One of the best parts of event planning? Dreaming in themes. When it comes to event design, the world is your oyster. Will you curate a grandmillennial moment with soft colors and dramatic florals? Or will you go all-out with a vintage Hollywood glam soiree featuring retro-inspired details? As you’re making your design decisions, we’ve put together our best tips for selecting pieces that contribute to the flow of your event, complement your venue, and prioritize the guest experience.
Start with the Space: Know Your Layout
Right: Photo: The Lockharts, Planning: Alice and Apricot, Floral: Petals Couture
The first order of business is nailing down where you’ll host your event. The furniture design for a tented celebration is quite different from a hotel ballroom, both in functionality and in looks. Spacious venues (like a clear-top tent or a private estate) may call for larger anchor pieces and multiple lounge areas, while a more intimate venue might be better suited to clean, sleek furnishings and a tighter arrangement.
Determine the Flow of the Event
Right: Mateo & Co., Planning: Sarabeth & Co., Floral: The Floral Eclectic
Before you get deep into color palettes and design decisions, think through your itinerary. Will guests be moving from a cocktail hour into a seated reception? Will there be dancing? Lounge areas? A bar?
Furniture should support each moment: lounge seating for mingling, cocktail tables for standing conversation, and comfortable chairs for dining. The best part? Our newest arrivals include hundreds of dining chairs in a variety of styles and colors. And don’t forget traffic flow! A well-placed setup ensures guests can navigate the space comfortably without encountering bottlenecks or empty zones.
Complement the Venue’s Aesthetic (Or Contrast it Intentionally)
Bottom: Photo: Jeff Brummett, Planning: Pearl Events Austin, Floral: Flowers by Nino
Your venue sets the tone for your event, and your residential furniture rentals should either complement that aesthetic or intentionally play against it. Hosting at a historic estate? Elegant, vintage-inspired seating might feel right at home. Celebrating in a modern museum? Maybe it’s time to go bold with a pop of color or artful accents.
Contrasting styles can be equally stunning—think sleek, contemporary pieces in a rustic barn or romantic velvet lounge seating in a clean white loft.
Choose a Focal Piece and Build Around It
Right: Photo: Grant Daniels Photography, Planning: Whit Ross, Floral: Bouquets of Austin
Every great furniture plan starts with a focal point. Maybe it’s a dining table piled with floral centerpieces, an elaborate lounge area, or a custom bar facade. Let that moment inform your other selections so the entire look feels cohesive. Once you’ve selected your anchor, add in complementary pieces that balance texture and color. Don’t be afraid to mix materials—wood, metal, linen, velvet—as long as they feel harmonious within your overall vision.
Tie It All Together with Accent Pieces
Right: Photo: Jake Anderson Photography, Planning: Ann Travis Events, Floral: Max Owens Design
Once your major seating and tables are selected, it’s time to add those finishing touches. Accent pieces like coffee tables, bar facades, and console tables do more than serve a practical purpose—they’re the glue that ties your whole setup together.
They can fill in awkward corners, add height variation, and give you a spot to place florals, candles, or signage. Thoughtfully chosen accents create a layered, intentional look that feels elevated from every angle.
Together, We’re a Dream Team
Still not sure how it all comes together? That’s where we come in! At Perch Decor, we believe beautiful design should always serve a purpose—and your furniture should reflect both your style and the experience you want to create. From statement sofas to elegant dining chairs and every accent in between, we’ll help you craft a space that fits your venue and wows your guests. Ready to get started? Schedule a visit to our Dallas showroom or contact us today. We can’t wait to help you bring your event vision to life!
