Size, shape, number of seats, upholstery, quality and colour: what should you look for when buying a high-quality sofa? Well, here are 10 mistakes to avoid.

1. Impulse buying

Morgan modular 5-seat corner sofa | @homely_rose

No matter how good a sofa looks online, try to see it in person before making a commitment, if possible. It may be a different size than you thought, have more of an unusual shape than you’d imagined, or not be very comfortable at all. Even if you aren’t able to visit the store in person, you can arrange a video appointment to see it in a real-life setting or request some fabric swatches to compare with the rest of your living room furniture.

2. Not considering your lifestyle

Ashby sofa | @ourruralnest

If this sofa is for decorative purposes and perhaps sits in a room that you don’t use much, then comfort might not be as important a factor as its look and aesthetic. However, if it sits in front of the TV, you’ll want one that is completely sinkable and optimised for lounging. Tall people, in particular, need to consider factors like the length of a settee and whether it leaves enough room for them to stretch out and relax.

3. Ignoring sofa construction

There are many pros and cons to consider for a couch that goes way beyond its placement in the room layout or the cushion colour. Before you begin to browse, think about whether you have a preference for foam or feather pillows and make a list of pros and cons based on your home life. For instance, you may have an allergy to feather fillings or require the orthopaedic benefits of foam technology. Either way, do your research about how your new sofa design is built, and you’ll never have a point of complaint.

4. Selecting the wrong upholstery material

Dalby sofa | Dalby footstool | @mo_morshuis

Much like the way the settee is constructed, the upholstery material it’s made from will also need to suit your lifestyle and family needs. For example, if you have young children or pets, you may want to avoid fabric sofas, as they tend to soak up stains more easily than the smooth finish of a leather sofa. Or, if your living room can get hot and humid, avoid materials that lack airiness and tend to get sticky and unbreathable.

5. Not thinking about longevity

Ask yourself, how long will you need your couch for? If you think you’re likely to shake up your style in five years, opt for something ultra-trendy, like a modern sofa. However, if you think this will likely be a long-lasting investment, you might want to choose a more traditional sofa style that won’t look outdated over time.

6. Failing to measure properly

Inca sofa | @paintitprettyhome

Measure, measure and measure again! It’s all well and good if you think a sofa will look great in your home, but if it swallows up your space, it’ll leave you feeling claustrophobic and uncomfortable. Scale is key here. Width, depth and height are all really important measurements. To give you an idea of how a large or small sofa is going to look in your home, use tape to map out the exact dimensions on the floor, so you know what it’ll be like proportionately.

Take a look through our full living room measurement guide.

7. It can’t get through the door

You’ve done it: you’ve found the luxury sofa of your dreams and it fits your home layout! But wait – when it arrives, it can’t fit through your front door – nightmare! Always account for the access points of your home: your front door, hallway and any doorways or staircases that lead to your lounge. This is why the depth measurement is particularly key, it can help you work out if the settee needs to be tipped on its side to get through these access points. Alternatively, enquire which sofas are sold in compartments and can be assembled in your living room. Find out more about our sofa sizes.

8. You haven’t sized up your space

Evie corner sofa | @mybraxtonhome_

So you’ve ticked the boxes of floor space, height and the depth of the doorway, but will this sofa be right for your living room layout? Have you read the fine print – is the corner sofa that’s arriving left-handed or right-handed? Is there an alcove that needs to be accounted for (i.e. can a tall person sit there without knocking their head)? Will the coffee table fit in front of it while leaving space to walk around it? It pays to be ultra-precise and very picky about every detail.

9. The colour is all wrong

Willoughby corner sofa | @new_mummy_jess

Due to the prominence of the sofa in a living room scene, the colour you choose for your couch will depend on whether you want an understated or statement interior scheme. Go for a complementary colour for a blended look, something that pops in an otherwise neutral scene, or a bold shade in a more eclectic home. As mentioned, we recommend getting hold of fabric swatches because what looks great in the showroom might look completely different when immersed in your home setting.

