Every room needs furniture that is both functional, and aesthetically pleasing. While it might seem like a daunting task to furnish an entire house, weโve got you covered from top to bottom; bathroom to basement.
If youโre a new home-owner looking to furnish your entire house, youโre going to want to read this!
While some houses have breakfast nooks, walk-in closets, and powder rooms, we will just be covering the main rooms. Sometimes, not having the right furniture in a room can mean you just donโt end up using it. Like the chair that never gets sat on because you throw all your coats on it, an entire room can go to waste. We want to provide you with a complete guide, a proverbial coat rack, so that things can go in the right place, and serve their function well. Itโs like Marie-Kondo says, โLife truly begins after you have put your house in order.โ Furniture can really enliven a space, give it purpose, and allow people to enjoy it.
The size of your home will greatly determine the amount of furniture you need, and some have guest rooms and basements, while city-dwellers may be just using closets for storage. This comprehensive guide will give you an idea of all the basics, so you can get started on creating your dream home today!
So, letโs start at the beginning. When you first enter the house, you walk into the mud room.
The Mud Room
The entryway, mudroom, hallway or whatever you want to call it, is an essential room in the house. Itโs where everything coming and going gets placed, where a lot of clutter can accumulate, as well as a lot of dirt. So, there are some vital items that will help your mudroom be clean, usable, and a warm welcome to everyone who enters.
1.Coat Rack
The reality is, a really good coat rack can do it all. There are units you can buy that are multi-functional, including a shoe rack, bench, and coat rack. This is a great route if you are tight on space!
You can also install a rack on the wall, which requires having studs in the wall, and using anchors for your screws: Iโve had many experience of hanging racks getting ripped out of the wall because of the weight of the coats. It can, however, create a very elegant look, and keep the coats away from the dirt on the floor.
The other alternative is the classic standing coat rack, which is a simple, easy to install solution that can carry a lot of weight, and comes in many different materials and shapes โ have fun with it!
2. Shoe Mat
If you live in a part of the world where it never snows, the shoe mat can still be essential for just day-to-day dirt and mud. If, however, you live somewhere with snowfall, a shoe mat is even more important. Coming in from a chilly walk through snow covered streets can drag a lot of water and dirt into your home, and you want something thatโs going to catch it. There are a range of designs for this purpose:
First, a traditional wool, rubber-backed mat will do great for most weather conditions.
For the winter-warrior, however, a mat like this will prove invaluable. It traps the melting snow in the tray, allowing you to contain it and keep the rest of your home clean from the debris.
3. Shoe Rack
Depending on if youโre a shoe person or not, and this can be a defining issue, youโll want a rack that can handle your collection. They come in many different sizes, so all the shoe hoarders out there will be just fine.
4. Storage Bench
When youโre putting on your shoes to get out the door, a bench is exactly what you want. Most often, you can find one that doubles as a storage unit: hats, scarves, mittens, and any other small items can go in here.
Hallways
While you mostly want a hallway to be a space to get from one room to another, they can also be elevated with some thoughtful pieces, and become useful as well. A well placed side table can make a convenient place to store things, and the proper rug can make it feel cozy and inviting. Youโre also going to want lighting, as with every room.
1.Console/Side Table
A hallway can feel much more usable and beautiful with the right console. A plant, lighting, and some of your favourite books can set just the right tone, while additional space to put down keys, your phone, or a purse can also prove very functional.
2. Rug
Itโs funny, but most spaces just donโt look complete without a rug. There are rugs made especially for hallways, called โrunnersโ. They can brighten a space, and make the experience of walking through it comfortable. You can choose from different fabrics, and thickness.
3. Lamp
There are two main options for types of lamps: standing or table lamps. A standing lamp can be the perfect piece for a hallway, if you have the room. If not, placing one on your console can provide mood lighting, and save on space.
Kitchen
The kitchen is usually low on furniture, as appliances and cupboards take up most of the space. If, however, you have an island, youโre going to want stools. The kitchen can be a perfect place to gather people, either for a casual dinner with family, or when entertaining with cocktails.
1.Kitchen Stools
Stools are not always the most comfortable seating, but with a plush seat and the right height, they can be great! The stool at the island can be a casual easy way to share meals, or hang out while someone is cooking.
2. Kitchen Island
If, however, your kitchen does not come with a built-in island, fear not! There are many beautiful and functional standing islands you can buy, adding extra counter space to your kitchen as well as storage.
Bedroom
The bedroom is most likely where you spend most of your time, even if the majority of that time is spent sleeping. Finding the right mattress for you can be a lifelong search, but there are a multitude of new companies popping up that make it a lot easier, from Casper, to Endy. While in the Renaissance times, the bedroom was a room for entertaining guests, it is mostly private now. This means itโs entirely your room to decorate, and you can make it truly your own.
1. Bed Frame and Mattress
From four post bed frames, to minimalist Japanese tatamiโs, there is a bed frame for everyone. For those tight on space, you can even get a bed frame with storage underneath. There is also the matter of size, but that really is up to personal taste. I know some single people who canโt do without a king-sized bed, while many couples sleep in doubles.
2. Bedside Table
For some reason, there always seems to be a multitude of objects accumulating on my bedside table. Having storage beside the bed has proven invaluable. A small table with drawers can do the trick, giving you plenty of space for your books, jewelry, moisturizer, and maybe even your sleep mask.
3. Dressers and Armoires
Some people have large walk-in closets, voiding the need for an armoire, or a dresser. If, however, your closet is overflowing, or your closet is non-existent, these furniture pieces will be a real life-saver. Depending on how you like to store your clothing, a chest of drawers can be efficient, or an armoire can keep them wrinkle-free.
