Determining how to lay out furniture in homes can be humorous. When people see a room with a worthwhile and functional layout, the furniture layout becomes easy. However, when they enter a room with a lot of space, they will find it hard to fit furniture in there.
Numerous correct ways help arrange furniture. There are also wrong ways of doing so. The latter does not mean best suited to optimise space, but rather ways that are not sound.
Can homeowners and tenants alike overcome this?
Experts in home decor have decided to help with open-plan living room furniture tips. Many people are struggling in this area. Some spaces can be really hard to figure out, as most homes in the United Kingdom were built with limited square footage. Doors and windows do have a good layout, but the rooms are oddly shaped.
Hence, let us dive in without hesitation.
How can furniture be arranged in a long, narrow living room?
Square rooms are easy to furnish. Rectangular rooms are tricky. There can be numerous obstacles to work around such rooms and layouts, especially in the presence of the following factors:
- Multiple entry and exit points.
- Hallways can cut such rooms in half.
- A concept of open layouts with no definition.
- An open entry is attached to them.
- A wall with many windows.
- These rooms have narrow widths.
- They have multiple options in focal points.
Some rectangular living rooms can provide multiple layout options. These options pave the way for open-plan living room ideas. Residents who have lived in such homes have provided ideas for decorating modern open-plan living rooms with ease. Many of these options are viable.
New configurations emerge once homeowners and tenants experiment with different furnishings and layouts. This can also slowly change the design style. This will help others learn new ways of arranging living room furniture and redefine awkward spaces, as per modern specifications. It helps design for functionality.
Seven factors to consider when arranging furniture in living rooms
- First of all, let us see if homeowners need to overcome obstacles in furnishing large living rooms. In some homes, the living room and entry are one long combined space. Making divisions in open plan living room ideas is hence necessary.
- Secondly, deciding on the room’s focal point is important. Many people design their furniture layout around a specific focal point. Examples are the fireplace, sofa area, or the TV.
- Then, giving the room’s flow due consideration is also important. When arranging furniture, residents need a natural walking pathway through the room that avoids collisions with furniture and trips over them, allowing them to use the space effectively.
- The fourth factor to consider is the seating requirements. Even with open plan living ideas in action, can residents make the most with one small couch and a couple of armchairs? Or do they require a large sofa with good side tables (or a U-shaped sofa)? Decisions should come after thorough thinking and deliberation.
- Determining the room’s purpose is also necessary. Will it be used as an everyday family room? As a formal living room? An entertainment space? A home office? Or the best of all words? Selecting the right furniture and layout is crucial to ensure residents make the right decision.
- How will residents define the space? Many homes in the UK have open-plan living spaces that lack walls, making it difficult to create a properly defined living room. Hence, they need to define the space either through an area rug or a furniture layout via unique open plan living ideas.
- Consider adding zones, as long, narrow living rooms can be challenging to design. Yet they can offer residents the chance to make living zones in one space. It can have a conversation area, a gaming table, storage, and the like.
Tips for maximising space in open-plan living rooms
It can be a good idea to challenge the open-plan living room concept by properly furnishing it. However, for this to work, residents need to have very good ideas for maximising space and making distinct and functional areas. So let us now have a good look at those tips:
- Zoning spaces with rugs works. Using a large area rug can help designate the seating area. It defines the living room section, making a cozy and contained feel within the larger space. The rug should be large enough so the front legs of the furniture can rest on it. Rugs work quite well in modern open plan living rooms.
- Go for multi-functional furniture. Going for pieces that serve more than one purpose works. An ottoman with concealed storage doubles as a coffee table, footrest, and a place to stash blankets, magazines, and other essentials. A sofa bed is a great choice for accommodating overnight guests.
- Floating the furniture works. Pulling sofas and chairs away from the perimeter creates a much better conversation area. It also helps in improving the flow, making the room feel more spacious.
- Keeping walkways clear helps ensure a clear and direct path to all entrances, exits, and zones. A general rule is to leave approximately 36 inches of space for comfortable movement.
- Giving vertical space a go helps in space utilisation. Tall, slender shelves utilise vertical space and draw eyes upward. They even free up valuable flooring space. Tall plants work well in adding height and visual interest.
- Choosing furniture with legs, such as coffee tables, sofas, or media consoles, creates a sense of lightness and openness. The visible floor underneath each piece helps make the room feel less cluttered and more airy.
- Using mirrors tactfully works wonders. A large and properly placed one can reflect light and give a good view of the room. It makes the illusion of more space and gives the open plan living spaces a brighter feel.
Over to you
Open plan living rooms are indeed good, but they can also be tricky. Most homes in the United Kingdom lack zoning partitions and also have large living rooms. It is wise, therefore, to make good use of partitions in large spaces in these homes to ensure space usage is maximised with the right ideas. Do not hesitate to visit the nearest HOB Furniture outlet for assistance in purchasing your desired couch.
