Know These Key Measurements for Designing the Perfect Living Room
Use these numbers to ensure good circulation, flow and balance in your living room
Whether you are laying out a living room for your first apartment or planning one for your new custom home, understanding the scale of furniture and its relationship to the room can help you create a comfortable and functional space. The first thing to keep in mind is that you want the proportions of the furniture to coordinate with the proportions of the room. Small-scale furniture can be just as comfortable as overstuffed upholstery if you shop wisely. A good rule of thumb is to buy the highest quality you can afford on things you use frequently, and save money on things you use less often.
This illustration shows several pieces of furniture commonly found in a living room. Your requirements will vary, but the principles are the same. You want the room to flow around the furniture for circulation and also have clear paths to the seating areas and exit points. Circulation paths need 77 to 91 centimetres clear width. You can place coffee or cocktail tables as close as 30 centimetres from the edge of the seating. Other furnishings might need at least 61 centimetres between pieces for people to easily move about. Another important consideration is the conversation arc. Place furniture so that people can easily hear one another when seated. 244 centimetres is ideal; larger rooms may need to be broken into seating groups.
A sectional
The cousin to the sofa is the sectional, as seen in this small-scale room. Sectionals usually take up more space, but when placed carefully, they can b e very cosy. Notice how the rich colour of this sectional anchors the otherwise ethereal scheme. One modern metal chair placed in the opposite corner is an extra seat for when company drops by. Essentially made up of two sofas placed perpendicular to each other, sectionals add plenty of seating so that other upholstered furniture isn’t needed. As with sofas, sectionals come in various sizes. Two 213-centimetre sectional pieces together need a space that is 213 centimetres wide and 305 centimetres long, which is usually a significant portion of a room.
Shop for sofas and sectionals
The cousin to the sofa is the sectional, as seen in this small-scale room. Sectionals usually take up more space, but when placed carefully, they can b e very cosy. Notice how the rich colour of this sectional anchors the otherwise ethereal scheme. One modern metal chair placed in the opposite corner is an extra seat for when company drops by. Essentially made up of two sofas placed perpendicular to each other, sectionals add plenty of seating so that other upholstered furniture isn’t needed. As with sofas, sectionals come in various sizes. Two 213-centimetre sectional pieces together need a space that is 213 centimetres wide and 305 centimetres long, which is usually a significant portion of a room.
Shop for sofas and sectionals
In minimalist fashion this curved contemporary sofa turns into itself, creating its own conversation arc. Sofas like this one, and other shaped sofas, usually take up more space than average. This example is about 335 centimetres long and needs a total depth of about 137 centimetres. The Womb chair opposite it measures 102 centimetres wide and 86 centimetres deep, while its ottoman is 66 centimetres wide and 51 centimetres deep.
Using curves in the home
Using curves in the home
Multiple sofas
When space and budget allow, several sofas can be arranged around oversize cocktail tables, as has been done in this transitional space. Notice that the square table is centred between the two sofas opposite each other, while the narrow table serves the sofa opposite the stone fireplace. Though this space breaks out of the 2.4-metre conversation arc, each sofa is its own seating group. The lower ceiling maintains intimacy, and a generous circulation space around the room keeps each sofa’s seating area sufficiently private. A room needs to be at least 600 centimetres square for an arrangement like this.
Tips to score that perfect sofa
When space and budget allow, several sofas can be arranged around oversize cocktail tables, as has been done in this transitional space. Notice that the square table is centred between the two sofas opposite each other, while the narrow table serves the sofa opposite the stone fireplace. Though this space breaks out of the 2.4-metre conversation arc, each sofa is its own seating group. The lower ceiling maintains intimacy, and a generous circulation space around the room keeps each sofa’s seating area sufficiently private. A room needs to be at least 600 centimetres square for an arrangement like this.
Tips to score that perfect sofa
Love seats
When you need a couple of extra seats or you just don’t have room for a sofa, consider a love seat. Love seats are usually around 152 centimetres long. The depth varies depending on the style, but plan on 97 to 102 centimetres at least. You can pair one with a sofa in the same design or set it alone, as has been done in this room.
When you need a couple of extra seats or you just don’t have room for a sofa, consider a love seat. Love seats are usually around 152 centimetres long. The depth varies depending on the style, but plan on 97 to 102 centimetres at least. You can pair one with a sofa in the same design or set it alone, as has been done in this room.
Recliners
Recliners usually swivel, rock and lean back, so they need extra space. Notice that this beige leather recliner sits away from the wall so that it can function as intended. When you combine it with an ottoman, you will want to allow for the ottoman’s footprint as well as room for someone to walk around both pieces comfortably. Once again, sizes vary considerably, but plan to allow at least 168 centimetres from the back of the chair to the front of the ottoman and 91 to 102 centimetres of width.
