Whether you’re looking to create a cosy corner or make a bolder statement, here’s how you can style this sofa to suit your aesthetic.

1. Create a cosy corner

Malvern 3 seat corner sofa | @terracetwentythree

To transform your Malvern sofa into the ultimate cosy zone, focus on layering textures. Begin with a soft, oversized throw draped over the armrest or back of the sofa. Choose cushions in a mix of fabrics — think velvet, wool, and faux fur to add depth and warmth. Consider adding a small side table or console table to hold your favourite book and a cup of tea. Position a floor lamp with a warm, ambient glow beside the sofa to create a snug, inviting space. The modular sofa design allows you to rearrange pieces to fit perfectly into any corner, making it an intimate retreat.

2. Make it modern

Malvern 2-seater sofa | Henley coffee table

The Malvern sofa is perfect for achieving a modern farmhouse look. Start by selecting the neutral-toned version of the sofa — think soft greys or beige. Pair it with wooden accents, such as a wooden coffee table or a rustic sideboard. Add cushions in natural fabrics like linen or cotton, and finish with a chunky knit throw blanket. Incorporate greenery, such as a potted fiddle leaf fig, to bring the outdoors inside. The key is blending rustic charm with modern comfort, to create a space that feels warm yet sophisticated.

3. Keep it classic

Malvern 4 seat corner sofa | @budgethomeinterior_

This sofa’s timeless design makes it easy to keep things classic. Stick to a soft, neutral colour scheme with beiges, creams, and greys. Complement the sofa with classic furniture like a tufted ottoman or a traditional coffee table.

Malvern 4 seat corner sofa | @inside.our.roost

Use soft, elegant fabrics such as silk, velvet, or linen for cushions and curtains. Add a few well-chosen accessories like a ceramic vase, a traditional mirror, and a subtle rug, to complete the look. This style is all about understated elegance and comfort.

4. Frame with colour

Malvern 4 seat corner sofa | @lifeatourabode

The neutral side of the Malvern sofa’s fabric choices provide the perfect canvas for experimenting with colour. Surround your sofa with bold artwork, vibrant cushions, or colour-drenched walls. Choose a colour palette that reflects your personality — whether it’s calming blues and greens or vibrant oranges and pinks. Incorporate accessories like vases, picture frames, and lampshades in complementary tones. This approach allows the sofa to remain the centrepiece while infusing the room with energy and character.

5. Embrace the dark side

Malvern 4 seat corner sofa | @laurahomeandlifestyle

For a statement style, consider selecting the Malvern sofa in rich, moody tones. Opt for the sofa in charcoal or brown fabric, and pair it with dark wood or painted living room furniture and lighter accessories to lift the look.

Malvern 5 seat corner sofa | @livingwithdom

A marble coffee table or a set of sleek, dark nest of tables can elevate the aesthetic. Add depth with opulent cushions and include statement lighting to enhance the ambience. This style exudes sophistication and is perfect for creating a stylish, modern living space.

6. Introduce pattern

Malvern 5 seater corner sofa | @ourwelshhomeuk

If you want to add a touch of personality to your living room, introducing patterns is a great way to do so. Start with patterned cushions or throws featuring designs such as florals, geometric shapes, or even animal prints that contrast with the sofa’s solid colour. A patterned rug beneath the sofa can also anchor the space and add visual interest. Consider wallpapering a feature wall behind the sofa with a bold print that ties the room together. When mixing patterns, stick to a consistent colour palette to avoid overwhelming the space, and let the Malvern sofa be the grounding element that ties it all together.

7. Add an armchair

Malvern swivel armchair | @daisygraceappleby

Enhance your seating arrangement by pairing the sofa with the Malvern swivel armchair. This curved style beautifully complements the sofa’s plump shape and adds additional seating options to the room.

Malvern armchair | @thedalleyedit

For a cohesive look, opt for the armchair in the same colour or a similar tone. If your sofa is neutral, a bold-coloured accent chair can become the room’s focal point. Place the armchair opposite the sofa to create a conversational layout, ideal for entertaining guests or relaxing with family.

By following these interior design tips, the Malvern sofa can be the centrepiece of any living room, no matter your design preferences. Share your sofa styling with us on Instagram and tag #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.

