How to Furnish a Den
Choose a color scheme., Divide the room with rugs., Choose a focal point., Arrange furniture around the focal point., Add additional seating., Address other needs., Arrange the lighting., Finish with additional decor.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose a color scheme.
It's your den, so choose colors that make you relaxed.
Keep in mind that dark walls make a room look smaller, which may make a small den feel cramped.
A large den, on the other hand, might benefit from the coziness of dark wall paint.
If you're not sure what to choose, go with a neutral color for the wall paint.
Cream, light gray, or light brown are unobjectionable and work with most furniture.
If the walls are already painted and you're not sure which colors they go with, get white or light-colored furniture.
You can easily add color later with cushions and throws.
Bright, fluorescent colors are harsh on the eye, especially reds, oranges, and yellows.
Even in a bright, high-energy den, keep these to pillows and throw rugs, not entire walls and couches. -
Step 2: Divide the room with rugs.
If you have a large, open plan den, start by deciding how to divide it.
One easy way to do this is to lay down one rug for each area of the den.
For instance, lay down one rug where couches will surround it, and another where the game table will go.
Thick, plush rugs make the den more comfortable and luxurious. , Each room or area of a room should have a focal point to design around.
For a den, this is usually a television or fireplace.
If you don't have any large objects like this, choose a wall and make it stand apart with a different color, heavy curtains, or large wall art. , Arrange seating so it faces the focal point, but place it in a semi-circle or rectangle to encourage conversation.
L-shaped couches work great here.
Provide coffee tables or side tables within reach of each seat. , Assuming there's room, keep a couple comfortable chairs or a small couch arranged away from the focal point, for people who prefer solitary activities such as reading. , You might need a television, bookcase, or gaming table, depending on what you use the den for.
For extra fun, install a movie projector or a minibar. , Place a lamp about every ten feet (3 meters) throughout the den, or next to any reading seats.
Keep the overhead lighting warm, and consider installing a dimmer switch.
Harsh overhead lighting kills any sense of comfort. , To add more color and coziness to the room, add pillows and decorative objects.
Decorative glass jars, candles, and flowers are all good ways to add color.
For a more austere look, go with a small number of objects all in the same shade.
Decorate the walls as well.
Wall hangings, paintings, or photographs add character to the room. -
Step 3: Choose a focal point.
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Step 4: Arrange furniture around the focal point.
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Step 5: Add additional seating.
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Step 6: Address other needs.
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Step 7: Arrange the lighting.
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Step 8: Finish with additional decor.
Detailed Guide
It's your den, so choose colors that make you relaxed.
Keep in mind that dark walls make a room look smaller, which may make a small den feel cramped.
A large den, on the other hand, might benefit from the coziness of dark wall paint.
If you're not sure what to choose, go with a neutral color for the wall paint.
Cream, light gray, or light brown are unobjectionable and work with most furniture.
If the walls are already painted and you're not sure which colors they go with, get white or light-colored furniture.
You can easily add color later with cushions and throws.
Bright, fluorescent colors are harsh on the eye, especially reds, oranges, and yellows.
Even in a bright, high-energy den, keep these to pillows and throw rugs, not entire walls and couches.
If you have a large, open plan den, start by deciding how to divide it.
One easy way to do this is to lay down one rug for each area of the den.
For instance, lay down one rug where couches will surround it, and another where the game table will go.
Thick, plush rugs make the den more comfortable and luxurious. , Each room or area of a room should have a focal point to design around.
For a den, this is usually a television or fireplace.
If you don't have any large objects like this, choose a wall and make it stand apart with a different color, heavy curtains, or large wall art. , Arrange seating so it faces the focal point, but place it in a semi-circle or rectangle to encourage conversation.
L-shaped couches work great here.
Provide coffee tables or side tables within reach of each seat. , Assuming there's room, keep a couple comfortable chairs or a small couch arranged away from the focal point, for people who prefer solitary activities such as reading. , You might need a television, bookcase, or gaming table, depending on what you use the den for.
For extra fun, install a movie projector or a minibar. , Place a lamp about every ten feet (3 meters) throughout the den, or next to any reading seats.
Keep the overhead lighting warm, and consider installing a dimmer switch.
Harsh overhead lighting kills any sense of comfort. , To add more color and coziness to the room, add pillows and decorative objects.
Decorative glass jars, candles, and flowers are all good ways to add color.
For a more austere look, go with a small number of objects all in the same shade.
Decorate the walls as well.
Wall hangings, paintings, or photographs add character to the room.
About the Author
Andrea Williams
Committed to making lifestyle accessible and understandable for everyone.
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