How to Arrange Living Room Furniture

Setting up your living room furniture can feel overwhelming, but with a little planning, you can create a space that’s both stylish and functional. Whether you're working with a cozy apartment or a spacious open floor plan, these simple tips will help you design a layout that works for you.

1. Identify the Focal Point

Determine the room’s focal point, whether it’s a TV, a large window with a view, a statement piece of art, or a fireplace. Use this focal point as your anchor when deciding where everything else goes.

2. Create a Conversation Area

Arrange your seating so people can comfortably talk without yelling across the room—think a U-shape or semi-circle with a coffee table or ottoman in the middle. Keep things cozy but not cramped.

3. Consider Traffic Flow

Avoid blocking doorways and ensure there’s enough space to move comfortably around the room. A minimum of 3 feet between furniture pieces allows for easy navigation without making the room feel cramped.

4. Choose the Right Rug

A rug can really pull a room together, but size matters! Ideally, your rug should be big enough that at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs sit on it. This helps define the seating area and makes the room feel more put together.

5. Add Functional Pieces

Side tables, ottomans, and storage furniture aren’t just pretty—they’re practical too. A console table behind the sofa can add extra surface space, while built-in storage keeps clutter in check.

6. Create Multiple Seating Areas for Awkward Spaces

Do you have a living room with an unusual shape? No problem! Instead of using the entire space as one large room, try breaking the space into two smaller seating areas. One side can be your main conversation zone, while the other could be a cozy reading nook, a workspace, or even a game area. Rugs, lighting, or furniture placement can help define each area without making the room feel disconnected.

7. Find the Best Spot for Your TV

If you want to include a TV in your living area, decide whether to mount it on the wall, place it on a media console, or integrate it into a built-in unit. Make sure that it is positioned at a comfortable viewing height!

At the end of the day, it's important that your living room works for you and your family. Play around with different arrangements until you find what feels best. The most important thing is making it a space where you love to spend time!