Living room layout ideas can totally transform a space and there are many reasons why you should consider switching things up. Perhaps you've just moved into a rental that doesn't use a pocket of space as effectively as it could.
Whatever your motive for tackling your living room layout, it's the room you probably spend the most time in – so getting it right is vital. The perfect living room ideas are those that suit the way that you live, whether you want an area for entertaining, a quiet and isolated room to withdraw to, or a multi-functional space that can be adapted to whatever the situation needs.
There's much more beyond pushing all your furniture up against walls and angling them towards sofas, and these spaces prove it. So go on, be a bit bolder in your living room configuration.
1. Create rooms within rooms with clever furnishings
(Image credit: Homesense)
How many 'rooms' within this living room can you see? We spot four. A living room (of course), a home office idea in the corner, to your right, an intimate dining area, and on the floor, a small play area.
You see the open shelving acts as a barrier between work and play, and the round dining table hugs around the bay windows to provide a light-flooded space to sit and eat. So you don't need four separate spaces to sit and relax with the family.
2. Play with different levels of height
(Image credit: DFS)
When designing a living room layout, it's a good either to have an interesting feature on every level of the room. DFS demonstrate this perfectly here. Aside from the wooden beams giving this space a gorgeous rustic living room appeal, we've Aztec-inspired cushions providing warmth and exotic interest, a vintage trunk used as a coffee table alternative, slubby furniture to add comfort and vases full of fresh and dried foliage reaching up towards the ceiling.
This strategy of adding stylish pieces to your sitting room adds depth and dimension and can be implemented whatever the size of your space.
3. Blend your living room theme into other spaces
(Image credit: Dunelm)
Drop the formality and need to create a different aesthetic theme in every room. If you've got an open-plan living room and dining area (or through-lounge), keep your style the same from the start to the end of the room.
Over time the space will be easier to evolve and curate with a coordinated set of living and dining accessories with two 'rooms' intertwining and working in harmony with one another.
4. Go for a balanced layout
(Image credit: Neptune )
If you are after a more formal living room layout – symmetry is the way to go. It's very visually satisfying and does work particularly well in small living room layouts where it's important to give your furniture room to breathe to avoid a cluttered feeling.
You can create this look either with two sofas and a coffee table in between or slightly off balance it with a sofa facing two armchairs. You are best then mounting a TV so it can be seen from both sides of the room, but bear in mind you'll have to turn to watch, so this layout might be suited best to a room where the TVdoesn't have the be the focus.
5. Introduce light into a dark living room
(Image credit: Cosy Coco)
If you can't decide between a green or blue living room – choosing an Art Deco-inspired teal lounge with a marble checkered floor is a classy and elegant option.
But, if you're scared that the space might look a tad on the dark side, choose a spot that's near the garden or place furniture near large windows. That way, you can layer natural sunlight with multiple living room lighting ideas to balance out light and dark.
The addition of metallic surfaces such as the brass table and candlestick holder on the black and rattan cabinet will help to reflect light.
6. Turn your living room into a guest room
(Image credit: Snug Sofa)
As the price of real estate increases, you may find that your money doesn't stretch as far as you'd hoped with the number or size of rooms you wanted.
For example, if your savings don't allow you to have a guest room, or if box bedroom is too tiny – the best sofa beds function as a cozy seating and sleep space. So rather than remodelling your house to accommodate for sleepovers, invest in this dual-purpose piece of furniture.
7. Open up your kitchen and living room
(Image credit: Sofa.com)
Having a space that's warm and visually-appealing is great for entertaining guests. Opening up a sitting room adjacent to the the kitchen is perfect for letting mouth-watering aromas of a home-cooked meal permeate into the space.
When thinking about how to design the perfect living room, approach it like a private dining experience. Here, you can also peer into the black-framed, Crittall-style pocket doors and feel as though you're at the chef's table – without disrupting the cook's culinary output.
8. Zone seating around a fireplace
(Image credit: Sofa.com)
Not just for cozying up around Christmas, living room fireplace ideas are the perfect appliance to base your lounge layout around. With traditional, wood burning stoves, you can reinforce them as a feature with a mirror or artwork over the mantelpiece.
