Skip to main content

How to find the right living room furniture layout

Knowing how to lay out furniture in a living room can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We’ll walk you through the whole process of living room furniture arrangement – from grouping or laying out a sitting area, to decorating it, and even creating one in your master bedroom if you prefer.

The Decorologist shared an interesting technique on how to figure out whether or not your furniture arrangement is wrong. She suggests finding your focal point, taking two photos of the room, and analyzing them from there.

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Is it seating area or sitting area?

Technically, the term “seating” refers to how your furniture is laid out. Is it arranged in a circle? Is it tucked away in the corner boxed off by some room dividers? On the other hand, “sitting arrangement” refers to how you or guests will be sitting. For instance, the sitting arrangement might be on stools, on some floor cushions, or on a large L-shaped couch. 

Hopefully this clears things up a bit; really, the terms are interchangeable in the design world and beyond. You’ll frequently hear the term sitting room instead of the living room, and seating arrangement instead of sofas and chairs.

How do I arrange a small sitting area?

A small living room means you want to prioritize functional furniture. Designers tout the powers of sectional sofas with extra storage underneath. They leave you more free space by eliminating clutter that might otherwise get in your way. Sectional sofas are also great for families–they are still comfortable and they allow everyone to sit together without feeling cramped. 

Pair the sectional with a multifunctional ottoman for extra seating that doubles as a table. Instead of a clunky coffee table, opt for a small end table placed next to your sectional, and use it for a lamp or holding personal belongings. Keep a rug underneath the furniture especially if you have young children who spent ample time in the sitting room.

Placing a couch right against a wall is the default layout, but creating a “floating” arrangement where there’s space between your furniture and the wall actually widens the room. Modsy thinks this is a great idea and advises their blog readers to do the same. You can place the sofa up against a dinner table if you have a dining room and sitting room combo. This breaks up the space into two distinct areas.

How can I decorate my sitting area?

One big part of your sitting area is the flooring. Go for a big rug that covers nearly the entire room to make your sitting area feel more spacious. A multicolor rug allows you to create a color palette around the room, giving you plenty of choices for cushion throws, vases, lampshades, and curtains.

Pick a centerpiece for your room, whether it’s a prominent artwork piece on the wall, an eye-catching curtain pattern, or a commanding arched floor lamp. In lieu of a floor lamp, you might also consider hanging lights or ceiling track lights to conserve floor space.

If you have low ceilings, select seating and tables that are closer to the floor, giving the room more vertical space. Mount framed artwork a little closer to the ceiling to give the illusion of higher ceilings, and in turn, a more spacious room, says Martha Stewart. Choose a neutral wall and ceiling color if you’re invested in brighter furniture and decor.

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

How do you add a sitting area to the master bedroom?

Even if your master bedroom isn’t exactly vast, you can still upgrade the space with a sitting area. For smaller rooms, choose a single piece like a reading chair with a foot rest, a storage bench, or a wicker side chair. Place a lamp in each sitting area and a small accent table so you can use it for different purposes like reading, putting on clothes, lounging, or even extra storage.

If you have more room for a larger seating arrangement, consider a loveseat placed on top of a throw rug and paired with an ottoman. You might also bring in two cushy armchairs by the window as a place for you and your loved one to chat and unwind. Place an ottoman in front of one or both chairs.

If it’s extra table space you’re after, consider a long, narrow desk against the wall. You can store a small bench or stool underneath to save space. Decorate the table with two accent pieces like a planter and a photograph, and then use it as a bookstand, mini office desk, or hobby station. 

We hope this guide has sparked some design ideas for you. Remember: the room doesn’t have to be perfect on the first day. The best rooms take shape little by little, one piece at a time.

In addition, we’ve pulled together the best industrial furniture options, you may want to check them.

Editors' Recommendations

Deb Goncalves
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Deb's work has appeared on Moms, Babygaga, and WorldAtlas. When she's not working (that's hard to say about a Capricorn), she…
Blinds vs. curtains: Which should you choose?
A guide to deciding between curtains and blinds
Curtains in large living room

When moving into a new home or redecorating a space, one challenging step is choosing between installing new curtains or opting for blinds. Before you finalize a purchase of either, consider what look you’re trying to achieve. Factors such as cost, ease of installation, maintenance, lighting options, and energy efficiency may sway your decision when it comes to decorating your home. This research takes time and patience, but there's good news!

We’ve consolidated all relevant information into a comprehensive blinds vs. curtains guide for your convenience. Here are the pros and cons you need to know when searching for window coverings that will best suit your needs.

Read more
Maximize your tiny apartment: Creative Christmas tree solutions for small spaces
Ideas to try this season for your smaller space that still needs a Christmas tree
Small spaces Christmas decor

Small apartments introduce many problems, but nothing is more frustrating during the holiday season than trying to find space for your Christmas tree. No matter how much you seem to maneuver your decorations, fitting a traditional tree in your home can feel impossible. So, whether you lack the additional space or you’re simply looking for more apartment-friendly ideas this holiday season, we have some creative Christmas tree solutions for small spaces that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

Decorate with mini trees
One of the best ways to decorate your small apartment this holiday season is to use mini trees. Skip the giant Christmas trees that take up your entire living room, and instead, opt for miniature solutions.

Read more
How to go all-out on Christmas decor without sacrificing a minimalist aesthetic
Minimalist Christmas decor inspiration to try this holiday season
Neutral minimalist holiday decor in a basket

Christmas decor can be garish and overwhelming for minimalists. The vivid colors, decorative clutter, and surplus of holiday ornaments clash with the minimal aesthetic. If you’re a minimalist and want to adorn your space this holiday season, it is certainly a challenge to find decor that suits this style. This year, celebrate the holidays with the minimalist scheme of your dreams. Whether you’re looking for color palette inspiration or overall design ideas, this is how to decorate for Christmas.

Choose a neutral color palette
One of the most important aspects of pulling off a successful minimal Christmas setup in your home is nailing the color palette. Traditional Christmas color palettes can be too busy in minimal homes. Instead of opting for traditional red, green, silver, and gold decor, we recommend taking a neutral approach to your color palette.

Read more