Living Room Interior Design Ideas & Projects

Are you ready to give your living room a major makeover but feeling stuck when it comes to the layout? There are practical ways to approach the layout – the way you arrange your living room furniture can have a huge impact on how the space not only functions but how it feels.

With expert guidance and a clear plan, it is possible to create a living room layout that is both stylish and functional. Our team of experts has put together some simple rules and guidelines to help you achieve the perfect living room layout that suits your unique needs and personal style.

Living room layout rules

Image credit: My Bespoke Room.

Living rooms come in all different shapes and sizes but there are some general rules that our interior designers use when tackling a lounge layout:

1 – Think about function: make a list of all activities that you would like to carry out in your living room and ensure you have the right pieces of furniture to support them. For example, if you like playing board games, you’ll need to prioritise space for a decent-sized coffee table.

2 – Focal point: design the layout around a focal point or key feature. This can be an existing feature like a fireplace or a stunning piece of furniture.

3 – Create comfy conversation areas by placing the sofa and armchairs in front of each other if possible.

4 – Every seat should have easy access to either a coffee table or side table.

5 – Place the TV outside the traffic area.

6 – When choosing a rug, make sure it’s big enough that at least the front legs of the seating pieces sit on it.

7 – Once the key pieces of furniture are in place, think of the lighting and work in layers: overhead lighting, floor lamps and table lamps. Position them in the key places to support certain functions like reading, conversations or watching TV.

8 – Think of storage and mix practical closed-door cabinets with open shelves to display ornaments and photos.

9 – Lastly, think of wall art and mirrors. Wall art needs to be in proportion to the item of furniture below. Don’t place a small frame over a large sofa. Either one large piece or a group/gallery of smaller ones will work better.

Small living room layout

But to summarise and focus on the layout specifically, our top tips are to keep the amount of freestanding furniture to a minimum. This not only reduces the tripping hazards around the room but it maximises the floor space and makes the room feel more open and spacious. Choose only the items that you really need – a sofa, media unit and perhaps a slim armchair.

If you’re lacking floor space, think vertically! Try to mount as much as you can to the walls – your TV, shelving to display items and wall-mounted lighting being the best examples. Also, if you have any alcoves or niches, these are perfect for bonus fitted storage.

It’s all about smoke and mirrors! Well, less about smoke and more about mirrors which are also a must-have for small living rooms as they bounce light around and trick the eye into thinking there’s more space than there actually is. Position one opposite a window if possible to bounce the natural light around like in this example below:

Both of these small living room layouts have kept the furniture in the room to a minimum. Below, the designer has cleverly opted for furniture with slim profiles on legs. By lifting the furniture you can see more of the floor which makes the room feel more generous. The designer has also sourced a generously sized coffee table but with a glass top so that it won’t feel large and dominating in the space and you can see more of that precious floor!

Rectangular long narrow living room layout

Image credit: My Bespoke Room.

Long narrow living room layouts are among the trickiest to get right. If you place your seating at either end of the room, you’ll have to shout at each other to be heard and it creates a lot of wasted space in the middle.

We recommend splitting the space into sections or ‘zones’ as we love to say in the biz! In the image above, the green sofa has been placed slap bang in the middle of the room to create two rooms for the price of one, using the sofa as a room divider and conveniently moving it closer to the TV mounted on the wall.

To use the layout below as another example, the designer has split the room in two and created a seating area and then a playroom at the end. The ways that she’s distinguished the two is subtle but effective. The two rugs provide an outline for the two areas and she’s also used furniture as room dividers in the form of the back of the sofa and two small poufs in the middle. Even the plant in the middle of the plan was placed strategically to create a natural room divider.

Large living room layout ideas

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You might think that a large living room layout is the easiest but it’s not always the case! With so much space it can be a challenge to make it feel intimate and cosy. Similar to the previous section, create rooms within rooms in your large living room layout.

