Different people have different needs for living rooms. Living rooms can serve two purposes. In some homes they are the focal point of family gatherings while in others they serve as a showroom that is used when company visits. There are always issues when it comes to arranging living room furniture. These are some tips to help you place furniture in your living space.

Living Room Essentials

Here are some important points to keep in mind when you arrange living room furniture.

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  • The focal point of the room should be established and furniture placed around it. Some rooms will have a focal point that is already there, such as a window or fireplace. In others, you will bring something in such as a TV into the room.
  • You can create conversation zones with the furniture. You want people to be able talk to one another without shouting or straining their necks. You might consider creating several conversation areas if the space is large.
  • Traffic flow is important. Allow enough space for people to move around furniture, so that they can easily go from one end to the other.
  • Move furniture away from walls. One of the most common mistakes in a living room is to have all furniture backs touching the walls. A more intimate space will be created by placing the furniture closer together. You can show the pieces off as long as they are not damaged on the backs.

Furniture Placement and Sizes

Living room furniture is all about size.

    • Chairs and Sofa – These are the most expensive items so make sure they fit the space. Before buying these items, measure your space. It’s important to measure the space before you buy any of these pieces. Draw the space on graph paper and take all measurements. You can place the sofa and chair in different places to see which one works best visually.
    • Rug Using area rugs can be a great way of defining seating areas. However, the most common mistake in the living area is to use an area rug that is too small. All furniture should be able and comfortable to sit on the carpet. If space is limited, ensure that the legs of large upholstered items are at least on the rug.
    • Coffee Table – Coffee tables are useful pieces that can be found at the heart of conversations. The height of the coffee table should not be higher than the sofa or chairs surrounding it. You should make sure the table is at least one-half to two-thirds the length as the sofa. You can also use smaller tables and benches to achieve the same effect if you don’t have a coffee table. You should make sure that they are not too small. They should allow people sitting around them to reach for their drinks or put down their drink. You should also leave sufficient leg room between the tables and the seats. This should be anywhere from 14-18 inches.
  • Side Tables– Although side tables are often overlooked, they are essential. The amount of seating you have will determine how many you need. You should all be able to easily set down a drink and not have to move over to a table. You can have one on each side of the sofa and between two chairs. It is important to allow enough space for everyone without crowding the room. The table should be at least the same height as their counterparts on the sofa or chair they are next to.

Living Room Accessories

It is important to plan where the accessories will go once the furniture has been placed. You will likely have window treatments, artwork, and perhaps a TV and some sconces. Place living room accessories with the same care as furniture.

You can use an online room planner to help you plan your arrangement. Try out different designs to see which one suits you best. You can also create a floor plan for your living room using graph paper if you are not a computer expert. Make sure you measure everything accurately so that you don’t get any surprises when you place furniture in the room.