How to arrange furniture in living room- Top 7 Ideas

Introduction

How to arrange furniture in a rectangular living room? It is well known that furniture items are necessary to create human comfort. We have an idea of the elements of the situation that we need in the room, but we do not always think about how to arrange them better. This is an error since it is necessary to arrange furniture in the house by the design of the room. In order to fully use all the possibilities of this space, we need the layout of your kitchen or living room and design items.

As we have already said, first of all, you should find out the size of the round room in the apartment of a high-rise building or in its own house should perform a specific function. One does not like it when a dining table is placed in the hall, but for others, this is the norm, because the appointment of the living room is to meet guests at the set table in a beautiful setting.

To draw up the plan, you will need to know the width and length of the room, as well as a list of furniture for placement. You can plan on paper, that is, draw a room on a 1: 3 scale, cut out paper layouts of the furnishings, observe proportions, and “arrange” them to find a suitable option.

Also today there are convenient computer programs for 3D planning (sofa, white sofa, wood accents dining space, floor space, compact space(one room), maximize space, place furniture). Basic rules for arranging furniture in the house

All premises in the house fulfill their purpose and have their own characteristics.

Therefore, when the arrangement of furniture ( (dining combo, floor space), you need to adhere to the following universal principles: om and each item of the furniture set. It will not be difficult on millimeter paper to sketch the room scheme in large-scale proportions and cut out the cards from the paper in proportional sizes indicating the furniture. Then “arrange” this furniture on the plan and choose a favorite option.

•  To properly organize the space in the environment, the main element of the interior should be highlighted. In the living room, this could be a fireplace, a television panel or an unusual painting. In the bedroom, the main interior object is the bed, and in the kitchen, the dining table.
• How far apart should furniture pieces be? Leave 1.8-2.4 m of space so that you don’t feel cramped. In a well-appointed room, a person should feel free and comfortable.
• It’s important to use the corners of rooms wisely. In narrow rooms or old “Khrushchev houses”, you can put something that is not eye-catching, such as a compact shelving unit, a small corner closed or open cupboard, or a floor vase.
• An acceptable distance between the sofa, table, and chairs is considered to be 0.6- 0.8m. There should be a comfortable arm’s length between your guests during tea and conversation.
• Paintings should be hung above eye level to make the space appear larger. In a room with two windows, a mirror should be hung on opposite walls. It will add light and double the volume of the room.
• A small, narrow room will be enlarged by bright, compact furniture. But don’t put a lot of souvenirs, photos, and other knickknacks on the shelves.

Ways of arranging furniture at home?

Here are some basic principles for arranging furniture in a private home

•     Symmetrical. As the name suggests, furniture is arranged symmetrically, in pairs. The center is defined, and the same objects are placed equidistant from it. The center can be any place or object in the room, such as a window, fireplace, TV, or painting – and this object does not necessarily have to be in the center

It is best to use small pieces of furniture for this arrangement. For a square room, this would be the ideal arrangement. An example of a symmetrical arrangement is a fireplace with a pair of matching armchairs beside it or a bed with two bedside tables on either side. The furniture should always be in the same style

Image source: HuffPost

• Circular. In this case, a chandelier or table serves as the centerpiece. The rest of the furniture is arranged around it. With this method, objects that differ in style can be combined into a single ensemble. It is best to use a circular arrangement for spacious rooms. And the room should have enough room to move around. It also works well in a room that has semi-circular walls.

Image source: the decorholic

How to arrange furniture in the living room?

The living room is used for welcoming guests, so you need to make it as comfortable as possible for everyone: the people who come to see you should be comfortable. When arranging the furniture, make sure you can move around the room freely. But make sure it’s not too extreme – there should be enough furniture to keep everyone seated. Generally speaking, every piece of furniture should be justified, as guests need to move around without worrying about hitting an expensive vase or floor lamp.

A stuffy and overstuffed living room will leave an unpleasant impression on your guests. It is advisable not to put bulky tall furniture in it. It is best to avoid this type of product when you are designing your home and arranging the furniture.

The size of the living room is also a starting point: in a small room, it will seem larger when the chairs, sofa, coffee table, and shelves are not arranged symmetrically. In larger rooms, circular or symmetrical arrangements can be used.

 

How to arrange furniture and natural light in the  living and dining room?

Combining the living and dining rooms in the same room is not only a good idea for residents of small flats, but also for owners of open-plan studios. In this way, the space can be distributed in the most rational way.

Well-placed mirrors (on the wall opposite window openings) will reflect the sun’s rays and make the room brighter.

Zoning

There are a couple of things to consider when designing a living-dining room:

1.      The shape of the room (square or oblong);

2.      The layout of the room in the flat (isolated or pass-through). The room in isolation can be designed as you wish, but a pass-through room can be difficult: the furniture has to be placed in the corners and along the walls of the room to create a free passage from one door to the other.

Individual functional areas can be highlighted by using different finishes for walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, lighting, and decor.

There are a couple of things to consider when designing a living-dining room:

1.      The shape of the room (square or oblong);

2.      The layout of the room in the flat (isolated or pass-through). The room in isolation can be designed as you wish, but a pass-through room can be difficult: the furniture has to be placed in the corners and along the walls of the room to create a free passage from one door to the other.