The post 7 ways to style your Malvern Sofa appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Whether you’re drawn to contemporary, Scandi and mid-century styles or more traditional, country cottage-inspired rooms, check out these decor tips to help you create a characterful space that reflects your taste and works for the way you like to live.

1. Seating to suit your space

Eloise sofa

As the centrepiece of any living room, getting the seating right is key to finding your comfort zone. Since It’s likely to be the big-ticket item in your scheme, it’s important to consider the practicalities first. Before you get started with colour choices (even though we know that’s the fun part!), you should think about the proportions of your room and the functionality of other pieces of furniture, as these factors may influence the scale of the sofa or armchairs you choose.

2. Fall for a loveseat

Evie loveseat | @siaanwilliams

If space is tight and you only have enough room for one sofa but want to team it with something bigger than a single armchair, consider a loveseat. A match made in design heaven, this generous chair works effortlessly in smaller sitting rooms without compromising on seating options.

3. Modular and corner sofas

Morgan sofa | @sceneathome

A favourite for families who are after flexibility, modular sofas allow you to easily change the configuration of your furniture. Each section is fully finished, so no matter how they are arranged, they always look great. Corner sofas are also ideal for making the most of awkward corners and maximising seating options.

4. Find the right fabric for you

Willoughby corner sofa | @new_mummy_jess

As well as choosing the right sofa and shape, factor in the right fabric too. It might seem obvious, but if you’ve got a young family or pets and you want to be relaxed about people putting their feet up, choose upholstery that can handle what life throws at it…literally in some cases!

5. Accent chairs

Montgomery chairs | @rachel_ducker

When matchy-matchy feels too much but all-out eclectic feels too chaotic, try mixing things up with an accent chair. Available in a range of styles and fabrics, including both plain and printed options, an accent chair is a great way to pair your sofa with a coordinating piece of furniture without making it identical.

6. Embracing pattern and print

Malvern sofa | @our_home2023_

Some homes make a riot of pattern look effortless, going bolder on the walls, floors and sofas, but many of us prefer a more balanced approach. If you’re on the fence when it comes to making a statement with your scheme, a subtle way to introduce a pop of print is through your soft furnishings and accessories. Adding a cushion here or a print there is an easy (and affordable) way to update your decor, especially if your love of leopard or your passion for polka dots changes.

7. A sitting room that reflects the seasons

Malvern sofa | @thelarchhome_10

Soft furnishings aren’t just a cost-effective way to experiment and get your fix of colour and pattern, you can also use rugs, throws and scatter cushions to sync your sitting room with the seasons. When autumn arrives, get cosy by layering on chunky blankets, tactile velvets, and cosy knits in warm, comforting shades. As the weather gets lighter and brighter outside again, reflect that inside by refreshing your room with lighter linens, cottons and cooler colours that celebrate Spring/Summer.

8. Zoning open plan areas

Iver armchair | Maine side table

While more and more of us are embracing open-plan living, kitchen-diner-living rooms can still benefit from a bit of zoning. A versatile piece of furniture can help connect the different functions of these adjoining spaces and give the area a more cohesive feel.

9. Storage footstools

Montgomery sofa | Montgomery footstool | @ackworthhousejc

The best storage pieces are the multi-taskers, which is why our clever footstools are always such a hit. Not just a place to put your feet or an extra seat for when you’re entertaining, top with a decorative tray and it doubles up as an excellent coffee table.

10. Creating continuity

Eton sofa | Durham nest of tables

When styling your living room, consider whether there are any themes in your scheme you can emphasise, such as common colours or shapes. For example, the Scandi silhouettes and mid-century design details in the Eton sofa range pair perfectly with the Durham collection.

11. Using wood to warm up neutrals

Parquet chest of drawers | @709_design

Combine different textures to create a modern and aesthetically pleasing living space. Our Parquet chest of drawers adds warmth and personality to this space, perfectly complementing the neutral wall tones and natural accessories.

12. Dramatic hues

Richmond TV unit | Richmond coffee table | Richmond nest of tables | Koko rug

Saturated shades and deep-sea blues are having a moment, and we’re all for diving in. If you fancy dialling up the contrast in your sitting room, the cabinetry in our Richmond collection combines inky painted bases with smoked oak tops for a dramatic yet refined look.

