Living room sofa settings
10 living room sofa ideas – the essential design rules for sofa layouts and trends |
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)
The living room sofa is usually the largest – if not the most expensive – item in a room and is often the most dominant piece, so it is no surprise that the sofa usually dictates the style of the room.
Asked to name their most indispensable piece of living room furniture, most people would opt for the sofa. Cosseting and useful, upholstered seating has been a feature of the western home since the 18th century, morphing gradually from the prim settles of Georgian days to the more familiar sofas and armchairs of the 20th-century.
But today, as technology and lifestyles change, the living room sofa has acquired a more pivotal role. Gone are the days when the three-piece suite, festooned with antimacassars, was the place to entertain visiting vicars or slump in front of the television on a Saturday night.
So whether you are buying new or decorating around an existing one, look to these living room sofa ideas for inspiration.
Living room sofa ideas – invest in the best seating
Sofas and living room seating ideas are becoming more multi-purpose as the routines of family life blur. Nowadays, a living room sofa is not just for entertaining or watching TV; we eat on them, use our laptops or play games from them or watch our home-cinema screens.
Concurrent with our quest for functionality is a return to more nostalgic seating. Perhaps it is a reflection of the economic climate and a desire to turn our homes in to reality-buffering cocoons. Or maybe it is just a flamboyant thumbs-up to a decade of minimalist living room ideas. Whatever the reason, there is no undermining that our sofas play a pivotal role in our homes.
1. Get the scale right with the two thirds rule
(Image credit: Future/Brent Darby)
A living room sofa that’s the full length of the opposite wall could prove overbearing in a room scheme. But you also do not want a sofa that is too small. One approach to getting the right proportions is to aim for a sofa that’s about two-thirds of the wall length.
'It is possible to choose a smaller sofa, however, perhaps influenced by the pieces of furniture nearby. ‘When scaling a sofa to a room – as a rule of thumb – we tend to make the sofa half the size of the wall it is going on. This will allow the space around it to breathe – and also accommodate space for side tables with lamps on either side,’ says interior designer Bee Osborn of Studio Osborn .
2. Think about functionality as well as style
(Image credit: David Cleveland / Future)
While the dimensions of the living room are an essential factor when choosing the right sofa, how the room is used will also influence which sofa size is best for your space.
When a room is used largely for entertaining visitors, two sofas facing one another can prove more sociable than one large version that puts sitters in a line. The sofas will accordingly need sizing down with adequate space between and around them.
3. Invest in a sectional sofa in an open-plan space
(Image credit: Anna Stathaki / Future)
A sectional will often work well as a room divider. ‘A large L-shaped sofa is a great choice for an open-plan space as it helps to delineate the sitting room area from the dining area or kitchen,’ says Emma Sims-Hilditch of Sims Hilditch .
But a sectional can also be a smart choice for a small living room because it’s more space efficient than a sofa plus armchair combination. In this case, choose a design with dimensions that follow the perimeter of the room.
(Image credit: Ian Baldwin / Future)
The living room color scheme you choose for the sofa will influence how commanding it appears in the room, so consider its hue in these terms as well as thinking about it as part of the space’s overall color scheme.
Color-wise, we're increasingly looking to nature to inform the narrative, leaning towards inky blues and moss green, while there's also a return of earthy tones, like beige and rust. When homeowners want to go bold, hues are still warm and inviting, echoing nature's spices like hot paprika and golden turmeric.
5. ...And interesting shapes
(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)
The shape of the sofa is also a key consideration. If the room has a low ceiling, opt for a sofa with a lower back to keep the design in proportion to the room’s height. A design with a low back can also create the illusion of extra space below more usual ceiling heights.
When it comes to sofa trends for 2022, modern-retro fluting and glamorous curved lines are de rigueur, while at the opposite end of the scale a raw, organic and unrefined aesthetic is also breaking through.
6. Consider the sofa's arms
As well as the overall form, or shape, of the sofa, focus on its arms. ‘We consider the height of the arms and the reach to the side for side tables,’ says interior designer Amanda Meade . ‘Bulky arms can often obscure the flow in a room.’
Pay particular attention to how the sofa’s arms will affect sight lines through the space. They shouldn’t block the view of a window nor another of the room’s features.