Recliners usually swivel, rock and lean back, so they need extra space. Notice that this beige leather recliner sits away from the wall so that it can function as intended. When you combine it with an ottoman, you will want to allow for the ottoman’s footprint as well as room for someone to walk around both pieces comfortably. Once again, sizes vary considerably, but plan to allow at least 168 centimetres from the back of the chair to the front of the ottoman and 91 to 102 centimetres of width.
Chairs
Two sets of chairs provide seating in this large room, along with a sofa. You will notice that the chairs in the foreground are placed so that you appreciate their sculptural form and so the view into the room is maintained. The upholstered chairs sit at the back, since they are larger and take up more pace. For upholstered chairs allow about 91 to 102 centimetres of width and 102 to 112 centimetres of depth. One could easily move around the classic bent-plywood Eames chairs here, which are trim at 56 centimetres wide and 61 centimetres deep.
Two sets of chairs provide seating in this large room, along with a sofa. You will notice that the chairs in the foreground are placed so that you appreciate their sculptural form and so the view into the room is maintained. The upholstered chairs sit at the back, since they are larger and take up more pace. For upholstered chairs allow about 91 to 102 centimetres of width and 102 to 112 centimetres of depth. One could easily move around the classic bent-plywood Eames chairs here, which are trim at 56 centimetres wide and 61 centimetres deep.
Stools and benches
When you want a decorative touch or when you will occasionally need an extra seat or ottoman, consider placing stools and benches in your layout. Stools may be 41 to 51 centimetres square; benches are around 36 to 46 centimetres deep and 91 to 152 centimetres long. In this living room, two marvellously detailed stools complete a cleverly eclectic space with great finesse.
When you want a decorative touch or when you will occasionally need an extra seat or ottoman, consider placing stools and benches in your layout. Stools may be 41 to 51 centimetres square; benches are around 36 to 46 centimetres deep and 91 to 152 centimetres long. In this living room, two marvellously detailed stools complete a cleverly eclectic space with great finesse.
Cocktail and coffee tables
C ocktail and coffee tables often are focal points, since they belong in the centre of a room. Not only will you want them to look good, but you will also want them to function well. Round and oval-shaped ones can be easier to move around, but squares and rectangles will give you more surface area. As mentioned before, you can place them as close as 30 centimetres from your seating. Keep them less than 46 to 51 centimetres from the chairs and sofas so that you can easily reach items you set down. Allow at least 107 centimetres in length or radius for modest-size tables and as much as 168 to 183 centimetres for larger-scale furnishings.
Master the art of decorating a coffee table
C ocktail and coffee tables often are focal points, since they belong in the centre of a room. Not only will you want them to look good, but you will also want them to function well. Round and oval-shaped ones can be easier to move around, but squares and rectangles will give you more surface area. As mentioned before, you can place them as close as 30 centimetres from your seating. Keep them less than 46 to 51 centimetres from the chairs and sofas so that you can easily reach items you set down. Allow at least 107 centimetres in length or radius for modest-size tables and as much as 168 to 183 centimetres for larger-scale furnishings.
Master the art of decorating a coffee table
Televisions
Since televisions now come in a wide variety of sizes, arranging furniture for them depends on which TV is chosen and how it’s used. Considering that the average screen today is 42 to 50 in. (107 to 127 centimetres), you will want to keep your seating within 300 centimetres of it. Also, carefully consider the height. Having the screen set 38 to 51 centimetres above the floor has always worked. It is best to place a TV out of a circulation route so that people don’t frequently walk in front of the set.
Since televisions now come in a wide variety of sizes, arranging furniture for them depends on which TV is chosen and how it’s used. Considering that the average screen today is 42 to 50 in. (107 to 127 centimetres), you will want to keep your seating within 300 centimetres of it. Also, carefully consider the height. Having the screen set 38 to 51 centimetres above the floor has always worked. It is best to place a TV out of a circulation route so that people don’t frequently walk in front of the set.
Sofa tables
Larger spaces can accommodate sofa tables, as in this formal living room. Most sofa tables are 36 to 51 centimetres deep and 152 to 183 centimetres long. These are great for placing lamps upon and for giving balance to sofas that float in a room. Keep in mind that you will need to conceal electrical cords under rugs or have floor outlets for the lamps.
You will notice that this space has two seating groups and a variety of furniture shapes and sizes. The trend has been to match in pairs but not to have each table from the same line of furniture. Plan to mix and collect, waiting for that perfect coffee table to go on sale or finding an antique chest at a bargain price.