13. Coffee tables

Newton coffee table | @livingwith_sienna

You might use it for more than just coffee, but a low slung table in your living room is the ideal spot to pop a glass of your favourite tipple and adds a cosy, intimate feel. There are many options out there, but we’re fans of designs that incorporate two levels — a generous top for styling with a chunky coffee table book, a candle, and a few artfully placed ornaments, while the lower shelf or drawers can be for the more practical items like remote controls or newspapers.

14. Table nests

Detroit nest of tables | @clean_and_cosy_home

Another functional furniture item to consider is a nest of tables. They are a versatile addition to any room, ideal at the end of a sofa as a table lamp stand or in the centre of the room as a coffee table alternative. Depending on the style of the design, the tables tuck handily underneath each other when not in use, making them a great choice for more compact living spaces.

15. House your tech

Durham TV unit | Cruz rug

We might spend hours staring at them, but TVs and their accompanying tech aren’t the prettiest of things. Hide your digital boxes and unsightly cables with a specially designed TV unit. Available in a range of different styles, this one from our Durham collection has a sturdy yet sleek silhouette, providing a fuss-free backdrop to your viewing.

16. A nook for your favourite books

Parquet bookcase | @black_cat_terrace

A bookcase is a must-have for your living room. Use it to create a stylish backdrop for personalised vignettes of your favourite things, alongside your books.

17. Look at your lighting

Hamilton table lamp | @maison_gazelle_

Lighting is a brilliant way to add atmospheric touches to your living room. You might have downlights in your ceiling, but overhead glare can kill the mood if you’re after a cosy feel. Table and floor lamps soften and layer the light, so strategically place them to highlight certain features. Here, our Hamilton lamp mirrors the same neutral shades as this earthy, cottage-inspired living space.

18. Nurture nature

Parquet TV unit | @keepingkielder

Styling tips wouldn’t be complete without referencing some form of greenery. Now a staple in any stylish interiors scheme, plants have the power to breathe life into even the blandest spaces. Moving beyond a simple pot, there are so many ways to introduce a touch of botany into your home —from giant monsteras to soil-free air plants that forgive even the most neglectful owners. Choosing the right foliage will enhance your sitting room and reconnect you with nature.

How do you style your living room? Share your results with us over on Instagram and tag us #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome. For more ideas and inspiration, explore our living room furniture online now.

The post 18 ways to style your living room appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Banish the cold

Romsey large sideboard | @herandhers_

In the summer, our home is filled with natural light that adds brightness and warmth, complementing homes painted in cool colours, or bright whites. However, in winter months as the light changes, the lack of natural light can change these colours, making your space feel cold and gloomy. To help banish that chilly feeling, incorporate brighter and warmer tones that can help to combat the starkness, such as peach or rose pink.

If you prefer a dark colour scheme, then make sure to incorporate some pattern or texture. A dark room with no texture can make any room seem cold and dull, and this is only worse during the winter months. Adding in thick weave fabrics, velvet textures and pops of colour or pattern in a rug or feature wall can instantly brighten up the space.

On the bright side

Original Rustic coffee table | @walcot_home

For darker homes that feel even darker during the winter, there are some simple ways to brighten things up. Decluttering is a great way to tidy up and make your house feel lighter and brighter. Arrange items that you particularly love on shelves to create a tidier display that doesn’t make the house feel dim and dark.

Another great idea for dark houses is to avoid over-covering the windows. Heavy curtains can block out lots of light, even when they’re open so choose a slightly longer curtain pole so you have the option to avoid obstructing the window. You could also switch to blinds or more lightweight curtains to let more light in and brighten up the house. You should also avoid placing anything in front of the windows that may block light, such as furniture, or bushes or trees on the outside.

Reflective surfaces add warmth and light, so introducing these into your house is key. Do this in subtle ways, for example, with mirrors, mirrored photo frames or lamp bases, or even reflective fittings on kitchen or bathroom cupboards. But don’t overdo it! Too many mirrored surfaces can feel cold and clinical, so make sure to balance this out with warm toned and soft textured accessories.

Let there be light

Parquet bedside table | @atnumberfourteen_

When it comes to brightening up your home over the dark winter months, adding extra sources of light can be a quick and easy solution.

Don’t simply rely on harsher, overhead lighting. While this may be ideal for daytime working or studying, you’ll want to add lighting at different layers for different rooms and activities.

