Plotting on the Perfect Couch Position

The size of your living room will significantly affect the best angle and wall that your couch should be in. An empty wall is the obvious answer.

L-shaped couches: U-shaped couches may look better pushed against a corner. A three-seater and a loveseat near each other in an L-shape achieve a similar result. If you’re worried about both couches positioned too close together, place a coffee table or individual chair in between the corner gap, which still creates an L shape.

Windows and couches: Couches against large windows are touch and go. If they’re too tall, opening and closing blinds can become a nuisance without a bit of space between the two. But for pet owners, a couch next to a large window is a (nosy) dog‘s dream come true.

Doors and couches: While some homeowners are OK with the back of the couches facing the door, it may be uncomfortable for seated residents to have to do a 180-degree turn each time someone comes in the door.

Middle-of-room couches: Finally, there’s putting a couch in the middle of the room. This can become a nuisance if it’s in a place where people will end up bumping into it. But if it’s strategically in a space (ex. in front of a large television), this couch position can be a winner.

Choosing Tables, Ottomans or Both

Tables and ottomans can be complementary in a living room, especially near a couch. Both provide different perks though. Putting an ottoman close to a couch is an instant footrest. Coffee tables are convenient for serving. If you want both, try placing the ottoman in the middle and a coffee table on each long side of the couch. With a couch against a wall, ottomans and tables are in a convenient space. However, if placed in the middle of the room, they may become an enemy to your knees and toes. Be careful that living room tables are not put in a space where you’re constantly walking, such as an area where you water plants or turn on lights or lamps. It’s way too easy to turn around and jam your feet, especially in a darker space.

Best Space for Hanging Paintings and Wall Art

When you first buy a new painting or wall art, you probably want to look at it all the time. Framing and placing it above an entertainment center or another space within your eye view is logical. However, if you tend to be someone who takes lots of photographs, having a bare wall behind your wall couch can look empty. Maybe a painting or other wall art behind a couch is more eye-catching in photos.

Finding the Perfect Fireplace

Technology has made having a fireplace far less messy and more accessible. Instead of cleaning ashes and leftover wood, electric fireplaces provide the look without the soot. Just plug in and enjoy the heat and fire display. You can choose a fireplace insert with a wooden mantel, the latter of which comes in a variety of sizes and weight. Place it against a wall. Or, if you’re running out of space, consider a wall-mounted electric fireplace instead.

Lighting Sets the Living Room Mood

While a fireplace can set a more romantic or cozy mood, there are various other ways to change the lighting in a living room. While some homes already have ceiling fan lights, for readers, that’s just not enough. Majority of those lights are intended for hosting and hanging out. For bookworm homeowners who are considering a nook, there needs to be bright lighting. This can be accomplished with a three-way bulb in a lamp, or homeowners can get more creative with ceiling lights: wall lights, sconces, LED hanging lights or a classic chandelier.

Creating a Nook for Bookworms

This little corner of the living room doesn’t have to be super fancy or require a full bookshelf and chairs like it’s a library. But your nook does need to be comfortable enough with at least one huge chair or floor pillows to allow you hours of comfort while reading. If there’s already a large-enough window sill area to sit in, just grab a collection of pillows and enjoy.

Where To Start the Living Room Layout Ideas First

With any of these living room layout ideas, this room can be a place of comfort and aesthetically pleasing. In your current setup, decide what you feel you’re missing most and do that first. Whether it’s just moving a table around or changing some bulbs, even that one small thing can improve the living room. After the “problem” area is resolved, then try any of the other options. By the time you’re done, it may feel like that moment when you just moved in and had the giddiness of being in a new house. Relax and enjoy.