Furniture Flow 101

Creating a Functional & Beautiful Space

Hey friends! It's Jess here, and today I want to chat about one of the most overlooked (but so important) parts of designing a space: furniture flow. It’s not just about picking pretty pieces—it’s about how everything works together in your space. The goal? A home that feels open, balanced, and easy to live in. Here’s how I like to approach it:

1. Start With the Purpose
   Before I place a single piece of furniture, I always ask myself—what is this room really for? Is it for entertaining, cozy nights in, working from home, or maybe all of the above? Knowing how you want to use the space helps guide every decision that follows.

2. Leave Room to Breathe
   One thing I always remind my clients: don’t overcrowd your space. Furniture (and people!) need room to breathe. I like to keep about 18 inches between seating and coffee tables, and at least 3 feet of space in walkways so everything feels open and accessible.

3. Create Conversation Areas
   I love creating little conversation zones that encourage connection. In a living room, I’ll arrange sofas and chairs so everyone can chat comfortably without raising their voices. A great rug helps define the area and anchors the layout beautifully. If you have a big space, try layering in multiple zones for different types of gatherings.

4. Let the Layout Guide You
   Think about how you naturally move through the space. You shouldn’t have to zig-zag around furniture or feel blocked by a bulky piece. I always walk the room myself to feel out the flow and adjust as needed—it makes such a difference.

5. Play With Scale & Proportion
   This part is so fun for me! I love mixing larger anchor pieces with smaller accent furniture to find the right balance. Keep an eye on scale—something too tiny or too oversized can throw off the vibe. And don’t forget about height! Varying the heights of furniture and decor adds dimension and keeps the room feeling dynamic.

6. Move Things Around (Seriously!)
   Don’t be afraid to play around with your layout. I do this all the time, even in my own home. Sometimes you just need to see how it feels. Live with it for a couple of days, then tweak as needed. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

7. Use Vertical Space
   We always think about floor space, but don’t forget to go up! Shelving, artwork, sconces—these elements help draw the eye upward and create a more finished, layered look. It’s one of my favorite ways to elevate a space without adding more furniture.

Good furniture flow doesn’t require a huge budget or major reno—it’s all about being intentional and flexible. If you’re stuck on a tricky layout or just want a second opinion, reach out! I’d love to help brainstorm ways to bring your space to life.