Individual functional areas can be highlighted by using different finishes for walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, lighting, and decor.

Finishing

For the dining area, it is advisable to choose a practical floor covering that is resistant to moisture, falling objects, and sharp objects and is easy to clean. It may be laminate, tile, or linoleum. If finances allow, a parquet should be installed.

Parquet can be laid all around the perimeter of the room. The living room is then highlighted by a rug. If the parquet is only spread in the dining area, then the carpet is applied in the living room area.

One way of dividing the two zones is to have a split floor. The dining room is often placed on a square or circular podium 5-15 cm high.

Decorating the walls

The walls of the two areas can be finished in different materials or in the same material but in different colors. The living room walls can be wallpapered in a single color or painted in beige, sandy, or peach colors. The dining room walls can also be finished with artificial stone.

Image source: Emily Henderson

Ceiling finish

The zones can be highlighted with a plasterboard ceiling. A lowered ceiling in the dining area will make the dining area seem less important, and the living room area will look grander.

You can divide the room with ceiling beams. Be aware that if they are a dark color, the ceiling will be visually lower. Beams are often used to conceal ventilation systems.

Zoning is also possible with a suspended ceiling. It can be fitted to just one part of the room, for example above the dining area. A stretch ceiling in a striking color contrasts with the rest of the room. For example, if the ceiling over the dining room is a bright red, blue, or purple against the white ceiling above the living room. The main thing is to remember to consider the style of the interior, as this is unlikely to work well with a classic design.

7 Ways to separate the dining room and living room

The boundary between the two zones:

1.      Arch. It looks original and sophisticated. Does not block the light and creates a feeling of space;

2.      Shelving units (or low chest of drawers). Functional and compact pieces of furniture. You can put books, figurines, vases, etc. on them;

3.      Sliding doors. Can be solid, transparent, or with colored stained glass;

4.      A bar counter – stylish and trendy. You can make a bar counter out of wood;

5. Sofa. This piece of furniture will face the seating area and the back will face the dining area;

6.      A screen or curtain. Used not only as a partition but also as a decoration. Choose a color identical to that of the sofa cushions and window curtains for a harmonious combination;

7.      A partition wall made of plasterboard. Allows you to create a cozy niche.

How do you combine a living room and a dining room in a small space?

Flats in old panel buildings are not known for their spacious rooms. And the layout of modern high-rise buildings leaves a lot to be desired, especially the low-cost versions of one-bedrooms and studios, where the lounge is forced to be combined with the kitchen and bedroom. Owners of such homes have to look for the most acceptable design options to create a cozy and functional living room in an 18sqm space.

In contrast to cramped rooms, this space provides homeowners with ample opportunity. If the layout is carefully thought out, the furniture is well arranged and the decor is moderate, the effect

is wonderful. For example, here is a photo of a room divided into two zones – the living room and the bedroom.

Image source: pinterest.com

Planning a small living room

The layout is developed during the construction phase, making sure that all the details are taken into account. For owners of older or second-hand flats, a major renovation and redevelopment can help transform the room.

The main problems encountered by owners are

•  Protruding beams, awkward recesses, protruding walls;

•  A room that is too narrow or passable;

•   Low ceilings.

Most of these problems can be solved by using modern designs for an 18-square-meter living room.

The first thing to do is to draw up a plan on paper:

• Draw the exact proportions to scale;

• “Play with the arrangement of furniture, either by drawing it or by arranging interior pieces cut out of paper;

• See how best to arrange the functional areas, if necessary.

Such visualizations make it much easier to find non-standard solutions and show the shortcomings of ideas and the best ways of arranging furniture. Experts advise using standard designs and reworking them to suit your needs.

Rectangular living room design of a small area

This is a standard 18 sqm living room in a panel apartment block in a “Khrushchev” block of flats. It usually has one door to the corridor, one or two small windows, or access to a balcony. Such a layout is quite successful, as it is not difficult to create a great design on its basis.

Image source: DeCasa Collections

It’s all about imagination and a desire to change things up

    Don’t line up all the wardrobes and sofas along the wall. The best solution is to divide the room into 2-3 parts – for relaxation, formal dining, and work.

•  If the room is very narrow, a symmetrical arrangement of furniture along the walls will only enhance the effect, making it look like a corridor. In this case, the upholstered furniture and cupboards should be arranged in an L-shape.

Separate with a screen, partition, shelving unit, or other furnishings to create two small, separate 9 m2 rooms. It is also possible to separate one of the ends to make a sleeping or working area. This solution corrects layout flaws, creating a pleasing, harmonious space.

• It is common to use balconies as a place to relax and have a small home garden, an office, or a place to study or sleep.

Diagonal placement of furniture, the use of plasterboard and plywood structures, and glass sliding doors also look great.

Designing a small passageway living room

A pass-through hall, with doors on adjacent walls, is quite difficult to create an ideal layout. Experts recommend the following techniques:

• Replacement of swing doors with sliding doors – compartment, accordion;

• Conversion of doorways into arches, their widening;

• Zoning with cabinets, screens, decorative columns, and walls made of glass, glass blocks, and plasterboard.

