Adjust Layout of the Living Room

Though often full of character, rooms in old houses can be challenging to arrange. Corner fireplaces and lots of doors are typical culprits.

STEP 1

For a living room with an angled fireplace, first choose the focal point of the room. Is it a view, the fireplace—or, let’s face it, the TV? Orient seating towards the TV if that makes sense, but keep a focal point like a fireplace in mind by considering sight lines from seats. In the arrangement shown, the focal point is the TV, but the fireplace may be enjoyed by someone on the sofa and one of the chairs. Pull furniture away from walls and group for balance and easier conversation. Place a coffee table at least 18 inches from the sofa.

STEP 2

Consider how traffic might flow through the room—very important if there are multiple doorways in a small room. Don’t block pathways, and keep furniture pieces at least 30 inches apart in pass-through areas. This arrangement with a central seating plan allows flow to all of the doorways even in a small space. Remember to scale the furniture to the size of the room. A love seat or a chaise-type sofa may work better than a large couch. Choose pieces that can do double duty, too—an ottoman with storage, for example.