Have you ever stared at an empty living room, feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities? I know the feeling! Creating a living room that looks good and works well is a time consuming task. It's a crucial part of interior design that can make or break a space. Not only does it impact how a room looks, but also how it feels and functions. In this post, I'll share my tips on creating a layout that works for you. Just to note that this post is not about how to decorate your living room but more on the functional space planning.

Start drawing instead of searching for a ready solution

Instead of searching internet for the perfect layout, start with a pen and paper. Draw a simple room outline, focusing on walls and architectural details like windows and doors. Don't worry about small details.

Before planning, consider how you'll use the room and make a list of your room’s functions. Common living room functions include, eating, watching TV, socializing, reading, working, playing games and relaxing. My living room is used for playing with our daughter, watching TV, playing music and relaxation.

Consider architectural elements (doors, windows, built-ins, fireplace) and furniture size and shape. Create different areas for each function and analyze their interaction.

Living room circulation diagram to identify the movement path in your space.

How you want to use your room will help you decide how to arrange your furniture later. Try to think about where you'll walk through your room and mark them on your drawing. In the end after few iterations, you'll find the best way to set up your space.

There are some principles that might help you define different zones of your living room and the circulation path. How efficient is it to get to a point, how does the movement divide your space and how does it make you feel?

These rules are the most important considerations designing any space. But there are many other tips you can use to plan a layout to set the mood and vibe you’re looking for that I will write about here. The list can be really long and each designer might have their own way of interior design space planning.

Seperate the zones

If your living room has different functions like lounge area, work statation and dining room, try to separate these zones to create a calm athmosphere. Having undedicated and not seperated areas can lead to a battle between furnitures pieces and might feel overwelming and cluttred. There are different ways to seperate zones in a living room. Using areal rug, using dedticated light source and creating a cluster of furniture pieces to create a closed spaces are some ways to achieve this. Sometimes following the architecture of the room such window or door line can also help you to define broundires of different functions in your room .

Add a low and large ceiling light to emphasize on its own area and define a boundry

Photo Credit: Cathie Hong Interiors

Using a large area rug to divide a large
interior space into different zones.
By using a large rug you can place all
your furniture legs on the rug.

Photo Credit: Sara Ligorria-Tramp for Marvin

Define a focal point

By define a focal point in your living room, the eyes are drawn to a specific point which makes feel relaxed. On the other side by not defining a focal point eyes keep search for a corner to anchor. A built-in feature of a room such as a fireplace can be a good focal point. Having a tv or a large pieces of art on a wall can also be a focal point. by defining this at the early stages of your room planning you can save time and and to not to redo the space planning to now include a focal point.

Defining a focal point by having a large piece of art. Photo Credit: Lemieuxet cie

How to arrange your sitting area

Nothing is more unnatural in a living room if all people are sitting in a straight line. To encourage people to have conversation create a conversation zone so that people can see and hear each other. Using a large coffee table in the middle of your sitting area can help you create a more powerful lounge area around. If you have a narrow living room, at least add a small ottoman or chair angling 90 degrees to your sofa.

Creating a conversation zone by having a large coffee t able and different sitting options around it.

Photo Credit: AD, Designed by Sandra Weingort

Make balance in your living room

As a final tip for this post try to make balance in your room by placing your large furniture not only in one side of your room. Try to distribute the visual weight trough out the room by choosing the right size furniture and space to have a more relaxing space.

I hope these tips help you to create a functional and beautiful living room. Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below.

Living room space planning and furniture layout