How to Arrange Your Living Room Furniture in 7 Steps

A large part of designing a well-balanced and inviting living room is correct furniture placement. Whether you’re working with a cozy space or an open-concept layout, following these simple guidelines will help you create a room that feels both functional and stylish.

How to arrange your living room in 7 easy steps.

1. Determine Your Focal Point

Every living room needs a focal point, which is usually tied to the primary use of the space. This could be a beautiful fireplace, a TV, or even a large window with a striking view. Identifying your primary focal point will guide the overall furniture arrangement. In some spaces, you might also have a secondary focal point. For example, Alex has developed multiple living rooms where the TV is the primary focal point, and the fireplace is the secondary. Once you know your focal point, place your sofa or sectional across from, and facing it.

2. Create a Conversation Circle

To foster natural conversation and a welcoming environment, arrange seating in a way that encourages interaction. Chairs and loveseats should be placed within comfortable speaking distance of each other, forming a semi-circle or U-shape around the sofa.

Pro tip- When arranging your seating, make sure to "float" furniture off of the walls. This elevates the design and, shockingly, makes the room feel larger. The distance between the back of your furnishings and the wall will depend on the size of the room. In a small living room, it may only be a few inches. In a large space, it could be a foot or more. We get doubts about this all the time, but trust us on this one, it's the right choice.

This is our designer, Alex's, living room. The fireplace and 3 windows are on the north wall, the stairs run along the east wall, the south wall is open to the rest of the home, and the west wall has 3 large windows. Her sectional faces the fireplace, because that's where the focal point, the TV is hung. 2 armchairs face the sectional, creating a conversation circle.

3. Consider Coffee Table Placement

A coffee table serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Ideally, it should be positioned about 18 inches from the sofa, providing easy reach without feeling cramped. If a coffee table isn’t suitable for your space, consider using an ottoman or a set of smaller tables.

Alex added a coffee table in front of the sectional to rest drinks, play games and more.

4. Check Traffic Flow

Good design isn’t just about looks—it’s also about movement. Now that you have your large pieces of furniture in place, make sure there’s at least 3 feet of space for primary traffic paths. This allows people to navigate the room comfortably without disrupting conversations or squeezing between furniture pieces.

5. Add Smaller Accent Pieces

At this point your room should be coming together nicely, so it's time to incorporate accent pieces such as side tables, large potted plants, case goods, and ottomans. These elements add functionality, depth, and character to the room. Side tables should be within easy reach of seating areas, and ottomans can serve as extra seating or footrests.

To make the room feel layered and add functionality and storage, Alex added a bookcase on the east wall, a side table near the sectional and a large plant in the northwest corner.

6. Select the Right Rug Size

One of the final steps is choosing the rug's size. Selecting the correct rug anchors the entire room. As a general rule, ensure that at least two legs of every sofa and chair sit on the rug. This creates a cohesive look and prevents furniture from appearing as though it’s floating separately from the rest of the space.

A large 10'x12' rug anchors the room and makes the "conversation circle" feel tied together. All of the armchairs' legs and the front legs of the sectional rest on the rug.

7. Address Blank Spaces

After placing all your key elements, take a step back and assess the space. If any areas feel too empty, consider adding a floor lamp, artwork, or a bookshelf. Conversely, if the room feels cluttered, remove unnecessary pieces to maintain balance.

When all of the necessary furniture and large styling pieces were in place there was a very large walkway between the back of the sectional and the kitchen. It felt off balance and empty. One option was to move all of the furniture a few feet back, but that would leave an awkward empty space in front of the fireplace. Instead, Alex put her desk and desk chair behind the sofa, as one might a sofa table.

By following these steps, you can create a living room that is both visually appealing and highly functional. If you need help arranging your living room or selecting the furnishing needed to complete your space, please contact Alex today! She'd love to help you create the perfect relaxing space for you and your family.

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