How to Design a Stunning Living Room? A Step-by-Step Guide
Designing your living room can feel daunting with countless styles, colors, and layouts to choose from. However, with a practical approach to living room design, you can create a space that is both functional and reflective of your personal style. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in residential design, Peacock & Owl presents this step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Define Your Purpose
Start by considering the primary purpose of your living room. Will it be a space for entertaining guests, a cozy family gathering area, or a serene spot for reading? Understanding how you plan to use the room will guide your choices in furniture, layout, and décor.
Measure Your Space
Before shopping for furniture or choosing paint colors, take accurate measurements of your living room. Consider any existing pieces you want to include and create a floor plan. Use online tools like Room Sketcher for convenience, or the traditional method of graph paper and ruler.
Plan Your Layout
With your purpose and measurements in mind, create a layout. Think about traffic flow and arrange furniture in your Living room design to encourage conversation. A common arrangement is to position sofas and chairs around a central coffee table, but feel free to experiment with different configurations to find what works best for your space.
Incorporate clearance and circulation rules of thumb
To ensure a functional and harmonious layout, consider these guidelines:
- Seating: Allow at least 30-36 inches between large pieces for walkways. Maintain 18-30 inches between sofas and chairs for comfort.
- Coffee Tables: The coffee table should be at least half the length of your sofa, with 16-18 inches between the two.
- Rug Placement: Choose rug layouts based on the room’s shape:
- All Legs on the Rug: Best for open spaces, unifying the area by anchoring all furniture.
- Front Legs on the Rug: Ideal for arrangements where furniture touches a wall.
- Only a Coffee Table on the Rug: Works well in small spaces, enhancing the perception of space.
Art: The center of the art piece is ideally placed at eye level, 57 – 60 inches from the floor.
- When hanging artwork above furniture, mantles, or other obstructions, the eye level rule doesn’t always apply.
- The bottom of the frame should be between six to eight inches above the top of the feature. In these cases, it’s acceptable to go higher than the 57-inch guideline if need be.
TV: The TV should be 7” away from the sofa. The center of your TV screen is best placed at eye level from the seated position on the couch.
Side tables: Side tables next to seating, like sofas and chairs, should generally be 18-24 inches tall, with a width between 16-22 inches, and a depth that matches the depth of the sofa or chair. Height should be within 2 inches of the arm height of the sofa or chair to allow for easy placement of items like drinks or books.
Table Lamps: In a living room, table lamps should typically be between 24 and 34 inches tall. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Height: 24 to 34 inches is a good range.
- Proportionality: The lamp should be proportional to the table it’s on, ideally between two-thirds and 1.5 times the table’s height.
- Lampshade: The lampshade should not extend beyond the table’s edge.
- Eye Level: The bottom of the lampshade should be at eye level when seated.
Select a Color Palette
Color significantly impacts the mood of your living room design. Choose a cohesive palette that reflects your style. You can go for neutral bases with colorful accents or embrace bold hues for a dramatic effect. Remember to consider the ceilings and trim, as they contribute to the overall appearance.
Choose a Style
Decide on a design style that resonates with you. Whether it’s modern classic (our favorite) minimalist or modern farmhouse, a clear style in mind will streamline your choices. Consider creating a mood board on platforms like Pinterest to collect inspiration images that reflect your vision.
Consider Wall Treatment
Enhance your space with a feature wall, trim work, or wallpaper for added texture. While it’s advisable to keep wallpaper soft and understated, modern trends may allow for bolder designs as accents rather than focal points.
Invest in Key Furniture Pieces
Focus on investing in stylish yet comfortable furniture. A quality sofa and a couple of accent chairs are essential, alongside functional pieces like coffee and side tables. Pay attention to the quality of fabrics, checking for stain resistance and durability, as manufacturers have increasingly reduced quality to lower prices.
Add Lighting
Proper lighting enhances the ambiance of your living room. Incorporate a mix of lighting sources, including overhead fixtures, floor lamps, and table lamps, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Dimmer switches can also be a great addition, allowing you to adjust the brightness depending on the time of day or occasion.
Bring in Textures and Patterns
Incorporate various textures and patterns for depth and visual interest. Mix soft textiles like throws and cushions with harder materials such as wood and glass. Use patterns in rugs, artwork, or decorative pillows to keep the space lively.
Accessorize
Accessories add personality and warmth to your living room. Include pillows on sofas, unique statement pieces, and personal touches like photos or memorabilia from your travels.
Final Touches
Step back and assess your living room once everything is in place. Small details, like decorative trays, candles, or fresh flowers, can give your space a polished and inviting feel.
Designing a living room is a rewarding process that creates a comfortable and stylish environment for you and your loved ones. Follow this guide to transform your living area into a reflection of your personality and a hub for gatherings and relaxation. If you need assistance with designing or remodeling your space, call us at (416) 986 7615 to discuss your project, or book a Complimentary Discovery Call online from our Contact Details. For furniture and accessory ideas, visit our Online Shop.
