Creating a functional and comfortable, cozy living room is a challenge. First, you need to make a proper layout to do all the space’s activities. Whether as an entertainment area, space for entertaining visitors, play area for kids, or office space, you need to arrange your sofa in the most efficient way possible.
Here are some clever sofa layout tips to help you out with your living room arrangement:
- Set a focal point.
Begin by determining your focal point in your living room, which is the center of your activity or attention. This area, such as your TV unit, fireplace, large artwork, or large window facing a fantastic view, is where you will build your furniture around. Suppose you don’t have a center point. In that case, you may face your sofa towards your door or balcony, ensuring enough comfortable space to walk towards the living area.
- Pay attention to space and movement.
A living room is not only comfortable with a quality sofa but also with proper furniture spacing. Nobody wants to walk around a cramped area where you always bump into the coffee table or side table. So when you arrange your sofa, be sure there is comfortable space to walk around. Also, ensure getting seated is not hampered by other furniture pieces. Your living room needs to be comfortable no matter what size, shape, and layout you have.
When it comes to sofa placement, another thing to remember is to create a free-flowing space. To do this, avoid placing your sofa near doors that may obstruct flow. Also, try to let your sofa face the entrance of your living room to create a more welcoming atmosphere.
- Create a balanced layout.
A balanced living room is pleasing to the eyes. It just feels right when there is symmetry. To do this, begin by placing a spacious 3-seater sofa facing the focal point you have established. Then, add a single-seater couch on each side of your main sofa to create a balanced u-shape layout.
If you have no focal point and want your furniture to face your door, balcony, or another part of your house, you can use an l-shaped sofa. First, let it face towards the entrance of your living room. Then, simply add an accent chair or ottoman on the empty side of your living room paired with a stylish side table to complete the look.
- Use sectional furniture to divide a shared living space.
If you have a home with shared living and dining spaces, you can create an exclusive lounging area using a sectional sofa. Not only will you be able to stylishly divide your space, but you can also accommodate more people to sit on your couch. When you need to accommodate more dining guests, your sectional sofa and living room can quickly become an extended dining area for everyone to bond closely.
- Floating or pushing your furniture towards walls and corners?
Do you think it is best to push your furniture to the wall or float it in the center of your living room? Well, if you have a large spacious living room, you can set your furniture towards the center of your room. You can then fill in the corners and walls of your room with additional single-seater sofas, benches, corner tables, lighting units, display cabinets, or plants, depending on your needs and style.
Even if you don’t have a large living room, you can still float your sofa towards your focal point for a cozier, more intimate feel. This layout can also create a walking space, especially in a narrow area. However, if you have a tiny living room, you may be better off pushing your furniture towards your wall.
- Consider your other needs.
As we have mentioned earlier, your living room can be multi-functional. With this in mind, a suitable layout needs to accommodate your needs. If you are squeezing in your home office in your living room, for instance, ensure you place it by the corner or a dedicated wall so that you can create a private space for working. Set a lighting fixture beside it, or put your working table by a window for an inspiring view while working.
Other tips
When it comes to setting your sofa and other furniture pieces, here are more tips to keep in mind:
- Space: Make sure there is enough seating space for everyone to be accommodated. Also, ensure ample comfortable walking space for household members and guests to walk around your living area.
- Functionality: Find multi-functional furniture that can help you save space without sacrificing your other needs and your style. This is especially helpful if you have a tiny living room. For instance, you can get a storage ottoman that can be used as a footstool or extra seating while allowing you to keep toys and other living room necessities inside. You may also want to use a sofa bed in your studio apartment to accommodate guests sleeping over at your place.