Home decorating tips

MANILA, Philippines – When planning to create a new look for the home it’s best to start with the living room. Play & Display shares these home decorating tips:

• Choose the focal point of the room. It’s a piece of furniture that your eye is drawn to when you enter room. It can be a TV set, a picture window, a painting or even a fireplace (if you’re in Baguio).

• Position the largest furniture piece (probably a sofa) opposite the focal point, approximately 10 feet away. It can be placed in the middle of the room.

• If you have an area rug, place it under the front edge of the sofa. There should be space between the rug and the focal point.

• Place the center table in front of the sofa.

• Put other furniture pieces on either side of the sofa to form a U-shape. The coffee table should still be within reach. Try to balance both sides of the U. If you have a low and club chair, put the loveseat (or two-seater) on one side and the club chair on the other. If you have two chairs, put one on either side. (Note: If you have two large pieces that are similar in size, put them on either side of the U, and the small chair at the end of the U.)

• Position end tables near the furniture that they fit best. Don’t put all of them on one side of the U.

• If you have other furniture pieces, it’s best to move them out of the room or place them in empty spaces. The key here is balance. You can put a chair and a table in one corner, a table at the back of the sofa, or a book case on the wall opposite the fireplace.

• Arrange home accessories to complement the furniture. Don’t just stick them on walls. If you have a console table, put a picture frame on the mantle together with some accessories. Leave the wall space on either side of the focal point empty.

• Lastly, make sure you have a comfortable, cozy conversation area.

For inquiries, visit or call Play & Display stores at 1190 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City (374-6421), 205 Edsa- Greenhills (725-3084), SM Megamall B (631-7194), Glorietta 4 (729-6497), and Alabang Town Center (809-0939).