Designing a rectangular living room can be challenging due to its long and narrow footprint, which can present issues with traffic flow and furniture layout. To maximize space and arrange furniture, consider the function of the room, create zones, look for a focal point, use furniture across the width of the room, make use of the corners, use rugs to define the area, create height, and use color and pattern on the walls.
To create a stylish and tight-space living room, consider the architecture of the room first. If your living room has a focal point like a beautiful indoor fireplace or a U-shaped sectional flush against three walls, it can make the space feel larger.
A step-by-step journey through the process of planning and designing a rectangular sitting room includes furniture selection and lighting. These design ideas are sure to help you lay out your room with function in mind. By following these designer tips, you can create a spacious and functional living room that is both relaxing and comfortable.
In summary, designing a rectangular living room involves determining the function of the room, creating zones, finding a focal point, using furniture across the width, utilizing corners, using rugs, creating height, and using color and pattern on the walls. By following these tips, you can create a stylish and functional living room that maximizes space and creates a comfortable and functional space.
📹 AWKWARD SPACES – Long and Narrow Rooms (Pro Space Planning Tips!)
AWKWARD SPACES – Long and Narrow Rooms (Pro Space Planning Tips!) Welcome back to our new Awkward Space Series!
Why are most rooms in a house rectangular?
Rectangular and square shapes are generally cheaper to construct and easier to fit into plots, making them ideal for houses and domestic utility items. They also offer better energy efficiency, as they don’t require standard solutions like air conditioning and heating. However, irregular shapes can be more expensive to install and maintain, as they don’t apply standard solutions. Additionally, bending inside wall fittings like electrical lines and water pipes to fit irregular shapes can cause difficulties in installation and maintenance. Overall, rectangular and square shapes are more cost-effective and easier to maintain.
Which wall should be the accent wall?
The right wall to accent in a room should be the first one to be seen, with architectural clues like fireplaces, built-in bookcases, or nooks indicating its intended focal point. The wall should be symmetrical, avoid sloped walls, different-sized windows, or odd niches. Placing the accent wall on the wall you face regularly will enhance its focal nature and utilize the natural line of sight of the room.
What is the formula of rectangular room?
The Area of a Rectangle is the region covered by a rectangle in a two-dimensional plane. A rectangle is a 2D shape with four sides and four vertices, with all four angles equal to 90 degrees. The opposite sides of the rectangle are equal and parallel to each other. The formula for the Area of a Rectangle is A = l × b, where A is the area and l is the length and b is the breadth. The area of a rectangle depends on its sides and is calculated by combining the product of the length and breadth of the rectangle. In contrast, the area of a square is equal to the square of side-length, as all sides are equal.
How do I arrange my rectangle living room?
In a larger rectangular living room, angling seating towards the center can create a cozy atmosphere. Place a sofa in the back center, and two armchairs on either side, angled inward. Opt for an armchair on one side and a chaise on the other. To maintain a cohesive space, place at least one leg of each seat on a rug at the center. Place a sofa and armchairs on each side wall, de-centering the television as the focal point and promoting conversation.
Where should a couch be placed in a rectangular room?
Alvin Wayne proposes the strategic placement of a sofa in a room with sufficient square footage to facilitate unobstructed movement. It is recommended that the sofa be positioned in proximity to a fireplace, thereby establishing it as a focal point, and that it be readily accessible. This recommendation is pertinent for users whose browsers do not support cookies or have JavaScript disabled or blocked.
How do you make a rectangular room look good?
To create a functional living space in a rectangular room, consider using round tables and furniture instead of square ones. Round tables can reduce the angular look of the room, while square tables and furniture may make it appear like a corridor. Place round tables in the middle of the room or between chairs and sofas to break up linear monotony and add variety to the space. To conserve space, consider ways to make the room feel larger or wider.
To make the room feel more inviting, consider placing round tables in the middle of the room or between chairs and sofas. By doing so, you can create a visually appealing and functional space that complements the room’s design.
