Rules for arranging furniture in the living room, useful recommendations

Developing a plan

Before you start arranging furniture, you need to prepare a plan that takes into account the following points:

• living room dimensions;
• location of windows and doors;
• location of radiator batteries and sockets.

In this case, it does not matter whether the layout of the living room is supposed to be in a private house or in an apartment.

Preparatory stage

In small apartments, the living room is a common room where family members gather for evening relaxation. One of their relatives or friends can spend the night here. Therefore, some owners try to fill the room with furniture as much as possible, which is why the spacious room becomes cramped and uncomfortable.

To avoid such situations, preparatory work is carried out before arranging furniture in the living room. You can do it the old fashioned way - draw a floor plan on whatman paper, adhering to a certain scale. All the necessary items for the headset are cut out of paper in the same scaled size.

Moving improvised furniture on the plan, selecting convenient options for its location. To achieve harmony in the interior, it is first recommended to mark the main areas on the diagram - relaxation, dining. Perhaps there will also be a work area for one of the family members.

Modern technologies will not only make the preparatory stage easier, but also make it entertaining. There are computer programs that allow you to quickly create a living room interior to suit every taste. Some of them are simple, others are complex, but each will provide a three-dimensional layout of the room.

Some furniture manufacturers offer users a planner program on their pages. All you have to do is enter the parameters of your room and “play” rearranging the furniture.

Computer programs that help you create a furniture arrangement plan may cost a fee. Some resources require a nominal fee or no fee at all. This depends on the complexity of the designer, but a simple program will be enough for an amateur designer.

Variety of cabinets in the hall, their internal contents and design

These programs allow you to choose the best option for arranging furniture in the living room in a matter of minutes. In this case, the characteristics of the room (shape, area, location of windows and doors) are taken into account.

Google SketchUp Planner 5D

Planoplan

VisiCon

Roomtodo

Sofa

Choosing a place for this furniture product requires fulfilling a number of conditions. First of all, you should not place the product near a window opening or the entrance to the room.

In addition, you need to take into account the type of product. Today the most popular varieties are:

• Classic sofa;
• Corner sofa.

Layout variations

When arranging furniture and interior items, several layout variations are possible. Below we will talk about the three most relevant ones. For a more complete picture, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the photo of the living room layout.

Kitchen and dining room: dimensions

The width of the kitchen should be at least 170 cm, with the optimal value of this parameter being about 2.4 m. The total area of ​​the kitchen is more than 8 m²; if it is combined with the living room, the dimensions of the area may change upward or downward. It is important to think over a way to conveniently and correctly position kitchen appliances - the length of the front is up to 7 meters. It is worth considering the possible installation options:

• In several rows;
• In one row;
• In the form of "P";
• Arrangement with the letter "G".

In the case of combining a kitchen with a dining area, the minimum dimensions of its area are approximately 12 m², but a more practical option would be dimensions of 15 m².

The separate dining room has a minimum area of ​​approximately 8 m². If the plans include meetings and spending time for groups of about 10 people in the kitchen, then its area needs to be expanded to 10 or 12 m².

Asymmetric

An asymmetrical layout will expand the room from a visual point of view. This option is best suited to the latest stylistic trends, as well as living rooms of non-standard shape.

For example, in a polygonal room, an asymmetrical layout will allow you to hide the “cons” or, on the contrary, focus on one of the zones of the room.

Kitchen-living room - successful layout in photo ideas

The previously casual, noisy and dirty kitchen was separated in space from the elegant, quiet, clean living room. Changing trends have led to the combination of these important rooms in the home becoming quite common.

The desire and ability to be together during most kitchen events today usually combines the hall with the food preparation area. The appropriate design of the living room, through the use of partitions, allows you to partially separate the kitchen space, reducing the inconvenience that it causes. You can effectively divide the kitchen using an island or peninsula, as well as another partition.

Circular

This variation involves placement around the selected center. Here, the central element is usually a table placed near the sofa. The furnishings are placed at a certain distance from the center, thus creating a circle.

