Furniture dimensions refer to the measurements of a piece of furniture, including height, width, depth (or length), and sometimes weight. These measurements are crucial in interior design as they impact the spatial arrangement and overall aesthetic of a room. In an office setting, designers measure the dimensions of various desks to ensure they fit comfortably in the space allocated and allow enough room for movement.
In general, furniture dimensions determine how a piece of furniture will fit into a space, both physically and visually. The primary dimensions considered are height, width, and depth, with weight sometimes taking into account. Learn the average dimensions of common furniture items and how to measure them for different rooms. Standard closet, dining chair, bar stool, and sofa sizes are also known.
To measure furniture dimensions for sofa, table, dresser, and bed, use tips and diagrams. Find out the length, width, height, diagonal depth, and seat height of different furniture pieces and how to use them. After determining the dimensions of the room, consider designing custom furniture pieces specifically scaled to fit your space.
Contempo Space offers a comprehensive guide on choosing the right furniture dimensions for your space. It highlights the importance of measuring, planning, and customizing your furniture to fit your lifestyle. The guide provides an overview of the large range of varieties and sizes of chairs, tables, beds, and storage systems.
In summary, furniture dimensions are essential in interior design, as they impact the spatial arrangement and overall aesthetic of a room. By knowing standard dimensions for furnishings and clearances, you can maximize the space in each room of your house and create a comfortable and functional environment.
📹 How to Arrange Furniture Like a Professional Interior Designer – Interior Design Tips
Today’s video is all about how to arrange furniture like a professional interior designer! An empty room can be a daunting task…
What is dimension in interior design?
Interior design is concerned with the placement of elements within a given space, ensuring that they are of an appropriate size and scale to avoid creating an aesthetically displeasing effect.
How do you express furniture dimensions?
In order to ascertain the dimensions of the furniture, it is necessary to measure the depth from the rear to the edge of the cushions and the height, inclusive of those that extend above the frame, in order to obtain a measurement of 92″ x 46″ x 32″.
What measurements do you use for furniture?
To visualize furniture in your space, use masking tape to mark out dimensions on the floor. Consider the height, width, and depth of the new furniture to ensure they align with your room’s size. These dimensions should be listed within the product description. Measure the height (H) from the floor to the highest point of the assembled item, the width (W) from the furthest points left to right, and the depth (D) from the furthest points front to back.
What is the 60 40 rule in interior design?
The golden ratio is a design principle that helps achieve a balanced room layout by assessing the floor space covered by furniture. It suggests that nearly 60 percent of a room should have furniture, with 40 being clear. Geometric designs, such as circles and arcs, can add intrigue to interior spaces. Squares can be represented through key furniture pieces like dining tables, beds, or sideboards. Circles symbolize unity and infinity, while bold geometric shapes can add visual interest.
Curved dining chairs can complement hard angles, while linear chairs can add structure to round tables. The golden ratio also guides furniture selection by providing a proportional framework that aligns with balance and visual harmony principles. This allows designers and homeowners to make informed choices about the size, placement, and coordination of furniture within a space.
How is Ikea furniture measured?
The text serves to corroborate the assertion that the dimensions of a given piece of furniture—specifically, its width, height, and depth—are to be calculated at the widest point of the item in question. It should be noted that some models may feature protruding cushions or armrests that extend beyond the outline of the sofa or armchair. It is imperative that these elements be included in the measurements.
In the event of uncertainty regarding the suitability of a particular cover for a given piece of furniture, we kindly request that you contact us for assistance. At this time, no items are present in the cart.
What is the format for furniture dimensions?
The industry standard for furniture measurements is to display them in order of width, height, and depth. To illustrate, the Price Point Beech Panel End Desk can be represented as 1600 x 730 x 600, indicating that the desk has a width of 1600mm, a height of 730mm, and a depth of 600mm. In measuring furniture, it is of the utmost importance to do so with the item in use, as though it were to be utilized in its intended manner.
What measurements do interior designers use?
Accurate room measurement is crucial in interior design, as it ensures furniture fits perfectly and creates a harmonious and visually appealing space. To measure the length of a room, start at one corner and extend the tape measure to the opposite wall, ensuring it remains straight and level. Record the length in feet and inches (or cm/m) and repeat this process for the width of the room.
Incorrect room measurements can lead to furniture misfitting, cramped or disproportionately spaced spaces, and logistical headaches. Designers should educate their clients on their responsibility to accurately measure their space, and ensure their contract agreements outline this responsibility. Mydoma offers measuring and installation guide templates to help make this process easier. By following these guidelines, designers can make the most of their interior design endeavors and avoid potential issues that may arise.
What is the standard format for dimensions?
Different companies use depth and height interchangeably, but the industry standard order of dimensions remains: Length x Width x Depth (LxWxD) or Length x Width x Height (LxWxH). The dimensions of a box are length (longest side), width (shortest side), and depth (height). In tall or upward-facing boxes, depth is the most prominent dimension, while length and width are smaller. In contrast, long boxes have a larger depth and width.
What is the 70 30 rule in interior design?
