Design Dilemma: Space Planning For A Large Living Room
How do you arrange furniture in a rectangular room with a fireplace in the center? Many of us struggle with this problem. The unwritten rule is to make the fireplace the focal point by centering the furniture around it. But what do you do with the lonely parts on the side? Often, they’re dressed with placeholder furniture that winds up looking like an after thought.
Following the “fireplace rule” can work if the room isn’t too large, like in the photo above. But in a larger room what do you do?
Creating Two Groupings
The best way to handle this dilemma is to create two groupings of furniture. Ignore the fireplace. Think of it as yet another beautiful element in the over-all interior design scheme. Here’s an example.
The larger grouping in this room is to the left. I put the small seating, such as the arm chairs and ottomans near the center of the room. You can easily move these to combine the groupings for a party, or to sit by the fire. A chaise under the large window is a nice way to frame out that space.
Here’s an example of a room with two groupings. There’s a large grouping with a smaller one behind it. An added benefit is that you kind of get two rooms in one. Use the smaller group for a chat with a close friend. Use the larger group for cocktails before dinner, or watching TV.
Lighting Is Important
Install down lights over the two groupings and the art hanging over the fireplace to create some drama and frame the spaces.¬† Make sure they’re on dimmers.
I love this room. The large grouping as arm chairs with a trellis back. Since you can see through them, it makes the room look really unified.
The interior designer did the same thing on the other side – using a low chaise. Another thing I like about this room is the use of high and low objects. Any room will look livelier and more layered if there is a variety of heights. The chalkboard art is a nice complement to the tall bookshelf. They provide a nice composition without being matchy-matchy.
Jennifer’s Design Tips
Be careful not to cram too much stuff into your room. Here are some space planning guidelines to help you out.
- Space between a sofa and coffee table: 15″ – 18″
- Major traffic pattern should be 3′ wide (you can cheat with this a bit)
- Small traffic area should be 18″ wide
- Pay attention to scale. Make sure your seat heights are pretty much the same: 18″ – 19″
- Use a mix of high and low objects to create a sense of movement.
Space planning can be a tough task – especially when you’re working with existing furniture in a new house. So if you have a tip, let us all know. Likewise, if you’re struggling with a space planning issue, leave your question in the comments and I’ll all help you out. So will everyone else.
images: Wm Waldron
10 Responses to “Design Dilemma: Space Planning For A Large Living Room”
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Posted by Rachel on May 8th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Great tips! I’m always befuddled by space planning issues. I love the layouts- super helpful for us to visualize. i just might try this in my living room!
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Posted by Jennifer on May 8th, 2009 at 8:05 am
I’d love to help you out. Sent me some photos via the contact link. Include some room measurements and any important info and I’ll write up a Design Dilemma for you.
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Posted by Tina on August 22nd, 2009 at 8:57 pm
I am in desperate need of a living room makeover! I also have a large, long living room with a center fireplace. I’d love your opinion on furniture placement. I’m even willing to purchase new furniture if necessary. Can you help me?
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Posted by Jennifer on August 24th, 2009 at 8:18 am
I have a growing of design dilemmas, but I’d love to help you if you can wait a few weeks. Send me photos and details.
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Posted by sandy on October 1st, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Space has always been an issue but you certainly know very well how to make it look good with the available space. Great tips and the living room looks so very beautiful. Cheers!!
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Posted by Jay Mac on October 25th, 2010 at 9:38 am
I am a builder who has a real difficult problem for a homeowner to solve. The LR room is 22′X30′ with vaulted ceiling and beams. The fireplace is a full height at one end of the 22′ side and the opposite end is a wall of windows that face the mountains. I guess there is only one way to arrange furniture and that is to have 2 different settings. One that allows for sitting and being able to see the mountains and the other a small area that will allow a small area by the fireplace. Am I heading in the right direction. Problem is that I am in a area where there aren’t any space designers. Any suggestions? I could email a floor plan that could give you a more accurate layout if needed.
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Posted by Jennifer on October 25th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Sent me a photo or two and the floorplan and I’ll give you some pointers. email them to me at designholeonline [at] gmail [dot] com
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Posted by Kathy on May 14th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
I am decorating a cabin in the mountains that has a support post about 8 feet from the hearth of the fireplace. The room shape is rectangular but only 20 x 20 feet. There are only two walls adjacent to the fireplace about 5 feet each, an 8 foot wall as the wall one sees when entering the home before the bedroom door, and a 6 foot wall beneath the stairs. The rest of the room opens to the dining and kitchen. How do we incorporate the whoIe room for a living space with adequate flow? Thanks!
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Posted by Jennifer on May 17th, 2011 at 10:10 am
Send me photos and I’ll see what I can do!
Jennifer, not only do I have a large livingroom with a beautiful, huge fireplace in the middle, but a baby grand piano to place in the room. The tv is to the left side of the fireplace. I keep moving furniture and cannot find a friendly arrangement.
I appreciate the ideas on 2 seating areas. I would love some help with my piano problem.
Thanks.