This is especially effective in a room where you don’t really have any technology. If your living room is for relaxing, reading, or listening to music, then having a focal point like a fireplace will add to the calming feel.
Modern cassette models on the other hand, are ideal for space-saving. Even during the warmer months, some electric fires have an ability to let you experience the visual effects of the LED 'embers' without actually heating up the room.
9. Use a room divider to zone the space
(Image credit: DFS)
Room divider ideas are a really affordable option to zone a living room layout. Whether you're renting, or a non-committal decorator, dividers can be folded away when not in use.
We love these plain lilac ones that blend seamlessly into the living room with the other pastel accessories.You wouldn't even know they were there... well, sort of.
10. Choose between open-plan, broken-plan, or living room only
(Image credit: Chris Snook)
If you're looking to remodel your home, it might be that your living room will be at least partly open to other rooms.This requires a certain amount of self-analysis, so think about how you are going to live in the room, and to what extent you want a separate sanctuary to escape from household life.
You may wish to isolate the room for other people. For example, the separate room may be a space where teenagers can watch TV and play computer games with their friends while the adults remain reasonably undisturbed in the kitchen-diner.
On the other hand, you may want to create a more seamless layout where an open-plan kitchen, dining area and lounge space overlap. This living room layout idea often allows for more family interaction and can have the benefit of making the entire space seem larger.
Often, the solution is a combination of both, where rooms have been linked by knocking them through, but still have a defined living space. Double doors, folding doors or even large sliding doors can provide the option to link or close off areas.
11. Find your living room's focal point
(Image credit: Neptune)
How you want to use your living room will dictate what its focal point will be. The living room layout is usually dictated by where the TV is placed, but often you don’t want it to be the central focus, unless that is what the room is primarily for.
Quite often, these rooms double as a home cinema space, so if that’s what you’re looking for, it's best to look at some genius living room tv ideas.
12. Or go for something more flexible
(Image credit: Modern Organic)
You can create a more relaxed, laidback living room by avoiding a symmetrical look and dotting your furniture slightly more randomly around the space.
Have your sofa lengthways with the coffee table in front, because that just makes sense, but then dot mismatching chairs, stool and even small tables in the space opposite.
13. Look at the natural light when picking a living room layout
(Image credit: Design by Emily Henderson Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp)
If you have great views from your windows, then turning these into the focus of the room is a brilliant solution. This is a great idea for rooms used for relaxing and more formal gatherings. It's also a good option if your living room is in an open plan extension, and you have windows flooding the space with light.
Where you position furniture will also depend on your choice of focal point. If a large window looking out onto the garden is the main focal point, the seating should be placed to take in the view, thus creating a comfortable space to relax in.
14. Let your furniture be the focus
(Image credit: Paul Craig)
If you're hashtag blessed with a large living room layout, invest in beautiful statement furniture to make them the focal point. Configure the furniture in a way that promotes conversation with family and guests.
One way to do this is to designate a well-lit corner for your perfect armchair or one of the best sofas on the Real Homes team's radar, perhaps in a statement colorway or luxe upholstery fabric that will become the focus of the room.
15. Don't just push everything against walls
(Image credit: Urban Allure)
There is a common tendency, when designing aliving room layout, to shove all your furnishings up against walls. But this attempt to claim back those precious few inches can often have an adverse effect.
Instead, copy this look and pull your furniture away from the wall a tad, creating space around the outside of the room, and group around a central coffee table.
'If your living room’s on the smaller side, it’s tempting to put all of the furniture against the wall to make it feel bigger,' says Sims-Hilditch.
'This actually just creates an empty space in the middle which isn’t as usable as you might think and leaves your room feeling off-balance. Instead, in any size room, build your layout from the centre to make it feel more intimate and welcoming.'
16. Think about how will you move about the space
(Image credit: Jeremy Phillips)
Once you have identified the functional needs and focus of the room, you can think about your living room layout's functionality. How will people move in, out and within the space? This will help you decide where it’s best to place the furniture.
If the room doubles up as the main route through to the garden or is a space in which people will travel between the kitchen and dining room, you can use open shelving or storage units as screens to provide partial separation.