The 70:30 rule is a popular interior design rule, where 70 of a room is in one style and 30 in another. This creates a unique and eclectic look, making the space more personal and individual. Matching everything is not recommended, as rooms benefit from extra texture, depth, and pattern. Anchoring the room with one style or color or shade ties it together and serves as the foundation. The balance 30, driven by accents, accessories, art, and statement objects, adds visual appeal and makes the room more interesting and dynamic. This rule also works well when developing a color palette, as it allows for a visually standout space by coding the room in one dominant color or tone.
What is d * w * h?
W * D * H is a formula used to determine the size, volume, or capacity of an object, space, or structure. It involves multiplying the three primary dimensions — width, depth, and height — to calculate the total spatial measurement. This equation provides a comprehensive view of an entity’s size, aiding in precise spatial understanding and effective utilization. Width measures the horizontal span of an object or space, while depth measures the front-to-back dimension, representing the distance from the front to the rear.
What are design dimensions?
Design Dimension is a crucial aspect of interface design that involves identifying and evaluating measures and criteria related to the usability and effectiveness of a computer interface. This aspect is essential for effective communication and understanding of technology. The site uses cookies, and all rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
📹 HOW TO CREATE YOUR DREAM SPACE: How to Measure Your Space – SCALE + PROPORTION (Episode 4)
HOW TO CREATE YOUR DREAM SPACE: How to Measure Your Space – SCALE + PROPORTION (Episode 4) We are currently …
I’ve been perusal several articles on arranging furniture and no one seems to have my issues. 4 doors to the family room, huge fireplace takes up one wall, a closet door, and opposite of fireplace wall is a wall of cabinets and closet. It’s a big room but difficult. After hurricane Ian we had leaking and drywall damage so we gutted the room. Added lighting in ceiling, and more electrical switches and outlets, but trying to figure out a new furniture placement is overwhelming and stressful – perusal from Lake Wales, Florida
I am still searching for someone, anyone to discuss an awkward living room that has only 2 walls across from each other, the third wall ( stair rails)at the back is where the stairs to the basement is with a large window. From the entrance it looks like a bowling alley all the way down to the back- I can’t seem to arrange the room with comfort- I’ve had designers come in but with no help
I have a question because we have a fireplace estimate for the boy with the Rockwall important in my fiancé has oversize leather recliner couches are tall I wanted to float one couch to make the fireplace a focal point but it also has a TV that he does not want to put over the fireplace so it’s on the side of the fireplace and the other side has some decor but it’s unbalanced. It drives me nuts to create some symmetry by placing the TV on an elevator log but another log doesn’t fit it on the other side to put maybe books. Also he has a lot of beautiful hunter type pieces and bears she’s never really been put together well I’ve kind of collected a lot of the stuff throughout the house to put it into that room but he has hideous play animals by Friday that will put more than one in one spot doesn’t like them stacked help help help
Great article!! I have a question, my office space is too long and narrow room, with a window. Its difficult to place furniture, it always look narrow. Its all in one side of the room, including my desk space. I think the idea of stay way furniture wals looks wright… And there is the problem of light. Should place the desk with the light from left or right? It realy help if you could make a article about home offices. Thanks!
Hi Julie. Great article 🙂 I have a question: Suppose you have two groups of furniture in a living room (like in the L-shaped room you showed). Do you have a rule of thumb for the distance between these furniture groups? Does it depend on the size of the room (and the size of the groups)? PS. I like that in the L-shaped room the dining chairs were not placed parallel to the walls. This makes use of the diagonals of the “invisible” square around the table so that there is more room for the chairs (and a smaller rug could be used – if there was one).
First of all, I want to thank you for your advice. I’ve been thinking about changes at home for some time now, and this came in handy. I see our living room as the biggest problem. It is part of the kitchen and at the same time it is used to enter other rooms, so it is almost impossible to build a cozy sitting area. I have the impression that everything is pressed against each other, but at the same time we need a lot of storage space. I’ll do the best I can. Thank you again and I’m going to watch more articles 🙂
AhhhhhhMazing🤗🤗🤗! As I have mentioned in previous post I am remodeling my master bedroom. I will be applying today’s article in its entirety. I have identified my zones and now I must figure out the right sizes for my furniture. I really don’t want a King size bed but I have such a large focal wall🥴. Any suggestions??
I’m looking to buy my first home within the next year and so overwhelmed with all these incredible design tips!! Can you do a article on how to plan designing your space(s)? And also, could you please do a article on home exterior makeovers, especially keeping in mind possible HOAs? Love your articles!!!❤️
This article has honestly been the most helpful for me in this series. As I went to college for graphic design, I am already familiar with color theory, and i have spent a lot of time looking at different styles so I don’t feel worried about that either. I’m sure it is helpful for people who have not studied in the art field, though! But THIS. Knowing how to get items that are the proper size for a room, I had no idea how to go about doing this. Thank you so much!!
