How to Get the Living Room Layout Right
Make this very important area of the home look smart, cohesive and inviting with these tips
Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
4 July 2017
Blogger, dog mom
When you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, you need to put some thought into getting the layout right for each room. Let’s talk about the living room – simply rearranging furniture or buying new accessories isn’t going to be enough. Getting each element right and placing it in the correct place requires some thought. Here are key tips to deciding on the perfect layout.
Plan it right
Think about the way you spend time in your living room. Do you entertain a lot, in moderate amounts or very little? What is your minimum requirement for furniture in this room? Pen down every detail and tackle each point individually.
If this area receives a lot of traffic, then make sure it has enough seating options, though do remember not to overcrowd the place. Similarly, if you don’t entertain frequently, then you can safely display delicate curios and exquisite pieces here since the risk of accidents would be less.
Think about the way you spend time in your living room. Do you entertain a lot, in moderate amounts or very little? What is your minimum requirement for furniture in this room? Pen down every detail and tackle each point individually.
If this area receives a lot of traffic, then make sure it has enough seating options, though do remember not to overcrowd the place. Similarly, if you don’t entertain frequently, then you can safely display delicate curios and exquisite pieces here since the risk of accidents would be less.
Pick the sofa and the other seats
The most integral feature for any living room is the main sofa – you need to figure out which one suits your aesthetics and requirements best. In case you aren’t happy with the styles available in the market, it isn’t a bad idea to get one custom made. You can choose a two-seater sofa or a three-seater. Think about the size of your room and the traffic it receives. A large three-seater sofa could make a small room seem even smaller.
If you have the advantage of a large room, an L-shaped piece works well. It can be kept alongside a long stretch of wall.
The most integral feature for any living room is the main sofa – you need to figure out which one suits your aesthetics and requirements best. In case you aren’t happy with the styles available in the market, it isn’t a bad idea to get one custom made. You can choose a two-seater sofa or a three-seater. Think about the size of your room and the traffic it receives. A large three-seater sofa could make a small room seem even smaller.
If you have the advantage of a large room, an L-shaped piece works well. It can be kept alongside a long stretch of wall.
Once the main sofa is decided, you can then move on to choosing smaller, individual seats.
Consider your overall room size and configuration to figure out which chairs work best for the layout. From high-backs, arm-less chairs to pod-shaped, swivel or rocking chairs to even jhoolas … the options are unlimited. Keep in mind the distance between the chairs and the sofa – don’t leave too much space between the seating otherwise it can hamper the flow of conversation. Conversely, seats kept too close together can restrict you from moving around freely.
Consider your overall room size and configuration to figure out which chairs work best for the layout. From high-backs, arm-less chairs to pod-shaped, swivel or rocking chairs to even jhoolas … the options are unlimited. Keep in mind the distance between the chairs and the sofa – don’t leave too much space between the seating otherwise it can hamper the flow of conversation. Conversely, seats kept too close together can restrict you from moving around freely.
If you have a window in your living room, consider creating a seating niche there that doesn’t infringe on the main living space. This way you get two separate seating areas. In a large gathering, it can be a place for a private conversation. at other times, it can double as a cosy nook for reading.
Want a rug?
Decide whether you need a rug or a carpet. Ideally, it is best to have a carpet large enough to cover the floor under the central seating area. If your room already has a lot of furniture and bright accessories, an additional rug could crowd the room and create a busy vibe.
Tip: Many of us shy away from using carpets because of dust issues in Indian homes. Frequent cleaning is paramount. Vacuum your carpet daily and make sure stains are attended to immediately .
Decide whether you need a rug or a carpet. Ideally, it is best to have a carpet large enough to cover the floor under the central seating area. If your room already has a lot of furniture and bright accessories, an additional rug could crowd the room and create a busy vibe.
Tip: Many of us shy away from using carpets because of dust issues in Indian homes. Frequent cleaning is paramount. Vacuum your carpet daily and make sure stains are attended to immediately .
Select a window treatment
The type of window dressing should depend on the kind of windows you have. Long, sheer curtains under a heavier drape can look magnificent on large windows; they can also block the glare in case too much sunlight is an issue. If you have small windows or a window, consider bringing in blinds or shutters rather than flowing curtains. These will fit nicely into the window frame and give a stylised, uncluttered look.