7. Take inspiration from retro trends
(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis)
Rattan, wicker and woven materials are no longer considered dull, dated or dreary, and we very much welcome its highly-anticipated revival. With texture and intrigue at the forefront of design for 2022, rattan furniture has quickly found itself to be one of the hottest trends in the world of décor.
8. Go for raw beauty – and neutral colors
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)
‘Raw materials and unrefined finishes are without a doubt two of the biggest sofa trends we’re seeing for 2022,' says Nicola Bissoli, head of interior design at The Sofa & Chair Company. Natural, pared-back designs are combined with heavy textures such as boucle, creating a lovely tactile look and feel.
‘Along with this, we’re seeing the return of beige – warm, earthy shades are making a big comeback to replace cool greys as a base color. If opting for a statement sofa that will add a pop of color to a neutral space, tones inspired by nature (particularly ocean blues and mossy greens) are still the best option. '
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)
Full-on voluptuous or gently rounded, curves will lift the layout and soften the overall look of your room, adding a statement design focus to your living room décor.
'There’s been a shift away from the more formal arrangement of two sofas facing each other in favour of more relaxed, curvaceous shapes that provide both comfort and ample space for entertaining,' says Suzy McMahon, buying director at Sofology.
(Image credit: Polly Wreford / Claudia Bryant)
Let your living room sofa do the talking. Lisa Whatnough, of Studio Squint observes: ‘Instead of a wallpaper or curtain fabric being the catalyst for a room scheme, I advise clients to start with the sofa; everything should compliment that.’
Here, the neutral backdrop allows for the bright, floral upholstery on the sofa to take center-stage.
How should I arrange my living room sofa?
Be mindful of scale in interior design when arranging your living room sofa. Correct sofa scaling is an imperative for a successful living room, along with selecting its shape and color.
‘Size takes precedence as it is crucial for the perception of a room volume to choose the most appropriate dimensions,’ says BIID registered interior designer Hedayat of Jam By Hedayat.
'You want to make sure that your sofa has enough circulation around it – as well as space – so that it does not dwarf any design details or features in a room. A living room sofa that is too large will engulf the room disproportionately, and one that is too small will not serve its function.'
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
13 Rules to Arrange Living Room Furniture for TVs, Tables & More
Create a designer-worthy living room with popular decorations and electronics
By
Lauren Flanagan
Lauren Flanagan
Lauren Flanagan is an interior design expert with over 15 years of experience writing, editing, and producing articles for renowned Canadian publications and shows for HGTV on home decor. She worked in high-end home decor retail before discovering her passion was to share what she knew in publications and on television.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 09/22/22
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Arranging living room furniture with a TV can be a daunting task. When you're faced with an empty room, filling it in a way that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing around your electronics can seem like an overwhelming task. But over the years, interior designers have recognized a number of simple, easy-to-apply principles that work to make your TV look good in your living room. Just follow these common-sense rules and you'll find that arranging furniture—with or without a TV in the picture—isn't so scary after all.
Consider Popular Furniture Layouts
Simplify your options by considering timeless living room layouts that designers gravitate to for the most beautiful rooms. Here are a few living room furniture arrangement examples.
- Symmetrical layout: A symmetrical layout works in any size or shape room because it visually balances the space. Two sofas facing one another separated by a table is a symmetrical layout. A sofa flanked with matching side chairs is considered symmetrical.
- Floating layout: If you have a living room with many windows but not enough wall space to anchor your furniture, opt for a floating furniture layout. Float your furniture a few feet away from the walls to create an island in the center of the room with a TV mounted on one wall.
- L-shaped layout: An L-shaped living room and dining room combination is considered an awkward space and presents its own set of challenges, such as less wall space for furniture and TV placement. There are usually two walls you can use for furniture and TV positioning; the sofa sits on the long wall and the TV can be positioned on the wall directly in front of the sofa.
- Layouts for irregular rooms: Narrow living rooms, spaces with nooks and crannies, or fireplaces on an angle—all are considered awkward or irregular-shaped rooms. The key to arranging furniture in awkward living rooms is to create zones using furniture on area rugs. You can also anchor a zone with an oversized statement piece like a dramatic floor lamp.
