Styling your sofa is easy with a few simple tricks. By choosing the right combination of cushions, textures, and thoughtful colour choices, you can transform it from plain to Pinterest-worthy. This guide takes you step by step through the art of sofa styling, with helpful tips for every kind of setup, from compact two-seaters to sprawling corner sofas and versatile sofa beds.

The power of a cushion: Small details, big style

Eloise sofa

The easiest way to begin styling your sofa is by setting a solid foundation. If you’re going for a symmetrical look, try placing two larger cushions at either end. These should either complement the colour of your sofa or gently contrast with it, think navy on grey, or a soft blush against cream. This creates a sense of balance without looking overly styled.

Dewsbury sofa | @mrs_roobottom_home

From there, it’s time to bring in some personality. Layer in cushions with subtle patterns or textured fabrics such as a woven knit, plush velvet, or even bouclé if you’re feeling bold. These smaller cushions sit neatly in front of your base ones and give your sofa a curated, layered look.

Pattern play and standout shapes

Montgomery sofa | @ohmyedwardian

Pattern mixing doesn’t have to be intimidating. A simple rule of thumb is to vary the scale by pairing one bold print with a mid-sized pattern and something small or subtle. Keeping the colour scheme consistent will help the mix feel cohesive rather than chaotic. For more pattern clashing tips, check out our Q&A with interior influencer, Tamzin McGillen.

Evie sofa | @barn_owls_and_butterflies

If your current collection feels a little too boxy, shake things up with a cushion in a different shape. A lumbar cushion or a circular design in the centre draws the eye and breaks the monotony. This can act as your statement piece, something playful or striking that adds real character to your sofa.

When asymmetry works best

Montgomery sofa | @rachelducker

While symmetry is timeless, there’s something wonderfully relaxed about an asymmetrical arrangement. A group of three cushions in varying textures and tones can often look more inviting than a stiff, mirrored lineup. The trick here is to stick with odd numbers and make sure there’s a visual rhythm, a velvet cushion next to a woven fabric one, a plain style beside a subtle stripe, and so on.

Morgan sofa | @51stinthemanor

If you’re feeling adventurous, introduce one cushion that completely contrasts with the rest, maybe a pop of mustard on a muted grey sofa or a bold geometric print among soft neutrals. This adds a little surprise and makes your styling feel fun and creative.

Styling by sofa type

2 seater sofas

Eton sofa | @archie1971

Smaller sofas don’t need to compromise on style. With limited space, less is more. Two cushions and a soft throw can do wonders, just choose complementary tones and fabrics that suit how you use the sofa. If you have pets or little ones, durable textures and darker shades are your best friends, especially if they’re machine-washable.

Corner sofas

Malvern charcoal sofa | @laurahomeandlifestyle

L-shaped and modular sofas give you space to be a bit more playful. Start by adding a couple of large cushions to the outer edges, then work inwards with smaller ones in contrasting textures or subtle patterns. Drape a throw casually over the corner seat to soften angles and add a layer of warmth. Want more ideas? Our complete guide to corner sofa layouts has plenty of styling inspiration.

Sofa beds

Eastley sofa bed

Sofa beds call for a clever blend of style and practicality. Opt for throws and cushions that can double up as bedtime essentials. A blanket box nearby makes for stylish storage, while textured cushion covers can cleverly disguise pillows until they’re ready to be used. It’s all about making your space work beautifully for both day and night.

Colour combos that just work

Malvern corner sofa | @inside.our.roost

Pairing the right colours can elevate your entire sofa setup. A grey sofa, for example, looks effortlessly chic with mustard and navy accents, while earthy olive and rust tones bring warmth to a neutral beige. If your style leans to more luxury, try blush pink and gold with a navy sofa, or soften charcoal with cream and sage. Playing with colour is one of the easiest ways to reflect the mood you want in your space.

Common styling mistakes to avoid

It’s easy to get carried away when styling your sofa but restraint can be your best design tool. Avoid piling on too many cushions, especially if they’re all the same size. This tends to look cluttered and flat. Instead, aim for variety, not just in size, but in texture and tone too.

Matching everything too perfectly can also backfire. Instead, let your cushions and throws echo different parts of the room like a shade from your curtains here, a texture from your rug there. This helps your sofa feel connected to the rest of the space, not isolated in it.

Be sure to check out our full range of sofas to help you create a gorgeous living room set up. Many of them come with matching and contrasting cushions which make styling super easy.