In the layout example below, the designer Lucy brought the seating closer together centred on a large rug to make it feel more intimate. This also allows for easy walking space around the room without having to break up the flow of conversation in the middle. Lucy then placed side tables and cabinets around the edges of the room to display decorative items and the all-important low-level lighting, essential for any living room.

In large living rooms, it’s also important to add an anchor to the plan so that furniture doesn’t just float about the room. In this example, the anchor is the beautiful marble coffee table in the middle underneath a stunning gold sculptural ceiling light. The rug and then the seating all flows out from that centre point.

Scale is also just as important here – take advantage of the open space and bring in larger items of furniture, lighting and tall sculptural plants to fill the room. If you have a large sofa or sideboard, don’t hang a small piece of artwork or mirror above it. Go big or create a gallery wall instead.

Living and dining room layout

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Does your living room layout need to include a dining area as well? Incorporating a dining area into your living room can be a great way to maximise space and create a multi-functional space for entertaining and everyday living. When designing a living and dining room layout, it’s important to consider the flow and functionality of both areas.

One approach is to create distinct zones within the room. Use furniture placement and rugs to define the living and dining areas. For example, you can position the sofa and armchairs to create a cosy seating arrangement in the living area, while placing a dining table and chairs in a separate section of the room.

Another consideration is storage. In a living and dining room, it’s important to have sufficient storage for both areas. In the example above the designer has suggested incorporating built-in cabinets and shelving units to hide away clutter and display decorative items and then in the dining area, they’ve added a mini bar cabinet – perfect for glass top-ups without taking a trip to the kitchen!

When selecting furniture for a living and dining room layout, choose pieces that complement each other in terms of style and scale. This will create a cohesive look and ensure that the two areas blend seamlessly together. Opt for a dining table and chairs that coordinate with the sofa and coffee table in the living area. In the example below you can see that similar dark wood tones, brass fixtures and pops of green are used in both zones.

Lighting is also crucial in a living and dining room layout. Install pendant lights above the dining table to provide focused illumination for meals, and use floor lamps or table lamps in the living area to create a warm and inviting ambience. By incorporating different types of lighting, you can easily transition between dining and lounging areas.

In the example above, you can also see how important lighting is where a pendant has been added above the dining table. If your ceiling light doesn’t naturally sit above the best space for your dining table, you can install a long cable pendant and then loop it using a hook over to the correct position like this designer did here:

Image credit: My Bespoke Room.

Bay window living room furniture layout

Image credit: My Bespoke Room.

We all love a period property! A bay window is a real gem in any living room, adding character and charm while flooding the room with light. However, it’s important to make the most of this unique space and not let it go to waste.

One way to maximise the potential of a bay window is to create a cosy reading nook or seating area. Place a comfortable armchair or love seat in the bay window and add some plush cushions and a soft throw blanket. This will not only make the space more inviting but also provide a perfect spot to relax, read a book, or enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the beautiful view outside.

Another idea is to transform the bay window into a mini home office or study area. Install a narrow desk or a floating shelf along the length of the window and pair it with a comfortable chair. Add some storage solutions like a small filing cabinet to keep your workspace organised. With natural light streaming in from the bay window, this will be a bright and inspiring place to work or study.

With a little creativity and attention to detail, a bay window can become the highlight and the focal point of your living room, adding both functionality and visual appeal.

Living room layout with fireplace

Image credit: My Bespoke Room.

Another beautiful period feature in a living room is a fireplace. Not only does it add charm and character to the space, but it also serves as a focal point and provides an anchor for your living room layout. A fireplace can become the natural gathering spot for family and friends, offering warmth and comfort.

When designing your living room layout around a fireplace, start by positioning your seating arrangement, such as sofas and armchairs in a semicircle around the fireplace. In the example below, the designer has brought the sofa into the middle of the room to do just this:

And hey, why not jazz up that fireplace even more? Add some built-in shelves or cabinets on either side to showcase your favourite knick-knacks or stash away your collection of books and media gadgets. Not only will this give you some extra storage space, but it will also balance out the visual impact of the fireplace.

