Grand, large scale furniture is well suited for many homes, but smaller scale furniture has its place as well. When square footage is a challenge, don’t squeeze; just size right for the perfect petite setting.
The core of a smaller furniture arrangement is seating. An easy start to scaling back is choosing a loveseat over a full size sofa. When you pair it will smaller pieces, a loveseat can be just as substantial as its couch counterpart. Instead of a bulky recliner that seats one, choose two slim framed occasional chairs to accompany your loveseat. A couch and a recliner in an L shape seats four, and a loveseat and two side chairs in a square or rectangle seats four. You can recreate the same seating count and lay it out in a tighter formation to save on floor space and make your living area cozy and inviting.
Another key to a smaller arrangement is scaling back on the size of the side and center pieces. A loveseat does not need to be flanked by two standard end tables or have a massive coffee table in the center; they would all make your seating look diminutive. Instead, dial back the bulk of your tables and use small nesting tables, a tray side table, or a drum side table. The size and shapes of these pieces are well proportioned alongside small sofas and occasional side chairs. Additionally, take lighting more vertical and up-and-off the end tables. A lamp drum shade on a floor standing lamp can saddle up closer to your seating and not take up any surface area on a side table. Your living area arrangement is still well lit, and the height of two symmetrically-arranged lamps adds volume to the space.
Mix in bold patterned throw pillows that do not overwhelm the height of your loveseat cushions, decorative pieces like short glass vases, small sculptural pieces or coral, a stack of 3 or 4 books, an area rug to anchor the space, and framed artwork and pictures hung in a proportionate pattern. You will have created a smaller scale furniture arrangement fit for a big style look in your home. And you did not break the bank . . . or your back.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star July 31st.