10. It’s bad quality

Evie corner sofa | @insideeightyone

High-quality sofas are worth the investment for three reasons: they look fantastic, they feel fantastic and they will keep looking and feeling fantastic for years to come. Choose a brand you trust that puts care into its product design. For example, all our settees are built with hardwood in the frame, which not only makes for a more comfortable spot for our plump-free pillows to rest on, but also ensures they are built to last. Luxury sofas may seem more expensive initially, but they end up costing less in the long run.

Want to know more about choosing a sofa for your home? Read our post on finding the right sofa for your living room, then start shopping for our full range of high-quality and comfy sofas. Tag us in your new seating styles on Instagram with #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.

The post 10 common mistakes when buying a sofa appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

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.

Small spaces mean thinking bigger, and there are plenty of solutions that really maximise a small home. If space is at a premium in your property, then the much loved Scandi-style design principles are the perfect place to start and thankfully we have just the ranges for you. Read on to find out how you can utilise every square metre with clever styling tips, storage ideas and by introducing space-saving furniture solutions…

Streamline your space

Durham small sideboard

Say goodbye to clutter with a more minimalist approach to furnishing and ingenious storage solutions. Opt for versatile furniture pieces that serve multiple functions while seamlessly concealing mess. From compact sideboards to sleek dressers and slender bookcases, prioritise practicality without compromising style.

Try introducing the petite yet mighty Durham sideboard, perfect for those tight corners craving organisation. Its sleek design effortlessly tucks away everything, from endless Lego creations to bulky board games and cherished glassware, crockery, and cookbooks.

Durham 5 Drawer Chest of Drawers

Enhance your tidying routine with convenient storage baskets, simplifying the task of gathering scattered items and restoring order to your space with ease.

Harness light colour palettes

Thornley 2-seater sofa | Durham coffee table | Durham TV unit

If you’re decorating a room that you want to feel cosy and inviting then there’s no reason why you can’t use darker hues in your home. If however, you want your space to feel bright and airy, opting for a palette of light neutral shades is the way to go in a small space.

A key trick for creating the illusion that you have more space is to keep your decor light and bright to reflect daylight throughout the space. This encompasses everything from the colour of your walls and floors, to the shade of your soft furnishings, even to the furniture itself.

Durham large sideboard

Lightly hued painted furniture, such as Shay and Hove, can make shady corners feel flooded with sunshine. Look to embrace light oak toned pieces with minimalist shapes like the Durham collection to keep a neutral foundation. If you’re still missing some character, add hints of colour with lamps, cushions, artwork or a rug.

Choose elevated minimalist furniture

Durham wardrobe

Minimalist furniture tends to focus on clean lines to create a feeling of space and airiness. Also giving your furniture room to breathe is key. Invest in pieces with elevated legs to create the illusion of floor space as these gaps give the furniture a translucent effect, making the interior space feel less enclosed. Discover our Scandi-influenced collections Durham and Thornley or our slimline mid-century modern-inspired Parquet range.

Parquet bedside table

Another approach is to move furniture out from right against the wall, the goal is to make things feel more roomy by creating a sense of airflow.

Move towards modular sofas

Malvern sofa | Malvern footstool | @ourwelshhome

Love to lounge but don’t quite have the capacity for a sprawling sofa? Corner sofas are a stylish yet functional way to provide plenty of seating options with their modular design to adapt to different situations and create more minimalist living rooms. In tighter open plan areas, corner sofas are the ideal way of breaking up the room into different zones without it feeling too enclosed.

Thornley storage footstool | Thornley armchair

Our storage footstools do double duty; not only are they extremely mobile and easy to move around the home, but they also have clever in-built storage for helping to hide excess home clutter that would otherwise be out on display. We love the coordinated look when using a sofa and footstool from the same range, which add function and style to even the smallest of homes!

