If you’ve recently moved into your first flat, or are planning to do so soon, one of the first things you’ll need to do is furnish it. You may have an idea about the type of furniture you’d like, but often space in flats can be limited, and you may need to rethink your furnishing plans.
To help you pick out the right furniture for your new flat, here are some tips that could help you create the perfect living space.
Select a decor theme
It can be hard to choose the right furniture pieces, as there are so many design possibilities to choose from. To help you decide, you should first try to select a specific decor theme or colour palette that will set the tone for your room. For example, you may decide you want a contemporary style living room, and might want to look out for a light-coloured sofa which will fit perfectly with a wicker or rattan coffee table.
If you have decided on a specific colour, such as soft grey or navy blue for your dining room, you can then seek out furniture in these colours which will help you narrow down your search. Keep in mind that purchasing too many furnishings could make your flat appear cluttered and less spacious. Take note from property companies like RW Invest who use light shades throughout their modern developments, which are perfect for enhancing natural light and creating space.
Pick a focal point
Once you have chosen a specific theme or colour, you should then choose a focal piece of furniture which will act as your starting point. This could include anything from a vintage chair to a unique cabinet, or anything that catches your eye and also fits within your theme.
Once you have your focal point in place, it will make it much easier to pick out other furnishings and accessories that work well with your starting point. You could choose to reflect the same theme in other rooms, or you may even decide to use a statement piece can be used in each room to get your design ideas flowing.
Purchase furniture essentials
In every room in your flat, there will be furniture pieces that are essential, with the most obvious one being the bed in your bedroom. When choosing this, make sure that you select the right size – both for your needs and to fit the size of your room. You might love the idea of having a king size bed, but if it swamps the room and leaves no room for other furniture essentials, such as wardrobes or drawers, then a double bed might be more appropriate.
Another fundamental piece of furniture is the kitchen or dining table, as you’ll need somewhere to eat. When picking out a table, you need to make sure it is the right fit, especially if you plan on having it in a small kitchen space. There are lots of compact tables available, so take some measurements and work out which table would be best for the space you have available. One useful tip is to look for a table or chairs made from clear glass or moulded clear plastic. Being able to see through them helps create an illusion of more space in the room.
If you’re lucky enough to have a dining room, you may be able to select a larger table, but make sure it does not take up too much space, and ensure there is enough room for chairs. If space is limited, look out for chairs without arms that slide neatly under the table when not in use.
Try and have fun picking out the right furniture and furnishings for your new flat and enjoy making it your own personal space. For more ideas and inspiration, check out our guide to choosing the right furniture for your living room or furniture ideas for a rental property.
Images courtesy of Unsplash
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Idasco says
Thank you for sharing such amazing tips for selecting the right furniture for flats. Really loved it.
Dakwerken says
Thank you for guiding us so well for choosing the right furniture for our flats. Eagerly waiting for more such tips.
Jessica Darcey says
I stayed in a house for a couple of months during a project and I remember that house very well. It had one couch, a centre table, a dining table – all in black and that it. Oh wait, a potted artificial plant by the other corner and a tall lamp near the dining table. That was the first time I understood what minimalism was. Like you’ve mentioned, they all fit the room perfectly with more space to move around and yet giving that luxury feel. I was in heaven and that was the day I realised how much furnitures matter.
Ivona says
Great tips, great ideas. Enjoy reading it!
Andrew says
As others have said in their comments, great article. Nice and to the point.
Modern Resale says
Thank you for sharing these tips on how to choose the right furniture! Quick question, does the focal point need to be a piece of furniture? Or could it be any design such as canvas art, picture, etc.?
Rachel Newcombe says
Good point! No, a focal point doesn’t have to be furniture and a piece of art would work really well instead.