Finished your sofa makeover? We’d love to see it! Share your look with us on Instagram or TikTok by tagging #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome. Your space might just be featured in our next styling roundup.

The post How to style your sofa appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

With so many talented influencers showcasing stunning interiors, it can be overwhelming to decide who to follow. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the top 14 Instagram accounts to follow in 2025 for the best interior inspiration. Each of these influencers brings their own unique perspective to interior design, from contemporary chic to rustic charm. Whether you’re planning a full home makeover or simply looking to update your space, these content creators will provide endless inspiration so let’s dive in!

1. @layered.home

Bloomsbury bed | @layered.home

Lily Sawyer’s account is a visual delight, seamlessly blending classic elegance with bold, modern twists, such as whimsical wallpaper. Expect soft textures, layered fabrics, plenty of patterns, and warm palettes that evoke cosiness in your home. The addition of the Bloomsbury Bed brings a sophisticated charm to her woodland bedroom.

2. @mrs_roobottom_home

Dewsbury sofa | @mrs_roobottom_home

Samantha Roobottom’s style is all about quiet luxury. Her feed is filled with family-friendly spaces that don’t compromise on style – a must-follow for those seeking beautiful yet functional ideas. Take her elegantly understated living room, featuring the Dewsbury Sofa, as the perfect example of how to balance comfort and sophistication.

3. @at_my_surrey_chalet

Durham dining set | @at_my_surrey_chalet

Dot’s Instagram is the epitome of rustic-meets-modern design. Her dining room, showcasing the wonderfully compact Durham Dining Set, is where subtle farmhouse charm and contemporary design come together effortlessly. Her account is perfect for anyone who loves cosy interiors with a touch of the outdoors.

4. @bygemmaellis

Durham sideboard | @bygemmaellis

Gemma Ellis is the queen of cute yet considered spaces with personality. Her use of the Durham Sideboard shows how to combine clever storage solutions with plenty of character. Follow her for expert tips on decluttering without compromising on a homely feel.

5. @alicerosehome

Isla chairs | @alicerosehome

Alice Rose Buttery’s approach focuses on adding character to new builds. Her feed is bursting with creative ideas to bring life to minimalist spaces, such as these dark wooden Isla Chairs, which inject a pop of personality into her neutral dining area.

6. @therowe

Noah wardrobe | @therowe

Katie Rowe’s intriguing aesthetic shines through every post. Her account is a haven for lovers of serene and sophisticated interiors with a colourful twist. This bedroom features the Noah Triple Wardrobe, a piece that seamlessly combines functionality with timeless elegance, beautifully complemented by her boldly painted ceiling and checkerboard floor.

7. @littlehouseinlondon

Newton desk | @littlehouseinlondon

Living in the heart of London, Amy Davies shows how small spaces can be full of interest. Her Newton Desk is an inspiring focal point in her dynamic bedroom, proving that practicality and style can go hand in hand. Follow her for clever space-saving tips and cosy corners.

8. @no14hectorshouse

Newton chest of drawers | @no14hectorshouse

Jade Watkins has a flair for vintage-inspired interiors with a modern twist, making her feed a go-to source for ideas on introducing different styles and eras. Her Newton Chest of Drawers perfectly complements her chic bedroom, effortlessly combining both style and storage.

9. @littleedwardian

Oliver sideboard | @littleedwardian

Reece Smith’s Edwardian home is a masterpiece of traditional design elevated with contemporary details. His Oliver Large Sideboard serves as a striking statement piece that adds both form and function to his eclectic dining room. Follow Reece for refined interiors with a touch of grandeur.

10. @laura.elizabeth_

Parquet TV unit | @laura.elizabeth_

Laura Elizabeth’s home radiates warmth and everyday functionality. Her account offers practical and stylish solutions for family homes. You’ll notice the Parquet Large TV Unit in her living room creates a unique centrepiece that doesn’t dominate but rather, ties her space together beautifully.

11. @barn_owls_and_butterflies

St Ives larder | @barn_owls_and_butterflies

Lisa Duncan’s country-inspired style is a dream for those who adore rustic charm. Her kitchen features the St Ives Larder, a wonderfully practical piece, perfect for keeping pantry essentials beautifully organised, and bringing a farmhouse feel to the heart of the home. Her feed is full of homely corners and countryside inspiration.

12. @amelia.home

Harper chairs | @amelia.home

Follow Amelia for incredible interior ideas – her talent for creating warm and inviting spaces is simply unmatched! Here, Amelia has styled her dining space to perfection with a clever mix of textures and neutral tones. The Harper dining chairs are the star of the show, complementing her understated yet snug aesthetic.