How do you maximize space in a rectangular room?
A rectangular living room layout can be enhanced by incorporating various furniture pieces. A sectional sofa with storage can be placed in one corner to maximize space and provide extra storage. A daybed with storage can be used as a window bay seater, saving space and compensating for narrow living rooms. A jaali partition between the living room and kitchen can add aesthetic appeal. Multifunctional furniture, such as an entertainment unit with a study corner, can double the room’s functionality and add dimension.
Furniture with legs can make spaces appear more open and spacious. Corners can be used to place side cabinets, bookshelves, and showcases, keeping the room clutter-free. A wall-mounted fireplace can be a perfect addition to a rectangular living room with a fireplace. A sectional sofa, ledges on the wall, and a textured laminate bookshelf with concealed storage can complete the design. Brick cladding walls and wooden rafters on the ceiling can complete the industrial-style rectangular living room design.
How do you make a rectangular bedroom look bigger?
A small bedroom can be transformed into a larger space by using clever design tricks. One such trick is using a mirror mirror, fitted furniture, fitted shelving, vertical spaces, slim furnishings, swapping table lamps for wall lamps and sconces, floating bedsides, and adding subtle color. This creates the illusion of a larger, brighter, and airier room, even if the bedroom is small. By incorporating these elements, the bedroom can be transformed into a haven for calm and relaxation, even if it’s the first thing you see in the morning and last thing you close your eyes at night.
Where should furniture be placed in a rectangular bedroom?
The article provides tips on how to arrange bedroom furniture in a rectangular room. It suggests placing the bed strategically against the longest wall to maximize floor space and maintain a balanced layout. The bed should be the focal point, and other large furniture should be placed away from it to avoid visual conflict. To maximize space and light, use natural light and minimalist furniture, such as rugs, pillows, and throws, to add color and contrast without overwhelming the space. Avoid placing the bed on the same wall as the door or closet to maintain the room’s flow.
How to style a rectangular bedroom?
A rectangular bedroom layout can be achieved by strategically placing the bed against the longest wall, creating focal points with the bed, and avoiding placing large furniture pieces like dressers near the bed. Floor rugs can create sections and create balance, while placing a dresser away from the bed can help maintain balance. Avoid clashing furniture styles, filling the room with furniture, and taking full advantage of natural light.
Maximize space and light by using minimalist furniture and adding elements like rugs, pillows, and throws to add color and contrast without overwhelming the space. This will create a balanced and visually appealing room.
How to set up a rectangular bedroom?
A rectangular bedroom layout can be achieved by strategically placing the bed against the longest wall, creating focal points with the bed, and avoiding placing large furniture pieces like dressers near the bed. Floor rugs can create sections and create balance, while placing a dresser away from the bed can help maintain balance. Avoid clashing furniture styles, filling the room with furniture, and taking full advantage of natural light.
Maximize space and light by using minimalist furniture and adding elements like rugs, pillows, and throws to add color and contrast without overwhelming the space. This will create a balanced and visually appealing room.
📹 Living Room Layouts For Hard To Decorate Rooms
Say goodbye to those hard to decorate rooms that look a mess! In this video I’m sharing spaces that are hard and awkward and …
You don´t bash the way it allready looks, just giving tips on how to elevate it more. THAT is one of the things I love about you. Other designers are quick to say negative things and make people feel bad for having living rooms that look just fine. Keep spreading the love on how to inform about design and respecting that we all have different taste. ❤
I think this is one of your most helpful articles yet. So many people struggle with furniture placement even in average shaped rooms, which is why so many resort to pushing everything against the walls. Your clear and concise advice on how to correct a bad layout are priceless! Thanks, as always, for your wonderful content.
