Style Starboard: Designer Tips- Furniture sizing, spacing & function

Style Starboard: Designer Tips- Furniture sizing, spacing & function

Design tips to maximize your furniture style & function in your space.

6 Simple tips to make the right furniture choices and space plan in your coastal rooms

Measure.

The first step in arranging a space is determining its size. Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of a room. This is key to making sure your furniture selections will fit.

Mix furniture of different sizes.

Every object has a height, depth and width. To add visual interest to any space, incorporate a variety of furniture with different characteristics. If you're going for a serene area for rest or recovery, keep the furnishing size & volume in a room similar.

Furniture size & scale to create balance.

The size of furniture pieces are relative to one another and the size of the space is their scale. Similarly scaled pieces are more serene when used together. A nice balance of pieces creates a harmonious design, utilizing differing heights, depth and width throughout a room. When the furniture is out of scale,it just won't feel comfortable or right.

Furniture relationship & balance to create symmetry.

The relationship of items to one another to form a pleasing whole is called balance. There are two forms of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Bilateral symmetry has two of everything. Asymmetry refers to an imbalance, such as two candles of slightly different sizes next to each other. Symmetry is very serene, while asymmetry is used to add visual interest.

Painters perspective.

Look at your space as a painter looks at a work of art. There are visual tricks that painters use to create the appearance of depth in a space. The first trick painters use is "triangulation." In interior design, triangulation is the placement of two end tables on either side of a sofa with a painting above the sofa.

Form & function of the space.

All furniture arrangements have a form and a function. Large rectangular spaces can be dealt with by dividing the "form" of the space into another form. A long, narrow living space, for example, can be split into two areas of function. One half can be for the sofa, or the function of conversing and watching TV, and the other half is the Dining Room, or the function of dining.

Choosing the right accent chair for a beach house is about more than style — it’s about comfort, durability, and how the piece works within a relaxed coastal space. The best accent chairs combine soft, livable materials with timeless design, creating seating that feels effortless and easy to use every day.
This guide covers how to choose accent chairs for a coastal home, what materials work best, and how to create a cohesive living space using pieces that are both functional and elevated.

What You'll Learn in This Guide:

• What makes a great accent chair for a beach house
• Which materials work best in coastal homes
• How to choose the right style and size
• How to pair chairs with sofas, rugs, and tables
• Which accent chairs work best for everyday living
  

What Makes a Great Accent Chair for a Beach House?

A well-chosen accent chair should feel comfortable, durable, and visually balanced within the space.

Look for:

• Soft, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton
• Durable construction for everyday use
• Neutral or coastal-inspired tones
• Shapes that feel relaxed rather than overly structured
  

The goal is a chair that looks beautiful but is also used daily.

Slipcovered Accent Chairs

Slipcovered chairs are one of the best choices for coastal homes because they are:

• Comfortable and relaxed
• Easy to maintain and clean
• Ideal for homes with kids, pets, and everyday use
  

Woven & Natural Material Chairs

Chairs made from rattan, wood, or woven materials add texture and depth.

• Adds natural, organic feel
• Works well in layered coastal spaces
• Pairs beautifully with neutral palettes

Upholstered Coastal Chairs

Upholstered chairs in soft fabrics provide:

• Additional comfort
• More structured seating
• A polished coastal look

How to Style Accent Chairs

Accent chairs should feel like part of the room — not an afterthought.

Pair with:

• Coastal rugs to ground the seating area
• Driftwood tables for natural texture
• Coastal lighting to add warmth and dimension

This combination creates a space that feels layered and complete.

How to Choose the Right Size

• Ensure the chair fits proportionally within the room
• Leave enough space for movement
• Pair with the right scale of sofa or sectional

One oversized chair often works better than multiple small pieces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing style over comfort
• Selecting materials that don’t hold up to daily use
• Going too small for the space
• Overmatching instead of layering textures

Shop the Look

• Slipcovered Seating
• Driftwood Coffee Tables
• Best Selling Coastal Rugs
• Coastal Lamps

Why We Love It

Accent chairs are one of the easiest ways to complete a room.

• Adds comfort and flexibility
• Creates balance in seating areas
• Introduces texture and personality
• Works across casual and more refined spaces