Julie!!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭. In Australia, the old homes have so many doors/windows and you lose wall space. I need help please with 2 square rooms (dining/living) only divided by a lattice wall edge! I WOULD LOVE to send you a pic and get your advice. I have learned with his old homes to try to find vintage pieces and redo them as they seem to fit better. They tend to be more shallow and smaller. I don’t know if you will ever see this, but I certainly hope so! If you look up miners cottage it should give you a floor plan that will be like what I am renovating.
Hi Julie! I truly enjoy your articles and your design style. I am currently trying to update my home decor but will like to get some ideas from you for my space. I currently have a mixed decor of items I have purchased and items my parents provided for me, but my house needs some improvements. Can you help?
Hi Julie, I know that this article is a bit old now, but right now I‘m studying your articles religiously and just wanted to ask about the layout in your home, because you said that your longest sofa should face the focal point (the TV), but your sofa is to the side of your TV, do you use some kind of a TV stand so you can see the TV from the sofa?
Thank you Julie! This is EXTREMELY helpful as we rearrange our furniture. How do you know how long the longest piece of furniture should be in the living room? Also, if the window is the focal point, but you still want a TV, would you face the longest piece of furniture to the window or the TV? Thank You in advance!
Julie, I trust your opinion. We’re creating a kitchen in an existing space and struggling to balance an Island with a window. I’d there a rule that an Island must be aligned with a window? This can’t happen in our space, so I’m worried the end result will be out of balance and look odd. FYI, the function of the kitchen is most important so the placement of the island is static. Thanks!
Hi Julie, I’m enjoying this series…I started with the master bedroom. I actually did a mood board and it inspires me more as I can really visualize what the space will look like. No more matching furniture but the pieces I picked I think coordinates each other …I hope 🤞☺️. I wish I can share it with you and get feedback to know if I’m on the right track.
Just purchased a new sectional w/o a chaise. I guess it’s a blessing having a fireplace and a large window? Our TV is above the fireplace and to the right is a large sliding door with additional windows facing an unobstructed view. I just purchased a new L shaped sectional that has a nice corner wedge. The plan is to live on the corner piece lol. This way I can look out during the commercials without hurting my neck.
Your advise is always so helpful!! One Use of space I am struggling with currently is having to create multi purpose layouts that are functional. For example, I don’t have a dining room, so I have been playing with fitting a lounging area and small dining space in living room. Also, my basement 1 bed 1 bath has no living room, so the bedroom has to become both. Any advise? Anyways, great info as always!
Thank you Julie for all the great tips!! All of your articles, especially this series have been very helpful. I was wondering what you would suggest when a bed is positioned diagonally in a corner of the bedroom. This was suggested to be the best feng sui due to the structure of our bedroom, and I was sad that we couldn’t follow your tips!
More on nontraditional spaces for homes that have limited or awkward wall spaces. Personal example: I have a semi open concept with a combined living and dining room. Living room: One large picture window, a fire wall and half wall with stair case leading to 2nd floor. Where does furniture go and not block the HVAC registers on the floor???
Hi Julie! Hope this gets posted in right place. My master bedroom which is a nice size, has a tray ceiling (steps up) with fan/light fixture that is centered. I feel the bed needs to be centered to the ceiling but after the nightstands, I have about 2 feet of space on each side, one side has a 41″ built-in half with storage in it and the other side has a large window with an outside view. Is there anyway to add a chair somewhere? Thank you for putting together this series! I am learning so much & appreciate your easy to understand explanations.
I have to say I was worried when you started with a bedroom. We live in a mobile home and its shaped weird but when you showed yours after you would never know that ceiling had that weird shape also before its like the colors drew your eyes to it but now the focal point is the wall colors and the bed. Amazing i absolutely love it. Great use of that funky 70’s dresser too. I thought for sure you were gonna toss that but you gave it a new life.
Hi Julie, Love Your Series, all of them. We have a funny situation in our living room. It’s part of a larger living/dining area with a huge wall on one side and a nana wall spanning a 27’ space on the other. We’re going to put a TV on the big wall because we don’t have anywhere else to watch TV. my question: which wall do I call my focal point wall? Should I orient my furniture so that we can see the tv and the nana wall? —————- big wall l Kitchen Living room Dining ——w—w—w— nana wall
Julie, I get so excited whenever you upload a new article. 🙂 Still, I don’t know how many times I’ve watched this one, I always go back to this because you are the only one who teaches us on how to really measure the entire room to achieve scale and proportion. Thank you for all the articles you create, they are all so informative and helps us create a house we get excited to get up and keep improving on. On your question, what room – it is the living room and dining room and bed room. 😊 Thanks again and God bless!! 🥰
Hi Julie I soo look forward to your articles you are just too good!🌷 With my issues of L sofa a bit small, tv table has a concrete top with walnut finish wood, ( was bought in my absence 🙁)and my floor is Burma teak, I am a bit confused for what kind of coffee table should I get?, Confused 🤷🏽♀️ Is it all too many wood tones, how do I fix this .. There is so much I need help with …🙁 Your articles are definitely the biggest inspirations.😘 Wish I could hire you😀
Hi Julie. Love your articles. I didn’t hear you mention the length of the couch in the instructional article or the height of the coffee table in relation to the sofa? Is there a rule for how many inches should be between couch and sides where side tables would flank? I also see some coffee tables that are higher than the couch. Looks wrong. I made the mistake years ago of purchasing a very long couch for a small apartment living room. When it arrived it barely fit into the space with no open space on the sides. It looked too big for the space. What is the rule of thumb if you want a three seat sofa or two seat in your space? Also should the accent chairs be the same height as the sofa? And accent tables same height as sofa arms? Thanks so much!