- Layouts for long, narrow rectangular living rooms: You'll have two long walls to work with so it's common to place a sofa on one wall and the TV on the opposite wall, whether it's mounted or placed on a stand.
Choose a Focal Point
Never underestimate the power of a focal point in a room. Sometimes they appear naturally, such as if you have a prominent window or a built-in fireplace mantel, while other times you may need to create them yourself, as with TV stands and televisions. Whatever your chosen focal point, make a decision and stick with it. You’ll want to arrange furniture around it as much as possible.
The Spruce / Letícia AlmeidaDon’t Push Furniture Against the Walls
The measurements of the room will dictate how far you can pull your furniture away from the walls, but even in a small space, you’ll want to give pieces a little breathing room by allowing a few inches between the backs of furniture pieces and the walls. Despite popular belief, this little bit of space can actually make rooms feel bigger. Of course, if you have a larger space, feel free to arrange furniture in such a way that conversation areas are created in the middle of the room, leaving several feet between the walls and the furniture.
Determine TV Placement
Where you place your TV in a living room can depend on its size and a few other factors. Here are a few tips:
- The TV should be placed in an area of your living room that is not affected by sunlight or glare from natural or other lighting.
- Place your TV out of high-traffic areas. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to watch TV while people keep walking past it.
- In general, your TV should be positioned facing your seating so you can comfortably watch it from your couch or chairs.
- Mounting a TV above a fireplace has its pros and cons but if it's done correctly it can free up floor space in a small living room layout.
Create Conversation Areas
People should naturally be able to talk to each other without having to crane their necks or shout across the room. Position the sofas and chairs to face each other (not necessarily straight on, but close), and so they are close enough that people can converse without raising their voices. If the room is too large, create multiple conversation areas.
Find Balance When Arranging Furniture
Balance is always important in decorating, and never more so than when arranging furniture and other items in your living room. Consider both size and placement of the various pieces, making sure not to group all the large or small pieces in one area or to one side of the room, which can make the space feel lopsided and a little unsettling. Also make sure there’s variety in the shapes—if you’ve got straight-lined seating, for example, consider a round coffee table.
Consider Traffic Flow
One of the most important things to consider when arranging furniture in any room is traffic flow. People should not be tripping over furniture, or each other, to pass through the room. Make sure there are a couple of feet (give or take a few inches) between the coffee table and sofa and between chairs. Create a clear path so people can walk from one end of the room to the other without difficulty.
Use the Right-Size Rugs
Area rugs belong under the furniture—all the furniture if you can manage it. Exposing some flooring around the edges of the room is fine, but when using an area rug, make sure it’s big enough that all the furniture in a seating arrangement can rest on it. At the very least you want the front legs of large pieces to sit on the rug (the backs can be on the floor, if necessary).
Get a Big Coffee Table
When it comes to coffee tables, more often than not, bigger is better. A large coffee table in the middle of a seating area is great for both aesthetics and function. It acts as an anchor for the room and it leaves plenty of space for people to put down drinks or for you to display favored accessories. A large table also offers easier access from the seats around it. That said, make sure to leave enough room between the seating and the coffee table for people to pass through (about 18 inches). And if you can’t find a suitable large coffee table, two smaller tables or other coffee table alternatives can be a good substitute.
The Spruce / Letícia AlmeidaPut Tables at Arm’s Length
Every seat should have easy access to either a side table or coffee table. Avoid layouts that force people to move from their seats to set down or retrieve drinks. When it comes to table height:
- Side or end tables should be approximately the same height as the nearby chair arms (if that’s not possible, lower is better).
- For coffee tables, the height should be the same height as chair/sofa seats, or lower.
Let There Be Light
Lighting is one of the most important elements of any room, and it is neglected all too often. Always use a mix of overhead lighting, floor lamps, and table lamps (and sconces, if you can). A floor lamp looks great at the end of a sofa or behind an accent chair. Table lamps look lovely on side tables, shelves, and even mantels. Lighting needs to be placed at different levels to be properly balanced, so use a variety of fixtures liberally throughout your room.
