Before You Paint: Why Choosing Furniture First is Essential for a Stunning Room Makeover

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How to Decorate a Room: What to Know Before You PaintThinking about giving your space a refresh? That’s a great idea. But before you pick up a brush or start choosing wallpaper, let’s talk. There’s one very important thing you need to do before you paint.

As the decorator behind Type A Decor, I get it. Picking out colors is fun. Paint chips, wallpaper samples, dreaming up a new vibe—it’s exciting! But here’s what I’ve seen happen: someone falls in love with a color, paints the room, and then realizes the furniture doesn’t work at all.

That’s why I always remind my clients to take a breath before you paint. There’s one step you should always take first: choose your furniture.

Start with Furniture First

Your furniture sets the tone. It brings comfort, function, and personality into the room. It should always come first. Why? Because it’s much easier to match paint to a sofa than the other way around. That amazing navy velvet couch you’ve been eyeing might clash with your freshly painted mint green walls.

Choosing your anchor pieces before you paint gives you a clear idea of the style and color story. At Type A Decor, I help clients choose pieces that reflect their style and fit their real lives—then we choose paint that supports it.

Think About How Light Affects Paint

Here’s something many people forget before you paint: lighting. Natural and artificial light can completely change how a paint color looks. What seems soft and warm in the morning might turn cool and dull at night.

That’s why it’s important to look at paint samples in your actual space, at different times of day, after your furniture is placed. Furniture helps absorb and reflect light. Without it, your paint test might be way off.

Wallpaper? Coordinate After Furniture

Wallpaper can be a showstopper. But before you fall in love with a bold pattern, figure out your furniture.

I always help clients plan wallpaper selections that enhance—not compete with—their decor. If you choose wallpaper first, you might end up with a pattern that fights your rug, curtains, or artwork. Instead, find the big pieces you love, then find a wallpaper that ties it all together.

That’s a key step to remember before you paint or wallpaper any room.

Don’t Forget Accessories

Once your main pieces are set, think about your accents. These small touches—rugs, pillows, curtains, and art—help complete the space. But they can also guide you in choosing a paint color that works.

When you decorate a room, every layer matters. And those layers will come together more easily when you choose paint after the furniture and accents. So yes, take time with accessories before you paint.

Avoid Expensive Mistakes

Repainting a room isn’t just annoying—it’s costly. So are wallpaper removals. Choosing furniture first helps you avoid these headaches.

When you invest in furniture you love, you’ll naturally choose wall colors that make those pieces shine. You’ll spend less time second-guessing and less money fixing mistakes. That’s why I always say: choose smart before you paint.

Stay Flexible With Your Look

Paint and wallpaper are easy to change. Furniture? Not so much. If you decorate in the right order, you’ll have more freedom in the long run.

A classic bed frame or well-made sectional can last for years. When you want to switch things up, all you’ll need is a new coat of paint—not a full redesign. That’s the power of planning before you paint.

Let Your Home Tell Your Story

At Type A Decor, I help people design spaces that feel personal, not just pretty. Your home should reflect your life, your style, and what matters most to you.

When you think about how to decorate a room, the first step isn’t always the most obvious. But starting with furniture helps you create a space that’s both beautiful and functional. And that’s the kind of design that lasts.

So yes—shop for that statement chair, invest in that dining table, or bring home that vintage chest of drawers. Make sure they work for your space. Then, and only then, decide what goes on the walls.

That’s the smart way to decorate. That’s what to do before you paint.

Bottom Line: Furniture First

Here’s your big takeaway: choose your furniture first before you paint. Not only does it save time and money—it helps create a space that feels complete and cohesive.

Paint should complement the room, not lead it. When you choose your pieces first, you’ll have more options, more confidence, and a better end result.

So, next time you feel inspired to redecorate, just pause. Ask yourself: have I picked out my furniture yet? If not, wait. Let your furniture lead. Then, grab those paint swatches with purpose.

You’ll thank yourself for taking this smart step before you paint.

Warmly,

Marietta Daniel