Browse through these six stunning window treatments
The type of window dressing should depend on the kind of windows you have. Long, sheer curtains under a heavier drape can look magnificent on large windows; they can also block the glare in case too much sunlight is an issue. If you have small windows or a window, consider bringing in blinds or shutters rather than flowing curtains. These will fit nicely into the window frame and give a stylised, uncluttered look.
Browse through these six stunning window treatments
Opt for tables with personalities
A uniquely designed centre table can contribute to the look and style of a living room. It should ideally be the same height as the cushion seats of your main sofa, or a little lower so you can reach out to your glasses, books and accessories without any trouble.
Once the centre table is decided upon, you can zero in on the smaller side tables to place lamps and accessories. Consider side tables of about the same height as your sofa or a little more so you can reach out over its arms to things easily.
Looking for the perfect coffee table for your living room?
A uniquely designed centre table can contribute to the look and style of a living room. It should ideally be the same height as the cushion seats of your main sofa, or a little lower so you can reach out to your glasses, books and accessories without any trouble.
Once the centre table is decided upon, you can zero in on the smaller side tables to place lamps and accessories. Consider side tables of about the same height as your sofa or a little more so you can reach out over its arms to things easily.
Looking for the perfect coffee table for your living room?
Hide or highlight the TV
Before installing your high-tech flat-screen in the living room, take a moment to think what major purpose does this room serve? Is more time spent here entertaining guests or is this a place you use to kick back and relax? If it’s the latter, then install the TV at eye level – if it’s too high up, it could dominate the design of the room.
Before installing your high-tech flat-screen in the living room, take a moment to think what major purpose does this room serve? Is more time spent here entertaining guests or is this a place you use to kick back and relax? If it’s the latter, then install the TV at eye level – if it’s too high up, it could dominate the design of the room.
If you would like to keep your television hidden away then consider installing it inside a niche and covering it with a sliding door. When not in use, the TV can be made to disappear.
Showcase choicest art
Decorate the living room with art that resonates with your heart. What you display tells a lot about your personality. Position paintings and photographs at a level that that makes them easy to view.
Read more:
Expert Speak: How to Design the Perfect Living Room
Get the Look: 10 Stunning Drawing Room Colour Combos
Tell us:
How have you planned the layout of your living room? Tell us in Comments below.
Decorate the living room with art that resonates with your heart. What you display tells a lot about your personality. Position paintings and photographs at a level that that makes them easy to view.
Read more:
Expert Speak: How to Design the Perfect Living Room
Get the Look: 10 Stunning Drawing Room Colour Combos
Tell us:
How have you planned the layout of your living room? Tell us in Comments below.
Related Stories
Kitchen Guides
What's the Best Material for Kitchen Cabinets?
Choices are aplenty when it comes to cabinet materials. Find the pros and cons of the top 5 available in the market today
Full Story
Architecture
Hyderabad Houzz: Allu Arjun's Home is Anything But Conventional
Aamir & Hameeda Associates create an exhilarating minimalist weekend getaway for the Telugu actor
Full Story
More Room Guides
Which False Ceiling Material is Better: Gypsum or POP?
Here is all you need to know about the difference between gypsum and POP before you commit to a ceiling
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Mumbai Houzz: How to Be Stylishly Minimal in Maximum City
A Breach Candy apartment by reD architects is all things minimal while evoking understated luxury
Full Story
Bedroom Guides
30 Breathtaking Wardrobe & Almirah Designs
A bedroom needs one, but they're often an afterthought. We want to change that by showing what's possible in wardrobes
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Mumbai Houzz: This Parisian-Chic Flat is Home to a Newly Married Couple
Jason Wadhwani Design brings in European charm with voguish furniture, elegant wall moulding and marble flooring
Full Story
Colour Guides
Where to Use Which Paint?
Know your emulsions from your acrylics, and the right types for painting the home's interior & exterior
Full Story
Colour Guides
4 Colours That Bring Romance Into the Bedroom
By Jennifer Ott
Bring your love for colour and the colours of love together in your master bedroom
Full Story
Houzz Tours
India's Most Popular Homes of 2021
Take a look at some of the most liked and bookmarked Indian homes in the year gone by
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Coimbatore Houzz: Cement, Concrete & Stone Take Pride of Place
Exposed cement walls, polished Kota flooring and bare concrete make this home by Khosla Associates a lesson in 'less is more'
Full Story
Thank you for the mention