Don’t forget about lighting! Wall sconces or recessed lighting above the fireplace can highlight its architectural features and create a warm, inviting glow. And don’t forget about floor lamps or table lamps strategically placed around the seating area to provide even more lighting options and create a cosy, intimate atmosphere.

Pass-through living room layout

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A ‘pass-through room’ poses a real challenge to homeowners – how do you create a cosy, quiet living room to settle down to watch the latest episode of Love Island... I mean, the latest documentary, when people keep walking in and out?!

The answer, yet again, lies in the layout. In the example below, the designer has used a sofa as a room divider along with a side table and large sculptural plant to further add privacy.

The rug also defines the space by creating a break in the flooring and making it instantly more cosy and tactile. It also helps with sound insulation which is an unavoidable issue with large spaces like this one with wooden flooring throughout.

The example below is not only a pass-through room but it’s also teeny tiny! You can see the telltale signs of a designer at work here with a mirror to reflect light and create depth, slim profile furniture on legs and also shelving to make the most of the walls.

In a pass-through room, the furniture choices are even more important as you want to avoid blocking the flow through the room. The sofa below is a narrow one so that it doesn’t impede the space and sadly a coffee table was a no-go, replaced instead by side tables. If your pass-through living room is large enough for a coffee table, choose one that’s oval in shape which takes up less space than a rectangle and helps with the flow. Just think of it as a mini roundabout in your room! (Or not).

Awkward living room layout ideas

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First things first – it’s not ‘awkward’ it’s ‘unique’! We love a quirky room layout, not only because it allows us to flex our design muscles but also because it makes a truly interesting space. You just need to make it work for you and embrace the quirks of the room and let them guide your design choices, rather than fight against them.

It’s more important than ever to define different zones. An awkward living room often has unusual angles or irregular shapes. Use furniture placement and rugs to define different zones within the space. This will help create a sense of purpose and organisation.

In an awkward layout it’s important to make the most of every inch of space. Consider incorporating built-in storage solutions to maximise storage and keep the room clutter-free. Look for furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes, such as ottomans with hidden storage or coffee tables with built-in shelving.

Play with scale: In an awkward living room, playing with scale can help balance out the space. Mix larger furniture pieces with smaller accent pieces to create visual interest and ensure that the room doesn’t feel overwhelmed or cramped. In the example below, the designer has paired a large three-seater sofa in the centre with a slim accent chair in the awkward corner of the room.

Hands up – who watches those American house reno shows, brims over with ideas only to have a rude awakening when you remember that your living room is just a fraction of the size…✋ We hate to break it to you but that 22-seat corner sofa is pure fantasy!

For us Brits, especially the city dwellers amongst us, space is a premium. Even when we’re lucky enough to have a separate living room to retreat to outside of our main living space, it’s channelling ‘snug’ vibes rather than ‘home cinema’.

But never fear, we are here! Here are our 16 top tips to make the most of your little lounge.

1. Stick with the same palette

When deciding on a colour scheme for your small living room, try to stick within the same colour palette so that your eye isn’t constantly being broken up which will only emphasise its tiny proportions.

Now this doesn’t mean you can’t go bold with colour in a small room (more on that later!) Instead, stick to either cool tones or warm tones.

2. Get the scale of your sofa spot on

In living rooms of every size, it’s very important to get the scale of your sofa spot on. Let’s pretend that you even managed to fit a ginormous sofa through your door frame – it would only serve to make the room feel even smaller as the proportions would be completely off.

Before you make the purchase, make sure you measure up. But just because you can fit it in, doesn’t mean you should! To get an idea of how it will feel in the room, lay boxes out to represent the new sofa and live with it for a few days.

3. Disguise your TV (as much as possible)

TVs are a necessary evil so there’s no sense in trying to pretend they don’t exist! Particularly in a small living room, they can stick out like a sore thumb! There are some clever tricks to help your TV blend into the background.

