Home furniture design articles, property interiors, G Plan dressing table house decor style
Home Furniture Design: Property Style
post updated 29 January 2026
Mid Century G Plan Fresco Dressing Table / Teak Desk
Pre-owned · G Plan furniture
£375.00
Interested? Email us at info(at)e-architect.com
Delivery within southern / central Scotland possible for a small fee, rest of UK for a larger fee.
Three Vintage G Plan Brandon bedside table / cabinet
Pre-owned · G Plan bedside tables
£125.00 for bedside table with three drawers
£105.00 for each bedside table with one drawer, £195.00 for both
£295.00 for all three
Contact and delivery as above.
Email: isabelle(at)e-architect.com
G-Plan Furniture
G-Plan was a pioneering British furniture brand launched in 1953 by E. Gomme Ltd., a well-established manufacturer based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England. In response to the growing post-war demand for modern, functional home furnishings, the company introduced the G-Plan range as a bold departure from traditional design.
G-Plan quickly stood out by offering coordinated furniture suites that could be purchased piece by piece—a novel concept at the time. This flexible, modular approach made high-quality design more accessible and affordable to the modern household.
Under the leadership of Donald Gomme, the company embraced modernist design principles, prioritizing clean lines, high-quality materials, and practicality. G-Plan also broke new ground in branding and marketing, producing sleek brochures, innovative advertising, and stylish in-store displays that helped define the look and feel of mid-century British interiors.
Over time, the name G-Plan became synonymous with contemporary living, playing a key role in shaping the design landscape of post-war Britain.
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Designing furniture for the home combines function, comfort, aesthetics, and space optimization. Whether you’re buying or custom-building, understanding how to design furniture that fits your space and lifestyle is key to creating a harmonious and functional home.
Home Furniture Design Guide
1. Understand the Space & Function
Before you design or choose furniture:
Measure your space (floor area, ceiling height, doorways).
Identify functions: What will the furniture do? (e.g., storage, lounging, work, dining)
Consider lifestyle:
Do you entertain often?
Do you have kids or pets?
Do you work from home?
2. Choose Furniture by Room
Bedroom Furniture:
Bed Frame: Platform, storage bed, or four-poster?
Headboard: Upholstered, wood, or minimalist?
Storage: Nightstands, wardrobes, dressers, under-bed drawers.
Desk or Vanity (optional): Especially in master bedrooms.
Seating: Accent chairs or window benches.
Tips:
Use built-in wardrobes to save space.
Use soft-close drawers and ergonomic handles.
Match wood tones or go for contrast (light bed + dark side tables).
Living Room Furniture:
Sofa/Sectional: Choose based on seating needs and space.
Accent Chairs: For extra seating or visual balance.
Coffee Table: Round for small spaces; rectangular for long sofas.
TV Unit / Media Console: Include cable management.
Bookshelves or Built-ins: Floor-to-ceiling shelves maximize space.
Storage Ottomans or nested tables for multifunctionality.
Tips:
Choose stain-resistant fabrics for family rooms.
Mix textures (leather, wood, metal) for depth.
Keep walkways at least 30–36 inches wide.
Dining Room Furniture:
Dining Table: Round, rectangular, or extendable.
Chairs: Match or mix styles for a modern look.
Sideboard / Buffet: For dishware and cutlery storage.
Bar Cabinet / Cart: Optional but stylish for entertaining.
Tips:
Leave 36″ clearance around the table for movement.
Consider bench seating to save space.
Match dining chair height to table (standard seat height is ~18″).
Kitchen Furniture:
Breakfast Nook: Built-in bench or small round table.
Kitchen Island: With bar stools, drawers, and prep space.
Tall Pantry Units: Pull-outs for dry goods.
Rolling Carts: Adds counter and storage space.
Tips:
Use multi-functional island designs (seating + storage).
Use moisture-resistant materials in furniture finishes.
Home Office Furniture:
Desk: L-shaped for corners, wall-mounted for tight spaces.
Ergonomic Chair: Essential for long hours.
Storage: Filing cabinets, floating shelves, built-ins.
Lighting: Desk lamps and overhead lighting.
Tips:
Ensure monitor is at eye level.
Use cord management systems for a clean setup.
Bathroom Furniture:
Vanity Units: With drawers or open shelving.
Wall Cabinets: For vertical storage.
Towel Racks and Hooks: Consider ladder-style shelves.
Stools or Benches: Optional for spa-like feel.
Tips:
Use water-resistant finishes like marine plywood or PVC laminate.
Keep design minimal for ease of cleaning.
3. Select Materials and Finishes
Material: Pros v Cons
Solid Wood: Durable, timeless, repairable v Expensive, can warp over time
MDF/Plywood: Cost-effective, smooth finish v Less durable than solid wood
Metal: Strong, industrial look v Can scratch or rust
Glass: Modern, reflective, light feel v Fragile, shows fingerprints
Upholstery: Comfortable, customizable v Requires maintenance (cleaning)
Finishes:
Matte: Subtle, modern, hides smudges.
Glossy: Reflective, sleek, but shows fingerprints.
Wood stains: Range from light oak to dark walnut.
4. Ergonomics & Proportions
Standard Furniture Dimensions:
Sofa seat height: 17–19 inches
Dining table height: 28–30 inches
Chair seat height: ~18 inches
Coffee table height: 16–18 inches (aligned with sofa seat)
Desk height: 28–30 inches
Always test proportions—oversized furniture in a small room will look cramped, and tiny furniture in a large room will feel out of scale.
5. Customization & Built-Ins
Built-in wardrobes, benches, desks maximize space.
Use modular systems for flexibility.
Add custom drawers, pull-outs, or open shelves to suit your lifestyle.
6. DIY vs. Buying Furniture
Option: Pros & Cons
DIY: Fully customized, budget-friendly v Time-consuming, requires tools/skills
Custom-made: Designed to your exact needs v More expensive, lead time
Ready-made: Convenient, quick setup v Limited size/style options
Flat-pack: Affordable, easy to transport v Assembly required, can feel cheap
Furniture Style Final Tips
Plan around focal points (TV, fireplace, window views).
Keep traffic flow clear—avoid overcrowding with furniture.
Use multi-functional furniture in small spaces (e.g., storage beds, fold-out tables).
Mix open and closed storage for aesthetics and practicality.
Building Debate Articles – chronological list
Home Furniture Design Style
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Architecture Design Guides
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Archive: Home Furniture Design – this post
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Archive: Architectural Articles
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Restaurant Furniture – Interior Architecture Design
Restaurants Furniture Articles
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Further Architecture Articles links:
Archive: Architectural Articles
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