When it comes to the kitchen or bathrooms, you’ll want task lighting. Opt for LED strips beneath upper kitchen cabinets or around a bathroom mirror for perfect lighting without harsh bright light.

For living room and bedroom areas, however, you’ll want to opt for cosier lighting such as wall lights, lamps, and candles. Layer your lighting with lamps at differing heights and levels, and cater it to your room. Pop a tall floor lamp in the corner of your living or bedroom to create a cosy reading nook, and place table lamps at the side of your sofa or bed for warmer evening light.

Choose warmer lights

When choosing your lighting, you’ll want to offset colder, bluer tones as much as possible to create a warm, bright and inviting atmosphere. Opt for lampshades that help to diffuse light, and swap out any cool white bulbs that provide light like those often used in fluorescent tubes.

Lighting tips from the experts

If you’re not familiar with light bulbs beyond your normal choice of an incandescent bulb, there are so many options nowadays that it can be tricky to find exactly what you’re looking for. To help you out, we teamed up with experts The Lightbulb Company to give you a quick and easy guide to choosing the right light bulbs for your space. Here are a couple of things to look out for:

1. Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT)

CCT is a scale that ranges from cool or blue light like sunlight, to warm like candle light. It indicates what shade of white the light bulb will be. Check the packaging of your bulbs to find the CCT rating. While colour temperature names differ from brand to brand, the actual number is often more helpful than relying on the descriptor alone.

2. Lumens

Lumens indicate the brightness level of a light bulb. The level of brightness you need depends on the room you’ll place it in and the type of tasks you will be performing under them:

800 lumens or higher for reading and other focus-intensive tasks
400 lumens for general lighting
100-200 lumens is perfect for entertaining

If you’d like to maintain some flexibility with your lighting, The Lightbulb Company recommends getting a brighter bulb that is dimmable or comes with three-step dimming built in, so that you can have a range of brightness levels even in lamps without dimming capabilities.

3. Colour Rendering Index (CRI)

CRI rating indicates how accurately a light bulb renders colours on a scale from 0 (very poorly) to 100 (as accurately as daylight). Look out for light bulbs with a CRI rating of at least 80.

This may not seem overly important if you’re not colour matching shades for a design project, but it can make a big difference to light quality – something that’s important when displaying artwork – and makes it easier to do things like reading.

Now that you know what to look for when choosing your bulbs, you can change your lighting to match the mood and feel you’re trying to create in your home.

You should now be ready to brighten up your home and if you need more inspiration, find plenty more winter-themed posts on our blog. And, make sure to tag us on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland to show us how you style your pieces!

The post How to brighten up your home this winter appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

What colours go with a brown leather sofa?

If you’re looking for the best colours to pair with a brown leather sofa, then you’ll want to opt for an earth tone colour palette. Brown has a reputation for being a dull, monochromatic colour, but we couldn’t disagree more! There’s such a rich selection of brown shades: tan, honey, chocolate, the list goes on.

Here are the brown leather sofa colour schemes we’re loving at the moment:

• Beckon in the sunshine with sand-inspired whites and yellows
• Go for the urban feel with modern blacks and off-whites
• Add feeling with textural browns, think exposed brick and natural or rustic oak furniture
• Soak up earthy terracotta and/or deep fuchsia to add an understated warmth

Need a bit more inspiration? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at our brown leather sofa guide.

Turin armchair | Romsey console table

If you love earthy hues and Mediterranean-inspired shades, we think you’ll love our Turin sofa range. The round shape of the cushions and armrests beckon relaxation, while the brown leather complements warm colour palettes, demonstrating just how vibrant a sofa of its kind can be in the right living room.

Dexter 2-seater sofa | Dexter storage footstool | Original Rustic console table

If maybe you’d love a brown sofa but leather isn’t your thing, then these shades will also pair well with a fabric version. Take inspiration from our Dexter range of sofas that exhibit traditional design features, which makes any of these pieces perfect for classic living room interiors – think modern manor house with layers of neutral blues and greys. As brown is such a touchstone of colour when it comes to room design, with Dexter, the devil is in the details such as the button stitching, tartan accenting and ornate, hardwood feet.

What colours go with a grey sofa?

Want to know the best colours to pair with a grey sofa? Then you’re in luck! We struggled to find any colours that don’t go with a grey sofa. That’s because grey living room colour schemes are oh-so on-trend thanks to their versatility and elegance.