Use the Right-Size Artwork
Things that are hung on the wall—whether it’s artwork, mirrors, or sculptural objects—need to be placed strategically, and in proportion to the furniture. Don’t hang a tiny photo over the back of your sofa, for example; instead, use either a large piece that is approximately two-thirds the length of the sofa, or use a grouping of pieces. If you’re absolutely determined to use a particular piece of art that is too small, put it in a larger frame with a large matte around it so it can hold its own when positioned near a large furniture piece.
The Spruce / Letícia AlmeidaPutting It All Together
When it comes to arranging furniture and accessories, it's best to plan ahead if your plan involves buying new pieces. Either use an online floor planner or old-fashioned graph paper to sketch out your desired floor plan. It's the only surefire way to know whether or not things will fit the way you want.
Where to put the sofa in the living room
In amateur interiors, the sofa in the living room is placed where it fits. In design - they are looking for the right place where to put the sofa, and around it they literally “assemble the interior”. What is important to know if you want to act as a designer?
ChDecoration
1. Sofa with back to the window
Not the most common, but nevertheless the most obvious way of placing the sofa after the “sofa with back to the wall”. This option, how to put a sofa in a room, is appropriate:
- if the living room is connected, with a window on the wall adjacent to the door. Sometimes designers even move the door to perfectly "embed" the sofa in a blind patch that is lost during the passage;
- if the living room is small. This arrangement of the sofa in the room frees up three walls "for maneuvers." This solution saves space and allows you to create a beautiful furniture composition.
Maria Zemlyanykh Interiors
With all its advantages, this option has one important drawback: sleeping by the window and the radiator is not very pleasant. The high back of the sofa eliminates this flaw, protecting both from heat and draft, but at the same time the window cannot be thrown wide open.
Tip: It is ideal if the window sill ends flush with the top edge of the sofa cushions. In this version, the window sill acts as a sofa console - it is appropriate to put vases, table lamps on it, put books, that is, to decorate.
Irina Krasheninnikova
2. Sofa with its back to the bay window
A special case of the previous version "sofa with its back to the window". But for successful implementation, other conditions are needed.
The solution only makes sense if the room with the bay window is large. The fact is that it is necessary to provide a roundabout at the sofa and the attached furniture group.
Tip: When moving the sofa group closer to the center of the room, do not forget about the carpet with an active pattern. The carpet is necessary so that the furniture composition with this arrangement of the sofa is perceived as a group. Otherwise, it will be divided into several objects, and the interior will lose structure and expressiveness.
Alex Maguire Photography
3. Back to wall sofa
This is the most popular way to place a sofa in a room. It would seem, what tricks can there be? However, this option also has its own nuances.
First, you need to carefully consider the design of the wall behind the sofa. You can use one picture or a group of canvases, or a mirror.
Important: Hanging should be "proportionate" to the volume of furniture - the larger the sofa, the larger the composition above it should be.
Maurizio Giovannoni Studio
Large-format panels or paintings are one of the ways to effectively decorate the wall in the "sofa with back to the wall" option. Match the color of the sofa and sofa furniture to the colors of the panel. This is how the interior is designed in the photo.
RELATED…
Good question: Why does the interior seem crowded?
Irina Krasheninnikova
Wallpaper with a large repeating print is another way to solve the wall behind the sofa. This technique is relevant for very small rooms. Large rhythmic drawing distracts attention from the size of the room and balances the sofa.
amorybrown.co.uk
Secondly, the furniture group at the sofa should be well balanced - it is not enough just to put a coffee table next to the sofa. You need to make a group of objects of different sizes and purposes that make up a composition with a sofa - for example, as in this and the next photo.
Vera Tarlovskaya Interiors
Tip: In small living rooms, place not one large coffee table by the sofa, but a group of stackable tables of different sizes. Such a decision will visually facilitate the composition, while the functionality will not suffer.
RELATED…
150 corner sofas in the interior — photos of completed projects
PROforma project team
4. Sofa with back to the doorway
This option is used less frequently than the first three; its drawback is obvious - the sofa in the living room blocks the doorway and makes it difficult to move around the apartment. However, if the doorway is wide, and the distance from upholstered furniture to it is large enough, do not hesitate where to put the sofa - feel free to unfold it. The main advantage of this method of placement: a sense of freedom, ease of disposal of objects.
