Learn how to arrange furniture in living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, and more with these tricks.
Knowinghow to arrange furniturecan help you navigate how a room will be used.
Consider freestanding pieces in a smaller room and wall-to-wall built-ins in a larger room.
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double-check to include somestorage near the TVfor media items.
For a symmetrical layout, position key seating pieces near the fireplace and arrange them facing each other.
Use end tables as landing spaces on both ends of the sofa.
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Pair chairs to balance the visual weight of the sofa and to maximize seating.
Face chairs and the sofa toward each other to encourage conversation.
Anchor the furniture grouping with a rug and a large coffee table.
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For face-to-face chats, place seating no more than 8 feet apart.
In a large living room, use furniture to create comfortable islands.
Throw pillows and blankets invite guests to get comfortable.
Credit: Illustration by Ann Mackey Weiss
Watch and see how you’re free to create a practical and comfortable small living room furniture arrangement.
Consider your room size and furniture arrangement when choosing the right coffee table.
Use round pedestal tables as side tables between chairs and sofas.
Credit: Illustration by Ann Mackey Weiss
The curves of round tables make them easier to navigate around.
When space is tight, use nesting tables for flexible use when needed.
Choose chairs with casters so they’re easy to move.
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Float the furniture to focus on the fireplace and the television.
Ensure that the living room furniture is arranged near both the corner fireplace and television.
For traffic flow, create paths that flow behind viewers and not between them and the screen.
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Allow at least 2 feet on either side to allow for space to make the bed.
Avoid placing the bed within 3 feet of the door; otherwise, the bed becomes a roadblock.
Beyond the bed’s placement, you should also consider the visual weight of your headboard.
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Consider placing a chair next to a bedside table, which can be shared by the chair and bed.
Include a desk or dressing table, chair, and mirror opposite the doorway.
Place a bench or a pair of stools at the end of the bed for seating.
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In a square bedroom, designate thebed as the focal pointso the room feels grounded.
Stretch storage up the wall with a freestanding armoire.
Pair matching small-scale dressers to use as nightstands.
Credit: Illustration by Ann Mackey Weiss
Opt for tall pieces, such as an armoire, that add volume in a smaller footprint.
Make furniture choices that support your needs, and place furniture in a room-appropriate layout.
Include storage, such as cabinets or bookcases, on the perimeter.
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Define the dining space with a rug that contrasts with the flooring.
Add storage that will accommodate all the activities that take place in the room.
Anchor the secondary seating areas with lamps and occasional tables.
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A good living room/dining room combo furniture arrangement looks natural and allows for meals and entertainment to coexist seamlessly.
Position the table so traffic flows smoothly around it and chairs have plenty of space to slide out.
You should also plan to leave at least 6 inches between chairs.
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This furniture arranging tip will keep guests comfortable and not too close.
Dining Room Furniture Arranging with Light Fixtures
Choose and placelightingthat adapts to the room’s functions.
For example, hang the chandelier with extra cord length so it can be adjusted for homework or dining.
Credit: Illustration by Ann Mackey Weiss
Use dimmer switches, lamps, and sconces to set the mood for the occasion.
Pushing all of the furniture up against the wall is a common decorating mistake.
Choosing lots of small pieces for a small room is another common mistake.
Credit: Illustration by Ann Mackey Weiss
Having fewer large pieces will create a more streamlined look.
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Credit: Illustration by Ann Mackey Weiss
Credit: Illustration by Ann Mackey Weiss
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