In designing spaces, you may need various furniture pieces to achieve the functionality you are after while also delivering an aesthetically pleasing appeal. However, balancing function with the overall look may be challenging because you need to be able to choose the right furniture pieces. This article highlights the various furniture pieces you may need to design a space that balances form and function.
Seating
The most common piece of furniture that suits any space is the one used for seating. When designing a classroom space, you will need school furniture that fosters comfortable seating for students to focus on their lessons. Meanwhile, the sofa is the centerpiece for a living room, available in various sizes, styles, and materials to suit your comfort and decor preferences. However, you can also incorporate armchairs in the living room to provide additional seating. You can match or contrast this with the sofa you opt for. You can also use some accent chairs to add some style and extra seating to the room. When it comes to your dining room, you must choose chairs that complement the table and are comfortable for long meals. Stools are a practical seating option if you have a kitchen island or breakfast bar.
If you have a home office, get an ergonomically designed office chair for comfort during long work hours. For your entryway, a bench can provide seating for putting on shoes, and these often come with storage underneath. When designing an outdoor space, lounge chairs are perfect for relaxing outdoors and are your best option, while an outdoor sofa can create an outdoor living room feel. You can also use multifunctional furniture to maximize the space you have. In this case, investing in a sofa bed that functions as both seating and a guest bed is a viable choice. You can also opt for folding chairs, which are ideal for small spaces or additional seating.
Tables
A table is another standard piece of furniture you will likely find in any space. You will see different kinds of tables in offices and waiting areas. You will also find tables in school cafeterias and classrooms. At home, you can add a coffee table to hold drinks, books, and decorative items. You can also place smaller end tables beside sofas or chairs for convenience. The table is often the focal point in the dining room, but you can also have a kitchen table that is smaller than a dining table. A kitchen table is suitable for casual meals.
In the bedroom, nightstands beside the bed can hold lamps, books, and other essentials. You will also likely find a vanity table in the bedroom, a dedicated space for grooming and makeup. This often comes with a mirror and storage. Since more and more people are working from home, others have designed a dedicated home office where the desk is the center of attention. In the entryway, you can also place a console table, which is a narrow table for keys, mail, and decorative items. You can add a patio table for outdoor dining and entertaining when designing an outdoor space.
Shelves
Shelves serve various purposes in designing spaces. Apart from storage, they can also act as a focal point of the room, drawing the attention of your eyes. For instance, your kitchen’s pantry shelves are mainly for organizing food items and kitchen supplies. However, if you design an open shelf for this purpose, you can use it to display your favorite china. In your home office, you can use a shelf for the books you often use for reference and to organize files and decorative items. As for the living room, add some shelves for displaying books and photos.
Cabinets
In choosing the right type of cabinet, you have to consider the space you are designing. For instance, the cabinets needed for schools and offices may differ from the correct kind of cabinet that may benefit your bedroom. This is because cabinets are mainly used for organizing files and documents in schools and offices, while at home, cabinets are mostly used for wardrobes and clothing. You can also have a china cabinet for displaying and storing fine china and glassware in the dining room.
Drawers
Drawers provide additional storage space. For instance, a dresser typically has multiple drawers to store various clothing articles in the bedroom. However, for smaller bedrooms, you will likely find a chest of drawers that are tall and narrow. When choosing drawers, ensure that you assess your needs and measure the space you have to work with. From there, choose the right size and opt for those made from durable materials. It will also help to select a style that will bring out what you are after in the space you are designing.
Lamps
Lamps can add drama to the overall ambiance of a room, depending on the specific type of lamp you get. For example, chandeliers can transform a room by adding a luxurious and opulent feel. Whether placed in the dining room, living room, or even the bedroom, a chandelier with sparkling crystals or intricate designs can become the centerpiece that draws the eye. Aside from this, different lamps can also enhance the functionality of the room. For instance, bedside lamps can provide lighting for reading, while a desk lamp can provide focused lighting for the workspace.
Room Dividers
Finally, room dividers can also be beneficial in creating dedicated zones in a particular space. Aside from optimising the space, dividers can also enhance privacy and add to the area’s aesthetic appeal. Compared to building permanent walls, room dividers are a cost-effective way to create separate areas. They can be a practical solution for renters who cannot permanently change their living space. Some room dividers even have built-in storage options, such as shelves, pockets, or cabinets. These multifunctional dividers can help you organize and store items, making your space more efficient and clutter-free.
You may need various types of furniture in designing a space to be useful and deliver the function you are creating it for. Furniture for seating and some table pieces are ordinary furniture added, but aside from this, you may also need shelves, cabinets, and drawers for storage. The lamps and lighting you may need depend on your design space. In some instances, you may need to make use of room dividers to create zones. In all of these, consider the space’s form and functionality when choosing the right furniture.