As a rule, this option is preferred in large living rooms.

Basic placement methods

In order for the furniture to fit organically into the decor of the guest room, you need to take into account not only the shape of the room and its size. The location of objects relative to each other is taken into account. Professional designers use several methods; even an amateur can easily master them.

Symmetrical is the most common way to emphasize a restrained, classic interior style. Its principles:

• a focal point is selected (fireplace, panoramic window, home theater);
• Paired objects (sofas, armchairs, poufs, floor lamps) are placed relative to the central element;
• they are located on the sides of the focal point or opposite it, rotated at a slight angle;
• cabinet furniture is also placed symmetrically along the walls (for example, chests of drawers, shelves, cabinets facing each other).

This arrangement is acceptable only for spacious rooms. All pieces of furniture are kept in the same style and general tone.

The asymmetrical method is suitable for non-standard or walk-through rooms. In this case, clear mutual placement of identical (paired) objects is excluded. The essence of asymmetry lies not in the chaotic scattering of furniture around the room, but in its balanced grouping according to functionality.

The harmony of the interior is created by a visual balance between large and small objects of various shapes. In this case, the dimensional elements become the focal point. “Light” furniture is grouped around it. Asymmetry is used for both large rooms and small rooms.

The circular method of arranging furniture in the living room is used to design functional areas. The focal point (this could be a coffee or dining table, a chandelier) is placed in the center of the area. The necessary elements of the set (armchairs, chairs, sofas) are placed around it. Large cabinets and shelving should be placed along the walls.

Reasons for the popularity of wall cabinets for the living room, their varieties

The circular option is combined with a symmetrical or asymmetrical method. The choice depends on this - paired or different items. This method of installing furniture is suitable for any style - from classic to ultra-modern.

Symmetrical Asymmetrical Circular

Rectangular living room

The optimal arrangement of interior elements in a rectangular living room will allow you to organize several zones in the living room at the same time. As a rule, a rectangular living room is divided into a relaxation area and a dining area.

Where should the fireplace be in the living room?

Live fire is indispensable in the interior. The fireplace is most often located in the living room. Almost all places for a fireplace in the living room are good if they are consistent, that is, they fit into the shape and layout of the room: central, on an external wall, between windows. It is important to adapt the shape of the fireplace to personal tastes and the functions it will serve.

If the role of the fire in the fireplace is primarily symbolic and decorative, and is lit from time to time, then it should complement the interior, and not dominate it. However, if the fireplace is to be the only or important auxiliary source of energy for heating the house, then its central location and extended dimensions will be justified.

Narrow living room

Here you can immediately note a common mistake - placement along the longitudinal direction of a long wall. The best option is to arrange interior elements in accordance with an asymmetrical layout.

In this case, the following criteria must be taken as a basis:

• Compactness;
• Functionality.

From the living room to the garden

When planning a living room, we always try to take advantage of the cultivated landscape. Large floor-length windows overlooking a pond or garden make the living room a favorite place for the family to stay and make a good impression on guests. On the other side of the glazing there is a terrace, which serves as a summer living room. Such terraces are often glazed, which allows them to be used as winter gardens. For the living room in the house, this is an additional decoration, which also visually expands its space. There is no need to obstruct the exit to the terrace with furniture so that nothing interferes with mutual penetration.

With the onset of darkness, a large area of ​​glazing turns into a transparent wall of the living room, where neighbors or passers-by can observe the events. Few people like to be in plain sight, so you need to provide some kind of curtain. It is most convenient to use automatic roller shutters, which will lower at dusk or upon a signal from the remote control. In this case, instead of a beautiful garden, only the inner side of the roller shutters will become visible. To decorate it, use a film with an image or spectacular photo wallpaper glued to the slats. You can cover large windows with a curtain, but it is better to use automatic curtains.