Embrace Intimate Dining

Durham dining table & four chairs

In the era of open-plan living, where versatility reigns supreme, the demand for a space-saving table and chairs combo is on the rise. Say goodbye to the traditional dining room set-up and hello to multifunctional spaces tailored for everyday living.

Meet the Durham table with four chairs — sleek, modern design and effortless style. Whether nestled into your living room or seamlessly integrated into your kitchen, this ensemble boasts a simply chic silhouette that enhances any space with its understated elegance. Plus, our Ellison chairs are stackable, ideal if you need a couple of spares for larger gatherings.

Highgate dining set | @mo_morshuis

If you’re looking for a little more flexibility, then foldable furniture is extremely popular which is testament to how useful it is! Space-saving dining tables like our extendable versions can be easily adapted according to need thanks to simple, in-built assembly and disassembly mechanisms.

Reflection dining table | @ourhexhamhouse

Along a similar vein to the minimalist furniture, glass also makes a space feel less cramped. Not only is it translucent so you can see the floors and walls through it, but it also has a reflective quality that bounces light around the room. A glass dining table would make your dining room feel infinitely less crowded.

Optimise every table

Durham coffee table | Thornley 2-seater sofa

In the reality of compact living, every detail matters. Elevate your space by reimagining your coffee table as more than just a surface—it’s a functional centrepiece. Opt for pieces with added storage, like a lower-level shelf perfect for organising your go-to books and magazines.

Durham nest of tables | Thornley armchair

Alternatively, consider the versatility of space-saver tables like a nest of tables, offering seamless flexibility for entertaining. Effortlessly transition between side and coffee tables as the need arises, ensuring your space remains both stylish and practical.

Swap wardrobes for tallboys

Durham 5 drawer tallboy

While wardrobes are fantastically spacious bedroom storage options, they’re not always the best fit for every home. Tallboys can be a brilliant alternative thanks to their space-saving narrow build, meaning they’re easily paired with other bedroom essentials like dressing tables or desks if you’re needing to work from home.

Extra space saving-ideas…

Include mirrors

In any home, mirrors are a style solution that are both aesthetically pleasing and inherently practical. Particularly in small homes, they do a wonderful job of elongating the room by playing a trick on the eye and creating the illusion of space. Placing a large mirror or triad of mirrors across one wall will bounce light around the room, which also contributes to the mirage.

Add wall shelves

Durham 1 drawer side table & Durham double bed

Consider the transformative power of wall-mounted shelving as they’re real space savers. By lifting your belongings off the floor, you not only create the feeling of more space but invite the eye upwards adding depth and character to the room. Whether it’s showcasing your favourite knick-knacks, housing skincare essentials or treasured jewellery, be sure to curate your display thoughtfully to avoid overcrowding and the subsequent burden of dusting just more visual clutter.

Hang your plants

St. Ives double bed | Original Rustic bedside table

Love cultivating your urban jungle but hate the floor space big, leafy plants take up? Hanging plants are a resourceful way to avoid using precious surface space in a small room. This is an incredibly easy DIY hack, too: just hammer a nail or hook into the wall, cut and loop some rope and affix onto the pot and voila! Remember to keep the pot, soil and plant as light in weight as possible to avoid botany crashing from the ceiling!

Enjoyed our tips and ready to revolutionise your small space? Show off your home updates on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome in your posts!

The post Simple interior design space-saving ideas appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

”With the cool and contemporary marble surfaces paired with the rich texture and warm woods, our new Elba and Islington ranges add a touch of understated elegance to your home.”
Elena Mellowes, Head of Buying at Oak Furnitureland

When it comes to styling these unique pieces there’s plenty to play with. Here are some lifestyle-inspired tips to help you make the most of your modern furniture.

Colour cleverly

Islington coffee table | Clouds metallic rug

Let the materials themselves inspire your colour palette. Take cues from the subtle grey tones of mottled marble as seen in this Islington marble top coffee table or the warm array of brown hues in acacia pieces and mango wood furniture.

