Arrange a room

1. Find a focal point -- a fireplace, a large window, or an entertainment center -- and build the furniture design around it. The focal point should be anchored to a wall. Move your furniture away from the walls to create an intimate grouping.
2. Place chairs no more than 8 feet apart to encourage conversation.
3. Position a table within reach of every seating piece. If possible, place a lamp near each seating area.
4. Allow ample legroom by placing the coffee table 14 to 18 inches from the sofa.
5. Choose side tables that are about as tall as the arm of the chair or sofa they are serving.
6. Create traffic lanes that are several feet wide to allow easy movement through the room.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH A "WIDE OPEN" FLOOR PLAN OR MULTI-PURPOSE RM

1. Give each area in a multipurpose room a dominant feature. For instance, focus your dining area on a large hutch and your sitting area on an entertainment unit. If possible, place these elements opposite each other to create equal weight in the room.
2. Create a natural divide using furniture placement. Face a sofa or a pair of chairs away from the dining area. Or, use a folding screen to separate the areas.
3. Aim for harmony by balancing two or more smaller items against a large one. Pair chairs and even accessories for balance.
4. Use area rugs to define each grouping.
5. Allow at least 3 feet of space around the dining table to leave room for comfortable sitting, as well as a wide aisle for traffic flow.
6. Clear the entry of furniture, and direct traffic toward the dining and sitting areas.

BEDROOM FURNITURE PLACEMENT

1. Angle furniture to give your room drama: This arrangement works well in rooms with many doors and windows. It also helps cozy up groupings; furniture that's placed around the perimeter often results in arrangements that are too far apart.
2. Anchor the space with an area rug or small runner placed on the same angle to emphasize the diagonal.
3. Pair side tables at each side of the bed to create balance. For a sitting area, position tables at each side of a sofa or between matching chairs.
4. Create traffic options in tight quarters with diagonal furniture placement. This also helps the room appear larger and more complex.
5. Play up the bed as a focal-point. Position baskets, a trunk, or a bench at the foot of the bed. If you don't have a headboard, create one with a folding screen or old shutters.

ACCESSORIZE

When it comes to successful displays of collectibles and accessories, the odds are with you. As a rule, odd numbers of items create more interest than even numbers (things grouped in 3's tend too look great). Likewise, a variety of shapes and sizes catches the eye.

Check out Better Homes and Gardens to Arrange your Room!!
http://arrangearoom.bhg.com/arrangearoom/