But here are the ones that make our favourites list:

• Prettify your interiors with pastels such as lilacs, baby blues, soft pinks
• Citric colours, like lime, tangerine, lemon, will add a zest of life
• Blacks and off-whites carry on the neutral theme
• Get inspired by natural eco-systems, like the jungle or seaside

Texas left-hand corner sofa

The silver fabric upholstery of our Texas sofas has an ever-so-slight violet tinge which gives it a super soft edge. Our painted furniture ranges would be ideal with a Texas sofa, as would modern-retro style collections like Romsey with its sunny natural oak disposition.

Zodiac 5-seater modular corner sofa

On the other hand, slate grey is having its time in the spotlight, so you may be tempted by the contemporary cool of our modular Zodiac sofas. Ideal for large living rooms with loads of natural light, pair with jewel tones like jade or opal to inject some rich pops of colour that will complement the sleek upholstery.

Bramble 2-seater sofa

See, we told you grey was versatile! Make a loud and proud statement with a printed grey fabric, like you’ll find here in our Bramble sofa. As we value the individuality of every home, Bramble comes in a variety of plain and patterned body fabrics as well as 10 different colour combinations. Patterned greys are a really great option for a neutral living room that doesn’t want to stick to monochromatic or grayscale shades.

What colours go with a black sofa?

If you’re opting for a black sofa in your living room colour scheme, much like with dark grey, we would recommend black is paired with either light colours across the walls and floors, or with lots of natural lighting so your room feels less shadowy (unless the gothic look is what you’re striving for!).

There are a few palette options available to help bring out the best in a black sofa:

• Block-like monochrome, especially when it’s art deco-inspired
• Keep it understated and add soft tones like ivory, pastel blue or light matte grey
• Add splashes of amber and daring reds for a bold contrast
• Choosing gold/ metallic accenting or mustard hues will add warmth
• Adding inky navy tones will create an eclectic feel

What colours go with a blue sofa?

Blue is the statement, characterful colour choice. Whether you’re opting for a cooling powder blue, blue and white stripes or an electric pop of velvet blue, this colour will always make an impact. But it’s how you style it that will determine how bold you want your statement to be.

Whether you go for luxurious blue walls and floors, or white and wood to soften your blue sofa, there are lots of different design schemes that makes a blue sofa a winning choice, some you might be surprised at:

• Seaglass shades to add an element of serenity and interest
• Burnt orange feels like an opposing colour, but it’s actually a show-stopping combo!
• Retro beach colours (think whites, reds and sandy yellows) are a friendly, welcoming interior scheme
• Metallic hues, particularly silver, copper or brass, add edge and depth

Montgomery 2-seater sofa and armchair | @rachelducker

If opulence tickles your fancy, you’ll be sure to fall in love with the sumptuous style, shape and touch of our Montgomery sofa range. Designed to pay homage to the iconic Chesterfield style, the velvet upholstery is a contemporary twisteffect that makes room for Montgomery in the modern living room.

What colours go with a beige sofa?

Your living room doesn’t always have to be bold to be beautiful, nor does beige need to be boring. A neutral beige sofa fabric can span the shades of taupe, grey and cream and is truly chameleonic when it comes to home design, but remains attractive without shouting look at me!

Here are some beige sofa colour scheme ideas:

• Cottagecore, florals, forest greens, natural and rustic oak, is one of the biggest interior design trends at the moment
• Scandi neutrals are a cool, contemporary look
• Incorporating stone adds contrast
• Prints and patterns such as peacock or polka dots allow you to express your personality

Malvern modular 2-seater sofa

Our Malvern modular sofa range is effortless, it’s lovely and laid-back thanks to its trendy shape and boho-inspired upholstery. With a crisp sofa like Malvern, you can tactfully embrace splashes of colour while maintaining a truly palliative tranquil ambience that will never go out of style.

Can you mix sofa colors?

We certainly advocate mixing sofa colours because sofas are a long-term investment. If you love shaking up your home style, your sofa needs to be flexible and versatile as you swap out new prints, pillows and throws each season. Mixing and matching sofas with accent chairs and armchairs is also a fantastic way to express yourself and your eclectic tastes. Shop our full range of sofas online today.sofa

The post How to choose the right colours to pair with your sofa appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

From redesigning your home, to simply adding a piece of furniture to your living room, these are all the resources you need to size up your home.

