV / Movies, active play, games

Place Durable and easily maintained furniture

B. Sleeping / Private / Quiet Sleeping, bathing, dressing,

storage

C. Service / Work Storage, work, space to spread

out

Furnishing Assignments Working With Space

Analyze the attached furniture arrangements for what is wrong and write how to correct it.

  10. Furnishing a Floor PlanCut out furniture templates and arrange the furniture in each

room according to the furniture arrangement guidelines.Add the Following Floor Plan Symbols: Lights / Lamps, 110

outlets, 220 outlets (for stove and dryer), TV cables, switches, phone jacks, doors, and storage areas. Explain the reasons behind each room arrangement.