Or, why not consider zoning the room (using the position of the furniture) to define a circulation route that does not run through the seating or TV area? For example, in an open-plan living room, you may choose to use furniture to delineate the living room area. Sofas, especially if they are L-shaped, can be used effectively to mark out the boundaries of a living room.
17. Plan storage into your layout
(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)
Remember to consider living room storage ideas in your design. Bench or banquette seating along one wall of your living room can incorporate storage for DVDs and home entertainment gadgets, while providing additional seating.
If you want to create a contemporary design in a Victorian or Edwardian house look to this idea. Add a stone-topped plinth about 45cm above floor level across the whole of the fireplace wall, and incorporate storage beneath for logs and kindling to act as the hearth for a contemporary recessed fireplace.
18. Consider living room lighting too
(Image credit: Rachael Smith)
A living room can have many different functions, so the key to good living room lighting is variety and variability. With artificial lighting, for example, it is often useful to have several different sources of light. Controlling many of these on a dimmer switch or lighting system will enable you to set the appropriate task or mood lighting in the different zones.
Using a 5A ring circuit (which will require 5A pin sockets, designed for small round pins) can allow you to operate several table lamps and floor standing lamps around the room from the light switch or dimmer, which can be effective and efficient.
Lights can be very stylish design features. A pendant light can look striking in a traditionally symmetrical room with a chimney breast, while a long-stemmed arching floor standing lamp can be a visual feature and have flexibility of position. Also, look to wall lights or sconces if you want to concentrate light or a highlight a feature in a living room corner.
19. Factor mirrors into a small living room
(Image credit: Future)
Surprise, surprise, mirrors make small spaces feel bigger, so when designing the layout of a small living room make sure you factor them in.
In fact, make mirrors a key focus of your plans. We recommend starting with a large mirror on the wall that hangs opposite the windows as this will bounce more light around and create the illusion that the room is bigger.
If your windows are on the smaller side or you don’t want to rely on natural light, try placing a tall mirror idea behind furniture or lighting instead to create the visual trick of another room opening up beyond.
FAQs
How do I set up my living room?
'It's important to divide the space according to function and give meaning to all areas. For instance, you may want a more formal arrangement in front of a fireplace as opposed to a more relaxed arrangement for watching TV,' explains Jiin Kim-Inoue, design director, Finchatton.
'If you have a window overlooking a garden, it could be a great space for a comfortable seating with a foot stool or a small writing desk. I would consider outlook and lighting in giving a space purpose and meaning.'
'Other examples of popular living room zones are a reading nook, a craft or hobby area, a games area or an intimate eating area.'
How do you build a zone in a living room?
'Room dividers, in all of their forms, have the ability to visually break up a space making them a great feature to use when decorating a large living room,' explains Linda Holmes, interior director at LuxDeco.
'Dividers range from non-permanent pieces like a chic center table, as mentioned before, and beautiful coromandel screens to dividing bookcases and built-in shelving units. Both have their pros.'
'Something like a center table, low bookcase or screen can be easily moved around the space, opening up the space for larger gatherings, or moved to another room if needed.'
'A tall bookcase is a good middle-of-the-road solution – it provides quite a lot of separation (although an open bookcase will still allow for some interaction between the spaces) but can, technically, be moved if needed.'
'A floor-to-ceiling built-in shelving unit is something which would be an architectural feature inherent to your room’s design. It would be a permanent feature of the space which would certainly break up a large living room.'
Alternatively, living room rug ideas can function in the same way as British designer, Benji Lewis explains.
He says: 'A statement rug can pull aroomtogether, adding a bright and cozy warmth to a space, especially needed as the darker evenings and colder weather setsin.These woven delights – from sheepskin to North African are also an effective way to zone dedicated areas, in aroomthat serves various purposes.'
We reached out to the home experts to get their professional thoughts on designing a living room layout. And here's what one style specialist had to say:
'No matter how beautiful the living room ideas you have going on may be, if they are part of an awkward small space or a large room that's oddly put together, you're not going to get the most out of them,' says Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder, Neptune.
