Outside view of VIDA Building

Do You Have Too Much Furniture?

Large pile of chairs

June 2023

 

When you first moved into your apartment or townhome at VIDA, you probably had some challenges deciding what furniture to bring and which rooms to put it in. At first, it’s not always easy to get the furniture situation just right. Sometimes certain rooms can end up feeling empty, while others may feel too crowded. And if you’ve been in your place for a while, you might have added furniture over time and now find yourself questioning if you’ve gone overboard.

How can you tell if you have a furniture problem? It’s all about having clear paths. You should be able to move through any room easily without doing the cha-cha between your coffee table and. If navigating your apartment feels like a maze instead of a straightforward path, that’s a clear sign of a furniture problem. As a general guideline, there should be at least 40 inches of space between each seating piece and about 16-18 inches between your sofa and coffee table.

Having a furniture problem usually means one of two things: either you have too much furniture or the pieces you have are too large. This is where the clash between form and function comes into play. If you rarely use all the available seating, the easiest solution is to declutter and pare down your furniture collection. If parting with a seat is too hard for you, consider removing non-essential tables or relocating that bookshelf to another room.

On the other hand, if you absolutely need the seating capacity you have, think about replacing pieces with furniture that has a smaller “footprint.” For instance, an overstuffed sectional might accommodate six people, but it takes up more space compared to a sleek, modern-style sofa on legs with two side chairs.

Whichever approach you choose, the goal is to create a sense of flow in your rooms and make sure there’s easy access to each piece of furniture. Having good flow not only enhances the overall appearance of your apartment but also contributes to a more soothing and comfortable atmosphere.

Just remember, finding the right balance with your furniture may take a bit of trial and error. But with a little time and experimentation, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that feels just right for you.