When deciding on your living room's layout, it's essential to add a focal point or design around the room's natural focal point, such as a fireplace, bookshelf, or bay window. For instance, you can place a chair on either side of a fireplace or arrange furniture to face a large window to take advantage of the view.
To achieve balance in the room, incorporate furniture, lighting, and accessories of varying heights. For example, consider flanking a low sofa with a tall floor lamp and a medium-height plant. This variety not only adds visual interest but also creates a harmonious and well-proportioned space.
FURNITURE PLACEMENT: Allow 30″ to 36″ of walkway space between large furniture pieces if possible; if not, at least 18″-24″.
This guideline helps prevent overcrowding your living room with too many large pieces, ensuring you and your guests don't have to squeeze between furniture. While there's plenty of attractive furniture available, it's crucial to leave enough space to walk around comfortably. Overcrowded rooms can lead to bruised shins and a cramped feeling. If your space is smaller, choose smaller-scale pieces to provide the necessary negative space for easier movement. Make sure your rug is at least 6″ wider (8″ is ideal) than your sofa on both sides.
The coffee table should ideally be around 17 inches high, slightly lower than standard seat height. It’s typically placed 18 inches from the sofa and accent chairs, providing easy access from a seated position while allowing ample legroom. However, placing it as close as 12 inches is also fine for easier reach.
Remember, round or square tables work best with square furniture arrangements, while oval or rectangular tables suit rectangular groupings. If you can't find the perfect size, consider grouping smaller tables together as an alternative.
RUG PLACEMENT:
When placing a rug in your living room, it's essential to consider the size and positioning to create a balanced and inviting space. Ideally, the rug should be large enough to anchor the furniture, with the front legs of sofas and chairs resting on the rug. This helps unify the seating area and creates a cohesive look. The rug should also complement the room's color palette and style, enhancing the overall design without overwhelming the space.
ARTWORK PLACEMENT:
When hanging artwork behind a sofa, aim for it to cover about half to two-thirds of the sofa’s length. You can choose either a landscape-oriented piece or a grouping of pieces with 2-3 inches of space between each frame. Ensure the bottoms of the frames are 6-10 inches above the sofa to create a visually cohesive look.
