
6 Rules Designers Always Follow When Shopping for Colorful Furniture
If you have been considering ordering a large piece of colorful furniture for your home, be it a sofa, table, or even an appliance, you may be wondering if there are any key logistical steps you should be taking first.
The answer according to pros is that yes, you will definitely want to be thoughtful when working with a large burst of color. Below, interior designers share six helpful tips to keep top of mind when going bold.
Review Fabric Swatches Before Placing an Order
If you’re thinking about buying a large piece of colorful upholstered furniture, it is worth first ordering a fabric swatch of the hue you’re considering. This will allow you to do a bit of firsthand research before making a significant, non-returnable purchase, Jennifer Jones, the founder of Niche Interiors, says.
“Bring a swatch of fabric home to live with for a few days to see how it looks with your other furniture and how the color changes throughout the day,” Jones explains.
Jodi Peterman, the founder of Erin Elizabeth Designs, agrees that reviewing fabric swatches to see what a given color looks like throughout the day is a key initial step. Having a swatch in hand is also a valuable way to evaluate texture as well, the designer adds, noting that different textures will affect how a hue appears.
“Matte finishes soften color, while gloss or velvet exaggerates it, making the same color feel completely different depending on the surface,” Peterman says.
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Think About the Mood You’d Like to Evoke
The statement color you select for your space will play a significant role in shaping the mood a room evokes, Peterman explains.
“Interior design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space to feed the way you want to feel on a daily basis,” she says. “The key is to choose a color that will function in your life, and give you livable luxury.”
The designer notes that it’s important to remember that blues and greens can contribute to a more calming feel while bold reds and oranges can infuse a space with energy. It’s up to you to determine the feeling you’d like to create and choose your hues accordingly.
A Statement Piece Shouldn’t Stand on Its Own
When weaving a statement-making piece of colorful furniture into your space, you should be mindful to also bring in other complementary elements, Kimberly Levin, the founder of Bespokle LLC, says.
“Incorporating a subtle thread of the statement color through textiles, artwork, or accents helps create cohesion,” she says. “The goal is to let color tell a story while ensuring the overall design feels layered, polished, and intentional.”
Don’t Forget About Balance
While complementary pieces are essential, you should also make sure to bring some contrast into your space in the form of other colors or neutrals, Peterman shares, noting that this will ensure your statement piece doesn’t overwhelm the room.
Colors Don’t Have to Be Permanent
The colors you’re drawn toward may change over time, and that is okay. Peterman offers a few tips designed to ease those who may be new to decorating with bright hues.
“If you love color but are worried about future flexibility, attempt timeless colors with a twist—deep teal rather than neon green, mustard rather than yellow,” she says.
Plus, she adds, keep in mind that there are ways to undo any decisions that really begin to bug you if needed. Peterman recommends reupholstering, slipcovers, or layering with pillows and throws of texture to bring in new life.
Choose Pieces That Bring You Joy
Ultimately, when decorating your home with colorful pieces of furniture, it is important to stay true to yourself, Peterman explains, noting that this means celebrating your personal style and not being shy about what brings you joy.
“The only error is choosing something because it’s trendy rather than because it really speaks to your authenticity,” Peterman says.