A well thought out living room floor plan brings your dream home to life. With the right furniture and thoughtful placement, you can make this room welcoming, delightful and functional. Keep reading to discover six easy steps for designing a space that serves everyone’s needs.

Ask yourself, “How will I use my living room?”

This important first step is the foundation upon which the next five steps are based. Functionality relates to your life style. Brainstorm what the room’s main function will be and the type of atmosphere you want to create. Will it be casual, formal, traditional, modern or eclectic?

Family Time

一个活跃的家庭生活需要一个更轻松、传统的氛围——一个每个人都可以舒适地享受日常活动的房间。如果孩子们需要一个玩耍的空间，而你又有足够大的空间，那就增加一个玩耍区。

Hint:Asofacan be used as a room divider.

Hosting and Entertaining

如果你主持会议并经常招待客人，你需要一个更正式的环境，以便能舒适地容纳很多客人。

Consider Functionality

For all lifestyles, consider the types of functional furniture you’ll need. For example, if TV viewing is a must, be sure to include anentertainment center在你的客厅布局。

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Ottomans:

Use for extra seating, more tabletop space, and storage.

Benches:

Ideal for storage and additional seating.

Nesting tables:

使用在需要额外平面的地方。

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Take Measurements

拿出卷尺。在你开始寻找客厅家具之前，你需要弄清楚你必须使用的空间大小。这包括测量客厅的尺寸，计算门窗、楼梯和壁炉的费用。

Tip:画一个房间的草图，包括窗户、柱子、半墙、屋檐、通风口和散热器等障碍物。

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Choose A Focal Point

Determining the focal point of your living room is critical for making furniture layout decisions. You’re able to determine this element the moment you walk into the room. This is what catches your attention first, whether it be a fireplace, entertainment center, sofa, an amazing outside view or an architectural element.

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If you have an obvious focal point like huge windows and a beautiful view or a huge fireplace, plan the room to make the most of it.

Hint:This is a perfect opportunity to include swivel chairs.

If your room has none of these focal points, use a large object like fish tank, TV, console table, painting, sculpture or bookcase to form a focal point.

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Create Your Living Room Floor Plan and Consider these Living Room Layout Ideas

Based on your measurements and focal point, put your ideas to paper. Keep in mind the traffic flow and make sure your design allows people to move easily into and out of the room without encountering barriers or extremely tight spaces.

Tip:On your sketch, highlight the most direct path from entry to exit and place furniture so there are no obstacles in that path. Brainstorm alternative plans to have a variety of options.

Account for room features and adjust your layout

Doorways

If there’s a doorway along a wall, group furniture opposite of that wall. If faced with two doors across from each other, the room can be divided into two separate areas. If there are several doorways, the room can be broken up into separate areas, each with its own function.

Natural Light

Note where the sun shines in the room and keep wood furnishings, artwork and upholstered furniture out of direct sunlight.

Electrical Outlets

注意房间里所有电源插座的位置。为了更灵活，可以考虑在地板上安装插座，将家具布置在远离墙壁的房间中央。

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How to Plan Your Living Room Furniture

Once you’ve determined your living room floor plan, it’s time to decide what furniture to use. You may choose to just reshuffle what you have, incorporate new items, or start from scratch with all new furniture. If you plan to buy living room furniture and start with a clean slate, here are some pointers:

想想主要的家具。

Entertainment centers and sectionals have the greatest impact on floor plans. Once these pieces have been selected, you have to be committed to your plan.

Don’t block your focal point.

For example, if you have low lying windows, look for low profile furniture, to minimize visual obstructions.

Plan seating for face-to-face conversations.

保持座位之间的距离不超过8英尺。例如，在大房间里把两个沙发面对面放，在单独的谈话区域放组合椅和边桌。

Consider the size of the room.

Look for living room furniture ideas that complement the scale of the room. Smaller furniture is ideal for smaller spaces, while big furniture fills in large spaces.

Hint:通过在报纸或肉店的纸上画出商品的形状来创建潜在购买的模型。把纸放在地板上，你会看到是否有足够的空间放它们。一般来说，你需要在作品周围留出30英寸的空间。

If adding a coffee table, allow 14 to 18 inches between the coffee table and sofa.

Addbookcases类似于你的客厅家具风格的架子或桌子来创造凝聚力。

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Select Your Living Room Decor and Accessories

Poufs

Accessorize sofas and chairs with stylish pillows and blankets. One of the most useful living room accessories is apouf. They are functional and easy to move around on a whim.

Lighting

Add floor lamps, table lamps and a chandelier for properlighting.

Home Accents

Accent flat surfaces with plants, vases, candles, bowls, trays, sculptures and picture frames.

Wall Decor

Use living room wall decor such as wall art and mirrors to bring dimension to the room.

用大型盆栽、篮子、盒子等来填满空的地方。

Tip:Avoid putting furniture, accents and plants too close to an entryway to keep the room easily accessible.

By creating a living room layout before purchasing furniture, you’ll overcome obstacles that you may have not even considered. You’ll be able to confidently choose furniture and accessories that will be enjoyed and admired for years to come.

If you recently reworked your living room, please share your ideas and experience. Hashtag #MyAshleyHome on Instagram.