While finding the right furniture is important, it’s the styling that truly makes a room feel like home. There are endless design tips and tricks for creating a more “aesthetic” home, whether it’s using the triangle method to style your bookshelves or making vignettes look more cohesive. However, there’s one design rule that any space…

Go With the Flow

Don’t underestimate the importance of good flow when designing your space. Not only does it look good, but it also makes a home feel more harmonious. So, what is it exactly? A key part of good flow is a layout that allows for unrestricted movement, which can be achieved through thoughtful furniture arrangement.

How To Arrange Furniture for Better Flow

As much as we may love the look of certain furniture — be it an oversized sectional sofa or a vintage coffee table you spotted at the thrift store — you’ll want to make sure it fits comfortably in your space. Keeping proportions in mind is key. Then, carefully consider your furniture placement.

Awkwardly placed furniture can overcrowd rooms and block pathways, while spacing it out to create walkways will improve foot traffic. When arranging larger furniture in an open layout — for example, a sofa and dining table — try to leave a few feet of space or enough room to comfortably walk between them.

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When it comes to smaller furniture, you have more flexibility. Place pieces a few inches to about a foot apart for better visual appeal. The goal is to create breathing room between furniture to prevent a cluttered look.

Related: The Interior Design Trick That Makes Any Room Look Bigger

While the exact measurements will vary depending on the size of the room, a good rule of thumb is to leave 4 feet of space between large furniture pieces and 14 to 18 inches between smaller pieces. This negative space allows for free movement and creates a balanced feel that’s pleasing to the eye.

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