Today we’re talking about an often overlooked and basic design principle: how to choose furnishing and decor for your home that fit.
I don’t know about you, but there have certainly been moments in history where I purchased an item I had to have, only to get it home and realize that it simply didn’t fit in my space. Or it fit, but not in the way I intended it to. My guess is that you’ve experienced this too, as this is a common story I hear from clients. The truth is, just because something is cute, well made or in all other forms exactly what you’re looking for, doesn’t always mean it will work in your home. There are stylistic reasons why this could be true, but today we’re talking exclusively about fit.
The Solution?
1. Measure your space
2. Tape it out. Painter’s tape works wonders.
To get started, measure the space in consideration. Sometimes this requires moving around existing furniture. Write the dimensions of your space somewhere you can quickly and easily access them again. Pro Tip: Use a note app on your phone so that you can access the dimensions of your space anywhere at any time. More on this below.
Next, consider minimum and maximum dimensions. For example, if you’re in the market for a new sofa and it needs to fit on a 98” wall, you likely don’t want a 96” sofa because you’ll have no room for end tables or lighting. This means you likely need an 84” sofa (max) or even a love seat (min).
Once you’ve made note of min and max dimensions, start taping things out. If you can, move your current sofa elsewhere in the space or take it out all together. This will not only allow you to tape, but help you envision the space from a new perspective. Tape out the max length and depth your new sofa could be. Note, sofa depth can vary. A very shallow sofa may only be 32” deep, whereas an extra deep sofa could be 40” deep. Remember, you can tape out almost anything - rugs, tables, accent chairs, even dog beds. I personally tape my WALLS all the time as a strategy for keeping my minor art obsession in check.
Once you’ve laid the tape, does the scale look right for the space? How is flow? Is there adequate space for a coffee table or end tables? If you don’t already have these furnishings to test, you can always tape them out, too! If you can, live with the tape for a couple days. It’s likely you’ll know fairly quickly whether or not something feels spatially right. Move tape, adjust dimensions and play with other furnishings as much as needed until you feel comfortable and confident on the size a piece should be.
Now, to circle back to dimension notes. I’m a big proponent of an iterative design process. While I always start with a roadmap and vision, I like the design process to be natural and organic. This often means teaching clients strategies for finding “the right piece” then giving them time to do so. A key step in this is having those min and max measurements on hand when you unexpectedly pass by an estate sale or see “the perfect one” while scrolling through Facebook Marketplace on your lunch break. I personally carry a mini tape measure with me to be extra prepared, but you’d be surprised by how many stores have them on hand if you’re willing to ask.
And that’s it! Measure your space, consider min and max dimensions, tape it out, then enjoy the sourcing process. While it requires upfront time and energy, in the long run it often saves time, energy and money. Plus, it’s so much easier to walk away from something if you know it won’t fit your space.
And let’s be real, life can be enough as it is. I’m all about taking the easy route when and where it’s available. If nothing else, give yourself the gift of ease. Happy measuring and happy taping!
With love and light,
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