The glazing of adjacent walls looks very good, through which two directions open at once. However, this is only possible if the living room has at least two external walls. When choosing a house project, you should pay attention first of all to this layout. The exception is projects of semi-detached houses.

Polygonal living room

Currently, polygonal living rooms are becoming increasingly popular.

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The “disadvantage” of such a living room is that the interior elements are difficult to access. Indeed, in most cases it is necessary to make furniture products to order.

Modern stylistic trends in interior design make it possible to beat this “minus”, turning the lack of a polygonal room into an interesting feature.

For example, you can choose one of the two options below. Each of them will allow you to place furniture in an original way and highlight the characteristic features of a polygonal living room. So, you can:

• When choosing furnishing elements, prefer a non-standard design. For example, purchase a cabinet of a specific shape;
• Highlight an irregular corner, allowing it to become a central interior element.

Wardrobe as an interior element

To make the living room configuration more reminiscent of a square one, designers recommend paying attention to the closet.

The product should be installed in the longitudinal direction of the end wall. To visually enlarge the space, it is recommended to purchase a mirrored cabinet.

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Small living room

What to do if the room is a hall of , 16 or “squares”? In this area you need to fit a corner for watching TV, relaxing, receiving guests, a sleeping place, and possibly a table for festive dinners.

Photo: Instagram design_interiora_1

Experts have tricks for arranging tiny spaces:

1. Use light colors on walls and floors to visually expand the room.
2. Don't overload the room with unnecessary things.
3. Open the window to allow more light.
4. Must-have - transformable furniture: folding sofa, chairs, table.

A compact room is not a reason to give up a corner sofa. Quite the contrary: sometimes it is better to use one large sofa than many small items.

Photo: pixabay.com myinterior

TV as a central element

It is usually advised to start placing furnishings by choosing a place for the TV. After this, it’s worth starting to organize a soft zone.

However, it is undesirable to choose a place near a window opening, otherwise sunlight will interfere with viewing.

If we talk about the distance between the TV and, for example, chairs, then the calculation is based on the diagonal dimensions of the device. It is best if the distance is 3-5 TV diagonals.

We take into account the area and shape of the room

The interior is chosen taking into account the dimensions of the room. But to know how to arrange furniture organically in the living room, you need to take into account the shape of the room. The living room will turn out cozy if you adhere to the basic rules:

• so that the large hall does not seem empty, it is zoned;
• furniture should not be placed close to each other so as not to interfere with free movement;
• in a small living room, do not place bulky objects along one wall - it is better to group them.

The easiest way to plan the interior is for a square living room. In other cases, the arrangement of furniture largely depends on the shape of the room. Features of the layout and optimal ways to place interior items are presented in the table.

Narrow

Rectangular

Low ceilings

Complex option

Passage width

When placing furniture products, it is worth considering that the distance between them should not interfere with comfortable passage. In large living rooms, the width of passages can reach up to 1 m.

It should be noted that the area of ​​the functional zone can be calculated. In this case, the length of the interior element is summed with the free zone area multiplied by two.

The resulting value is multiplied with a sum that includes the width of the element and twice the area of ​​the free zone.

Arrangement options for different layouts

How to arrange furniture in the hall depends not only on the lifestyle of the owners, but also on the shape of the room. With the help of the correct arrangement of furniture, the geometry can be adjusted and corrected.

Furnishing a rectangular room

A rectangle is the easiest to furnish; the main task is not to turn it into a narrow carriage. To do this, do not place furniture along opposite walls, leaving the central part empty.

In a rectangular living room, it is most convenient to do zoning. If you divide the space into two squares, in one of which there will be a relaxation area, and in the other for work or eating, the interior will turn out to be harmonious.

The photo shows a modern interior of a rectangular hall

What is the best way to arrange it in a square room?

The most successful solution for maintaining a square shape is a symmetrical or circular layout. Decide on a focal point and arrange furniture around it for a perfectly designed living room.

