How to Arrange Living Room Furniture

Adding new furniture to your living room is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Finding the balance between practicality and aesthetics may seem like a challenge. The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional designer to create a beautiful, functional layout.

At Watson’s, our team of experts has put together some simple guidelines to help you arrange your living room furniture with ease. If you’d like more personalized advice, book a free design consultation with our specialists, either in-store, online, or in your home.

Steps for Arranging Living Room Furniture

1. Find Your Focal Point

A well-designed living room starts with a focal point. This is the feature you want to draw attention to when people first enter the space.

• Natural focal points: A fireplace, large window with a great view, or exposed wooden beams.
• Created focal points: A statement piece of art, a large mirror, or a TV.

Once you’ve chosen your focal point, organize your furniture around it to enhance the room’s flow. Stick to this focal point throughout the layout process for a cohesive feel.

2. Keep Furniture Away from Walls

One of the most common design mistakes is pushing furniture, especially sofas, up against the walls. While it might seem like this maximizes space, it can actually make the room feel more spread out and less cozy.

• Tip: Leave at least 12 inches between your furniture and the walls. This creates a more intimate, inviting space.
• In smaller rooms, this may not be feasible, but it’s worth trying to give your seating area some breathing room. This also helps foster better conversation flow among guests.

3. Create Clear Traffic Paths

The best living rooms are as functional as they are beautiful. Make sure to leave enough room for people to move easily around the space.

• Leave 24 to 36 inches of space between furniture pieces to allow for easy movement.
• Arrange your seating and tables so that people can walk through the room without obstruction.

This will make your living room feel more open and accessible, while preventing guests from tripping over furniture.

4. Position Tables Within Arm’s Reach

When setting up side and coffee tables, aim for convenience. No one likes stretching too far to put down a drink!

• Coffee table placement: Keep it within 18 inches of your sofa or chairs.
• Side tables: Ensure that every seat has easy access to a table, especially if your guests need a spot for drinks or snacks.

Not only does this make the room more functional, but it also helps avoid accidental spills that could damage your furniture.

5. Center Your Area Rug

An area rug can be the perfect finishing touch to your living room, pulling the entire layout together.

• Place the rug in the center of your seating arrangement to anchor the space.
• If you have a large rug, ensure the front legs of your furniture rest on it for balance.

Even in a carpeted room, a thick area rug can add texture, color, and a sense of unity to your design.

Transform Your Living Room with Expert Design Help from Watson’s

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to arrange your living room furniture in a way that feels both stylish and practical. Whether you’re working with a large open space or a smaller area, thoughtful furniture placement can transform your room into a comfortable, welcoming retreat.

Don’t forget, if you’d like professional help, Watson’s offers free design consultations to help you create the living room of your dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I arrange furniture in a small living room?

In smaller spaces, keep furniture minimal and multifunctional. Use furniture that’s scaled to the room, and try floating pieces (away from the walls) to create a more open feel. Mirrors and lighter colors can also help make the room appear larger.

What’s the best way to organize a living room with a TV?

Your TV can be a focal point, but make sure it’s positioned at a comfortable viewing height and angle. Arrange seating so everyone has a clear view, but avoid placing the TV directly opposite windows to reduce glare.