13 ways to handle long, narrow rooms
Larger spaces can accommodate sofa tables, as in this formal living room. Most sofa tables are 36 to 51 centimetres deep and 152 to 183 centimetres long. These are great for placing lamps upon and for giving balance to sofas that float in a room. Keep in mind that you will need to conceal electrical cords under rugs or have floor outlets for the lamps.
You will notice that this space has two seating groups and a variety of furniture shapes and sizes. The trend has been to match in pairs but not to have each table from the same line of furniture. Plan to mix and collect, waiting for that perfect coffee table to go on sale or finding an antique chest at a bargain price.
13 ways to handle long, narrow rooms
Floor lamps
Don’t forget about floor lamps. One or two of them will illuminate a room evenly. They also come in a great variety of sizes, and you will want to find one that coordinates with the finishes of your room and that complements the scale of your design. Their footprints are comparatively modest. Plan for a space that’s at leas t 25 to 31 centimetres in diameter and 137 to 213 centimetres in height.
Don’t forget about floor lamps. One or two of them will illuminate a room evenly. They also come in a great variety of sizes, and you will want to find one that coordinates with the finishes of your room and that complements the scale of your design. Their footprints are comparatively modest. Plan for a space that’s at leas t 25 to 31 centimetres in diameter and 137 to 213 centimetres in height.
End tables
When it comes to end tables, consider a mix of scales and finishes. This room has an extra punch of interest from the metal and glass tables, which measure about 46 centimetres in diameter. Square and rectangular tables commonly range from 51 to 76 centimetres in either direction. If they are to hold table lamps, be certain that they are large enough for the scale of lamp that you choose and that they allow other items to be set around them (for example, coasters for drinking glasses).
When it comes to end tables, consider a mix of scales and finishes. This room has an extra punch of interest from the metal and glass tables, which measure about 46 centimetres in diameter. Square and rectangular tables commonly range from 51 to 76 centimetres in either direction. If they are to hold table lamps, be certain that they are large enough for the scale of lamp that you choose and that they allow other items to be set around them (for example, coasters for drinking glasses).
Pianos
Though pianos are less common than in the past, there is nothing like having a baby grand to make a living room feel more complete. If you don’t know how to play one, you can get the type that plays electronically. If you entertain lavishly or want to have lots of fun at your parties, this is the ticket. The smallest grand pianos are about 152 centimetres wide and 60 centimetres long. Larger ones are around 183 centimetres long. Allow for a bench that is about 51 centimetres wide and 107 centimetres long as well. Based on these dimensions, it is wise to allow a clear floor space that’s at least 213 centimetres wide and 305 centimetres long to accommodate a grand piano.
Though pianos are less common than in the past, there is nothing like having a baby grand to make a living room feel more complete. If you don’t know how to play one, you can get the type that plays electronically. If you entertain lavishly or want to have lots of fun at your parties, this is the ticket. The smallest grand pianos are about 152 centimetres wide and 60 centimetres long. Larger ones are around 183 centimetres long. Allow for a bench that is about 51 centimetres wide and 107 centimetres long as well. Based on these dimensions, it is wise to allow a clear floor space that’s at least 213 centimetres wide and 305 centimetres long to accommodate a grand piano.
Artwork
Before committing to all of the furnishings that you wish to place in your living room, think about your artwork. Large paintings need generous wall space and ideally should be displayed farther from the entry points so that they can be seen by someone entering a room. A good tip is to hang them low enough so that the top is just above eye level. Sculptures as well need their own space and should be placed so that they can be viewed enjoyably. Allow floor space in proportion to the size of the sculpture. Pedestals should not be more than 41 centimetres in diameter, or should be square and have dimensions relative to the scale of the sculpture.
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How large is your living room and how have you furnished it? Share a photo in the Comments below.
MORE
8 Approaches to Take When Placing Living Room Furniture
Before committing to all of the furnishings that you wish to place in your living room, think about your artwork. Large paintings need generous wall space and ideally should be displayed farther from the entry points so that they can be seen by someone entering a room. A good tip is to hang them low enough so that the top is just above eye level. Sculptures as well need their own space and should be placed so that they can be viewed enjoyably. Allow floor space in proportion to the size of the sculpture. Pedestals should not be more than 41 centimetres in diameter, or should be square and have dimensions relative to the scale of the sculpture.
TELL US
How large is your living room and how have you furnished it? Share a photo in the Comments below.
MORE
8 Approaches to Take When Placing Living Room Furniture
This tailored tight-back contemporary sofa keeps this small living area neat. Sofas are used frequently in most households. Buy a good-quality one so that it holds up, feels comfortable and maintains its looks. On average sofas are about 213 centimetres long and 98 centimetres deep. For a modest apartment, a sofa that’s 183 centimetres long is ideal.