Living, Bedroom and Dining Furniture: Planning Guide

Room first: bedroom, dining or living

Furnish a room from its anchor piece outward. In a bedroom the anchor is bed frames and bunk beds, sized to the mattress, with nightstands to match. In a dining area it is dining room tables and chairs, where seats per table and clearance behind the chairs decide the size. A living room starts with the sofa and a media console. Leave clear walkways, and measure doorways and stairs before choosing large pieces.

Upholstery and wood: names that decide wear

Fabric names describe feel and care. Velvet is smooth and wipes well but shows crush marks; corduroy has a ribbed pile that hides wear; chenille is soft with a looped pile that can snag; teddy fabric is a thick, fluffy fleece that attracts lint. Boneless sofas use foam without a rigid frame, and modular sofas arrive in sections. For wood furniture, solid wood can be sanded and refinished, while engineered wood such as MDF or particleboard is stable but sensitive to moisture and damaged edges.

Questions about Living, Bedroom and Dining Furniture: Planning Guide

How much space should be between a sofa and a coffee table?

About 14 to 18 inches, close enough to reach a cup and far enough to walk past. Keep main walkways around 30 to 36 inches wide, and allow more where doors or drawers open.

How do I read a fabric cleaning code on a sofa tag?

W means water-based cleaners are fine, S means solvent-based cleaner only, WS allows either, and X means vacuum or brush only. Check the tag before treating a stain, since the wrong cleaner can leave rings or damage the fabric.

What does 'needs assembly' involve for furniture?

Flat-pack pieces come with panels, cam locks or bolts and a leaflet. Allow a couple of hours for a bed or large cabinet, use a second person for heavy panels, and tighten fittings again after a few weeks.