13. @thebrighthome

Elba small sideboard | @thebrighthome

Fritha’s Instagram feed is a complete treasure trove of inspiration, filled with beautifully curated interiors and clever retro styling ideas that spark creativity. Spot the Elba small sideboard, which serves as the perfect place to house her favourite glassware, adorned with fresh greenery and textured ceramics.

14. @livingwith_sienna

Newton four poster bed | @livingwith_sienna

Sienna’s account is filled with elegant and timeless interiors. Her style exudes a modern yet cosy charm, blending neutral palettes, soft textures, and striking statement pieces to create spaces that feel both inviting and aspirational. The addition of the Newton Four Poster Bed in Sienna’s bedroom perfectly complements her signature aesthetic, bringing a sense of grandeur to her serene bedroom retreat.

So, what are you waiting for? Hit that follow button and start growing your dream home today! Still hungry for more insta-inspiration? Head over to our Instagram for the latest decor tips and a peek into even more stylish homes!

The post 14 interior influencers to follow on Instagram in 2025 appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Our extensive collection of sofas are available in a wide range of durable fabrics that complement our exclusively designed styles, with upholstery choices including velvet, super soft polyester, and textured weaves, along with genuine leather for a timeless, luxe finish.

To help you decide which upholstery is best for you, read on to discover everything you need to consider when choosing your next sofa or soft seating.

Family-friendly fabrics

Your sofa shouldn’t be reserved for formal kid-free zones. When your home life centres around children, friends, family, and entertaining, make sure your sofa upholstery is ready to take on your busy schedule.

Many of our fabrics have been subjected to a clever process called the Martindale Test, because with family life, wearability and texture are so important. This test uses special machinery to determine how long a fabric will last on a sofa without showing wear. We only use fabric upholstery that has achieved a rating for heavy domestic use, making it perfect for children and adults alike.

Darker coloured fabrics are incredibly forgiving when you have kids. They’re perfect for disguising everyday messes, and are incredibly hard wearing – no matter how many cheeky monkeys decide to use your sofa cushions as indoor trampolines.

For your four-legged friends

For those of us with furry friends, keeping a sofa looking fresh can be a challenge, no matter the upholstery. Thankfully, we’ve created leather and fabric care kits which cover you for most pet-related incidents. With a mild cleanser, fresh stain remover, old or resistant stain cleaner, plus grease and oil cleanser and a deodoriser, no matter how messy your furry friend is, you can still keep your sofa looking like new.

If you don’t have a cleaning kit, a top industry secret for cleaning up small stains and dirt in a pinch is baby wipes. They don’t have any harsh chemicals that will damage the fibres, and are great at dealing with life’s little messes.

Longing for leather

Whether you favour classic or contemporary design, our leather sofas cover the whole design spectrum to offer comfortable and stylish seating that works for every home.

It’s also a great choice for everyday living. Its wipeable surface is easy to keep clean and it is incredibly durable. Our leather sofas are upholstered all over in genuine leather that takes on a beautiful character as they age.

Luxurious velvet

Montgomery sofa | @renovationtowers

Velvet is a hugely popular choice for sofas and easily adds a luxe finish to any room. The tactile fabric brings a regal touch that works beautifully in jewel tones, understated neutrals or statement brights.

If the idea of a velvet sofa is too much, try a velvet loveseat or armchair as an accent piece in living rooms, kitchen/diners or bedrooms. Contrary to what many people think, velvet is a durable choice that’s hard-wearing and designed to stand the test of time.

Always on the move

Malvern modular sofa | @budgethomeinterior_

For renters, or those planning on moving house, finding a sofa that will work across decor schemes and different room configurations can seem impossible, but clever upholstery choices can make this easier.

If you’ve found a sofa that you love and find comfortable, you’ve already done the hard work. The best way to make sure it looks great through all your home moves is to choose a neutral base colour for the upholstery, that will work no matter the space.

Inject a personal touch with accessories that reflect your home now, and know you can change it up for the future. Picking a smaller or more compact sofa is another great tip for making it last through several moves. Or, if you’re looking for something larger, modular sofas – made of individual units that can be configured or reconfigured into the shape you want – offer great flexibility.

We offer a wide range of soothing neutral colours and sofa sizes that are an ideal choice for people on the move. Plus, many of our sofas come with scatter cushions in reversible patterns, making it easy to change your sofa style.