'Ensuring the layout is spot on in terms of style and function is key to success. 'Living rooms are often one of the trickiest rooms in the home to design because they’re usually the one that multi-tasks the most.'
'Somewhere to watch TV, somewhere to relax, somewhere to entertain friends, somewhere to store all sorts of paraphernalia, and even somewhere to eat and work depending on your setup.'
'Paint color,fabric choice,andflooringaside, what to put in your sitting room and where to position it all are two of your main considerations.'
Introduction
As an expert in living room layout and design, I can provide you with valuable insights and tips to transform your living space. I have extensive knowledge and experience in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing living room configurations. Let's explore the concepts mentioned in the article and delve deeper into each one.
Creating Rooms within Rooms with Clever Furnishings
To maximize the functionality of your living room, consider creating distinct zones within the space using clever furnishings. By strategically placing furniture and utilizing open shelving, you can delineate different areas for various activities. For example, you can have a living area, a home office corner, an intimate dining space, and even a small play area. This approach allows you to make the most of your living room without the need for separate rooms [[1]].
Playing with Different Levels of Height
Adding visual interest and depth to your living room layout can be achieved by incorporating different levels of height. Consider using furniture and decor elements of varying heights to create a dynamic and engaging space. For example, you can have wooden beams on the ceiling, Aztec-inspired cushions, a vintage trunk as a coffee table alternative, and vases with foliage reaching towards the ceiling. This layering effect adds dimension and character to your living room [[2]].
Blending Your Living Room Theme into Other Spaces
If you have an open-plan living room and dining area, it's beneficial to maintain a cohesive style throughout the space. By keeping the same aesthetic theme, you create a harmonious flow between the two areas. This approach allows for easier evolution and coordination of living and dining accessories, resulting in a unified and visually appealing space [[3]].
Opting for a Balanced Layout
For a more formal living room layout, symmetry is key. Symmetrical arrangements create a visually pleasing and balanced environment, especially in smaller living rooms. You can achieve this by placing two sofas and a coffee table in the center or by having a sofa facing two armchairs. Mounting a TV that can be seen from both sides of the room is ideal for maintaining symmetry. However, keep in mind that this layout may be better suited for a room where the TV is not the main focus [[4]].
Introducing Light into a Dark Living Room
To brighten up a dark living room, consider incorporating light-reflecting elements and strategic placement of furniture. Opt for a color scheme that includes light and bright tones, and choose furniture near large windows or in proximity to the garden to maximize natural light. Additionally, adding metallic surfaces, such as brass tables or candlestick holders, can help reflect light and create a luminous atmosphere [[5]].
Turning Your Living Room into a Guest Room
If you have limited space or budget constraints, investing in a sofa bed can transform your living room into a guest room. Sofa beds serve as both comfortable seating during the day and a cozy sleep space at night. This dual-purpose furniture allows you to accommodate guests without the need for a separate guest room or extensive remodeling [[6]].
Opening Up Your Kitchen and Living Room
Creating an open and connected space between your kitchen and living room can enhance the overall warmth and visual appeal of your home. By removing barriers and incorporating design elements that seamlessly blend the two areas, you can create a cohesive and inviting environment. This layout is particularly beneficial for entertaining guests and allows for a more interactive experience between the kitchen and living room [[7]].
Zoning Seating around a Fireplace
A fireplace can serve as a focal point in your living room and provide a cozy atmosphere. When designing your living room layout, consider arranging your seating around the fireplace to create a comfortable and inviting space. You can place sofas and chairs in a way that encourages conversation and relaxation. Additionally, you can enhance the fireplace's visual impact by adding a mirror or artwork above the mantelpiece [[8]].
Using a Room Divider to Zone the Space
Room dividers are an affordable and versatile option for zoning your living room layout. They can be folded away when not in use, making them ideal for renters or those who prefer flexibility in their design. Dividers can range from screens and bookcases to open shelving units, providing both separation and visual interest. Incorporating dividers allows you to create distinct areas within your living room without the need for permanent walls [[9]].
