Living Room Layouts and Ideas | Home Remodeling – Ideas …

One of the best ways to make sure your living room looks and feels inviting is designing a layout and floor plan that works for your space, not against it. The right layout allows you to entertain guests, relax with family, and do activities like watch TV or play games in comfort.

But be aware long, open or square living rooms present different design challenges. What might work for one space doesn't necessarily make sense for another.

Here are the most common design challenges of these living rooms and some smart solutions that make the most of each space.

With two walls longer than the shorter walls at both ends of the space, a long or rectangular-shaped living room can feel narrow and claustrophobic. But with strategic planning, you can make this type of living room feel welcoming and user friendly.

"My living room is actually a long, narrow rectangular space," says designer Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten 25. "Really think about how you will be using the room. Instead of just putting things in the room to fill the space, find pieces that are both fun to use and help create function."

Photo courtesy of Marysia Rybock

Fenimore believes adding a built-in bar, bookcases, shelving or even a workspace that are similar in style to your furniture can pull the look of a long living room together. Make sure to take note of doors, heaters, outlets and windows before you plan your layout the location of these items can limit furniture placement and be problematic if not considered before final floor plan decisions are made.

What you want to avoid is a long living room that feels like a hallway, says designer Marysia Rybock of ScavulloDesign Interiors. Using narrow furniture will just emphasize the long lines of the room. Go for a sofa with a tailored feel and tight upholstery.

"Using smaller pieces and a variety of them, instead of one sofa and a coffee table, helps the space feel more spacious and unique," says Rybock.

Open living rooms allow for easy entertaining and good traffic flow. But a living room that shares space with an adjoining dining room, family room or kitchen can present challenges for those who want some type of definition for each area.

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