The photo shows an example of using the symmetry of a square living room

Furniture arrangement in a narrow living room

An initially narrow, long room presents a problem that can easily be aggravated. Therefore, abandon the method of arrangement along one or two elongated walls.

Give preference to asymmetry, use compact furniture (2 small sofas instead of a huge one), choose round and oval shapes.

Mirrors, transverse flooring, horizontal stripes on short sides, light colors and other techniques will also help to visually expand the space.

The photo shows an example of visual expansion of space using furniture

Convenient location for a small room

Your task when decorating a small living room is to take into account the dimensions and not make it even smaller. For these purposes, give up large furniture sets, and also reduce the total number of items.

In a small room there is a corner sofa or a straight ottoman and a couple of armchairs. In the first case, the room is more spacious, but there is no possibility of rearranging it. The second set takes up more space, but remains mobile.

The photo shows a small living room in bright colors

Smart arrangement in a large living room

A huge hall can and should be zoned! Start by identifying functional areas: what do you plan to do in the room besides relaxing? From the answer to this question you will learn a list of additional furniture: a desk, a bed for the bedroom, a wardrobe.

If there are not many objects in the room, focus on their dimensions: allow yourself an impressively sized sofa, a projector instead of a TV, comfortable large armchairs.

In a spacious living room, you don’t need to place all the furniture along the walls - it’s better to group it into zones and place it as ergonomically as possible. For example, the sofa and armchairs are closer to each other and away from the TV.

Examples for a living room with a non-standard layout

Before drawing a plan, decide for yourself: do you want to emphasize or neutralize the features of the room?

If the living room has a sloping corner, it is highlighted with a fireplace and a TV, and the seating is placed opposite.

The highlight of the “wrong” apartment can also be a bay window: in the dining room-living room they place a dining group next to it, in an ordinary one they make a couch out of the window sill and place a bookshelf next to it.

Hiding imperfections is more difficult; for this you will need custom-made furniture: for example, an unusually shaped cabinet will smooth out asymmetrical corners.

Composition

Composition is exactly what will allow you to correctly place interior elements in a specific room. To organize a composition, the triangle rule is often used.

So, in the living room you can place a sofa with tables on the sides and place a panel on the wall above the furniture. This option will add symmetry to the room.

Layout of the living room-bedroom: how to design a place for relaxation and wakefulness?

The location of communications, space for movement, that is, entrances to and from the living room, must be carefully thought out, especially in combination with the bedroom.

The road space is an invisible corridor about 80 cm wide that connects all entrances to the room. It consists of the shortest paths that you will travel along very often. The more often, the more important the path. These corridors should provide the household with resting places - specific islands, that is, areas for a table, sofas, armchairs, and also a bed in the case of a bedroom, which will not need to be moved. It is important that the islands be relatively large. On the other hand, there cannot be too many passes.

Dinner Zone

The layout of the living room (dining area) is also a pressing issue for many people.

Here, first of all, you should take into account the dimensions of the room and, based on this, conclude whether it is possible to form a dining area in a particular room.

If possible, the best option would be to place the table in the center of the square that was chosen for the dining area. Chairs will be placed around this square. The area occupied by the zone should be no more than 3 m².

If the dimensions of the living room do not allow you to create a full-size dining area, then instead of a table you can put, for example, a bar counter and two small chairs.

Home Living Room Layout: Ideal Size

What size should the living room be? Roomy enough to easily accommodate the expected number of users, and relatively small so as not to be depressingly empty. If you have a large family that you would like to see together, increase the space accordingly. However, don't overdo it, especially if the living room is not connected to the dining room, because the table is usually where you spend most of your time together every day.

According to the design principles, already 20-25 m2 with a width of at least 4 m will create enough space for installing sofas and armchairs even in the center of the living room. The combination with the dining room and kitchen will physically increase the interior. Household members will have more choice as to what they would like to do in the common area of ​​the house. Opening the staircase will give the feeling of spaciousness that is so necessary in the house, optically enlarging the interior.

Photo of the living room