When designing a new home, one of the most common dilemmas homeowners face is whether to finalise their furniture or their carpentry first. Both play crucial roles in defining the overall look and functionality of your space—but which should come first?
Why Furniture First Makes Sense
Furniture pieces like your sofa, bedframe, and dining table are the largest elements in a room. They anchor the space and determine how everything else flows around them. When you choose furniture first:
- You can plan built-ins around real dimensions. Custom carpentry should complement—not compete with—your main furniture.
- You avoid awkward mismatches. Ever seen a built-in wardrobe that's slightly too close to a bed? Or a sofa that doesn’t quite fit the nook it’s supposed to? Choosing furniture first ensures scale and fit.
- You save money on redesigns. It’s much more expensive to redo carpentry than to adjust furniture placement.
When to Lock in Carpentry First
Of course, there are situations where built-ins must come first:
- If you need extensive storage. Think full-height wardrobes or platform beds with storage drawers.
- If your home has awkward layouts. Custom carpentry can solve layout issues that off-the-shelf furniture can’t.
- If you’re working with a designer or renovation package. These usually include carpentry in the core scope.
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The Best Approach: Plan Both Together
Ideally, plan furniture and carpentry together. Bring your furniture brand’s measurements or catalogues to your interior designer or contractor. Or if you’re shopping online, ask the furniture brand for layout planning advice.
Final Tips
- Mark furniture dimensions on your floor plan early
- Measure access paths (stairs, lifts, doorways)
- Ask your furniture company if they provide space planning support
Summary:While both carpentry and furniture are essential, anchoring your space with the key furniture pieces first helps avoid expensive mistakes and leads to a more cohesive, functional home.