Hi Julie. I just discovered you and I’m catching up. Is there a rule on space between furniture within each room and between 2 rooms? I have an open space floor plan that includes a living room 14 x14 and a sun room 13×10. I subtracted walkways from both these areas. This is a new home that I moving into. I have a 5 x to 3 ft sofa, which I’m hoping can fit in the sunroom and then purchase a new sofa for the living room. I also have 2 more chairs. Thank you !!
This is exactly what I needed! Thank you!! 😍 I have a small living room with three walls (the last wall is a pony wall with spindles separating the front door, very 80s). One wall has a large window, the center wall has a fireplace, and the last wall is the only solid wall. We also have a large TV that will not fit on top of our fireplace so designing the layout is very challenging. With a family of five we need our couch and love seat. Any layout ideas? 😬🙏😁 Also, would you consider or have you ever looked at subscriber’s photos and given design advice? ❤
Julie, I have been really enjoying this series and have learned a lot about designating spaces that has helped me rearrange my home into a more flowing comfortable design. This article is one of my favorite of all because I have always had problems fitting function to size. I like your tips here, but overall, I am still trying to figure out my living room. I live in a 70s ranch style house. I had the wall between the formal living room and the family den taken out to make a more livable space but I still have too many distractions on my walls to arrange the furniture. When you walk into the house you immediately see the brick monsterous fireplace on the back wall with a window on one side and the door to the back porch on the other side. I had the sofa like your idea facing the fireplace, but after 30 years, I just feel that it cuts off the flow into the living area and I want to find a change. Would a smaller sofa to the side make it more inviting? I keep playing with different ideas and haven’t come up with anything yet. Still looking for ideas.
Move-in day is FRIDAY (2DAYS!) Our Great room is open to the living, breakfast nook, and kitchen/bar. Our fireplace is at an angle (in the corner) but symmetrical to the whole space. What is the best couch design to buy? I want a chase, so maybe long couch facing fireplace/tv and chase one side.. add chair near fireplace? 2 might not fit🤦🏾♀️ I need a lot of seating family of 5 soon to be 6🤰🏾 plus guests seating
Hi Julie, this is Shilpa.. again.. this article is really helpful to me as I’m working on my living room furniture and decor. I need your help. My sofa, 2 chairs, big cocktail table and side tables are at different height. 2 to 3 inches shorter than sofa. Would that look good or all the pieces should be at the same height? Thanks a bunch. ❤
I really enjoy your articles and learn so much. I do have a question though. The focal wall in my open concept living room has a fireplace with built-ins on both sides and a television above the fireplace. All of this is on the left side of the wall with a doorway to the bedroom in the middle and empty space on the right. I’m unable to center the couch in front of the fireplace due to an outside door on another wall. It seems the room is heavy on the left side but it doesn’t seem large enough to separate it into 2 spaces. I also struggle with what size area rug to use due to a necessary walkway through the room into the bedroom. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Hi Julie!!! I want to let you know how awesome you are and your informative articles have been a Godsend in my new home design dilemmas. I love your design styles so so so much! I have moved out of my parent’s house and into a tiny condo and am having difficulty trying to determine a rug placement under my apartment sectional without it looking awkward due to my space constraints with a light fixture in the corner ceiling…
This series has been so helpful and inspiring! I have only recently been looking into design and how to make the place I live feel like home. I live in an apartment with my husband and we recently decided to clear out our place and kind of start over in terms of furnishings and the look of our home. Since we live in an apartment, there is not a lot we cant do. However, we wan to use our space better and make the apartment feel less cramped. This is especially true for the living room. This article in particular helped me realize part of the issue is probably the wrong size furniture for the space. The biggest struggle I have is we are both gamers. We have 2 TVs and 2 of multiple consoles. Do you have any tips for how to make something like that work in small spaces?
Great article! I have the weirdest layout and I don’t k ow what to do. 😢 I want to put a sectional/Modular but, it will be agains the walls since I don’t have lots of space. I don’t even know how to describe the space all I know is an L shape living area combine with a small dining room. I wish I could send you a picture. 🥺
This is great. I have been struggling with what to do with my open concept living and dining room. I love the idea of making that entire long wall the focal wall, because my previous ideas broke up the space too much. I want to put my dining table against the wall though, can I do that against a focal wall?
Thank you for your teaching article. I have an open concept condo. The door opens to the living area. There is a FP and an over size slider. Everything is off center and I am having a lot of trouble to figure out size, storage, eview, etc. You article did help but I am not there yet. Please address few walls and off center!
I noticed in the bedroom picture shown with previous owner’s furniture that there is a slightly higher-vaulted ceiling. Then when showing the room once you had designed it with your furniture the ceiling is not shown. My question: Should the bed be placed (centered) with the apex of the vaulted ceiling and running long-wise with it?
