Olivia's Buying Guide

Expert advice, inspiration, and tips to make confident, stylish decisions for your home.

Choosing the right furniture is about more than just filling a space, it’s about creating a home that reflects your style, supports your lifestyle, and stands the test of time. At Olivia’s, we believe every piece should feel considered, curated, and crafted to elevate your everyday living.

Our Buying Guide is here to help you navigate the journey. Whether you’re redesigning a single room or starting from scratch, you’ll find expert tips, inspiration, and advice to make confident, stylish decisions for your home.

1. Measuring Your Space

Measuring your space is a crucial first step before purchasing any furniture. Accurate measurements help ensure that each piece not only fits physically but also complements the room's flow and proportions.

Measuring a Room

  • Width & Length - Use a tape measure to determine the longest and widest points of your room, including alcoves and projections.
  • Height - Measure from floor to ceiling to assess vertical space, especially important for tall furniture or light fixtures.
  • Doorways & Hallways - Check the dimensions of all entry points to ensure your new furniture can be delivered without hassle.

Designer Tip: Don't forget to make note of any architectural features like doorways, windows, or radiators that might affect placement.

Measuring Furniture

  • Width – Measure the widest part of the piece, whether that’s arm to arm, edge to edge, or side to side.
  • Depth – Measure from the very front to the very back.
  • Height – Measure from the floor to the highest point (top of a backrest, headboard, cabinet top, etc.).
  • Special Dimensions – For bulky or oddly shaped items (such as recliners or corner units), also measure the diagonal depth and any protruding features.

Visualise the Layout

  • Tape Out the Dimensions: Use painter's tape on the floor to outline the footprint of your furniture. This helps visualise the space it will take up.
  • Consider Flow & Function: Ensure there's ample space for movement and that the layout supports the room's intended use.

Designer Tip

It’s important to factor in clearance space for walking and movement, especially for items like sofas, dining tables or chairs. 

2. Choosing the Right Sofa

Your sofa isn’t just a seat, it’s the heart of your living space. The right choice blends comfort, proportion, and style while complementing your room’s flow and personality.

Sofa Sizes & Configurations

  • Two-Seater Sofas - Perfect for smaller rooms, apartments, or as a secondary sofa in larger spaces. Ideal for cosy evenings without overwhelming your layout.
  • Three-Seater Sofas -  Three-seater sofas are a customer favourite and for good reason. A versatile option for most living rooms, giving ample space for family or guests without dominating the space.
  • Corner or L-Shaped Sofas - Maximises seating in open-plan layouts and creates natural zones in larger rooms. Great for social spaces where people gather and chat.
  • Modular Sofas - Adaptable designs that let you reconfigure sections to suit your space or lifestyle. Perfect if you like flexibility or plan to move.

Designer Tip: Leave at least 60–75cm of walking space around your sofa to keep your room feeling open and easy to navigate.

Materials & Upholstery

  • Fabric – Soft, breathable, and available in a wide range of colours and textures; great for comfort and versatility.
  • Leather – Durable, easy to clean, and develops a rich patina over time for timeless appeal.
  • Velvet – Luxurious and tactile with a rich depth of colour; ideal for creating a statement look.
  • Linen Blends – Light, airy, and naturally textured; brings a relaxed yet refined look.

Designer Tip: Match your sofa size to your room. Too big can crowd and too small can disappear. See our measuring guide for help.

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3. Designing a Dining Room

Dining rooms serve more than just daily meals, they are for entertaining guests and bringing family together. That’s why choosing the right dining table and chairs is essential to creating a functional and inviting home.

Choosing the Right Table Shape

  • Rectangular Tables – Perfect for long, narrow rooms, these tables can seat multiple guests with ease. Available in sizes from compact to expansive, they’re ideal for hosting dinner parties or large family meals.
  • Round Tables – Ideal for smaller or square-shaped rooms, these shapes foster a cosy, intimate atmosphere, encouraging conversation and connection.
  • Square Tables - Like a round table, a square table is ideal for smaller rooms and can easily be placed against a wall in tighter spaces.
  • Oval Tables – A versatile choice for narrow or compact spaces, oval tables offer more seating than round tables while keeping a soft, elegant silhouette that complements any room.

Choosing the Right Material
The material of your dining table sets the tone for your room and impacts durability, maintenance, and style. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

  • Wood – Classic and versatile, wooden tables bring warmth and character to any space. They range from light, casual finishes to rich, dark tones that make a statement.
  • Glass – Sleek and modern, glass tables open up a room and create a light, airy feel. They pair well with metal or wood bases for added style.
  • Metal – Durable and contemporary, metal tables are perfect for an industrial or modern look. They’re easy to clean and often combine well with wood or glass tops.
  • Mixed Materials – Combining wood, metal, or glass can add texture and visual interest, giving your dining space a unique, curated feel.

