Space Planning Your Way to a Cozy Living Room
I've lost count of the huge living rooms I've seen with all of the furniture shoved against the walls, or two chairs placed too far from each other to carry on a conversation. Space planning can be difficult; due to all of the factors that must be considered there is not always an obvious solution.
Here are some major points to consider when planning the layout of your room:
1. Create seating arrangements that can actually be used. Can you chat with a friend without yelling?
2. Allow ample space for moving through a room. Do you have to squeeze by the coffee table? 18" is the standard distance to allow from a table to a sofa or chair. If your space is tight, you can cheat a little and go with 15" -- but not less.
3. Don't forget to incorporate lighting into your plan. A dark room is a depressing room.
Here are some major points to consider when planning the layout of your room:
1. Create seating arrangements that can actually be used. Can you chat with a friend without yelling?
2. Allow ample space for moving through a room. Do you have to squeeze by the coffee table? 18" is the standard distance to allow from a table to a sofa or chair. If your space is tight, you can cheat a little and go with 15" -- but not less.
3. Don't forget to incorporate lighting into your plan. A dark room is a depressing room.
Need to maximize a view? Consider using a chaise lounge close to a window. This plan allows for one person to sit comfortably and read or join in the conversation.
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Flexible spaces are the best. The two lightweight ottomans can be moved around to accommodate larger groups.
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A true roundtable: This layout just calls for friends to gather around to chat.
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I love the individual pieces in this room, but the space planning just misses the mark. There doesn't seem to be an intentional arrangement, with chairs, sofas, and tables too far from each other to be functional.
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| Great use of space in this room. There are thoughtfully placed side tables to place drinks and the intimate placement of furniture gives that cozy feel. Private Comment
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It's tricky to optimize a room for entertaining and also TV watching, but this plan accomplishes both.
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| Perfect floor plan. Ample seating, and well placed lighting and tables. Private Comment
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Another good option: Placing two armchairs opposite a sofa.
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Comments
InterDesign Studio says:
Another version of the standard sofa with 2 lounge chairs. The wool area rug grounds the grouping in this contemporary setting.
2 years ago ·
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InterDesign Studio says:
This large room was divided into 2 seating areas. The furthest grouping centers around the TV and fireplace, while this first area provides for conversation. One very large custom designed area carpet ties the entire room together.
2 years ago ·
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Julie Lucas Runco says:
Besides being excellent plans for arranging furniture, some of the couches in the photos are really nice.. you guess it I am looking for one. Linen Love-seats size to blend in with a old french industry look, yet fits into artists studio atmosphere. Key words meaning artist studio so, the price needs to in the range of 600 to 900 price range... any ideas where to look ? I 've checked out Restoration Hardware, Create and Barreland Pottery Barnall ready. I am on the west coast in a small town, but yes the we have UPS and other delivery services ~
2 years ago ·
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Kevin Isbell Interiors says:
Julier,
perhaps you could scour your local antique/vintage shops, charity consignment shops, or good old Craigslist for a sofa that appeals to you and then have it slipcovered in linen. You will have a more stylish alternative to the chain store options. And chances are better that you will stay within budget. good luck.
perhaps you could scour your local antique/vintage shops, charity consignment shops, or good old Craigslist for a sofa that appeals to you and then have it slipcovered in linen. You will have a more stylish alternative to the chain store options. And chances are better that you will stay within budget. good luck.
2 years ago ·
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Hickory Furniture Mart says:
At Hickory Furniture Mart this is one issue that we get a lot, just how do you arrange your furniture to make it inviting... these photos show the many options to float their furniture to make a room meet their needs. Thanks for the inspiration.
2 years ago ·
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dabsdabs says:
Oh, those dark painted glass doors in the Dufner Heighes room (2nd down). Mmmm... Whenever I see that in a magazine, I want to do that with the windows in our cozy little livingroom and kitchen. But, I never get around to it because we do the work ourselves and, short and sweet, panes are a pain. And my husband has to do everything the right way, dammit, and would want to remove the windows, stops, weights, and reglaze everything... blah blah blah. I'm not that patient. I'd lose it after 1 window. Granted, ours is an old house with just 6 over 1 windows... could be a lot more challenging, and I know it'd worth the effort to add this interesting contrast to the "same old" Restoration Hardware "latte" walls and dove white trim. But, but...
Maybe we'll win the lottery and can hire someone?
Maybe we'll win the lottery and can hire someone?
2 years ago ·
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Erin Lang Norris says:
my problem is that we have such a long, narrow space. 12'x22'. walkthrough-style.
i've contemplated taking the television out and turning it into a conversation room, but i go back and forth on the idea.
so for now i may break up the living room with a large shelf.
i've contemplated taking the television out and turning it into a conversation room, but i go back and forth on the idea.
so for now i may break up the living room with a large shelf.
2 years ago ·
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