Your dining room measurement guide

The dining room is the centre of so many home activities, whether it’s family time or an area to host guests. In our dining room measurement guide, we’ve drawn together a list of considerations when it comes to measuring up your dining room for style and purpose.

Here you’ll find how to:

Measure your dining room
Choose the right size dining table
Measure your dining room chairs
Measure your dining room for accessories
Ensure your dining furniture will fit through your room’s entrance ways

Your living room measurement guide

Finding the perfect arrangement for your living room furniture can be a real challenge. Do you have enough space for that beautiful accent chair? What kind of coffee table should you get? To avoid a living room configurement faux pas, take a look at the lliving room measurement guide, and perfect your arrangement.

Learn:

How to measure your living room
To choose the right size coffee table, and where to put it
To choose the right size sofa, and where it should be placed
Where to put your armchair
To choose the right size TV stand and where it should go
To get your furniture into the living room smoothly

Your bedroom measurement guide

Over the years, the bedroom’s role has shifted. For some, it’s not simply the place to sleep and get dressed, but also their home office, makeup station, their workout space, and where they lounge to watch tv. With this in mind, it’s become more important than ever to ensure that your bedroom furniture is mapped out so that designated areas don’t overlap and clutter your bedroom. Discover how you can maintain the peace and tranquility of your bedroom with the bedroom measurement guide.

Find out:

The best place to put your bed
How to arrange your bedside tables
Where your wardrobe should go
How to measure up additional storage pieces
Where to place your dressing table or desk
How to measure your room’s entrance ways for swift furniture delivery

Your hallway measurement guide

The hallway is often the first thing that you and your guests see when they walk through the front door. Yet the hallway is perhaps the most forgotten room of the home when it comes to design. Rather than making a great first impression, many make the mistake of over cluttering their hallways with furniture, or alternatively leave it sparse and unwelcoming.

In our hallway measurement guide, we’ve compiled the best tips and tricks on how to measure your hallway and arrange your furniture, so that you can really let your hallway shine. Discover:

How to measure your hallway
How to use narrow storage features
How to maximise space under your stairs
Ways to light up your entrance space
How to create the illusion of space with mirrors
Which colours will work best in your hallway
How to declutter your hallway with minimalism

These resources should help you map out your home and find the best arrangement for you and your space. If you’re interested in new furniture additions for any room of your home, take a look at our ranges here.

And make sure to tag us in any new arrangement transformations with #OakFurnitureland on Instagram! We love to see how you use our furniture in your homes.

The post How to measure your home appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Living room measurements and shape

Brighton corner sofa | @lockdown_lifestyle

Before you start buying furniture and arranging your living room it’s important to first measure the dimensions of your room and, if possible, draw a to-scale map of your living room shape. If your living room is a particularly awkward shape you might also consider using tape to map out furniture placement on the floor so you can get a more clear depiction of how furniture might fit into that space.

You can then review how any existing furniture, and furniture that you’re planning on buying, will best fit into your living room using this guide.

How to choose the right size coffee table

Burleigh coffee table | Burleigh console table | Bramble sofa

When choosing a coffee table it is important to think about it’s dimensions in relation to your sofa. For functionality as well as style ensure that your coffee table is no less than 5cm shorter than the seats of your sofa so that you aren’t leaning down to place drinks or eat nibbles from the table. Your coffee table should also be no more than 5cm taller than the seats of the sofa. This helps ensure nothing obstructs the view of the TV and that the room doesn’t feel cramped or disproportionate.

You’ll want your coffee table to be a half to two-thirds of the length of your sofa (if you have an L-shaped sofa then this should be a half to two-thirds the size of the longest seat). This gives the room a more balanced feel and should allow for everyone on the sofa to be able to make use of the coffee table.

Where to position your coffee table

When deciding where to place your coffee table you’ll want to allow between 35-45cm between the table and your sofa. This leaves you with enough distance for leg room but is close enough to be able to set down your drink easily or put your feet up (if that’s allowed in your house). In relation to the TV, your coffee table should be between 60 to 75cm away.

