These living room furniture ideas will help you select a sofa, chairs or couches that meet your requirements for maximum functionality, style and comfort in your home. We will look at three decorating ideas in this article, which is part 1 of a 2-part series.
#1: Function
Sleeper Armchair
Shopping for furniture will be easier when you have a plan in mind. Choose seating based on the number of people who usually sit in the room, the planned activities and the available space. You'll be able to focus on buying the number and types of pieces that best meet your needs.
#2: Proportion and Scale
One of the most challenging tasks when selecting seating for your living room is finding pieces that are the right size in relation to each other and in relation to the room where they are located.
Proportion refers to the size of objects relative to each other. Two different chairs placed together look best when they are roughly the same size. They are in good proportion to each other.
Scale refers to the relationship between the furniture and the space where it is placed. A tiny chair in a large room will look awkward because it is out of scale. Fit the chair to the space. A good rule of thumb is to place a large chair in a large room and a small chair in a small room.
Taking measurements with you to the furniture store will help you select the right pieces. Measure the outside and inside dimensions of your sofa or chairs. First measure the height, width and depth of the back of the piece. Move to the front of the sofa and measure the height and depth of the seat cushion and the height of the arm.
#3: Arrangement
Start with your largest seating piece. It is usually a sofa or loveseat. This piece will provide the foundation for your furniture arrangement.
Next, choose a comfortable armchair that provides good back support while you're watching television or chatting with friends. There's no need to choose a chair that matches the sofa exactly. Matched living room furniture sets are outdated. Do, however, choose a fabric and a style that will coordinate with the sofa.
A cozy lounge chair where you can sit and read or curl up and take a nap will round out the arrangement. Choose a chair that is lightweight and portable so it can be moved around the room easily. It will provide flexible seating options depending on how the room is being used. You can move the chair close to others and be involved in a conversation or tuck it away in a corner where you can relax in peace. Add a matching ottoman where you can rest your feet or use when you need extra seating.
Allow a comfortable distance between pieces of furniture. A group of seats placed 8 to 10 feet apart makes it easy for everyone to be heard without shouting. A walkway that is 2 feet wide allows you to pass between chairs without bumping into them.
Consider the height of your chairs in relation to tables placed near them. An end table works well when it is 2 inches higher or lower than the arm of the chair next to it. A coffee table is easier to reach when the height of the table is lower than the seat of the sofa behind it.
Couches and chairs may not be your best option. Consider the available space in your room. If you live in a studio apartment that doesn't have a separate living room and bedroom you may want to shop for multipurpose pieces. Sleepers or sectionals that provide seating and can be converted into a bed may be more practical in a limited space.
Living Room Furniture Ideas Part 2 discusses how to choose seating pieces that make your room look like you hired a home decorator.