Access to both the window and the doorway to the adjacent room is open. The sofa is “not tied” to a blank wall and therefore the furniture composition seems airy, although the photo shows a massive and plump sofa in the interior.
Tip: Since the sofa in this version is “not tied to anything”, it is especially important not to leave it alone - to complement it with a couple of smaller items, such as an armchair and a side table.
5. Sofa with back to the center of the room and facing the wall
This solution is optimal for zoning a large room. In this case, opposite the sofa, a TV is most often placed, less often a fireplace.
In addition, it is important to "cover the back" of the sofa: put a console, chest of drawers or shelving behind it. The point is not only in the completeness of the composition, but also in solving functional issues - where to place a table lamp, put a tablet or book, put a glass of wine or a cup of tea.
Tip: The sofa can be angled or straight. But in order to properly place the sofa, it is important to provide enough space for a circular walk.
LIKA ARTEN INTERIORS
6. Sofa with back to the center of the room and facing another sofa
This kind of option "sofa with back to the center of the room" allows you to create a comfortable place for communication of a large company. However, the method is only suitable for a fairly spacious room. The rest of the rules on how to put the sofa do not change: cover the “rear” with a console and place table lamps on it so that the lighting of the sofa area is comfortable.
Tip: Use a chest of drawers as a sofa console. This will allow you to quickly and conveniently organize the leisure of a large company, comfortably located on your sofas.
AB.arch.vision
7. Sofa with its back to the center of the room and facing the window
Another special case of the “sofa with its back to the center of the room” option. At the same time, it is important not only where to put the sofa. The main requirements are a good view from the window and panoramic windows.
Tip: Do not attempt to position the sofa in this manner if the window in the room has a standard height window sill (83-85 cm from the floor). Even if the window offers a beautiful view, from your sofa you will mainly see the sky and the radiator, since the seats will be much lower than the window sill (at a height of 40-50 cm). However, the sky is also beautiful.
Cartoloji
8. Sofa with back to the library
This is the most rare sofa placement option in domestic interiors. Russian women do not allow open shelves with books in such volumes into their homes: everything should be closed with doors to facilitate cleaning and dust control. Inwardly agreeing with these arguments, I nevertheless decided to demonstrate this option for placing the sofa, because I really like it.
Tip: If you're wondering where to put the sofa and you risk turning it back to the bookshelf, make sections at the bottom with sliding fronts and store there what you don't need access to for years. Often there are such “inviolable blockages” in the house, which the hand does not rise to throw away, but they need to be stored somewhere.
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- 6000 sofa placement ideas - photos from projects by designers from around the world
- 100 sofas for the kitchen in the photo from the Houzz gallery
How to arrange sofas and armchairs: options with one sofa, two or three sofas in one room
expand the sofa in the room. They explained that in addition to “pushing it to the wall”, there are at least seven more interesting schemes. Now let's complicate the task: how to arrange the sofa and armchairs in the living room?
Villa Rosemont
Why do we dance from the couch?
Yes, because it is the largest piece of furniture in the living room. The mutual arrangement of the sofa and chairs usually determines the space - how and where other objects will be located, is there enough space for passage. And, as a rule, sofas and armchairs are the most expensive purchase for a living room. Getting rid of a boring or too small / large sofa will not be so easy. However, how to choose a new sofa in the existing interior.
Before choosing something in the store (and even before drawing the layout of the future living room), answer yourself a few questions.
Ingrid Rasmussen Photography
Why do you need a sofa and armchairs?
Answering the question about scenarios of using furniture, we determine the direction of the search. The sofa in front of the fireplace will not be large. The sofa in front of the TV, on the contrary, is usually designed for a “reclining” position for several people: it is ideal to have sections of the “relax” type, great depth. If the family is large or there are often guests, two sofas are better than one large one (it’s more convenient to communicate). And so on.
Young & Borlik Architects, inc.
How many people will we seat?
The future length of the sofa and (or) the number of armchairs depends on this. It is clear that all life scenarios and all the guests who arrived at the same time cannot be foreseen. And not always the maximum of desires can be realized in a typical apartment. At least "live" the scenarios of a typical weekend at home - estimate the number of seats that you need at the same time.
