How Should I Arrange My Living Room Furniture?

Although arranging living room furniture can be challenging, it’s an essential step if you want to make the room practical and unified. In episode 5 of Design Time: From the Floor Up, expert home stager Lindsay the Stager shares her top tips for the best living room layout. These tricks can help you design the most functional and aesthetically beautiful space. 
Design Time: From the Floor Up Video Podcast Living Room: Sofa, Ottoman, Drink Side Tables

Living Room Layout Tips

Choosing the ideal living room layout can be tricky, especially when considering the television’s location, available space, open floor plans, and natural flow.   

Although there are many possible solutions, we’ve compiled a list of furniture arrangement tips to help you narrow your living room layout ideas. These tricks can help add flair and functionality to your home, whether you’re dealing with furniture in a small space or a large open-concept living room. 

The Best Sectional Sofa Layout

A large sectional is your best option if you have a spacious living room and will occasionally be hosting. In many circumstances, a sectional is ideal for maximizing deep seating.   

A round fabric ottoman greatly complements L-shaped or u-shaped sectionals. Circular ottomans provide a portable, convenient place to place a tray that holds books or television remotes without taking up much space.   

“The fabric-covered ottoman works so well because you can put your feet up on the ottoman if you’re sitting in the middle, not on the lounge part and not on the reclining part,” Lindsay the Stager suggests.   

Pair your sectional and round ottoman with a sharp c-shaped side table. By fitting snugly against the sofa, this type of table can save room while providing the ideal surface for placing drinks.
Family Room Furniture With C-Shaped Side Drink Table and Sectional Sofa

Sofa & Accent Chair Layouts

Two Sofas

A living room layout with two loveseat sofas positioned across from one another is practical, clean, and can accommodate many people. Large open floor plans benefit from having two sofas facing each other since it naturally creates a divide in the room. Narrow rooms also benefit from this arrangement. 

Accent Chairs + Sofa

Place a stunning sofa first, then a couple of chairs facing it. This living room layout option is one of the most popular and fits almost all living rooms. Pick a set of chairs that will fit your room and have the proper measurements. If you have enough space, select a deep armchair. Chairs that are more vertical than deep perform well in smaller living spaces. 

Chic Modern Round Fabric Ottoman, Accent Chairs, and Sofa

How To Determine TV Placement

The size of your TV and a few other variables may affect where you position it in your living room. Here are some pointers: 

  • The area of your living room where the TV is to be positioned should be kept from direct sunlight or glare from other types of illumination.
  • Keep your TV away from busy places. Nothing is more annoying than attempting to watch TV while people are constantly passing by. 
  • Generally speaking, your TV should face your sofa or chairs so you can watch it comfortably.
  • Although there are advantages and disadvantages to mounting a TV over a fireplace, it can clear up floor space in a compact living room layout if done correctly. 
Contemporary family room with two sofas and mounted TV

Balance is Key

When arranging living room furniture, balance is especially crucial. The size and placement of the various items should be taken into consideration. Avoid placing all the large or small objects in one spot or on one side of the room, as this may make the room appear uneven and uncomfortable. Make sure the shapes of your furniture are varied. For example, consider a spherical coffee table or ottoman if your seating is straight. 

Another critical factor for a living room layout is traffic flow. People shouldn’t have to trip over the furniture or each other to move through the room. Enough space should be left between the coffee table and sofa and between the chairs. Make a clear path so people can quickly move from one end of the room to the other. 

Modern grey sectional sofa and round coffee table
Check out Design Time: From the Floor Up for more interior design ideas.   

This video podcast educates and entertains casual and professional viewers with fun and helpful home design know-how. From LVP flooring to paint colors to decorative accents, we’ll explore various topics through weekly featured guests in the industry.   

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Author

  • Sarah Dyer Headshot

    Sarah is the Communications Manager at Floorily. With a strong background in digital marketing, she develops strategies and marketing material to help grow and promote Floorily. In her free time, Sarah enjoys camping, hiking, and being a passenger on flights flown by her aviator husband.

    https://www.floorily.com sarah@floorily.com Dyer Sarah