I will absolutely be perusal this again and again. We have a 25 by 25 family room with a large window, great view, french doors on another wall, my husband has a large television caddy cornered and it is majorly fouling up our seating arrangement and we could have much more seating if the focal point wasn’t into the corner. We don’t have a wall space for the television unfortunately and this is our primary family room. About to start a large home renovation with new floors, furniture, kitchen etc.. and really wanting to get the seating correct and optimized. Your articles are fantastic, thank you!
So you’re saying I should always accept a free sofa? Got it. Thanks. 6 sofas in a 1000 sq ft house SO FAR!!! JK. Learning here. Thank you so much. We joined the website to try and shake our habit of taking free furniture from the side of the road. 6 days sober. Pray for us to get to 10. The recovery group is helpful. SUBSCRIBED
Hi Julie, I’ve been rewatching your articles and it’s inspiring me to look at our family room proportionately measured. I’m having a problem arranging the seating in the area space of approx 140″× 170″, a rectangular shape. I have the fireplace amd tv built in nook on the 140″ length wall. I have a sectional placed on the opposite wall to face towards that focal wall, and i feel like the seating area is so far from the focal point. The sectional is an L shape with a chase side. Is it just my eyes?
Julie, I’m having problems addressing the focal point. What do you do when there’s no fireplace there’s no grand view and the longest wall connects the open concept dining and living areas? I see no way to create one grand focal point when the functional space serves distinctly different purposes (i.e., dining room console and tv media share the same extended wall space) Any suggestions?? 🤷🏽♀️
Thank you, Julie! Your articles are always helpful! Here’s a question for you: my living room has a fireplace; however, I needed storage for books & cherished items, & I found a great, tall & wide, 1910s Art Nouveau carved oak bookcase with wood/glass doors in the center, & put it against the one un-windowed wall in the living room. Now it feels like there are competing focii. What is your recommendation, please, for resolving the competition? Which should win–the fireplace, or the bookcase? I still need the bookcase & do not want to delete it from the room. The bookcase & fireplace are on walls that are adjacent, not opposite. Thank you for considering my query! 🙏🌿🌻🌿😊🌿🌻🌿🙏
Hi, it’s very challenging for me. I am moving from a 5300 square-foot single-family home Italian villa style a to a condominium luxury high-rise in New England. I’m one of those old fashion European/Mediterranean furniture collector people. I know I have to get rid of most of my items, however, I want to take some of my most beautiful pieces a few at least. And my brain is really stuck. For example I have a king size canopy gorgeous bed that I think it’s going to be tight or overwhelming in this bedroom space. I think I can fit it but I think it might just be too much. So I’m stuck!
Thank you Julie! I enjoyed this series and learned a lot! I’m redecorating my living room around an oriental rug that has sentimental value. I’m doing the sofa in a camel neutral with various navy and cream patterned pillows. I’m having trouble committing to navy patterned side chairs because of my open concept layout. What is your opinion about doing the sofa and side chairs in the same camel fabric? Too boring and “safe?” Thanks!
Thank you Julie, this article was so helpful. Being clueless about scale and proportion is the #1 reason that prevents me from decorating my home. I have a 1200 sq ft open concept ranch home. My layout is similar to your’s with the sofa against a wall with a larger picture window, except my kitchen and island are where your dining table sits and the dining area is to the side of the kitchen.I am planning to buy new furniture and was thinking to leave the sofa against the window and put two chairs on the opposite to create a conversation area with the tv wall being the focal point, I’m just not sure about that set up. The space where the living area ends and kitchen starts is a bit tight, so the two chairs would be behind the kitchen island with bar stools. On the same wall as the picture window is the front door, so I’m also considering placing the sofa facing the tv wall, which would create an entry way. What are your thoughts?
in the living room design what if the focal point is my fireplace, and beside the fireplace to the right there is a window, however to the left is freaking door. How in the world do I get around that??? I don’t think I want to block the door which goes out to our deck, where we grill etc. This is my dilemma. ANY IDEAS AND ALLL IDEAS ARE APPRECIATED.
Hi Julie, thanks for all your information. The focal point on my living room is the wall that has the chimney- the room has a rectangular shape, the wall with the chimney is the longer wall. I would like to place my TV on top of the chimney but the sofa would be kind of close- what is the distance that I should have from the tv to the sofa?
Omgeezy….this is so meant to be. Julie, thank you yet again for your invaluable advice. Your blogs are one of the few things that help to keep me motivated and inspired. May I ask your advice regarding and area I’m having trouble navigating. There is an open living area (living room and kitchen) I’m trying to layout. There is a peninsula island that separates the space and it’s throwing me for a loop. Not sure what to do in order to incorporate a dinning nook into the space. I have some ideas but it was kinda shot down, so not sure if it will work. Any suggestions are great appreciated. Take care and stay safe. I pray for continued inspiration into your life🙏
Amazing article, as usual!! What are your thoughts on having more than 1 coffee table in the center of your seating area. I know they have the nestled coffee tables but I actually wanted two different pieces. One with light pale wood (heavy circular solid) and one solid oval in the same shade but in a thick durable fabric
We just bought a house and I’m finding the livingroom to be my problem area. It is an open concept area with the kitchen, dining and living being seen from each other. I have a counter high wall that separates the kitchen and living room which that area is also a walkway to the backdoor and the dining area. We have a recess niche that holds the tv and cabinet that is off centered on the wall.
