Start with a focal point
A window, a fireplace, a piece of art. Arrange the room so the eye lands there first.
Plan for flow
Leave clear walkways — about 80–90 cm for main routes — so people move without squeezing past furniture.
Match scale to the room
A large sofa in a small room feels crowded; small furniture in a large room feels lost. Measure before buying.
Group in threes
Odd-numbered groups, especially three objects of different heights, look more natural than pairs.
Balance, don't mirror
Symmetry feels formal and calm; asymmetric balance — a large object on one side, two smaller on the other — feels relaxed.
Float furniture
Pulling a sofa away from the wall can create a cosier conversation area in a large room.
Anchor with a rug
A rug big enough for at least the front legs of the seating ties a group together.
Layer heights
Mix low, middle and tall elements — tables, lamps, plants, shelves — so the eye travels through the room.
Light every corner
Dark corners make a room feel smaller. Use layered lighting.
Leave empty space
Empty wall and floor are part of the design. They let the important pieces breathe.
Tools for this
Zinat — a free reference to beauty and decoration, part of the ZIBADIS network founded by Masoud Moghaddam, designer and developer.