Choosing Between Open-Plan, Broken-Plan, or Living Room Only
When remodeling your home, you have the option to choose between different living room layouts. You can opt for an open-plan design, where the living room is connected to other rooms, creating a more seamless and expansive space. Alternatively, you can go for a broken-plan layout, which combines open areas with defined living spaces. This allows for both family interaction and separate sanctuaries. Lastly, you can have a dedicated living room that is separate from other areas, providing privacy and a distinct living space [[10]].
Finding Your Living Room's Focal Point
Determining the focal point of your living room is crucial for creating a cohesive and functional layout. The focal point can be the TV, a fireplace, a large window with a view, or a statement piece of furniture. Consider how you want to use your living room and what element you want to draw attention to. Designing the layout around the focal point will help create a visually pleasing and purposeful space [[11]].
Opting for Something More Flexible
For a relaxed and laid-back living room, you can deviate from a symmetrical look and arrange your furniture in a more random manner. Place your sofa lengthways with the coffee table in front, and add mismatched chairs, stools, and small tables in the space opposite. This approach creates a more casual and eclectic atmosphere, allowing for a flexible and personalized living room layout [[12]].
Considering Natural Light When Picking a Living Room Layout
Natural light plays a significant role in the ambiance of a living room. If you have windows with great views, consider positioning your furniture to take advantage of the scenery. Placing seating areas near windows allows you to enjoy the natural light and create a relaxing and inviting space. Additionally, the choice of furniture placement should align with the focal point of the room, whether it's a window or another feature [[13]].
Letting Your Furniture Be the Focus
In a large living room layout, statement furniture can serve as the focal point and anchor the space. Invest in beautiful and eye-catching furniture pieces that become the center of attention. Arrange the furniture in a way that promotes conversation and interaction among family and guests. By designating a well-lit corner for a perfect armchair or a standout sofa, you create a visually striking and inviting living room [[14]].
Avoiding Pushing Everything Against Walls
A common mistake in living room layout design is pushing all the furniture against the walls. While this may seem like a space-saving solution, it can create an empty and unbalanced feel in the room. Instead, consider pulling your furniture away from the walls and creating space around the perimeter. Group furniture around a central coffee table to create a more intimate and welcoming atmosphere. This arrangement works well in both small and large living rooms [[15]].
Considering Movement within the Space
When planning your living room layout, it's essential to consider how people will move in, out, and within the space. This consideration helps determine the placement of furniture and the flow of the room. If your living room serves as a main route to other areas, you can use open shelving or storage units as screens to provide partial separation. Zoning the room with furniture placement can also define circulation routes and create a more organized and functional space [[16]].
Planning Storage into Your Layout
Storage is a crucial aspect of any living room design. Incorporating storage solutions into your layout helps keep the space organized and clutter-free. Consider bench or banquette seating along one wall, which can provide additional seating while incorporating storage for DVDs and home entertainment gadgets. You can also utilize built-in shelving units or incorporate storage beneath a stone-topped plinth for a contemporary fireplace hearth. By integrating storage seamlessly into your living room layout, you optimize both functionality and aesthetics [[17]].
Considering Living Room Lighting
Lighting plays a vital role in creating the right ambiance in your living room. It's essential to incorporate a variety of lighting sources to cater to different needs and moods. Consider using a combination of natural light, artificial lighting, and stylish light fixtures. Dimmer switches or lighting systems allow you to adjust the lighting intensity and set the desired mood. Pendant lights, floor lamps, wall sconces, and table lamps can all contribute to the overall lighting scheme and add visual interest to your living room [[18]].
Incorporating Mirrors into a Small Living Room
Mirrors are a fantastic tool for making small spaces appear larger. When designing the layout of a small living room, consider incorporating mirrors strategically. Placing a large mirror on the wall opposite the windows can reflect light and create the illusion of a more spacious room. Additionally, positioning a tall mirror behind furniture or lighting fixtures can visually expand the space and create the perception of an additional room beyond [[19]].
Conclusion
By considering these living room layout ideas, you can transform your space into a functional and visually appealing environment. Whether you're looking to create distinct zones, play with different levels, or maximize natural light, there are various strategies you can employ to achieve your desired living room layout. Remember to prioritize both functionality and aesthetics to create a space that suits your lifestyle and reflects your personal style.