Why this article saved me $: 1) I will forego a credenza to flank my dining table because it won’t provide enough space to move chairs, 2) I will have space in my LR for a daybed BUT the art is the focal point so the daybed color needs to receed in a neutral color, and 3) the target size rug for my game room would have been two sizes to small. Rugs aren’t cheap to return or replace! TY Julie.
Hi Julie- I will soon have to decorate my new kitchen/living/dining room. I am so stuck!! I will have a corner wood burning stove with 2 windows next to it. And we want a TV but the only wall left is between the kitchen cabinets and one of those windows. Where do put my main couch- facing kitchen or tv wall with the stove in corner? My house is small.
The focal point of the living room is the tv fireplace. It opens into a sunporch with a view. I cannot place a sofa facing the view as the back of the sofa would wall off the living room and make an unfriendly vibe. I almost need pieces I can move around in there. Party- face them to living room. Reading and resting— face them to view. I dunno!!! Movable pieces don’t feel as quality.
My so-called dining room. The whole house is small, but the dining area is especially cramped because it also functions as a pathway to the deck and backyard. That means that the already valuable square footage is at a high premium. I need a built-in bench along one wall so that the traffic flow can also be space to move chairs in and out from the table, and I need chairs that fit under the table snugly.
I love love ur articles,, I have Learned so so much Im technically remodeling my room based on all of ur recommendations😍 I have a question, how do I choose the right lighting for the living room I have a 14×12 guest living room with a 22 Ft ceiling, I love this light that’s 60″ in diameter, but I’m worried it’s too big. Plzzzzz advice 😘😘😘😘
Hi Julie, I have been staring at my bedroom design since I moved into my home and this series turned on the light bulb! My nightstands are too small. I have a really expansive luxurious oil rubbed bronze contemporary upholstered hadboard farmhouse-style bed (boy that was a mouthfull). Nice bed linens but I have ridiculous IKEA Malm nightstands. Now I know it’s time to upgrade. I will be looking forward to your next article in this series to see where I can source these! Much love to you! Thank you for your expertise and commitment to design.
Hi Julie! I love your work! I’m having trouble with my family room. There is a tall wall with a fireplace that feels like the natural focal point. However, we want a tv in the room which it does not look nice mounted over the fireplace because there is molding detail above the fireplace. We would like a sectional sofa. How do you suggest we lay it out. Facing the fireplace or facing the tv? Thank you!
We bought a house with L-shaped open concept space. I planned the perfect kitchen into it. I love the kitchen. The problem was the dining table. Originally wanted a new bigger table to seat 8 people (guests +us), which just didn’t fit. It felt lost in space and too cramped at the same time. Solution was to give up on having everything ready for formal dining and pushing one small side of the table against the wall. Now it is a perfect space for our everyday needs with a great focal point on the wall. The dining area feels well ankered in space, the views have improved as has the free space to walk around the table. Still in need to fix the placement of (ceeling) light accordingly. I might go with a candle holder or a puck light solution on the wall instead.
Hi Julie! Thank you so much for teaching us in details. I am literally writing everything down 😝 I’m a bit stuck on my open space. I have 21’2 and 12’6 rectangular living/dinning. One of the longer side is all doors to terrace. The other longer side is kitchen counter and a 7’9 wall. I don’t want to spilt it up by placing my sectional in the middle as i want to have the illusion of a bigger space. Should I use the 7’9 wall opposite terrace doors as focal wall? Or the 12’6 wall with the sectional against it and looking towards the dinning table ?
Haven’t been following you for long but have come to enjoy your articles. Hopefully, within the next month, I will have some remodeling done to my home. I am encountering some challenges with the choices of furniture. And with that, having a home accessible and pretty, is proving a bit much for me. I am a wheelchair user and can’t seem to decide the type of livingroom furniture to purchase. Can you help?
Hey Julie! I’m stuck with this question for several days: I have an open concept floor plan (living + dining combo) I use area rugs to define the area as you suggested. The living room area is 122″x 113″ and the longest wall is 122″. I have a sofa in my mind but can’t decide whether to get the 90″ sofa or the 103″ grand sofa? The height and depth are the same, just the width difference.. I don’t have any needs for end table and there is a bay window on one side (so extra space) and open dining room on the other..so 90″ or 103″ 😫 I can’t fall asleep because of this! Appreciate your help, thanks!!😘
Thank you! Would love to know- so many doors, arches, built in shelves. I painted a dark navy on my dining room wall. It’s bordered from the ceiling about 1’.5″ – paint the same color or leave it white. Also there’s a door . 2 doors, 1 entrance door size to the kitchen & a 7-8 arch. It’s something that should be the focal point & very cool. Not sure how to make it pop & declutter. Fresh, on a budget .