Islington side table | Islington large TV unit

Be inspired by the natural surroundings these materials would have once found themselves within, such as calming greens like khaki or sage and earthy neutral shades to harmonise.

Elba Round Side Table

For those looking to add interest, inject pops of retro-inspired colours like teal, mustard, or orange in your accompanying furniture and accessories for that extra flair.

Embrace texture

Islington 1 drawer bedside table | Islington 5 drawer tallboy | Clouds metallic rug

Balance the inherent hardness of wood, metal, and marble by including soft, tactile textiles into your decor scheme. Opt for natural fabrics such as leather, brushed cotton, or linen to add warmth and comfort to your space. Layer textured rugs to soften the look of the room while maintaining its chic appeal.

For bedroom styling, an upholstered bed like this winged headboard design from the Islington collection is the perfect way to bring softness in contrast to sleek marble top bedside tables.

Time to shine

Islington 5 drawer chest | Islington double bed with winged headboard

To enhance mixed material furniture even further, throw in some hints of metallic through your lighting and home accessories to really elevate the look. Whether that’s subtle accents like a desktop tray or vase to bigger pieces of lighting and hardware. This approach will echo the metallic details in the furniture as well as reflect the beautiful materials they are laid upon or next to.

Elba storage coffee table | Elba large TV unit

Brass works especially well with these warmer wood tones or look towards glass accessories as another way to keep things light and reflective.

Natural connection

Islington side table | Islington coffee table | Islington large TV unit

Maximise the natural beauty of mango wood furniture, acacia pieces and marble design by integrating elements of nature into your home. Position your furniture in the space intuitively to make the most of natural light from nearby windows and provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Elba large sideboard | Clouds metallic rug

Additionally, consider scattering houseplants to bring life and vitality inside, further complementing the organic feel of your furniture.

Reflective beauty

Islington dressing table | Isla velvet dining chair | Evelyn mirror in gold

Strategically place mirrors throughout your space to amplify natural light and create the illusion of space. Mirrors not only help bounce light around the room but also accentuate the layers of colour and texture in your mixed material furniture, adding depth and dimension to your decor.

Artistic harmony

Islington 6 drawer chest | Hamilton chair | Clouds metallic rug

Art can add personality and visual interest to your space, tying the room together in a cohesive and harmonious way so let the style of your furniture inspire your choices. Whether it’s art deco or mid-century modern influenced, select pieces to echo this design, such as geometric prints that mimic the lines of your furniture or abstract pieces that complement your colour palette.

Islington dining table with 6 chairs | Islington large sideboard

Alternatively, turn your gaze towards artwork with a more free-form approach to contrast with the harder lines of the wood, marble and metal materials for a more relaxed look.

Elba large TV unit

Follow the curve

Islington desk | Clouds metallic rug

Introduce rounded silhouettes into your furniture and accessory selection to complement the curves of your mixed material pieces. Whether it’s a curved sofa, a comfy desk chair or decorative objects with soft, organic shapes, embracing curves can create a sense of fluidity and movement in your space, enhancing its overall visual appeal.

By following these styling tips, you can transform your home with mixed material furniture, creating a space that’s both stylish and inviting. Head to the Oak Furnitureland website to browse the full ranges and be sure to follow us on Instagram and tag us at #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome in your posts to show off your updated spaces!

The post How to style your home with mixed material furniture appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Whether you want to completely redecorate or simply add a few russet, tan or leafy green accents, these colours combine with virtually any interior style for a beautifully down-to-earth aesthetic.

How do you decorate with earthy tones?

Ashby sofa | @ourruralnest

An earth-tone palette is a versatile choice for interiors but it’s easy to get bogged down with muddy colours. The trick is to maintain visual interest by layering shades, utilising natural elements such as light, plants, oak furniture and, where appropriate, injections of colour.