As a rule, the standard width of double sofas is from 130 to 175 cm, triple - from 180 to 240 cm. That is, manufacturers lay about 80 cm of sofa seat per person. In reality, people can be seated more compactly, but even with the tightest fit for one person, you need to plan at least 60 cm of the length of the sofa between the armrests.
Digs Design Company
Advice: If everything is tight in length, then the sofa should have narrow armrests. Volumetric can be allowed if there is enough space with a margin.
The outer dimensions of the chairs usually start from 80 cm. Models of smaller width and depth are already closer in shape to the chair and are not as comfortable. But if you expect that the chair will not be used as the main resting place, then it is quite possible to stop at this option. But remember that the minimum seat width of the chair is 48 cm between the armrests, which is not for everyone.
Anna Muravina
How big is your room?
Based on the size of the room, choose the scale of the composition. Too small or too large a sofa group risks spoiling the impression of the interior as a whole. The logic here is clear: in a large living room, an overall setting is needed. Moreover, the "elegance" of the design - thin legs and so on - will rather be a minus. Sofas can be long, deep, there can be two or three. Or even two sofa groups of impressive size in a large hall.
For small rooms, the opposite is true: items should not be too bulky, and the whole group should not occupy more than 2/3 of the room.
Brendan Wong Design
In the photo: you can increase the total size of the group both due to the length of the sofas and due to the number of items - by adding armchairs or pouffes from the free sides
Exquisite Kitchen Design
What arrangement is possible ?
When you have determined the ideal and minimum acceptable number of seats, the dimensions of the furniture available to you, it's time to choose an arrangement option. Remember that a lone sofa, standing along the wall in the living room, looks trite. And although it happens that such a setting cannot be avoided, this is more of a necessary measure than a good decision.
Especially for you, I drew the most popular layouts of sofa groups for different sets of furniture. And she indicated how much space each production would take.
I.D.interior design
Important: I took a 240 cm sofa as a basis. If you need more - for example, 270 cm - just add the missing centimeters to the size chain. And keep in mind that productions with a corner sofa, as a rule, are a little larger. But in this case, you can focus on my schemes with ordinary sofas.
Scenario 1: One sofa and armchairs
For a multi-variant scenario, make one or two chairs "walking", that is, come up with alternative places where they can be placed.
Ekaterina Nesterenko
Advice: The distance between the sofa / armchair and the coffee table should be at least 30 cm, and in order to place your legs comfortably - 46 cm. And try not to touch the corners of the chairs and sofas, it is better to move them away from each other. other centimeters by 10-15.
Jace Interiors & CreateGirl Blog
Photo: An example of how to arrange an armchair and a sofa in a narrow living room. Upholstered furniture, grouped in one corner, does not interfere with opening the door
Anastasia Tuganova and Yaroslav Ryazhsky | Studio 25
Scenario 2: Two corner sofas and armchairs
In this case, it is preferable to choose sofas of different lengths and preferably different shapes (not from the same series).
Click on diagram to enlarge image
Ekaterina Nesterenko
On the photo: a good example of how arrange two sofas in one room so as not to create a feeling of bulkiness of the group. In this British project, one of the sofas serves as an interior accent. The bright pink color of the upholstery draws the eye, diverting attention from the second sofa
SELENART || Design Bureau of Elena Potapova
In the photo: another option how to put two sofas in one room. Please note: they did not move the large sofa to the wall, saving space for approaching the window and a sense of space
Scenario 3: Two sofas opposite and armchairs
This arrangement with two sofas opposite each other is good only when they are placed perpendicular to a long wall in an elongated room.
Ekaterina Nesterenko
Please note: Parallel arrangement looks larger than when the sofas stand at an angle. Therefore, the living room should be quite spacious. Putting two sofas in a small room is unlikely to succeed.
Photo: In this American project, two sofas in a large living room create a cozy corner, as if separated from the rest of the space. This feeling is created thanks to competent zoning: not only the carpet and the back of the sofa work for it, but also the collection of posters on the wall. Please note: in this Parisian project, two identical sofas were placed, smoothing out a slight asymmetry on the wall perpendicular to them
Scenario 4: Three sofas
Ekaterina Nesterenko
Important: The distance between people sitting opposite each other should not be more than two or three meters. Otherwise, communication will be uncomfortable.