Thanks Garrett! We have a small condo with an open concept kitchen, dining and living area. It’s a two bedroom with 2 baths and only 835 sq. ft. It would be great if you could recommend things we can do since condo, apartment living is becoming the norm. I’d be happy to send you pictures of our place if you need something to critique.
Hello 👋 Yes! This is the article I’ve been waiting for! I have two arches in my living room a walk through and it makes it so hard to lay out that living room space it’s like I have two separate seating areas but in reality it’s what it is two separate spaces. Now I know exactly what to do Thank you! 😊
Thank you for this. I have a long narrow living room, with exits at both ends of one long wall, and a gray stone fireplace centered on the other long wall- at the peak of a 2-story cathedral ceiling. I ended up dividing up the room into 3 sections. A large sofa is at right angles to the fireplace wall with a coffee table and two velvet chairs facing it. All on a good sized oriental rug- so all the feet are on the rug. Then the section near the entrance and a good sized window on the short wall has tall bookcases flanking the windows, a reading chair and square marble table with a lamp. So that is the reading nook finally, the back section is the ‘game room’ it has low bookcases against the fireplace wall that contain games and puzzles, and a gateleg table and two chairs on the short wall. There is enough space to unfold the table and play games on it. Finally, there is clear open space along the wall opposite the fireplace- so easy access from one entrance/exit to the other. But it took ages and lots of measuring to figure out how to use the space well and have a conversation/ visiting area that was cosy enough.
Great article, Garrett. The issue I have in my family room, is the fireplace is off center….2-3 feet on one side, about 5-6 feet on the other side. The tv is over the fireplace, but not for long😉. The sofa is perpendicular to the wider wall. It’s just a wierd layout. Sigh. I wish builders would make things more symmetrical!
This was great! I have a living room with a walk through from my entrance way/hallway across to my dining room, AND a corner fireplace! 😂 I full on refused. To have my tv above my fireplace, so I have it on a unit across from my sofa with two chairs flanking it and the fireplace next to the one chair. I feel like I am pretty close to getting a good layout! Thanks!
Love your idea! I’m soon going to be one of those recliner living rooms when we move my dad into start hospice care or end of life depending on his mood of the day. I know it is only short term but it is absolutely killing me having a room of recliners facing the tv. Trying our best to make it as welcoming for any guest that visit.
I live in Colorado and my living room is on the second floor- it is common here to have the living spaces on the higher level for the views. When you come up the stairs the entire view of a ski resort and a valley is seen. This is naturally my focal point. On the walls perpendicular to the view is a stone fireplace and (the other) has the tv. I do have my sofa facing out to the view with swivel chairs across from it . Most of the television viewing is downstairs in the family room/theater room, or else we would get a kink in our neck 😆I also have 2 chairs flanking the fireplace.
Great article! I have an older 1930s home and a very difficult living room – has to work as TV place and have a fireplace and there’s a “walkway” through the space. Took me a while to solve all issues so this was very helpful and made me happy that I’d chosen “right”. I LOVE your art deco/nouveau statue! I’ve been looking for just the right one like that to complete my media console. Keep up the positive, informative articles 😊
Love all of your articles, I always learn so much. This one was a bit confusing when it came to the last example with the angled fireplace. Interestingly enough I have this exact living room minus the fireplace. I have been struggling for the past 2 years to figure out the best way to arrange the furniture. This room is basically a wide 10’ x 18’ hallway from the front door to kitchen/dining rooms. My issue is if you position the sofa as you suggest then you have forced the traffic flow to go in the middle of the room around all the furniture, which feels very awkward. If you pull the sofa off the pathway wall you have to leave at least 3 feet’ish behind the sofa to walk through the room… then allow at least 30″ for the sofa depth that only leaves you with 4’ 6″ in front of the sofa to the long wall? In my case I also have an open stairway to the basement on the wall in your article where the tv is placed… needless to say I’ve tried a dozen different unsuccessful arrangements in this room. So now it’s just a pass through with some random furniture just sitting there.. totally useless!