Earthy wall colours

New neutrals

Burleigh bedside table | @cottagerenovationcwmrhys

While grey has had a stronghold on decor trends for the last decade, beige and taupe shades are now becoming much more prevalent, creating a warmer and cosier look that works well with earthy colours. Here are some of our favourite neutrals and colour combinations:

• Cooler beiges often incorporate subtle touches of grey
• Clean whites balanced out by warm browns or deep oceanic hues
• Ultra-rich greens, such as forest shades and emeralds, contrasted with charcoal
• Mushroom shades and smokey hues

Sunset shades

Parquet king-size bed | Parquet 2-drawer bedside table | @dzinia_design

If you’d love to add a few touches of bolder colour to your interiors, then look no further than a picture perfect sunset. You want your room to be warm and engaging without overwhelming the senses, so we recommend the following sun-soaked shades for a contemporary take on pastels:

• Fruity peaches and tangerines for a friendly feel, dipping into pumpkin colours for a bit of depth
• Pops of cream and blush prevent a washed-out look
• Ochres and rusts are the ideal companion to rustic oak furniture
• Lovely lilacs are perfect if you want just a hint of pastel tones

Bright and saturated earthy colours

French Farmhouse 2-drawer bedside table | @jo_at_the_cottage

If you’re looking to energise your home, bring in bold saturated colours that give your room a vibrant aesthetic. Selecting shades with warm undertones means they mix and match well together and shine when they’re stand-alone, such as against neutral walls or grey sofas. Here are the colours we’re drawn to:

• Daring reds, particularly when paired with brown leather sofas
• Tans, terracottas and mustards – the classic earthy look
• Burnt oranges contrasted with onyx or velvety blues
• Industrial metals such as brass accenting or shots of gold

Natural touches

Parquet bedside tables | @home_at_hawthorn

Leafy houseplants are known for their restorative and air-cleaning properties and marry with just about every interior style. Consider accessories in textures that can be utilised in any interior scheme, no matter your taste. These organic colours will make you fall in love with earth-tone decor:

• Stone, wood, sand or shell tones are the go-to
• Colours that balance warm and homely while keeping light and bright, such as honey hues or crisp whites
• Taupes, mossy greens and chocolate browns will enrich your interiors
• Think cottagecore, but without the frills

Earth-tone decor

There’s an earthy design scheme fit for every room of your home…

Earthy colours for the living room

Hope wall art | @nouk.home

If you like the idea of keeping your walls neutral, opt for a statement piece of art that brings in earthy tones. The green, mustard and brown tones of our Hope wall art can add an instant injection of cheerful colour to otherwise muted schemes.

Earthy colours for the dining room

Parquet large sideboard | @atnumberfourteen_

While many of us don’t have separate dining rooms these days, a nice way to create a cohesive living/dining space is to use the same colour or complementing palettes in neighbouring rooms. This rich green tone looks beautiful on the wall of the period property, with crisp white woodwork and oak furniture providing a pleasing contrast.

Earthy colours for the home office

Brooklyn desk | @topologyinteriors

When you think of earth tones, you might not always think of industrial furniture, but it’s all about the colours you draw from. Our Brooklyn range features plain natural oak fronts with a textural grain pattern. Paired with the silvery metal frame, you have a neutral palette at your base which you can incorporate stone-hued matte accents and those all-important luscious houseplants for an earth-toned home office.

Earthy colours for the bedroom

Parquet bedside table | @home_of_roberts

Bedrooms are the primary relaxation spot in your home, so you need to be careful about overdoing it with your colour scheme. Balance a feature wall or half wall in a Tuscan-inspired statement yellow like flax or mustard, with plenty of off-whites and greys to help create that calming feel. Go deeper into this design scheme with richly glazed pieces from our popular Parquet range.

You should now be armed with the know-how to transform your home into an earthy coloured haven! We’d love to see what you come up with. Make sure to tag us on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland.

Lead image: Detroit dining set | @thesensoryhome

The post Decorating with earthy colours appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Will you go for an elegant look paired with silver and velvet, or an industrial-inspired interior with slate grey accents? There are so many options when it comes to this ever-popular colourway. Plus, grey walls and furniture allow your accent pieces to do the talking.