How to choose your sofa size

The sofa is one of the main focal points to any living room, so what sofa you choose and where you choose to place it will help to shape the rest of your living room. You’ll want it to be big enough to seat the whole family but not too big that it makes the space feel cramped. Make sure to refer to your living room measurements before you decide on your sofa size and shape, as getting this wrong can lead to your living room looking awkward or cramped. Make sure your sofa doesn’t stretch the length of a whole wall, and leave at least 45cm of space either side of the sofa before the next wall (this space can be occupied by a little table or lamp).

Where you should put your sofa in the living room

Malvern sofa | @thelarchhome_10

The direction you face your sofa is important as it will emphasise whatever you’re pointing it at. Whether it is your TV, a fireplace or another sofa it will draw your guests attention to this point, so choose wisely.

To allow yourself and guests to walk through your living room with ease you need to leave at least 75 cm between your sofa and any walls or doorways or other large pieces of furniture (of course if you are positioning your sofa against a wall this isn’t relevant). The main walking space for entering and exiting the living room should ideally be around the perimeter of the room and not straight through it.

If you’re buying a sofa bed don’t forget to take the measurement of the extended bed, make sure it has enough space to extend comfortably before the next piece of furniture or wall (in most circumstances you’ll need to remove the coffee table to extend the bed).

Where to put your armchair

Choosing a combination of sofa and armchair is a great way to add personality to your living room, especially if you’re choosing a statement piece or something in a different colour or design. To keep the living room looking open and spacious, and allow room for movement, place your armchairs at least a 40cm distance away from the sofa and coffee table. Your armchairs can be different designs and shape to your sofa to give the room a bit of character and depth, but we’d recommend the seat of the armchair isn’t more than 10-15cm higher than the seat of your sofa (and vice versa) so that when guests are sitting down there isn’t too much of a range in height as this can feel uncomfortable.

As with sofa beds, if you have any reclining armchairs you might want to position them angled slightly away from the coffee table so that when fully reclined there is still space between the chair and the coffee table. You’ll also need to leave enough space behind the chair so that it can fully recline backwards without hitting the wall or another piece of furniture,

What size TV stand you need and where to place it

Parquet TV stand | @keepingkielder

When choosing your TV stand for your living room be sure to start by measuring the size of your TV. You’ll want your stand to be at least that width, or ideally a few inches wider, otherwise it will look top heavy and unbalanced. Large TVs also often have legs which stick out in front and behind to stabilise it from falling over forwards or backwards. Make sure you choose a stand that is deep enough to accommodate these legs.

If you plan to place plants, books or anything else on the stand next to the TV don’t forget to allow for that extra space. (Remember, when you buy a TV, the size that’s given is usually the diagonal length, whereas here we are talking about width so make sure you know that measurement).

As a general rule, the middle of your TV screen should be positioned at, or just below the eye level of you and your guests. So that everyone can see the television and watch safely, your TV should be at least 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen measurement away from the sofa. For example if you have a 50” TV you should place it a minimum of 75-125 inches (1.9m-3.2 m) away.

Getting furniture into the living room

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you need to make sure you can actually fit the piece of furniture you’re buying into your living room.

Make sure you note down all of the following:

The size of the actual sofa. Measure the width, height and depth of your sofa and write these down. It’s also worth noting that if your sofa is going to arrive in a box you’ll need these measurements too.

The measurements of any stairs or doorways that you’ll need to move your sofa through to get to the living room. If you can’t open any doorway the whole way due to partial obstruction you’ll need to measure the narrowest point between door and door frame.

Any tight corners you’ll need to navigate your sofa through. Measure all hallways and corners at their narrowest point. The height of your sofa will need to be smaller than the width of these spaces to get through.

Consider if you need to use a lift. As long as the diagonal height of the inside of your lift is bigger than the height, width and depth of your sofa you should be able to fit it in fine.

Hopefully this guide will help you when planning your living room furniture and layout. At Oak Furnitureland we have sofas of all shapes and sizes to fit whatever your living room needs might be.

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One month before

1. Choose, and decorate your tree

Gainsborough sofa | @gemmanicoleathome

Choosing the perfect tree and decorating is surely everyone’s favourite Christmas task. If you need some help with deciding which type of tree to go for, read our blog post on how to choose your Christmas tree, which is full of advice on the different types of trees. It’s a good idea to get your decorations out a few days before putting the tree up so you can see if any lights or baubles need replacing or whether you need to invest in a few more.

