Choosing home furnishings for any room is a major piece for the primary activity of the room, which must be considered first, the sofa in the living room, the bed in the bedroom, the desk in the office. This piece in most cases should face the focal point of the room. A long empty wall can be made into a focal point by grouping pictures over a long narrow table.

Large pieces of furniture should be evenly distributed so as not to put the room off balance. Leave room around them for the best affect. In selecting home furnishing pieces, keep the architectural shapes in the room in mind. Try to balance pieces opposite one another.

Be conscious of the light in the room when selecting and placing your home furnishings. A dark cabinet may disappear in a dimly lighted alcove. Bright pieces may seem garish under a picture window. Break up the horizontal lines of the room by mixing in taller items.

Think about the use of the room as you place the home furnishings. If you typically eat or drink there, is there a place to set your cup or plate down? Is there enough storage for books or CDs? Mix hard and soft surfaces by adding rugs or fabric-covered tables to a room otherwise filled with wood, metal and stone.

Once you have decided on a color scheme, bring your samples home. Look at them at different times of the day, and in both natural and incandescent light. Keep in mind that darker colors will tend to fade over time more than lighter ones. Be sure to take into consideration any existing home furnishings pieces that will remain in the room as well as the various wood finishes present.