Choose the seat before the silhouette
A compact chair is not useful if you never want to sit in it. Try the seat depth, back support and arm height. Notice how it feels to sit down and stand up. Measurements help narrow the options, but your experience in the chair matters most.
Make fewer pieces work harder
One comfortable sofa and a well-placed chair may serve you better than several small seats. A side table within reach can be more useful than a large coffee table in the middle of the room. Start with the activities the room needs to support.
Let the plan create breathing room
Look at the spaces between pieces as carefully as the pieces themselves. Keep the natural route through the room clear. A larger rug can help seating feel connected, while furniture with visible legs may let more of the floor show.
Choose for the way you actually live
If friends visit often, plan for conversation. If reading is a daily pleasure, prioritize the chair and its light. A smaller room asks for clearer choices, not a smaller version of every piece you once owned.