 Get out your notes and turn to Furniture Arrangement.

Furniture Arranging

NUMBER ONE ROOM CONSIDERATION:  FUNCTION Ever notice how some rooms feel warm and inviting and others feel cold and distant? Why? Function is how a space will be used AND is influenced by the use of the elements and principles of design BUT ALSO influenced by…. orm unction F____ follows F_______

Furniture Arrangement  The function of a room determines the selection and the arrangement of the furniture. Efficient placement and use of space. A Bed does not go in the dining room nor does a dining table go in a bedroom.

Furnishings for the 3 Zones -what would you choose? A. Living / Social  Conversation, recreation, dining, entertaining, hobbies, relaxing, TV / Movies, active play, games  Place Durable and easily maintained furniture B. Sleeping / Private / Quiet  Sleeping, bathing, dressing, storage, office C. Service / Work  Storage, work, space to spread out

1 st Step is to Analyze the Space  Observe the amount of space within the room and the contents of the room Locate the traffic pattern of the room  How will room features and traffic flow affect placement? Is there a focal point that can be used? How will the furniture be used?  Identify the purpose of the room, how many people will use the space, as well as the room’s architectural features. What activities will take place?  How much space is needed for each activity?  What basic furnishings will be needed for each activity?  How much space will the furnishings occupy? Architectural features: fireplace, pillars, large picture windows

1. Furnishing Guidelines  Group furniture according to activity. Furniture is useful and multi-functional depending on where it is placed.  Furniture scale should be appropriate for the space available and the users of the furniture.  Is lighting adequate and well located?  Are there tables and shelves to rest things on?

Place large furniture first and then place the smaller furniture.  Large pieces of furniture should be placed parallel to walls – generally. Everything does not have to be up against the wall. Use angle for variety.

Don’t overcrowd a room. Leave some open space for a feeling of airiness.  Minimum dining size for four people. 80 square feet  Space required to seat 4 – 8 people and place a hutch and buffet in the room: 180 square feet  Space around areas : Bed― 22” Dresser― 42” Closet― 33” Door― 33”

2. Consider Mechanical, Electrical, and Architectural details Such as air circulation vents, electrical outlets, TV cables, phone jacks, windows, doors, arches, cabinets, shelving, fireplaces, stairs…..

3. Control Traffic Flow by Strategically Placing Furniture. Traffic patterns should not interrupt activities within a room. Redirect or restrict traffic flow by the furniture arrangement Make sure there is adequate passing space for traffic areas. Space clearances must allow for function and use. *** Major = 4’- 6’ *** Minor = ’

4. Room should always appear balanced Opposite walls should lend visual weight, whether it be symmetrical or asymmetrical, so the room will feel balanced. Visual mass is more important than dimensions (glass vs. wood table) Consider Furniture, doors, windows, and fireplaces. Furniture groupings pair of matching sofas facing each other

5. Identify a focal point in the room Group furniture in such a way that it accentuates the emphasis. Large pieces of furniture draw more attention and emphasis. If a room lacks a focal point, use a furniture, accessory, art, color, lighting, or an architectural feature as that focal point. window, paint, fireplace, rug, painting

6. Plan for conversation areas in appropriate rooms. Generally arrange seating in a circular pattern so that each person can see each other comfortably. Furniture Arrangement Clip

A. FURNITURE GROUPINGS

L Shaped Furniture Grouping

Parallel Furniture Grouping

B. Primary Conversation Grouping  Area where people will primarily be directed feet is the ideal diameter for the primary conversation area

C. Secondary Grouping  Area used less, separate from the primary grouping, more intimate, smaller.  Secondary furniture grouping includes: Seating for 2-3 people, a piano, a desk or a chair for one person

One room three ways – very fast

Furnishing Assignments 12. Furnishing a Floor Plan - Using the floor plan attached - Add the Following Floor Plan Symbols: Lights / Lamps, 120 outlets, 240 outlets (for stove and dryer), TV cables, switches, phone jacks, doors, and storage areas. - Draw in black, trace furniture templates and arrange the furniture in each room according to the furniture arrangement guidelines.

Unit Floor Plans Project  Hand out assignment  Test Review