Choosing the best upholstery shouldn’t be a chore. At the end of the day, the most important thing to do is to choose a high quality sofa that you love. Browse our complete selection of sofas and find the one that’s right for you.

We’d love to see your Oak Furnitureland sofa in its new home. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram to share your stylish pics.

The post How to choose the best upholstery for your sofa appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

While it’s tempting to get excited about colour and choosing whether to go for classic or modern sofas, we recommend getting the practicalities out of the way first to ensure you find the best settee for you and your home.

Measure up

Jensen sofa | @biancawildinghome

The scale of the room will influence your scheme. Would a large or small sofa work well, or might a loveseat and footstool be better for the space? Here are a few things to consider:

1. Plan where you want your new sofa design to sit and measure the space carefully. These dimensions will mean you choose the right length, depth and height of design. Our Will it Fit guide is particularly useful for working out which styles will fit your chosen space.
2.  As well as being able to move around the room, you’ll also need to open the drawers on your sideboard and get to the bookshelf, so think about any other furniture that’s already in the room.
3.  If you have narrow doors and hallways or low staircases, you’ll need to factor this into your decision. We offer split sofas that can make delivery easier.
4. If you’re unsure how your sofa will look in your home, use our handy Augmented Reality feature that lets you visualise how our furniture will look in your home.

Comfort and quality

Morgan sofa | @poursomecolouronme

It goes without saying that when you’re relaxing, quality and comfort are key. You want the furniture you love to last and withstand everything life throws at it. Keep the following in mind before you make any decisions:

• Using hardwood in the frame makes it robust and checking that joints are screwed and glued will mean your sofa won’t squeak, creak, or warp.
• It’s also important to ask about seat construction. Rather than using fabric webbing, which can stretch and sag over time, look for seat cushions which are supported by heavy gauge serpentine springs. These will ensure the seat cushions are well-supported and help with shape retention and overall comfort.
• If you prefer something that’s low maintenance but still super comfy, go for a sofa that doesn’t need you to plump the cushions.
• You want lounging to be as laid-back as possible, which is why you won’t want to worry about whether putting your feet up will damage your couch. Choosing genuine leather upholstery or a great-quality fabric will mean your sofa looks as good as it feels, day after day.
• Now you know you’re set on a comfy sofa that has an enduring quality and scores high in the comfort stakes, you’re ready to think about the fun part.

Sofa shapes and styles

Gainsborough sofa | @valleyhome_

While some of us are drawn to fresh clean lines, modern Scandi-style, or a mid-century look; others want to sink into a more traditional sofa or stretch out on a versatile, modular pillow-back. We offer a variety of styles to suit you and your home.

Corner sofas

Evie sofa | @mybraxtonhome_

Looking for furniture for an awkward corner? Left or right-hand corner sofas are a clever solution that lets style and comfort take centre stage while helping you make the most of your space. Plus, they are the perfect choice for putting your feet up and lounging at the end of a long day.

Modular sofas

Malvern sofa | @budgethomeinterior_

Offering even more flexibility to play around with the layout, modular designs allow you to create the couch that works for you. These are great in open-plan areas or for busy families. Look for armchairs and footstools in the same styles, so you pick and choose the pieces that best suit your needs.

Sofa beds

Snooze sofa bed | Parquet side table | Parquet sideboard

Guest rooms often double up as home offices or other functional spaces, but this doesn’t mean visitors have to make do with a blow-up mattress. Our high-quality sofa beds are a brilliant solution, as their dual purpose means they’re as cosy to sleep on as they are to sit on. Choose from pull-out sofa beds or chaise styles that include in-built storage, ideal for keeping spare bedding ready to welcome guests.

Leather sofas

Lucca sofa | Islington tallboy

Both stylish and practical, leather sofas are easy to care for and, provided they’re well made, they age beautifully. Ours are carefully built using pocket springs to support the cushions, making them even comfier and more durable. We offer a range of styles in different finishes and always ensure the whole settee is upholstered in the best quality 100% leather, so it looks great no matter how you position it.

Recliner sofas

Brunel sofa | Maine side table | Maine sideboard

Kick back and relax at the touch of a button. Our electric recliner sofas use the highest quality steel mechanisms and motors. Their space-saving design means the sofas and chairs can be used close to a wall, with only a marginal gap needed for clearance.

Try before you buy

Jasmine sofa | @littlehouseofannie

We want you to be smitten with your new sofa design. You can do all the research, but nothing beats taking a seat and getting comfy. Set aside some time to visit us in-store and we’ll help you put together a shortlist of luxury sofas to try.