Picking the Right Seating

  • Classic Dining Chairs - Typically armless, making them ideal for smaller spaces or for fitting more chairs comfortably around the table.
  • Armchairs and Carver chairs - Provide a formal and comfortable seating option, commonly placed at the head of the dining table.
  • Bench Seating - A practical choice for maximising seating, especially in casual spaces like kitchens or multifunctional areas.
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Designer Tip

When choosing a material, think about how you use your dining room. For everyday family meals, durability matters; for occasional entertaining, style can take centre stage.

4. Selecting the Right Lighting

Lighting shapes both the mood and function of a room, so choosing the right type is essential. Consider both the fixture and placement for the best effect:

Types of Lighting

  • Ambient Lighting - The primary source of light, often from ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, or pendant lights, creating comfortable overall illumination.
  • Task Lighting - Focused lighting for specific activities, such as desk, table, or floor lamps.
  • Accent Lighting - Decorative lighting that highlights artwork, architectural features, or sets a mood, including wall and picture lights.

Choosing the Right Fixture

Select fixtures based on the room’s size, ceiling height, and style:

  • Pendant Lights - Ideal for dining areas, kitchens, or as statement pieces; choose a scale that complements the space.
  • Chandeliers - Great for living rooms or entryways; pick a design that balances the room’s proportions.
  • Flush or Semi-Flush Mounts - Perfect for lower ceilings or smaller spaces, providing ambient light without overwhelming the room.
  • Wall and Picture Lights - Add accent lighting or highlight artwork while maintaining a subtle profile.

Measuring & Preparing

  • Measure Your Space - Accurately measure the room’s height, width, and depth, as well as furniture placement, to determine fixture size and placement.
  • Consider Ceiling Height - Ensure hanging fixtures like pendants or chandeliers leave adequate clearance above tables or walkways.
  • Check Electrical Points - Identify existing wiring and outlets for convenient installation.
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5. Styling & Home Decor

Planning Your Space

Start by measuring your space accurately, height, width, and depth, to ensure accessories fit perfectly. Consider proportions, clearances, and how pieces interact with existing furniture to create a balanced and cohesive look.

Key Considerations for Choosing Pieces

  • Room Theme & Colour Scheme - Align with your chosen palette for harmony, or introduce contrasting colors to make a statement.
  • Materials - Select woods, metals, glass, or fabrics that complement the room’s mood and atmosphere.
  • Visual Weight & Balance - Mix textures and shapes thoughtfully to maintain harmony and interest.
  • Avoid Overcrowding - Use negative space to let each piece shine, keeping the room feeling open and curated.

The Art of Accessory Laying

Layering accessories (throws, cushions, rugs, lighting, and artwork) adds texture, depth, and personality. Combine different materials and finishes, like a soft wool throw over leather or a plush rug beneath a sleek coffee table, to create a dynamic, inviting space. Thoughtful lighting and artwork enhance ambiance while transforming a room from functional to warm, textured, and uniquely yours.

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Finding Your Interior Design Style

Mustard velvet sofa in a light bright room with gold coffee table and monochrome wall art.

Bold Eclectic

Vibrant, expressive, and full of personality, this style embraces a daring mix of colors, textures, and influences.

Contemporary bedroom image with beige linen headboard and dark wood frame on a soft beige rug

Contemporary Luxe

Sleek, sophisticated, and subtly opulent, this style exudes modern elegance with refined finishes.

Dark and moody industrial living room in a loft style apartment

Industrial Loft

Raw, edgy, and effortlessly cool, this style highlights exposed structures, metal accents, and urban-inspired aesthetics.

Modern farmhouse style kitchen diner against open glass windows

Modern Farmhouse

Warm, inviting, and charmingly rustic, this style blends cozy comfort with timeless, modern touches.

Pure Minimalism

Calm, understated, and effortlessly elegant, this style celebrates simplicity and clarity in every detail.

Refined Mid-Century

Timeless, polished, and thoughtfully curated, this style honors classic mid-century forms with modern sensibility.

still looking for more help?

Olivia's Design Service

We offer a modern, personalised approach to interior design - flexible, collaborative, and tailored entirely to you. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all or traditional interior design service. Instead, we adapt to your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. To begin, we invite you to book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with one of our expert Interior Designers.

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