4. Lighting
Like every room, lighting is key. While bedside lamps can be a great way to light your nightly reading, wall sconces can also be a wonderful space-saving solution.
Living Room
The living room can be both inviting and comfortable, an ideal space to hang out, read a book, or listen to music. As William Morris, famous British textile and interiors designer says โHave nothing in your home that you donโt know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.โ. The living room, as a space of relaxation and communion, should definitely do both.
1.Couch
Having a comfortable couch can make all the difference. The word โcouchโ comes from the Latin verb โcollocareโ or from Old French couche, meaning โto put into place, to lay downโ. The couch is truly a place to rest and relax during the day, and even a great place to take naps! If you want to learn more about all the different kinds of couches, head to our article on 25 different styles of sofas.
2.Coffee Table
I love a coffee table with choice large hard cover books, that make for great skimming when you sit down on the couch. A coffee table can be a great way to display your collection of art books, a great spot for you afternoon coffee, or the perfect place to rest your weary feet.
3. Chairs
To have seating across from your couch, and create a warm intimate place for people to gather, comfortable chairs are a must. There are some pretty funky chair designs out there, but there are also simple, elegant, and inexpensive ones too.
4. Large Rug
The living room isnโt complete without a large rug. If you already have a carpeted floor, then this part isnโt for you. Otherwise, youโll want to decide what kind of rug best suits your room: are you going for a traditional afghan print, a simple mono-tone, or a contemporary geometric design? Are you going for wool, tufted wool, acrylic, or even cotton? The choice are seemingly endless, but getting the right match will pay off.
Dining Room
While many people are moving away from using a formalized dining room, it can still be an important and sacred space for sharing meals with loved ones. A traditional dining room would come with a chandelier, and the table would be covered with table cloths and silverware, but there are so many ways to modernize this space. From the type of furniture, to
1. Dining Table
I remember my mom always had a wooden, extendable dining table that had large wooden slats you could put in and remove as you pleased. We had a smaller table when it was just our family, and inserted the slats whenever we were having guests. Design features like this can make all the difference. A Dining table can be a great investment piece, a place where you create so many memories, which can even show up in the wood itself.
2. Chairs
Thereโs nothing worse than showing up to a restaurant, and settling in to a meal in the most uncomfortable chair youโve ever sat on. Donโt do this to your guests. Find a comfy dining chair that matches with your table, and everyone will enjoy their experience so much more!
3. Buffet
This tall, thin table that goes on the wall of a dining room can be a great place to store food while youโre eating, to keep the dining table more open. It can also be a great place to store wine bottles, cookbooks, and dining wares. And, in case you were wondering, it can be used to serve a buffet(which is how it got its name).
4. Chandelier
While the traditional chandelier is ornate, dripping with crystals and emitting warm refracted light, there are quiet a few modern takes on the style that can make your home feel laid back and yet maintain the special feeling of the room. And yes, you can still call it a chandelier!
Office
Since the start of COVID-19, so many people have switched their working lives to do most of their work from home. Setting up home offices hasnโt been easy, but it is so important. Youโre going to be spending 8 hours of the day there, so you might as well make it comfortable and enjoyable.
1.Desk
The desk you choose will be important, and a lot of people have made the switch to standing desks in order to keep the blood flowing while they work, and not be seated for 8 hours a day. I am partial to this move, but I know itโs not for everyone. In any case, you will want to get something that is ergonomic for you, and has enough storage/surface area to suit all your needs. Some people have stacks and stacks of paper building up, and need a large desk to accommodate, while for some everything is โin the cloudโ as they say, and a minimal desk will do the job just fine.
2. Desk Chair
I have to say, there are a lot of ugly desk chairs out there. However, some are just going for comfort, and that is definitely the number one priority. Sitting 8 hours at a desk can cause severe back pain, and having a chair that is suited to you, and provides enough support can really help with that. This one looks comfortable, and is well designed. Win win!
3. Filing Cabinets
Anyone who is paying taxes, and anyone who is a homeowner, is definitely going to want a filing cabinet. While traditionally, filing cabinets are pretty nondescript, if not altogether hideous, there are now plenty of options that are pleasing to the eye, and do the same important job.
Basement
While Iโm sure most people are not thinking about buying furniture for the basement, it can be an important part of the house for storage, and if itโs finished, can even be a mess room for the kids. Apart from toy houses and firetrucks, youโre going to want some storage solutions, and maybe
1.Storage Cabinet
This is the one part of the house where I would say aesthetics are certainly of less concern. Get something that is effective, made well and will stand the test of time.
2. Kid-friendly Furniture
Creating a cozy, fun, and virtually indestructible zone for the kids will take a lot of stress off your back. The basement can be a great place to allow them to wreak havoc, and use crayons on whatever they want. A table and chairs set like this one can be great for creating an arts and crafts zone!
You can choose how you want to lay out your home, and if there are pieces you donโt need, donโt buy them. Choose the pieces that are going to serve you, and make your home feel liveable.
At the end of the day, there are some essentials for every room in the house: good lighting, and depending on your style, a cozy rug. Rooms like the bathroom donโt really need any major furniture, and only call for face towels, and maybe some extra organizing bins. The rest of the rooms in the house, however, need furniture. So, whether youโre a first time home-owner, and looking to furnish your place from top to bottom, or youโre just looking to spruce up your home with some new pieces, hopefully, this guide helped you sort through your needs, and find the right pieces for you!