Need some inspiration? We have a range of sofas, armchairs, loveseats, accent chairs and footstools to choose from. Browse online and explore our collection of unique designs.

If you’re already sitting comfortably on one of our sofas, we’d love to see how it looks in its new home. Share how you’ve made it your own and tag us using #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome on Instagram.

The post Choosing the right sofa for your home appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to pair different furniture styles, colours, fabrics, and shapes, without sacrificing cohesion or comfort. Whether you’re working with a beloved vintage sofa or eyeing up a bold new armchair, you’ll learn how to create a balanced, inviting space that looks perfectly put together.

Is it OK to mix and match sofas and chairs?

Evie loveseat | @siaanwilliams_home

Styling mismatched pieces is not only possible, but it can also result in a living room that feels uniquely personal, inviting, and effortlessly curated. Your sofa and chair don’t need to match perfectly to look amazing together. In fact, with a few thoughtful choices, you can highlight their individual character while still creating a harmonious space.

Our Head of Buying, Elena Mellowes echoes this approach, “Mixing sofas and chairs is a great way of injecting personality into your space; blending different designs, shapes and fabrics allows you to curate your home and make the most of your space without the cost of investing in a new three piece suite.”

We’ve put together our top tips to help you confidently combine even the most unexpected pieces, making it simple to achieve a beautifully balanced and sophisticated look.

How do I make sure furniture matches?

Prioritise your personal style

Jasmine sofa | @littlehouseofannie

Start by considering the overall style of your home. Walk through each room, take in the colours, textures, and mood. Your space should feel like a true reflection of who you are, not just a collection of design rules. Matching furniture isn’t about uniformity; it’s about creating a setting that feels natural, lived-in, and welcoming. Let your choices express your personality and how you want to feel in your home.

Stay true to your existing decor

Burleigh side table | @our_wandsworth_home

That said, if your home style is more modern and minimal, a floral accent chair might feel out of place. Likewise, if your space embraces cottagecore charm or the vibrant patterns of the ’70s, cool grey tones could clash. While bold contrasts can sometimes pay off, they require a careful eye, as there’s a fine line between making a statement and making a design misstep.

Create contrast with fabrics

Iver armchair | Maine side table

One way to add interest to your living room is by adding texture. Rather than focusing on matching a specific type of fabric, try selecting a particular shape, style, or colour palette as the foundation of your furniture choices. This approach allows a variety of fabrics to work together harmoniously, enabling you to mix and match upholstery in a way that adds layers and depth to a room.

For example, sumptuous leathers, rich velvets, and corduroy pieces can look particularly stylish when paired with a linen-style fabric. You can also create a sense of balance by incorporating your chosen fabrics into soft furnishings such as decorative cushions and throws.

Elena continues, “A great way to execute this is to mix an accent chair with your sofa for a more stylised seating solution; consider a different but complementary fabric, or even a tonal leather to really make the space your own.”

If you do decide to mix different fabrics, keep the proportions of the furniture at the forefront of your mind. A brown leather sofa with a large frame will inevitably look disproportionate if paired with a smaller fabric chair. Accent chairs will mesh more successfully if they’re the same height, so that one doesn’t overshadow the other.

Maximise colour

Montgomery sofa | @renovationtowers

If contrasting shapes, styles, or fabrics isn’t your thing, you might find more joy in playing around with colour. Mixing and matching colours from a small palette is the easiest way to create contrast and inject playfulness into a space without it feeling overwhelming.

Layering variations of the same few shades throughout the room creates a sense of cohesion and calm. It conveys a feeling of intention and balance, rather than a chaotic clash of colours, making your space feel both intriguing and thoughtfully put together.

Use bold accessories

Montgomery sofa | @whingewine

If you’re just beginning to explore colour or prefer a more subtle approach, soft furnishings and accessories are an easy way to experiment. Start with a neutral base you love, then layer in subtle pops of colour through cushions, throws, or art — elements that are both flexible and easy to update as your confidence grows.

Layer patterns on patterns

Morgan sofa | @poursomecolouronme

Pairing patterns can be a delicate art, as it’s easy to go overboard. To make it work, there are two main approaches. The first is to keep things cohesive by choosing patterns that share a similar shape, style, or colour palette. For example, two floral prints in different colourways will feel far more harmonious than a floral mixed with tartan or paisley.

Alternatively, you can embrace contrast and a more maximalist aesthetic. This works best when the juxtaposition feels intentional — think a pink floral cushion paired with a leopard print throw. The interplay of colour, pattern, and texture creates an eclectic yet stylish look.