Grey is a great colour to work your own style around. Unlike some other colours, it doesn’t set the tone of an interior by itself, it steps back and lets you decide how you would like to approach the decor scheme. This is why it’s a perfect option for any room in the home. Read on to discover how to decorate with this versatile colour.

Grey bedroom ideas

Burleigh bedside table | @cottagerenovationcwmrhys

Decorating your bedroom with grey is a lovely choice for those who want to feel tranquil and serene while they dream. It’s a calming shade that leaves room for warmth. If you’re worried about grey looking too cold, then take the same approach as you would with an all-white room and add texture with throws, cushions, and add lamps to brighten the space.

You could also go for the cottagecore modern farmhouse aesthetic by using Shaker-inspired furniture in your bedroom and soft grey accents on your bed. Finally, you can give your space a contemporary twist by introducing luxurious materials like velvet. Be sure to layer cushions and blankets so you create a soft haven that just begs to be climbed into. Instead of having blinds, flowing curtains will also provide that element of gentleness that you’re aiming for.

Newton bedside table | Newton bookcase

If you’re wondering what colours go with grey bedroom furniture or interiors, we recommend soothing pastel or green shades – think powder pinks, denim blues, green tones, and warm peaches. Basically, anything that will subtly sing you to sleep and contribute to making your bedroom a complete relaxation zone.

Grey living room ideas

Parquet TV unit | @life_at_kuldana

A grey lounge is a timeless choice that lends itself to a variety of styles, whether you like elegant pale tones or bolder options.

Choosing a grey sofa is a neutral option when it comes to pairing with other colours as it really does work with everything in the spectrum. No matter if it’s fabric or leather, your sofa will easily slot into new or existing decor schemes.

Use cushions and throws to add texture and colour contrast to your living space, with pleasing combinations including sunny yellows that will brighten up your space, inky blues that create a chic backdrop, and clean whites that provide a delicate contrast. There’s so much room to experiment!

What furniture goes with a grey sofa?

Burleigh pedestal side table | @our_wandsworth_home

Style-conscious designers love the grey-all-over look, so pairing your grey sofa with painted grey furniture is a really fashionable option. This explains why our classic St. Ives range is so popular. We love how fresh and modern the sleek finish feels, but the pieces still have elements of traditional, rustic styles.

One idea is to bookend your grey sofa with the side table from this collection or point your seating towards the corner or large TV unit so your grey theme has visual clarity.

How do you accessorise a grey sofa?

Malvern sofa | @budgethomeinterior_

As mentioned, soft furnishings will be your primary accessory with a grey sofa as these provide a splash of colour or an opportunity to layer more grayscale shades on top of each other.

Additionally, consider hanging a mirror or a clock over your grey sofa to complete the look, or add some houseplants to liven up an interior which you might otherwise perceive as too stark.

Grey dining room ideas

Scroll back dining chairs | @paintitprettyhome

Keeping large furniture pieces in the same shade of grey as your walls will give you an understated look that’s ideal for your dining room. This could be light grey walls or floors paired with a farmhouse-inspired dining table or even a matching sideboard alongside it.

Even the smallest of dining room accessories can be matched, such as beautiful show china in your display cabinet or matte lighting fixtures to spotlight the areas where your family will congregate for mealtimes. All these will add to the overall calm look.

Grey hallway ideas

Richmond console table

Our hallways are often the most neglected area of the home, but they’re so important when it comes to making a first impression!

Make a striking feature of your hallway with our Richmond console table, which definitely gives the wow factor the second the door opens. This inky-blue painted range set against shades of grey brings elegance to your entrance space. Accessorise with potted plants, books and lighting for an extra welcoming feel.

Hopefully, that’s given you plenty of ideas for how to decorate with grey. Head to the Oak Furnitureland website to discover beautiful furniture to pair with your grey schemes. We’d love to see how you style grey in your homes. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram.

The post Guide to decorating with grey 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.

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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