I am so glad to have found your website! I’m building a new home and am struggling with the right layout for the living room. It’s an open concept layout with a 2 story vaulted ceiling. The East wall is all windows, the South side includes an inset fireplace, and the North side is open to the kitchen. The main function of the room is for perusal TV, playing the piano (just a small upright), and lounging. Overall dimensions are about 17 x 17, but that includes the pathway from the foyer to the kitchen/living room. I don’t like TVs mounted above the fireplace. Should I put the TV to one side of the fireplace or on the West wall?
Hi Julie I just bought and old house that has one large room, with dinning room, that’s 22ft long. The fire place is only 3ft from the front door. Leaving the middle about 6ft of empty space before you get to dinning room which is very big. My Question is can I put my dinning room in that empty space next to fireplace and next to the TV room? I thought I could use the space in front of the fireplace a relaxing area ti unwind. Can’t wait for your comment.
I just bought a house, I close next month on the 12th, in a decorating panic I have been going over and over in my head how I am going to arrange the living room, it has a large window, with a not so great view, I was thinking that had to be the focal point. Now I know the longest wall will be the focal point. Thank-you so much, now I can give that merry-go-round of decor rearrangement thoughts that’s in my mind a rest.
Hi Julie! I’m studying ID for my tiny bnb project (26sqm). Scale and proportion are what I’m struggling with right now. I love all of your articles but this is my favorite. Maybe you don’t do it often but I hope you also make content for tiny spaces. Your website elevates my taste level. Warm regards from the Philippines!
Hi Julie, I have a dining room that’s adjacent to the living room. The living room is 24’x5″ x 12’x11″ and it is completely carpeted (the coop requires it). The longest wall faces the dining room. I was thinking of dividing the livng space. I’m planning on buying sofas (sectional-not sure if I should get L shaped, U shaped, 2 or 3 pieces) to place in the middle with an accent chair. The area by the window which is at the end of the livingroom (and does not have a great view), I was going to place a chaise with a lamp, 2 bookcases and have that be my reading/talking on the phone area, etc. Can you give me your thoughts. The space is still empty since I’m having it cleaned, painted, etc. before moving in. Thank you.
Great article. Here is my situation. When you enter my home, you enter the living room with the longest wall in the room facing you. (There is a wall on the left behind the door that meets another wall and forms a hallway.) To the left that wall continues down the hall to 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. To the right of the wall leads you to the dining area & kitchen. Across from the long wall is 2 windows. The shortest ceiling ht is 7ft tall (by the windows) & the tallest ceiling height is 10 ft (where the longest wall is. What’s the best placement of furniture?
I measured my dining room and ideally I should move our buffet away from behind the chairs, but it would leave the focal wall off-center. Do you have ideas or a article on how to address that? Perhaps something that could add focus to the wall without taking up space and still balance the buffet? Thank you!!
Julie I wish I could go symmetrical but i have a REALLY tiny bedroom in my condo. Is it acceptable if i have a nightstand on one side, but a 4-drawer dresser (that matches the nightstand design) on the other side? I need some storage space! And how would I “balance” my room since the dresser is higher than the nightstand? Place a taller lamp on the nightstand? =/
Hi Julie, I just stumbled over your articles and you are super helpful. I am trying to figure out my layout for my living room but it is not that simple with a fireplace or tv as a focal point. We already have a family room with a tv so I would like to make this a conversation room that’s cozy. I have a long wall and an awkward shorter wall directly across from it. What should I do? You can see this room right when you walk into the house and there are double doors that also lead out to the patio….
Julie, you were right when you suggested I watch this article. I realize now that my dining table and china cabinet are just too big for my space. My layout is almost identical to yours but a little smaller. I think my view is actually the focal point rather than my fireplace and scaling down dining room furniture will make a much better flow. So excited to get started lol. Thank you so much!
I decorated my basement and the result was really good, Thank you for all your advices. Now I am doing my living room I have the vision of totally white with a navy wall for contrast but I bought last year a gray leather sectional and i have only room for one big accent chair or two small ones. I am thinking and buy the accent chairs navy color but I am not sure if it will be better buy them multicolor with some navy color. Can you please help me? I have used all your tips to fix the decorations in my house. Thank you so much.
Love this website, actionable advise & thoughtful presentation. Could you please explain why you like to fill up the entire wall that the bed is on, & is that true across styles? My wall is about 11′ so I could fit a king + 2 sizable nightstands. Have large WIC so don’t need nightstands for clothes or anything & will have wall sconces not lamps but if it’s important stylistically I’ll reconsider. Thanks.
Hi Julie I want this bed from a z galerie but I’m confused with the measurements One bed is 102 W 98″ d 60″h And the other one is 88″W 89″d 60″h I don’t understand what they mean in the depth because in the photos the one with the lower depth( 89″d)looks higher than the one that is inche s deep Can u please help me figure out what th depth means Ann’s from where it’s measures
I’ve binged most of your articles since covid started and we’re spending too much time at home! We have a difficult living room with no full solid walls at all. One side with a large bag window, adjacent side with a large fireplace, third side opens onto the dining room, and the last side is a transparent barrier with the stair case behind it. Where would you put the TV and the sofa? We could fit the TV on top of the fireplace but the mantle is really really high.
