Living room layout: plan seating, tables and movement
A coordinated living room begins with a useful layout. Place the furniture around how you spend time in the room, then choose colors and finishing details.
Choose the main activity
Decide whether the room is mainly for conversation, television or several uses. Compare sightlines from each seat, and avoid putting the largest sofa in a position that blocks the room’s main route.
Plan the whole seating group
Mark sofas, chairs, tables and rug positions together. Check that people can reach the tables and stand up without awkward movement. Compare the full dimensions, including arms and backs, rather than seat labels alone.
Build a coordinated palette
Start with the flooring and furniture you will keep. Compare actual fabric and finish samples in the room’s daylight and evening light. Repeat a few colors or materials without assuming every piece must match exactly.