Living Room Furniture Tips to Get Your Space to Function and Impress

 Let's get real trying to arrange furniture in your living room can be a puzzle without a box. You've got a small room or a spacious floor plan to contend with, and where you position your furniture can completely make or break the room vibe. The good news is that an interior design degree isn't necessary in order to get this right. A couple of clever tips, some creativity, and perhaps a measuring tape are all that are needed.

Here is the way to make your furniture arrangement both stylish and functional.

1. Begin with the Purpose
Take a minute to consider your living room usage before dragging that couch to the room a third time. Are movie nights, viewing parties with visiting friends, or quiet reading its purpose? Answering this dictates the anchor point, such as a fireplace, TV, or a comfortable reading area.

2. Identify Your Focal Point
Once you have determined the room’s purpose, identify the room’s focal feature and design around that. Have a fireplace? Arrange the seating to face it. TV enthusiast? Ensure that it is in a position to be easily viewed by your prime couch or chairs. No natural focal point? Build one with a large work of art or a funky shelf vignette.

3. Float Your Furniture
Don't be confined by walls. Pushing your couch or chairs away from them actually creates the illusion of more space within the room. "Floating" furniture (i.e., putting it in the center of the room) creates distinct areas of conversation and gives the room a more dynamic feel.

4. Have Things Flowing
No one is eager to navigate obstacle course every time they walk across the room. Try to maintain at least 2 to 3 feet of walking room between furniture pieces. Have traffic patterns open so that no one is bumping against the coffee table or stumbling upon ottomans.

5. Mix Up the Sizes
The space will feel crowded with a lot of bulky furniture. Mix and match. Complement a bulky couch with more slender chairs, or a heavy coffee table with lighter side tables. This makes the room visually appealing and harmonious.

6. Play with Angles
Not all furniture needs to be positioned dead straight. You can place a chair or a side table at an angle and the room will immediately feel less formal and more inviting.

7. Use Rugs to Anchor Spaces
A good rug is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also serves to anchor your seating area. Ensure that it is large enough such that at least the front legs of your furniture are placed upon it. This creates a sense of connection and purpose.

8. Think in Zones
Most useful in an open space, section off your room by dividing your room into areas. A rug, a bookcase, or a couple of chairs will help subtly distinguish a space to relax, read, or entertain. You get a different vibe in each area but still have a sense of flow.

Last Thought
Rearranging furniture doesn't have to be a drudge, but rather an opportunity to get your space to function for you. So experiment, have faith in your vision, and don’t shy away from rearranging every few weeks. The optimal room arrangement is one that has you feeling at home.