Mixing and matching sofas and chairs is a simple yet impactful way to add depth, personality, and warmth to your living room. Start small with complementary cushions or a contrasting accent chair, and build confidence as you experiment. And remember: there are no rigid rules, just choose what feels right for your home.

We’d love to see how you style your mismatched living room! Tag us on Instagram or TikTok and use #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome to share your look.

The post How to mix and match sofas and chairs appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

St. Ives large sideboard | St. Ives 6 and 8 seater extendable dining table | Wave Back rustic oak dining chair

Dive into home maintenance

The best way to mark a new start in the home is through a total refresh, that means decluttering, repairing and, you guessed it, some aptly-named spring cleaning! By putting winter objects away for next year and getting rid of things you don’t need anymore, you’re giving yourself space for change and really demarcating a physical shift in surroundings when it can feel quite stagnant.

Next, we recommend setting out time to fix and repair the things that you didn’t quite have time to get to over winter. Bothered by a wonky blind? Fix it. Been meaning to upcycle an old console table? Get your apron on and start painting. The longer daylight hours will keep you motivated.

Romsey large sideboard | @herandhers_

All sofas and armchairs, whether they’re fabric or leather, need to be cared for after the excess in traffic over the winter period and its associated festivities.

Change up your accessories

Now it’s time to incorporate the sights and smells of the season to really bring a sense of spring into your home. Where you had bundles of blankets for winter, store them away in your storage footstool or blanket box and swap them out for softer hues or brighter prints. Think sunny yellows, sweet pastels and zesty geometry.

Updating your lighting will also help your new colours shine. Perhaps change your curtain fabric to something less heavy and velvety, opting instead for a lighter fabric in a colour like cream. This will help you maximise the hours of sun and help brighten up any corner of the home, providing less of a need for lamps that created that all-important wintry glow last season.

Jensen two seater sofa | Hove nest of tables

Mirror the new life outside by bringing life indoors this spring. Houseplants are ever-fashionable and have lots of benefits such as improving air quality and emitting a feeling of calm. Arranging an indoor jungle on a spare surface is especially useful for those living in an urban setting and who don’t have access to a garden.

Hercules large sideboard | @shell_williams71

Another way to invoke the world in bloom in your home is through springtime smells. Scented candles, diffusers, and oils will create a very aromatic feeling in the home. Don’t forget that the greatest springtime scent is the outdoors itself, so be sure to regularly let the changing air in by opening doors and windows wide, especially now it’s becoming warm enough to do so.

Brighten up your interiors and decor

If you fancy a total DIY renovation, you may want to roll-up your sleeves and give a certain room a new lick of paint. Changing the colour to something like a blushing pink or Scandi-inspired neutral will bring about a sought-after brightness, or you could go all-out with spring-inspired wallpaper. Whatever avenue you take, you’ll be really proud that you completed such a monumental project so early on in the year.

Parquet chest of drawers | @interiors_with_alice

You could even take it a step further and have new floors fitted, tearing away old carpets in exchange for summer-ready exposed wooden floors. If that’s too much work, however, consider a new area rug to help bring a burst of life to a living room or bedroom layout. For more spring styling tips, read this blog piece for even more home ideas and inspiration.

Evie loveseat | @home_with_robyn

The ultimate way to get your home ready for spring is to incorporate a fresh look with new furniture. Treat yourself to something you’ve been eyeing for a while, perhaps an accent chair for a reading nook that overlooks the garden or an even bigger change such as a new dining set to really usher in a new era.

You should now be ready to give your home a fresh look for the changing seasons. Don’t forget to show us your new looks over on Instagram, tagging us and using #OakFurnitureland.

The post The ultimate guide to getting your home ready for spring appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Even if you’re pinching pennies, there are plenty of simple but really beautiful ways you can uplift your home. Here are our easy tips for decorating with minimal fuss.

Reorganise your home

Decluttering will improve the quality of your space and mark a new beginning. This is a simple way to start, but it will have a huge impact on your entire home. You may wish to make some physical changes here too; install open shelving for both functional and display purposes or invest in new pieces that won’t break the bank. Browse our smart storage options like slimline tallboys for tricky spaces or multipurpose blanket boxes that can double up as a window seat.

Make bookcases beautiful

We love bookcases because they’re not only useful, but they also have gorgeous display capacities. Order books by the colour of their spine rather than in typical A-Z fashion for a dazzling ombre effect. You can also line the interior of the bookcase with wallpaper to make yours one-of-a-kind.

