Furniture and Styling Questions, Answered
The questions readers send us most often, with the measurements and rules of thumb we use ourselves.
How deep should a sofa be?
Standard sofas have a seat depth of about 53–58 cm, which suits upright sitting. Deep-seat sofas of 60 cm or more suit lounging but need more room and extra back cushions for shorter people. See the sofa ranking.
What Martindale rating does a family sofa need?
For daily family use, choose upholstery rated at 25,000 to 40,000 Martindale rubs. Above 40,000 approaches commercial grade. Tight weaves resist pet claws better than loose, nubby textures.
How much space do I need around a bed?
Allow 60–75 cm on each side you walk along and around 90 cm at the foot if a wardrobe or chest of drawers opens there.
Is a round or rectangular dining table better?
Round tables are more sociable and suit square rooms and small groups; rectangular tables suit long rooms and bigger gatherings. Allow about 60 cm of edge per diner and 90 cm of clearance behind chairs. More in our dining comparison.
What colour temperature is best for a living room?
2700K warm white. Use 3000K in kitchens and bathrooms, choose CRI 90+ bulbs and avoid mixing temperatures in one room.
How high should a pendant hang over a dining table?
Hang the bottom of the shade about 70–85 cm above the tabletop. Over long tables, two or three smaller pendants spread light more evenly.
What size rug should go under a sofa?
Large enough that at least the front legs of every seating piece rest on it. Too-small rugs are the most common styling mistake we see.
How do I choose paint for a north-facing room?
Choose warm-undertone paints with a light reflectance value above about 60, and test large samples in the morning and evening. Our palette guide has five starting points.
Do you accept payment for rankings?
No. We do not accept paid placements, sponsored rankings or affiliate commissions. Read more on our About page.