Living Room Layout Ideas From Interior Designers

Feeling at a loss when it comes to living room design? Whether you’re moving house or you’re just planning a spring refresh, you might be keen to know how to actually arrange a living room. We enlisted the experts for some tips.

How To Arrange Your Living Room, According To The Experts

Who doesn’t love an interior design hack? From shelf styling to decluttering and even organising your wardrobe, there are plenty of tips and tricks to employ throughout your home – but when it comes to actually arranging furniture, things get a little more complicated. Yet according to Paulina Wojas, interior designer at Stunning Chairs, there just might be a secret formula to help you make the most of your living room. Here’s the rundown. 

Bridgman

Reflect On How You Use The Room

Nooks, crannies and awkward corners: every living room has its quirks, and it can certainly make arranging furniture feel like a challenge. A rule of thumb for any living room, however, is to start by considering how you actually move around in the space.

‘Considering the room’s traffic flow is crucial when designing the layout,’ says Paulina. ‘A disjointed layout can result in a cluttered space, so leaving enough room between furniture and avoiding obstructing pathways is really important.’

Think about function, too: if you’ll be using the room for entertaining, will the design need to be more formal? How much seating will you require? And if it’s purely for casual use, what kind of layout would work best? ‘Understanding the room’s function allows you to design a practical and aesthetically pleasing layout,’ echoes Paulina.

Danetti

Choose A Focal Point

Got a gorgeous fireplace in your living room? Or a stunning sofa that you’re desperate to show off? Make this the centrepiece and allow it to guide the rest of your design choices.

‘Once a focal point has been identified, such as a fireplace, an accent wall, or a beautiful window view, arrange the furniture around it,’ says Paulina. ‘This will increase visual interest and help you to create a cohesive aesthetic.’

Avoid Placing Furniture Against The Wall

‘While putting sofas or tables against your living room wall may seem like a good way to maximise space, it can actually make the room feel cramped and boxed in,’ Paulina explains. So, if your space allows it, think about bringing furniture slightly further in, perhaps placing side tables or bookcases against walls instead.

Pooky

Mix & Match Pieces

Scandi style and Cali minimalism might be all the rage, but even the most pared-back living rooms require a bit of variation. ‘Matching furniture can look monotonous, resulting in a uniform design that often feels uninspiring,’ says Paulina. ‘Opting for pieces in different styles will bring more character into your space.’ Play with prints, textures and pops of colour to draw the eye around the room and make it feel more personal.

Don’t Forget About Lighting

While reshuffling furniture will help you to create an intentional, sophisticated living room layout, lighting will really elevate the space. From table lights and to floor lamps and even portable options, lighting is sure to bring everything together. ‘Use warm-toned accent lighting for a stylish, well-lit space,’ advises Paulina.

Featured image courtesy of Furniture Village. furniturevillage.co.uk