Copenhagen small bookcase

Recalibrate

While you don’t necessarily need to reorder your life to adhere to the principles of feng shui, it won’t hurt to press reset on your home decor. Try moving things from room-to-room and make pieces that are usually tucked away in more private spots, like the bedroom, the focal points of communal rooms and spaces.

Looking to channel your home redesign energy into your bedroom?

Be open to the possibilities of paint

You don’t need to be a Picasso to paint your home, nor do you need to splurge on a decorating team to get elbows deep for you. If you’re a DIY novice, enlist the help of a friend or partner and tackle the task together. Make the job uncomplicated; paint a feature wall, the skirting boards, or even a two-tone wall. If you’re feeling confident enough then you could undertake the ‘fifth wall’ – the ceiling! A fresh lick of paint can have transformative effects on the rest of the room.

Bevel king-size bed | Hercules side table

Upcycle

Similarly, you can repaint ageing but beloved pieces of furniture to give them a new lease of life. Reinvigorate their original coat or try a whole new shade to totally reinvent the piece.

You can also use new materials to recover upholstery that you’ve become a bit bored of. This technique requires precision, but works a treat on sofas, armchairs or accent chairs. If you don’t have much experience, try practising by making new cushion covers with eye-catching prints or textural materials like velvet.

Check out our living room ideas on a budget for more expert home style advice that won’t break the bank.

Refresh soft furnishings

Speaking of soft furnishings, updating yours is not only incredibly easy, but it’s a cheap update in the grand scheme of things. For example, a new area rug can shake up the whole room’s appearance and introduce a refreshed colour palette for you to bounce off. Alternatively, you can craft your own dining table runner with spare fabrics that you might have lying around.

Orrick king-size bed | St. Ives bedside table

Tap into tile

You don’t need to retile the entirety of your kitchen or bathroom – you could make a feature of the backsplashes around the hob or sink, or make the area around the shower a prime focus. Either way, refurbishments like these could be the small refreshes that your home is crying out for.

If you’re not feeling that brave, then tile paint could be a simpler alternative to revamping your space.

If you want some home design tips specific for your budget, check out the blog where we breakdown what’s realistically possible for what you want to spend.

Renovate your windows

Unsightly curtains can have a hugely unpleasant effect on an otherwise lovely interior design scheme. Maybe you’ve always wanted to change yours; if you’ve got a little more room in your budget, you might want to install French shutters, a fresh set of blinds or billowing curtains. If you’ve got less cash to work with, even a new trim can completely alter the appearance of curtains.

DIY displays

Original art and prints – though an incredible addition to any room – are often not very budget-friendly. Instead, frame old magazine covers for your bathroom or last year’s calendar pages in the hallway, giving paper destined for the recycling bin a new use. Otherwise, give your kids’ artwork pride of place over the dining room table or have family, friends and guests contribute to a hilarious Polaroid wall.

Brindle small sideboard

Don’t forget the details

Even slighter changes come in the form of replacing handles on cupboards and drawers – this is a great way to personalise key features of your home without making any drastic updates. You can also swap out lampshades for a similar effect. You’ll be surprised how minor details can give your decor a whole new look.

Hopefully you enjoyed our tips, and are ready to give your home a well-needed thrifty uplift! And make sure to show us your new home updates over on Instagram, using #OakFurnitureland.

The post Home decor updates on a budget appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

The key to happy hibernating

Hampton sofa

Stoke the fire, it’s time to get cosy. As the HQ for hunkering down, you’ve got to start with your sofa. The centrepiece of any sitting room that is serious about getting cosy, it’s essential that your couch is comfy. For that dreamy ‘ahhhhh’ factor you need something with a sumptuous ‘sink-in’ feel. Similarly, in a room that’s dedicated to relaxing, you don’t want to have to worry about your furniture, you want to be able to put your feet up without getting precious about it!

A cosy configuration

As the seasons change and we feel the need to cuddle up, think about the layout of your room. Can you shift the furniture around to emphasise the intimacy of the space and use your sofa to create a feel-good focal point? You’re also going to want a place to put your hot chocolate so think about finding a low-level coffee table, or a nest of tables. 

Layer up

St. Ives blanket box

Take the edge off autumn by swapping light Summer fabrics and layering on soft, heavier weight textiles. Think plush cushions (we love velvet for a touch of luxe), chunky woven throws and blankets for maximum cosiness. If you’ve got bare floorboards, use a rug to soften the space or treat your feet to a woollen fleece. This also looks great draped on the back of a chair , the arm of a sofa or a stylish blanket box.