2. Work out your logistics

Shay bed | Shay bedside table | @greigehardinteriors_

Whether it’s for Christmas Day itself or the days and weeks in the run-up, now’s the time to agree on your schedule and organise any logistics. If long distance travel is a factor, you need to look into this as soon as possible and be mindful of contingencies for unexpected weather, school plays, parties or other disruptions. Confirm, and reconfirm where everybody needs to be – and when.

This is also a good time to start thinking about your guests. Has everyone RSVPd and are there any special circumstances that need looking into. Do you have the right furniture and bedding? Are there any issues with parking? The sooner you know, the more time you have to prepare.

3. Write your letters

 Unsplash | Annie Spratt

While managing busy lives we often see Christmas communications as an extra hassle – but devoting some time to this festive task can turn it into one of the most rewarding and communal aspects of the season of goodwill. Kids love writing their annual letters to Santa and you can enjoy writing cards and emails to both close friends and those you rarely contact but would love to hear from you. If you have time you could even craft the cards yourself or with your children as a lovely activity to share as a family.

4. Plan your Christmas menu and start batch freezing

Parquet dining table | @thelightshesees

Whether this is the year you decide to try something a little different or you simply want to perfect last year’s feast, make that list and check it twice! Don’t forget to ask your guests about any dietary requirements or preferences and dislikes so you know everyone will be catered for.

Be sure to choose a menu that you can prepare a few days in advance. You don’t want to spend the whole day away from your guests, plus it’s fun to do the peeling and chopping as a family on Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to research some tasty leftover dishes to make after Christmas Day, should there be any, that is! It’s also a good time to make some gingerbread, mince pies and un-iced biscuits that will keep in the freezer if well wrapped.

Two weeks before

5. Prepare your home for guests

Parquet bed | @lattes_with_lou

Bed count? Check. Plenty of bedding and towels? Check. If you need extra seating, consider borrowing or investing in some benches or nests of tables, or opt for a sofa bed. Make sure there’s plenty of spare toiletries, blankets, pillows and extra lighting for spare rooms.

When it comes to Christmas treats, more is always best. Why not mix up the traditional drinks and nibbles that you’ll know they love with some new, unexpected delicacies? The worst that can happen is that they’ll want to head back to the old favourites – and as you’re very prepared, you’ll have an abundance of those anyway!

6. Start your wrapping

Unsplash | Erica Marsland Huynh

As with writing cards, put some time aside for present wrapping. Have a drink and treats to hand and this will become another festive highlight. As the big day nears, have a full-time wrapping station set up in a cosy corner. This may stop the clear tape going missing and minimise mess!

7. Prepare entertainment for the little ones

Evgeny Atamanenko | Shutterstock.com

There are so many options for kids’ entertainment at Christmas. As long as you consider the ages of the kids, create options for even the most unexpected weather conditions and don’t assume everyone is going to get along the whole time, then you should be fine. Ask the kids in advance what they would like to do, rather than assuming. Encourage them to make up games alongside the old favourites. Be prepared for some downtime by flagging a few appropriate film releases on your streaming service.

8. Add the cosy touches

St. Ives TV unit | @thedaviesnest

Cosy throws, flickering scented candles, string lights glinting around the window, mistletoe hung in the doorway and of course snacks… need we say more?

A few days before

9. Do your final checks

St. Ives nest of tables

Have all the presents been wrapped? The food ready and waiting? Have you got all of the ingredients for your family’s recipe for mulled wine?

This is the time to go through all the prep and shopping lists that you have been working through in previous weeks and double check that nothing has been missed.

10. Set the table

Rushmere dining set | @from_the_dufayes

This is something kids often enjoy helping with and is a really nice thing to have done and dusted before the big day itself. It also means you and your family get to enjoy it in its full glory and make any last-minute adjustments.

11. Put the presents under the tree

St. Ives dining set | St. Ives dresser | @mrs_roobottom_home

If you have a nosy spouse or a curious child, you might want to leave this task until the very last minute. After all, you’ll want to keep your gifts a secret until Father Christmas arrives.

If this isn’t an issue then there is no reason why you can’t put the presents out early and admire all your handy work. So, there you have it. The ultimate Christmas checklist. We hope you have a very merry festive season and make sure to tag us on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland.

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