Have you ever felt that a room was just "off" somehow, but you just couldn't place what it was? Living rooms are arguably the most used spaces in the home, and need a good layout that promotes good traffic flow.
Have you ever felt that a room was just "off" somehow, but you just couldn't place what it was? Living rooms are arguably the most used spaces in the home, and need a good layout that promotes good traffic flow. Furniture spacing and placement is key to comfort and function! Keep these tips in mind when you are moving in or get a sudden urge to rearrange one weekend.
Keep Entryways Clear: Make sure you have a lot of clearance when you first walk into a room. The last way you want to make an entrance is by having to walk into the back of couch, or having to fight through a large plant. This will make the room more welcoming to boot.
Don't Forget the "3 Foot" Rule: You should have about 3 feet of walking space around the room. This is what you need to be comfortable, without knocking into furniture and bumping into walls. Any type of furniture with doors or drawers also need three feet of space to open properly.
Let Furniture Float: Don't push all your furniture up against the walls. Pull your sofa (or other seating) out at least 12" from the wall. It will make the space seem more inviting and cozy, instead of creating a big bunch of weird dead space in the middle.
Mind the Rugs: If you have an area rug, situate all seating so the legs are either completely on or completely off of it. Don't let them wobble. Try not to position the rugs so edges and corners are in the major walkways. It lessens the chance that people will trip as they walk around.
Watch Out for Lighting: If you have table lamps, make sure that shades aren't so large that they risk either poking someone in the eye, or getting knocked over. It goes without saying that any electrical and extension cords should be placed so no one is going to trip over them on their way across the room.
Keep Entryways Clear: Make sure you have a lot of clearance when you first walk into a room. The last way you want to make an entrance is by having to walk into the back of couch, or having to fight through a large plant. This will make the room more welcoming to boot.
Don't Forget the "3 Foot" Rule: You should have about 3 feet of walking space around the room. This is what you need to be comfortable, without knocking into furniture and bumping into walls. Any type of furniture with doors or drawers also need three feet of space to open properly.
Let Furniture Float: Don't push all your furniture up against the walls. Pull your sofa (or other seating) out at least 12" from the wall. It will make the space seem more inviting and cozy, instead of creating a big bunch of weird dead space in the middle.
Mind the Rugs: If you have an area rug, situate all seating so the legs are either completely on or completely off of it. Don't let them wobble. Try not to position the rugs so edges and corners are in the major walkways. It lessens the chance that people will trip as they walk around.
Watch Out for Lighting: If you have table lamps, make sure that shades aren't so large that they risk either poking someone in the eye, or getting knocked over. It goes without saying that any electrical and extension cords should be placed so no one is going to trip over them on their way across the room.