Shades of autumn

A hard wearing tartan fabric is a great way to add some eye-catching seasonal style to your scheme and works wonderfully in a cosy spot by the fire, as seen on our Dexter accent chair.

As well as introducing texture think about using colours to warm things up too. Echoing nature, an earthy palette of rich autumnal shades are a popular choice. If russets, lichen greens, tweeds and checks aren’t your thing you can create a similarly cosy vibe by incorporating intense moody colours like dark greys, muted neutrals, a deep purple or navy. They all blend beautifully with wood and other authentic materials for a sophisticated, restful feel.

Let there be light

Use light and shade to create a cocooning space that’s soothing with our Helsinki Lamp

If you’ve been stockpiling tea lights or saving those scented candles “for best”, now’s the time to dig them out. Light plays an important part in the atmosphere of any scheme and we crave it even more during the darker, colder months. Strategically placing subtle lighting at different levels around the room creates warmth and drama. As well as casting a gorgeous glow, lamps made from natural materials are a striking way to introduce reflective or tactile elements to your space.

Bring the outside in

As we all know,  the Scandinavians are experts at making even the most simple spaces feel like a sanctuary. Part of this is down to their deep connection to the outdoors and ensuring this same love is reflected in their homes too. Take a leaf out of their book and gather little pieces of nature you might find on a walk or in the woods to decorate a sideboard or a shelf.

Make space for tech-free time

Sometimes switching off means going without the TV and technology.  Use a rainy afternoon as the perfect excuse ditch your mobile and get back to basics with a book or a board game. To remind you to unplug more often, keep them handy in a storage footstool: a great place to stow everything from magazines to Monopoly.

If you’re getting your living room ready for autumn and styling your Oak Furnitureland pieces, we’d love to see your pictures – make sure to share them use #OakFurnitureland on Instagram and Twitter.

The post How to create a living room fit for autumn appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Mixing your living room furniture is a great way to incorporate pieces you already own and love into a new design scheme, and to make a truly personalised and unique room that is worthy of the magazines. And while it might seem daunting, by mixing and matching both new and old furniture pieces, you can create a cohesive feel that expresses your individuality.

Here are our top three tips for creating an effortless mix -and-matched living room style:

Create cohesion with scale

Chances are, you probably have a few beloved chairs or a treasured sofa that you really want to keep in your living room. We say, do it! A great way of matching new pieces with old favourites is to keep the scale of the furniture the same.

This means choosing pieces with a similar seat height and depth; you wouldn’t want to be trying to have a conversation looking down on someone while they’re sinking into a low chair! The back height of your furniture matters too. It helps to balance the look of the space.

Pop with colour and patterns

Embrace the art of mixing and matching by incorporating pieces that really pop and stand out amongst your other furniture. The simplest way to do this? Bring in an unexpected colour or pattern!

Don’t be intimidated by making a bold choice when it comes to accent pieces. Chances are, you probably have some clues in your living room right now that will make picking a colourful sofa or patterned armchair easy.

An easy way to pick a winning pattern is to look at the dominant piece of decor in your living room, whether that’s a sofa, a piece of art you love, your cushions, or even the rug! What is the main colour of that item? Use this as a jumping-off point when selecting a pattern. For example, if you have a lovely photo of the sea above your sofa, look for patterns with hints of blue, like our Brighton accent chair in Sea Spray fabric.

When adding a colour pop, look and see if there are any main shades in your room, and decide if you want to complement that, or create a pop of contrast. It’s all about your personal style here!

Link pieces with soft furnishings

Original Rustic coffee table | Grayson sofa | Original Rustic side table | Original Rustic bookcase

Original Rustic coffee table | Grayson sofa

If you’re looking to create some unity between different pieces you already own, the secret could be in the soft furnishings. Try swapping the cushions on your sofa and armchair, it’s a surprisingly simple way to unify mismatched pieces!

Bramble 2-seater sofa

Think about bringing in other colours or patterns with throws and pillows too. Say you had a rug with purple in it, try using some tones of purple in the cushions to pull the room together. Or if you have a patterned sofa like our Bramble, try putting a coordinating throw or cushions across your armchair to create a visual flow.

By keeping those three tips in mind, perfectly mixing and matching your living room furniture really is that easy! Show us how you’ve created your own eclectic living room look, using #OakFurnitureland on Instagram.

The post How to mix and match your living room furniture appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.