Whether your living room is big or small, knowing how to design living room layouts is essential. To create a seamless layout, place your main pieces in the center, such as a coffee table and sectional sofa. You can also place accent pieces like artwork or vases on the walls. To begin, place a coffee table in the center of the room, and leave enough space around it so that you can move around it easily.
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Place a coffee table in the center of the room
When decorating your living room, you will want to consider traffic flow. If your family members have to walk around the living room, there is no reason to place more furniture in the center of the room than necessary. A clear path between the various pieces of furniture will ensure that people don’t bump into each other or trip over a piece of furniture. For best results, place three or more items in front of the center table.
Although many people think of placing a coffee table in the middle of their living room, that is not always the best idea. The best coffee table placement depends on the shape and size of the living room. The center of the layout is generally the sofa, but long, narrow, or awkwardly-shaped rooms may have multiple visual center points. When determining the best placement for your coffee table, choose the closest visual center point. The more centrally placed the coffee table is, the more welcoming the room will feel.
Choose a statement piece that draws attention. It can be a sculptural item, such as a vases filled with favorite flowers. You can also add a personal touch by placing sentimental items on the coffee table. It is always a good idea to place some memorabilia on your coffee table, as they will serve as conversation starters. Designer Shawn Anderson’s country-meets-gothic farmhouse in
Memphis is an excellent example of a statement piece.
A coffee table can also be paired with the traditional sofa setup. The coffee table can be the companion of the sofa, occupying the center space. Another piece of furniture can occupy the other center point, forming a more evenly-divided area. If you’re not sure which one to choose, a coffee table is an excellent choice for many settings. When it comes to the layout, there are many tips to keep in mind when planning a coffee table in the middle of the room.
Place a sectional sofa near a fireplace
When laying out a living room layout, placing a sectional sofa near a fireplace creates a focal point for the room. A good place for such a sectional is in the corner, near a fireplace. This way, you won’t block traffic flow. Another tip is to place pieces in groups so that you’ll have more visual options. It can be fun to play with different furniture placements to find the perfect match.
When placing the sectional sofa near a fireplace, try to avoid placing it against a wall. This can make the room feel awkward, so keep the distance between the pieces to a minimum of two feet. A sofa near a window can block natural light and make the fireplace feel crowded. Another good tip is to place seating areas opposite each other, creating a social atmosphere. In general, the golden rule is eight feet between seating areas.
If you have a large living room, place a sofa on one wall and a chair on the other. This way, you can place a TV on a corner wall and a sectional sofa parallel to that wall. This way, you’ll have a corner fireplace to look at without being in the center of the room. A sectional sofa near a fireplace may also help you divide the space into zones, as long as you have ample seating at every position.
If you want a seating arrangement that is comfortable for your family and guests, you may want to place a sectional sofa near a fireplace. This will allow the space around the fireplace to breathe and will allow your living room layout to be more open. You can also add a small table at the back of the sectional sofa. Small decorative items will look great on the table.
Empty space around key pieces
To make a small living room feel spacious, create an open airy atmosphere by leaving plenty of empty space around key pieces. According to Emily Rickard, an interior designer, the more breathing space you have around a central piece of furniture, the bigger the room will feel. Empty space around key pieces should be balanced with a contrasting color or material, such as an accent wall. Rugs on the floor can ground your furniture while the border of floor space can add an extra touch to the space. Using the back of a sofa as an opportunity can also create a spacious atmosphere.
If you have limited space, consider grouping your pieces in an asymmetrical pattern. For example, grouping paintings that are related but not the same size will create an interesting design choice. Another option is grouping similar pieces of art on adjacent walls. Make sure to place pictures in proportion to the empty space around key pieces in the living room. If a picture is too large, it will overwhelm the entire layout. If the space is too small, it may appear as an afterthought.
Create a seamless layout
If you want a seamless living room layout, try a simple design that focuses on the view outside. For example, a sofa with a low back can be positioned under a large window to draw attention to the view. Similarly, an oversized area rug in the dining room can overlap into the living room, blurring the lines between the two rooms. A few pieces of furniture with matching fabric and color schemes will make the room feel more spacious.
A rectangular living room designed by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design is one of the easiest ways to achieve this look. A large overstuffed sofa anchors the right wall, leaving plenty of open floor space. An oversized upholstered sofa is surrounded by a symmetrical mid-century credenza, and a round coffee table breaks up the linear lines of the room. This helps create flow, as well as reduces the likelihood of bumping shins.
If your living room is too large to make the entire space feel more spacious, consider decluttering it. Clean out the space and refresh your decor. Make sure to focus on the areas that are easily visible from the rest of the room. Pushing furniture against walls creates dead space in the middle of the room. Try leaving a few inches of space between the sofa and the wall to make it appear larger and more inviting.
In addition to large windows, living rooms with lots of natural light can be functional and appealing. Here are nine living room layout ideas that incorporate large windows. Try low-lying furniture to frame the large window. Try to stick with a light color scheme as this will reflect the natural light and give the living room a beautiful glow. Choose furniture that will blend well with the rest of the room. If you are unsure about the style or color scheme, it is best to consult an interior designer to decide on a layout that works for you.
Add a console table behind the sectional
A console table behind a sectional creates a charming vignette. It’s also the perfect place to display your favorite accessories or add lighting. Designer Mary Beth Christopher explains why you should add a console table behind your sectional when designing your living room layout. Moreover, a console table is a perfect place to add a plant, since it receives direct sunlight.
The L-shaped configuration of a sectional creates a natural boundary between the two spaces, without closing off the room or obstructing natural light. This type of layout is especially helpful for small spaces because it separates the functions of the room. By putting the console table behind the sectional, you will be able to create a fluid layout, while also separating the different areas of the room.
A taller console table behind the sectional can create a barrier behind the sofa. Additionally, a low bookcase balances the fireplace wall against the sectional footprint. Then, add an accent chair perpendicular to the sofa. Adding a low bookcase behind the sectional will also give the room a more open look. It will also make it easier to store extra items on the shelves behind the sectional.
When designing a living room layout, you should make sure the sofa and accent chairs are the same height. This way, the couch and chairs will be more comfortable. Another way to make the room more comfortable is to add a console table behind the sectional. In addition, adding a console table behind the sectional will make the area appear larger and more spacious. A console table is also a great option for people who need to chat over coffee, wine, or tea.
Final thoughts on how to design living room layouts
Learning how to design living room layouts involves understanding your needs, defining a focal point, establishing traffic flow, balancing furniture placement, incorporating storage solutions, considering lighting, and adding personal touches. By carefully considering these elements, you can create a functional and visually appealing space that reflects your style and enhances your living experience.