You can opt for dark colours on the walls so that the TV isn’t such a stark contrast against it. You can also frame it within a gallery wall which stops it from being such a focal point as your eye is then drawn to the pictures beside it.

4. Paint tricks for small living rooms

There are a few paint tricks you could use that help to give the illusion of space. By painting the hallway or adjoining room a darker shade, when you walk into your living room you will instantly get a feeling of space.

Another paint trick is to use the same colour on your woodwork as your walls. This will give the illusion that your walls are taller and longer.

You could even take this a step further and paint your ceiling as well!

5. Don’t dismiss pattern

Did you believe that wallpaper would make your living room feel smaller? Wrong! Many prints can actually trick the eye to make it seem like there are hidden depths beyond, making the room feel larger. Any excuse for a beautiful floral print, I say!

6. Dual-purpose furniture

In small spaces, every item of furniture you put in there needs to be thought through and purposeful. Why have a coffee table that’s just a coffee table when you could have a coffee table that’s a coffee table and storage or seating?

7. Think vertically

When floor space is a premium, look for any opportunity to lift your furniture off the floor and put it on the walls instead! Instead of a bulky shelving unit, hang shelves on the walls instead – you get the same amount of storage but gain back precious floor space.

This applies to lower-level lighting too – we all love a floor or table lamp but going for a wall-mounted option instead will free up space. You don’t always need an electrician either – there are plenty of plug-in wall light options out there.

8. Just one feature wall

In a small space, it can quickly feel claustrophobic if there’s too much asking for attention as your eye doesn’t know where to rest. Creating a clear focal point to draw you in is essential for rooms of any size but in a small one, try to scale it back. Pick just one wall to be the real showstopper, whether that’s with wallpaper or a gallery wall.

9. Replace your door with a pocket or sliding one

Does your living room have that fun quirk where you open the door and it bangs straight onto the sofa behind it? Normal swing doors prevent you from putting furniture anywhere near them which takes up valuable floor space in a small living room.

If your budget allows, consider installing a pocket door instead so that the door disappears into the wall when open. This also has the added advantage of giving the illusion that the room flows into the adjoining one, particularly if the floor finish is the same.

If your budget doesn’t allow for this, or you don’t fancy the disruption, you can hang a barn-style sliding door instead.

10. Go big on the rug

Don’t skimp on the size of your rug in your small living room! Choose the biggest rug possible as it will mean that the floor isn’t visually broken up, helping it feel more spacious than it really is.

11. Choose floating or slim furniture

Steer clear of boxy furniture that takes up lots of precious floor space. If it’s not possible to mount it on the wall, choose furniture with slim legs. If you can see more of the floor, the room will feel more spacious.

12. Declutter

This seems an obvious one but it’s so often forgotten – having too many things in a room will make it feel cluttered and claustrophobic. Take everything out, then only put back things that you really need or love.

Remember the earlier point about the scale of your sofa? This applies to the other furniture in the room as well as your decorative bits and bobs – an enormous vase will only serve to emphasise how small the rest of the room is, so find a home for it in another room instead!

13. Go bespoke to make use of every inch

If you’re in need of extra storage, but you’re worried that adding more furniture will clutter up the room, consider going bespoke instead.

Bespoke fitted furniture is designed to fit into the quirks of your room so that you get maximum storage while taking up minimal space. Also, by painting them the same colour as the walls, they will disappear, unlike a bulky shelving unit!

14. Light up every nook and cranny

Make the most of the natural light you have by having sheer curtains or blinds so that you still have some light even when you want a bit more privacy.

A carefully considered artificial lighting plan is essential. Layer in lighting around the room making sure that every nook and cranny is lit up – having portions of your room in the dark certainly won’t make it feel any bigger!

More on living room lighting from the experts at houseof:

15. Use reflective materials

It’s an oldie but a goodie – mounting mirrors on the wall will instantly make the room appear larger.

