I’m really glad that I‘ve never had to figure out a difficult room layout.
Whilst our current living room layout was not so difficult to figure out, there were multiple ideas that my husband suggested. Even though I knew what arrangement I wanted, I tried out the layouts my husband had come up with. In fact, we moved the sofa around so much on that particular day I didn’t feel so bad about skipping the gym that week coz lifting that sofa did feel like doing my deadlifts.
Generally speaking, there are 5 things you have to keep in mind as you make think of the best living room layout option to settle on. A sort of framework, if you like to think of it like that.
1.Traffic Flow – When designing a living room layout, you must consider the traffic flow. How will people move through the space? Make sure that the furniture placement doesn’t block natural walkways or create obstacles. This is especially important if you have kids or pets who may run around the room.
2. Function: The function of the living room will heavily influence the layout. Will it be a formal space for entertaining guests or a casual space for family movie nights? If it’s a family room, you’ll want to prioritize comfortable seating and leave space for kids to play. If it’s a formal living room, you may want to focus on highlighting design features, such as a fireplace or a beautiful artwork.
3. Focal Point: Every well-designed living room should have a focal point, whether it’s a fireplace, a large window with a view, or a piece of artwork. The layout should highlight the focal point and make it the center of attention. Make sure that the furniture placement allows for people to easily face the focal point. . If there is a beautiful view outside, it would also make sense that people can easily face it rather than give their side or back to it.
4. Style and Theme: The style and theme of your living room will also play a role in the layout. A minimalist space will focus on the bare minimum while a maximalist space may have more furniture and layers. Make sure that the furniture placement is proportionate to the size of the room and embraces the desired style. So it is important to know which style you’re going for and embrace it.
5. Lighting: Lighting is often an overlooked aspect when space planning, but it can make or break a space. Good lighting can highlight architectural features or artwork. When designing the layout, consider where the electrical outlets are and plan for lighting accordingly. For example, if you want a reading nook, make sure there’s a lamp nearby. The best case scenario is obviously to design the layout first and then plan the electrical and lighting plan accordingly. But usually this is not the case. If that is so, you have to consider where your lighting is and then layout the furniture.
Simple and casual for a small living room
- This is an easy layout for small living rooms. The round coffee table really works best because it breaks up the straight lines from the rugs and tv console.
Formal living room with more seating
2. The obvious and natural focal point of this living room is the fireplace and the layout clearly shows this.
Off-centered long living room
3. Unlike the example above, this fireplace is off-side and is had to make the focal point of the room because of this. Since the fireplace is located on one side of the room, the designer added some 2 accent chairs which can be used when the fireplace is in use. This create a separate seating nook within the rather long living room. The main seating area becomes the area with the sectional. This is a great example of embracing the architectural features of a room, perfect or not.
Still want more tips? Then download our guide – Discover Your Perfect Living Room: 13 Customizable Layouts to Suit Your Needs.
In conclusion, designing a living room layout can be a daunting task, but by considering these interior design principles, you can create a functional and stylish space. Remember to prioritize traffic flow, function, focal point, style and theme, and lighting. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to designing the perfect living room layout for your home.
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