Martha O'Hara Interiors
There are two sofas in this photo, but it could well have been three — armchairs were placed to break the monotony of the sofa group. Pay attention to the decor: bright green cushions make the seating area light and less strict
Living Spaces
Got it? — Visualize
I'm not talking about drawing the desired arrangement on the plan to scale. Even though she doesn't get in the way. I suggest cutting a sofa out of paper “life-size”: for clarity, take large sheets of paper, newspaper or wallpaper, glue them together if necessary. Your goal is to make a “patch” out of paper, which will occupy a sofa and an armchair on the floor. It remains to put the "paper sofa" directly on the floor, maintaining the dimensions of both the objects themselves and the distance between them. The second way is to mark the boundaries of the furniture with masking tape (it can be easily removed).
You will see how much space the group will take, whether there is enough space for aisles and other furniture, whether there is room for opening doors. And you can choose a convenient option.
Important : Be sure to check that on the main traffic routes in the living room, the width of the passage is at least 80 cm.
Berphin Interior
What else to consider?
Axis of symmetry. The most massive sofa (except for corner models) or a row of armchairs should be placed clearly along the axis of the visual center of attraction: a television screen, a fireplace, a console with a beautiful decorative composition and a picture.
You can move the sofa if necessary, but very little. Otherwise, the whole group will look disharmonious and eventually become annoying.
Stiff and Trevillion
In the photo: if an asymmetric composition can be made with a console, then in the case of a screen or a fireplace, the sofa group should definitely be planted on the central axis. Asymmetric compositions are much more difficult to compose, but binding to the axis is simple and gives a predictable and harmonious result. The minimum depth of a sofa is 90 cm, armchairs - from 80 cm. Keep this in mind when creating a layout plan. Speaking about the depth, it must also be said about the landing depth that is convenient for you. For the average person, it is about 60 cm, but you may be more comfortable with a deeper sofa. If you have not yet decided which one you need, take a test drive in furniture stores.
Please note: Furniture stores often indicate the depth of the sofa, but the depth of the sofa and the depth of the seat are not the same thing. The depth of the sofa includes both the pillows and the back.
Inna Soltmann | Interior design and decoration
Brands. It is ideal that the manufacturers or at least the collections of the sofa and armchairs are different - they are put in a “set” only in furniture stores. Combine through style, shape of objects, color or upholstery pattern.
Form. Two or three different-shaped models in one group is a good tone. You can take two or three items in the same style and shape and complement them with a chair in a completely different style. Or in the same, but the original form - to make it accent.
Found Design
Col. The whole group, solved in one color or close tones, can look very boring. But if you are afraid to experiment with upholstery color or manufacturers have a very modest choice of fabrics, then the situation can be easily corrected by introducing color and interesting patterns using decorative pillows.
It will look much more interesting if you take most of the furniture in a single color upholstery, and one or two pieces in an upholstery of a related color, but with an interesting pattern. Add a couple of bright colored plain pillows and the whole set will sparkle.
Anne Catherine Pierrey - Architecte DESA.
o2designmoscow
You can choose two colors for the upholstery and, if one of them is bright enough, support it with pillow textiles. In general, repeating the color of one sofa or chairs on the cushions of another sofa is a simple and reliable technique.
Agence Veronique Cotrel
Tables. Depending on the size of the room and the sofa group, there can be two or three tables in the center. Higher tables are placed near the sofas and between the chairs. They are not superfluous, the more (albeit small) tables, the better.
Agence Veronique Cotrel
How to buy?
So, you have determined the dimensions of the sofa group, including sofas and armchairs. The type of production that fits well into your plan is chosen. It's time to go shopping. Print out the plan of the living room with all the dimensions you need, or write down the desired dimensions of the objects and take these figures with you. Wherever you choose furniture - in the salon, store or on the website, immediately filter the assortment by this criterion. The shape, the upholstery, the price are all important, of course, but if the sizes don't fit, there's no point in asking about the price.