Using reflective materials in your furniture will also help, such as a metallic side table which will help to bounce the light around the room.

16. Embrace the cosiness!

So what if your living room is on the small side! It’s much easier to create a comfy, cosy vibe in a smaller space, so embrace it!

Paint those walls a moody deep hue, layer in lots of blankets and cushions then add warm, ambient low-level lighting and you’ll have yourself a living room that will turn those Americans with their cathedral-like living rooms green with envy!

Living rooms are often considered the heart of the home. It is where you gather with your family and friends and it's often where guests will spend the most time in your home.

Because of this, our clients often feel the pressure when designing their living rooms and find themselves struggling with where to start. Well, fear no longer! If you're considering redecorating your lounge, we have gathered our best interior design ideas for living rooms.

The following guide covers practical ways to create a comfortable and functional living room.

Living room decorating ideas:

How to arrange and style your living room furniture

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

Before diving in and rearranging your entire front room, you should always consider its purpose as this guides the layout of your living room. Ask yourself: will you use this room for entertainment, relaxation, or a combination of purposes? Once you decide that, you can move on to creating the perfect floor plan…

A great place to start when arranging lounge furniture is creating a focal point; the majority of our best living room designs use focal points to create a sense of purpose within the room. For example, if the purpose of your living room is socialising, place your armchairs and sofas facing each other around a fireplace or piece of art to encourage conversation. If the purpose is entertainment, arrange your seating around the TV.

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

Effective living room layouts also consider the traffic flow around the room, so think about how people enter and exit the room and make sure your furniture allows for easy movement around these areas.

One big mistake we see in clients' living rooms is the poor scaling of their furniture; a luxurious and large sofa may seem appealing and comfortable, but is it going to look and feel odd in your small living room? On the other hand, delicate and minimalist shelving and coffee tables might make your large living room feel boring and empty. So before splashing out on some furniture, make sure you've jotted down the measurements and examined how they will fit in your sitting room.

And for those who love hosting, think about how your furniture arrangement will work with multiple guests and if the pieces are easy enough to rearrange. If you're in the process of buying living room furniture, look for pieces that are multi-functional and can always double as extra seating or a place to pop down a drink!

Wall décor for living rooms

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Okay, so you've got your furniture arranged, but now those walls are looking a little empty! When it comes to front room decorating ideas, we love wall art, but deciding on wall décor for living rooms can be difficult. Choose pieces that you love, but that also fit the style of the room and give off the correct atmosphere.

Wall art in your living room is a great way to express personality and it is proven to have a great emotional impact on mood. Depending on the artwork, it can create a serene, cosy, or relaxing atmosphere.

The placement of your wall art should complement the focal point of the room, like hanging a painting above the fireplace or placing a large mirror opposite the window. You also most importantly want your wall art to be seen, so make sure it is placed at eye level and perhaps opposite the living room entrance or above your furniture pieces.

There are many living room wall decoration options, but at My Bespoke Room, we are particularly fond of a gallery wall because it can be done in so many ways with so many different wall décor pieces.

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

If your living room feels small or lacks light, then a feature mirror could be a great addition to your living room. Wall mirrors reflect and bounce light around the room, making your space feel larger and brighter.

Living room wall décor doesn't have to be framed art or images, you can incorporate your favourite sculptures, house plants and sentimental items onto your front room wall by placing them on some beautiful floating shelves. These shelves add a touch of personality to your living room without making the space appear too busy or cluttered.

Living room lighting ideas

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Light plays an extremely important role in your home, and especially your living room, with both natural and artificial light needing to be considered when transforming your living room.

Instead of jumping to fun floor lamps and stunning ceiling fixtures, we recommend you try to enhance the natural light in your room as much as possible. Sunlight is well-known for boosting your mood and it has the added bonus of being free, so your electricity bills will be happy!

To make the most of the sunlight, ensure that there are no obstructions in front of your windows or furniture interfering with the light paths. If your living room is street-facing, consider sheer living room curtains or adjustable blinds which give you and your family privacy while still reaping the benefits of that glorious sunlight.