Another great article Julie. I need help with my bedroom and family room. The layout is not good and I find it difficult placing my furniture. The foot of the bed is directly in the middle of the doorway and if I turn the bed around, the bed is right next to the door and my night stands won’t fit. My family room…..well I don’t know where to begin. I need help please. 😥
I need help with my livingroom. At my entrance I have the first livingroom, and it has a partial wall separating it from a second livingroom that leads into an open concept dining and kitchen. The problem is the dividing wall has a double sided fireplace that is not centered, you can see it from both livingrooms and the wall opening (3 sided). How do I work my first livingroom to accommodate this awkward fireplace?
Always love your articles and practical tips, Julie. We are in a new-to-us old home, and I am STRUGGLING with the living room. There is nowhere to fit a TV on the focal wall where the fireplace is (too high to put the TV over the fireplace). My hubby refuses to give up the TV- and I don’t blame him since there’s nowhere else to put it- but it’s shoved in the corner next to the fireplace right now and covering up the beautiful built-in bookcases (sad). I considered putting the TV on the wall opposite the fireplace and turning the couches/chairs around, but this seems kinda crazy. Houses in 1936 weren’t built for TVs I suppose…sigh. Would love it if any you have any ideas, I’m at a loss! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills with us via YouTube!!
Thank you you are awesome and ur tips are so on time for me I think my couch is too big in my living room and that the end table situation between it and the chair needs to be changed in some way since the couch is only 6 years old and hubby says it’s too new to replace (ugh!) I also would rather have a soft off white couch now ugh!
Awesome content like always, Julie! Now i have an idea how to design our living/work room. Do you have any tips when designing or decorating a living and working room? My husband and I are working from home so we have this long office table that fits both of our computer station at the end of the room but i feel like we bought a big sofa for the room 😬
I have a fireplace in my living room but the wall our couch is across from looks at a blank wall that we project our tv on. It looks blank, not sure where to put the couch. If I aim it at the fireplace we wont see the tv. If I aim it at the projector wall, it looks off? Also the couch is close to the wall at the moment. Any suggestions? We are currently looking at getting a new couch. Maybe that will help. Your articles are super helpful. thank you.
I have a brick wall in my open space lounge/ kitchen. Opposite there is the radiator and it feels weird to put the sofa in front of the radiator. I was thinking of having a nice chaise lounge instead of the sofa, or even 2, that stays normally on the brick wall side with window view and I could move it in the centre of the room if I wish to put a screen on that wall. However it still feels off to put a screen on the brick wall because it feels too heavy. However from your articles I understand that it is the brick wall that would be the focus although it’s not because of the damn radiator. I have seen in one of your articles a chaise lounge and need one and cannot move forward until I get my hands on one. My rug is too small, guilty. Thank you for your hard work. This is really helpful in hunting for things that would do well in one’s space.
Hi Julie, My living room space opens up to the kitchen area and I have a small dining area that is narrow space but I have a 48 inch glass table I had before I opened up the rooms and did my different floors. Should I get a rectangular table top. I think I need a smaller table for 4 chairs to be able to get under table.
Love the tips! I just can’t figure out how to design my kitchen/dinning area. I live in a small home and the kitchen area barely fits a square kitchen table made for 4. The issue is that we love to eat together but there is 5 of us and if we ever have guests over then we have to split up to eat. I have no idea how to fit a large kitchen table on a small kitchen and still have room to move around..
Thank you for the helpful tips,but I still can’t figure out what to do with my small bedroom I have king bed and I put night stand from one side and the dresser from the other side and there is no place left for vanity with mirror, I really need that in my bedroom beside the closet is too small,don’t know what to do
Hi Julie! Such a helpful article! How would you deal with wheelchair accessible bedrooms? I have a full XL bed and 60 inches manoeuvring space on both sides. The room is only for sleep & relaxation, so only this bed (not bigger), 2 nightstands and 2 reading lamps are planned. What can I do so that this setup doesn’t look weird? Whats the minimum & maximum size of the nightstands in this case? Thanks!
My current bedroom has two walls that can not have anything on them and one call where the window makes it hard to have anything on that wall. So my one solid wall has my bed, one of my two nightstands and my dresser. It makes for a seriously crowded wall. The opposite wall from the solid wall has two closets with mirrored sliding doors. The wall opposite the window has two doors and the door for the en suite is set back a little over a foot from the entry part of the wall. I’m considering moving the dresser to the wall with the window where it will cover half of the window. Rentals and the restrictions on what you can change can be challenging.
Hello Julie, I really love your articles they are so informative! I am trying to get into interior design and I have a question. My tv console is 60in (planning on a 40in tv please correct me if I can/should go bigger or smaller) and the coffee table I’m interested in is 58in x 24in. Should I go down in size with my coffee table? I have 12-18in from my couch to coffee table and from my coffee table to console I have more than 30in. Thank you!