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How To Perfect Your Living Room Layout

Styling Tips·Naomi Findlay·May 9, 2025· 3 minutes

Furnishing your living room from scratch is a scary concept, but it can be easy with these seven tips to maximise space, style and practicality of your space:

Step One: Lounge

Your lounge will most likely take up more space than anything else in your living room so it is important to make the right choice. To break it down, a two-seater is typically 150 centimetres long, and a three-seater is 210 centimetres long. A three-seater lounge might be overwhelming the average living room, whilst a two-seater is more in proportion and broadens the scope for other seating. An L-shaped lounge also is an option to allows you to define an opening living space.

Step Two: Chairs

With the perfect lounge in place, additional lounges or individual chairs can be added. Additional seating can create a welcoming atmosphere and provide a great focal point with an interesting design or position.

Step Three: Rug

Be generous! A rug is a powerful focal point, and adds so much warmth to your living room. There is no maximum size for a rug, but ensure is extends to under the feet of everyone when seated.

Step Four: Coffee Table

Your coffee table will reinforce the focal point of your rug, and provide a surface for your books, feet, drinks and nibbles, so it is important to position is well. A general rule is that it should be the same height or lower than the seat cushions of your main lounge. Also ensure there is a space of 30 to 45 centimetres between your coffee table and any of your seating around it.

Step Five: Side Table

Now that the largest items are positioned in your living room you can add smaller pieces to personalise and complete the look of your space. Side tables are perfect for lamps and cups of coffee while you are snuggled up on the lounge. A side table should be a height that is easy for you to reach from your lounge or chair.

Step Six: Television

Is your living room more of a sitting place, or a relaxing, sit back and watch television space? If a television isn’t your priority consider leaving it out, or for a less dominating feel, place it on a 45-centimetre-high bench for a less obvious but still comfortable viewing position.

Step Seven: Art

Art is a way to really express yourself, and create an engaging, complete living room. It is important you strategically position your artwork for the best effect. A general rule of thumb is to position the centre of the artwork at standard eye level, which is 150 centimetres above the floor.