Furniture by room
Furniture by room, from the hallway to the bathroom: for each room, the few pieces of furniture, lighting and home accessories that finish it, with the measurements that matter before you buy.
The hallway
A slim console table, a mirror at face height, a bench to sit on while you put your shoes on and a row of coat hooks. In a typical terraced-house hallway that is all there is room for, so keep everything within about 35 cm of the wall and leave a clear path to the stairs.
The living room
Three lights at three heights, a coffee table about two thirds the length of the sofa, and a rug large enough for the front feet of every seat to rest on it. Add a side table within arm's reach and the living room is done in six pieces.
The kitchen
Stools matched to the worktop height, two or three pendant lights over the island and a round table for four. Allow about 25 to 30 cm between the seat and the underside of the counter, and the kitchen comes together without any building work.
The landing
A wall light every three metres or so, a few hooks and a narrow mirror. Corridors and landings feel wider when the light comes from the walls rather than from a single ceiling fitting.
The home office
A desktop of 120 to 160 cm, an adjustable lamp at around 3,000 K, a chair that does not look out of place in a living room, and the cables tucked into a tray underneath.
The bedroom
Two bedside lamps at shoulder height when you sit up in bed, a soft ceiling light, a floor mirror, a throw and a basket. The bedroom needs very little else.
The bathroom
A round mirror centred at about 1.60 m, an IP44 wall light on each side, a small stool and a laundry basket. Check the IP rating of any light near the basin or bath before you buy.