When it comes to planning updates to your living room, the first considerations are typically paint, decor accessories, draperies, flooring and perhaps new furnishings. One of the considerations often overlooked but equally important is the layout of the room. Not considering this can help or hinder the use you make of the space and the ambience you want to achieve but may also drive decisions about the new furnishings you plan to purchase. This week I share ideas and tips for furniture layout to suit your style and ensure your space is balanced, harmonious and in proportion to the size and use of the space you are working with.

Formal

If your style taste tends toward a formal living room, your furnishings should be squared and balanced. Structure the furniture placement by positioning two sofas or love seats or a sofa/love seat and two chairs opposite one another. A coffee table positioned between the seating brings balance and provides an accessible and convenient place to set beverages from any seated position. A formal style is further enhanced by placing furnishings relative to the main feature of the room be it a fireplace, picture window or an architectural feature. Include a pair of matching table lamps add an extra layer of structure and formality

Informal

There are subtle but significant differences between a formal and informal layout. The arrangement of furnishings is balanced but not as structured or squared as a formal layout. Informal spaces typically include a sofa and a couple of chairs which are set at an angle to ‘soften’ the space. An occasional table between the chairs adds additional surface space to set beverages and perhaps a table lamp. An informal arrangement often includes other pieces too such as a book case and often a television that serve to make the room a more multi-function space.

Cozy and Comfortable

If your goal is a cozy, comfortable ambience, keep your furnishings spare but comfortable. A sectional is the perfect piece for this style of room and provides lots of seating. Adding in a chair and ottoman (on an angle!) in a patterned upholstery that coordinates with the sectional not only adds additional seating but the contrast makes the space even more casual. Toss pillows and a couple of throws draped over the arms of the sectional or chair or artwork casually leaning against the wall either on a shelf or on the floor enhance the casualness of the space.

Multi-functional

If you have an open concept space that includes zones for lounging and relaxing, dining, playing and especially these days, working so you want to ensure a functional, balanced space. In these instances, it is important to first identify where each zone is going to be located and working to visually divide the space. The ‘living room’ zone is best defined by placing a sofa or sectional with its back to the other areas of the room. The zone can be more defined with the use of an area rug large enough that all of the furniture can sit on it and perhaps a console table along the back of the sofa. Once the living room zone is complete the office/work and dining zones can be placed in their respective areas of the space. To ensure a cohesive and coordinated multi-functional space, use the same accent colours and textures throughout as well as similar shaped lamps and lighting.

Regardless of whether your living room is a formal space for entertaining, a relaxed comfortable room for conversation and family games or a multi-function space for relaxing, entertaining, working and/or dining, these layouts will assist you in furniture placement. The tips and ideas for enhancing the style with decor accessories will further assist in creating the ambience you want resulting in spaces that are balanced, harmonious, polished and inviting.

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