When it comes to choosing blinds or curtains for your living room, try to pick a colour that complements the room or captures a certain colour featured in your living room. Make sure you research how they control light and consider the amount of privacy and light you want in your living room throughout the day.

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

When it comes to your artificial lighting, you want to make sure you have multiple options and not just the overhead light. You've heard us say it before and we will say it again, layered lighting is the way to go! By using a combination of overhead, floor and table lighting, you can create more of an atmosphere as well as allowing you to pick and choose the quality of light throughout the day.

With a feature lighting piece in your living room, you can accentuate certain areas in a room, such as a cosy reading nook or a beautiful piece of living room wall décor. One of our top interior design ideas for living rooms is always choosing warm lighting over bright task lighting. Warmer light helps you to relax in your living room and creates a more comforting atmosphere.

Colour schemes for living rooms

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The colour of your living room is another element that can greatly impact the room's atmosphere and the mood it creates. Some of the most relaxing colours are warm, neutral and earthy tones.

Before committing to a colour, pick up a few samples and paint patches on your living room wall. By checking it throughout the day you can discover what the colour looks like in different natural lights and with your artificial lighting. You never know, this might completely change your outlook on your chosen colour.

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

To make your room appear cohesive, choose a living room colour palette of around 3 to 5 colours, which allows for your main base colours and pops of accent colours. Some fun ways to incorporate pops of colour in your living room are with your wall trim and ceiling colour; you don't have to fall for the trap of always painting the room's trim and ceiling white and by painting it a different colour you can often make your living room appear more spacious.

How to decorate a small living room

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Small living rooms can be limiting, but they're also frequently some of our most beautiful living room examples that we have here at My Bespoke Room. If you're struggling with your small living room, here are our best living room inspiration ideas for you…

If you want to make your living room space feel bigger and brighter, stick to light and neutral colours. However, if you're looking to embrace the cosiness – dark or warm shades are the way to go.

Another great small sitting room décor idea is to really think about your furniture; for instance, multi-functional furniture allows for flexibility in your space without causing overcrowding, and to make your small living room feel airy use floating shelves and storage units to keep your wall space clear.

Open plan living room ideas

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Many open-plan living room designs present unique challenges. While small living rooms can feel cramped, open spaces often face the opposite issues, with bright natural light making it challenging to create a relaxing atmosphere and there often being more space than expected to fill. Luckily, we have worked on many open-plan spaces over the years and have gathered some of our best ideas for decorating your living room that can transform your space.

A lot of our clients also find it difficult to personalise their open-plan living room and struggle with it feeling cold or unhomely, one way to solve this is to ensure you utilise a variation of layered textures with pillows, throws and upholstery and feature personal items such as books, photos or small sculptures.

To zone the living room area off from the rest of the open space, we suggest painting a feature wall which creates a visual separation or placing a comfy rug which not only divides the space but instantly makes it feel cosier.

If you're looking for a more stylish living room idea, you can introduce decorative screens or drapery panels to segment your open-plan living room, creating the illusion of distinct zones while maintaining that sense of openness and flow.

Modern living room ideas

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Imagine sleek lines, clean designs, and a touch of "wow" factor that'll have your guests swooning. To create a modern living room, it's all about decluttering because less is more.

Modern lounge ideas include opting for minimalistic furniture with clean lines and choosing a crisp and clean, neutral colour scheme with bold pops of colour. Other modern living room design ideas involve choosing quality over quantity with décor and keeping it to a minimum, as well as featuring statement art pieces and house plants.

To create an interesting focal point in your modern living room, we suggest incorporating statement lighting by installing unique and eye-catching fixtures such as a chandelier or collection of pendant lights. And to fully embrace the modern living room, our best tip is to "float it", so whether you choose floating shelves or a TV, this clean and minimal look will leave your living room feeling more modern.