Think of three F’s when arranging living room furniture

Let’s tackle the living room. The key things to keep in mind when arranging furniture are flow, function and focal point. The furniture should be arranged to facilitate traffic flow in the best way possible. Think of the pattern the traffic will take and arrange the furnishings for the best use of that space. Can you get in and out of the seating area with ease? When walking through the living room to get to another room, is the furniture in the way or can the traffic flow easily?

What function will this room have? Will it be mostly for socializing? Mostly for relaxing or will it be mostly for watching television?

Usually, the relaxing fits into all categories so purchase furniture that will be comfortable for you and your family. If you are buying new furniture, sit in the chairs and the sofas to be sure they meet your height need and your comfort needs.

If the room is mostly for socializing, arrange cozy seating areas with accessible little tables to set drinks and hors d’oeuvres on. The seating should be arranged in conversation groups of two to four seats; six if the space calls for it. If the room is mostly for watching television then it is obvious the furnishings should be oriented toward the television.

In all cases, the furnishings should take into account a focal point. If watching television is the goal of the room, then the TV is the focal point but some rooms have the advantage of a fireplace and/or a great outdoor view. If it is not possible or practical that all the furniture be oriented toward say the fireplace or the view, then put at least two chairs facing that focal point while the other furniture faces the television. This way the room serves as the best of both worlds.

Making movable templates will help in arranging the room. First measure the room and draw those measurements onto a piece of paper.

Next measure the furniture. Make block furniture out of those measurements and cut them out. A simple square, the size of the chair will suffice and a simple rectangle the size of the sofa will work. Don’t forget the accent tables and any other pieces of furniture you intend to use in the room.

Now place the cut out furniture where you think they will work best. Rearrange just to see if another setting would be better. Don’t forget the traffic flow.

Making it all come together can happen with fabrics and colors. Pull colors from the area rug and place those colors on pillows on the sofa and loveseat, for example. Another idea is to accent one wall with color and incorporate that color in the upholstery.