The main task of the designer is to separate the seating area from the recreational area, creating a cozy nook where holidaymakers or guests will not be disturbed. To enhance the effect, different wall colors, split ceilings, catwalks and thresholds, and different floor coverings, such as tiles and parquet, or linoleum and parquet flooring are used.

If the irregular layout includes niches, protrusions, beveled corners, or the owners decide to remove the wall between the room and the storage room, or a built-in wardrobe, this can also be used. The alcove can be used as a mini-bedroom, a room for a toddler or student, or a place for Dad or Mum to work.

An awkward overhang is disguised by a decorative column, equipped with an electric fireplace, a built-in cupboard, and a place for equipment.

A coffee table and comfortable armchairs are placed in the bay window, and a suitable piece of furniture is chosen or ordered for the bowed corner, which completely eliminates the dissonance and makes an atmospheric, stylish “highlight” out of the flawed layout.

Options for zoning a small 18sqm living room

If the 18-square meter room is to be used as more than just a front room and a place for the family to relax in the evening, you need to think about the proper zoning of the space.

Usually, the following are added to the functions of the living room:

• The bedroom of the couple or their parents, the children’s bedroom;

• Playroom, study room;

• The schoolroom;

• Creative workshop.

What are the popular techniques for zoning? 

•  Fabric and woven screens, drapes, beaded curtains.

• Permanent partition walls made of glass, wood, plastic, and bricks.

•  Wardrobes, sofas, tables, bedside tables.

•  Decorative objects – aquariums, plants in pots and tubs, openwork constructions made of wood and metal.

Often in renovations, catwalks are installed, and closed completely, as a room with a door, or behind a partition. The kitchen-dining room and bedroom units are placed on them. If the ceiling height allows, a mezzanine with a staircase or ladder cabinet is installed where sleeping or workspace is fitted.

Light fittings, ceiling tiers, and decorative columns can help to visually separate the space.

Image source: Pooky Lighting

How to arrange furniture in living room?

1.      If the family is small

Round tables are most often designed for four, a maximum of six people, even with a relatively large tabletop diameter. It’s ideal to choose a round table as a dining table for a family with one or two children. If more than six people are dining at the table, it is unlikely that you will be able to sit comfortably at it – oval and rectangular tables are preferable.

The advantage is the practical shape. And there is more space at the table. A rectangular table also takes up less space and can be placed right next to a corner to create a tight layout. Such tables are also often placed in the middle of the room, then even a small table can accommodate the whole family and even a few guests.

And a large table is big enough for a couple of dozen people. But the square table does have a problem with the corners. It can be very bumpy, and sometimes there are injuries on the skin (bruises, bumps, scratches, etc.).

Note that the table can be round as well as oval. That’s fine if you need more space. In addition, round tables often have one leg in the center of the tabletop. Square tables have four legs adjacent to each corner. And this is an additional place for impact, it is not uncommon for a person to bump into one of the four legs because they are right up against his feet. In the case of one leg, the risk of impact is low, it stands far away and has no contact with the legs.

2.      If the room is small

A round table with a diameter of 1.2-1.5 meters is suitable for small kitchens and dining rooms and is preferable when space is limited. When the table has no corners, it is easier for people to squeeze in. So a round table is more accessible to seat more people if necessary than a square table of about the same size. A round table is a

good way of keeping a small company together. This makes everyone feel comfortable and everyone can see and hear each other well.

Compare: with the same seating arrangement (a corner bench and two opposite chairs), an oval tabletop takes up less space in the room than a square one. But there is noticeably less space for everyone sitting at it – putting a plate down and putting their wrists down.

Fact: A square or rectangular table has slightly more personal space.

Features of differently shaped worktops

Before deciding on a table shape, familiarise yourself with its basic features:

1.      A rectangular table takes up less space and can be placed up against a wall.

2.      A rectangular table can accommodate more people.

3.      A round table creates a cozy atmosphere, especially in a small company. People can see and hear each other well and are equidistant from each other.

4.      A round table is safer because it has no sharp corners. This is especially important if children are growing up in the family or if the table is on a passageway.

5.      A rectangular table is easier to match with chairs and long benches are available.

6.      The rectangular shape of the table gives people sitting at it a bit more personal space, the corners allow you to avoid crowding in.

Each design has advantages and disadvantages, it is impossible to say that a certain one is better. Ideally, the table should be round or square, but with rounded corners. It is also desirable for the tabletop to be supported by a single leg in the center. For some, transformation is an important factor. It can be concluded that the choice of table shape depends on the individual characteristics of the room – its size, shape as well as the number of people in the family, children, and other factors.

Image source: Southampton Wood Recycling Project

FAQs

In conclusion, arranging furniture in a living room dining room combo requires thoughtful planning to create a harmonious and functional space. By considering the layout, focal points, and furniture placement, you can achieve a seamless blend of comfort and style that maximizes the potential of this shared living area.

Read also: Best rug for under dining table