Arranging furniture in your living room can be a headache when moving into a new space. If you start with a blank slate, you will need to buy the right pieces to create the perfect living area where friends and family can gather and relax. If you already have furniture, it may not work for your new setups. So, how can you solve this problem?
Setting up your living room can take some trial and error. Do not hesitate to move things around and keep note of what works and does not as you make use of your space. In the meantime, here are seven tips to help you find the furniture arrangement that is right for you and your space.
Start with the Largest Pieces
Arrange your living room furniture by starting with the more imposing pieces, like your sofa. Since you only have a limited number of options for where it will fit, the sofa leads the floor-plan. Once you have sorted out possible locations, check how the room will work for you. As you do so add smaller elements, such as side tables, as you go to create a more functional and pleasant space.
Arrange Your Room According to Its Layout
Guilty of using Pinterest or Instagram to find a living room furniture layout that appeals to your tastes? Unfortunately, those lovingly curated images may not reflect the reality of your space. If you are drawn to large, light-filled reception rooms, the reality of your tiny studio apartment in the city may feel like a cold shower.
No matter how attractive and helpful inspirational pictures may be, do not forget: your living room’s layout will dictate which furniture will be the right for you and its arrangement. For example, in a small or irregular space, you may need to bypass the large sofa of your dream. Instead, a more flexible option, like a loveseat and armchair arrangement, could be better suited. Despite what you may think, pushing all the furniture against the wall will not contribute to creating the feeling of a bigger space. Instead, pull the furniture closer to make your area feel cozy and intimate and focus on the room’s general flow.
Use Multi-Purpose Furniture for Adaptable Living Spaces
Your living room is the place where your gather your friends to exchange the latest gossip, lounge with your puppy at the end of a long day and binge-watch your favourite shows. But, it can also be so much more. Depending on your lifestyle and home size, it could double up in purpose. Whether it be a guest room, home office or your children’s substitute playroom, the choice is yours.
If your living room is large enough, you can arrange different dedicated areas within the space to allow for more flexibility. For example, find attractive storage ottomans for easy clean-up and lay out a fluffy rug to create a makeshift play area for the youngest members of the household. A cozy sofa bed will welcome last-minute guests, while a spacious sideboard can help keep your work accessories out of sight but within easy reach.
Create Conversation-Inducing Spaces
When setting up your living room, do not hesitate to create more intimate set-ups that invite your friends and family to chat and engage. It is particularly important if your living room is larger or if you are lucky enough to have other living spaces in your home, such as a media and family room. If possible, reserve the living room for conversations and entertaining.
Conversation-friendly spaces are also an excellent way to use awkward corners and nooks. You can turn under-utilised spaces into a cozy corner with a loveseat or two armchairs, a side table for a hot or cold beverage, and a blanket to hide under.
Focus on Your Room’s Best Assets
No matter how simple your living room may be, you probably have an element you appreciate above all. It could be the beautiful light that floods in the morning, a cozy fireplace, or the sensational view. When you arrange your living room furniture, take the time to sit down and check if you can still enjoy these elements from your favourite spot.
No architectural element that makes your heart sing in your living room? No problem! You can create your own with your favourite pictures, souvenirs, and heirlooms, on a shelved cabinet.
Define Your Space with Rugs
Rugs are an excellent way to decorate and bring a cozy touch into your home. They can also be handy when it comes to defining your space and dividing a large living room into cosier seating areas without renovating.
Choose a rug that matches your colour palette or a tasteful neutral that matches all your furniture. Textured rugs are also an excellent way to bring some interest without adding to the clutter. Your rug should also be large enough, so at least the front legs of your furniture fit on it.
Do Not Forget About Storage
Even the most tasteful furniture arrangement can feel cluttered and fall short of expectations if your room is messy. Adding extra storage can come as an afterthought. However, we recommend adopting a more proactive approach and making room for storage furniture from the get-go.
Matching sideboards and decorative baskets are an excellent way to adopt a “one place for each thing, and each thing in its place” attitude. In addition, hanging your TV to the wall may be all the rage, but a tasteful TV unit is also an excellent way to bring in extra storage. Plus, a matching coffee table is the best way to keep the remote and electronics safely out of the way.
