Category: Interior

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How To Arrange Furniture in an Awkward Living Room

Getting a home, whether owned or not, gives us the feeling of excitement and nervousness at the same time. It could mean that you are starting anew with something and having a new home is part of that.

Of course, for a place to be your home, you will have to add your own touch to it. This means you will be choosing furniture and decor that will fit your personality. And because it is your home, you need it to be a place where you will be happy and relaxed.

It is not that easy to decorate though. You will have to choose things that complement each other, and should also consider the placements because it might affect the materials you will look for or already have. Then of course, if you are renting or buying a house, you may encounter a room that is oddly shaped. This will affect how you arrange your furniture, and renovation is out of the question because of the expenses. 

Here are some of those cases and tips on how to arrange furniture in them.

1. Long and Narrow

Because the room is long, you can divide the space. You could have a seating area for entertainment then the other could be your home office or another seating area for reading or a corner for a one-on-one conversation. And because it is narrow, you could have the pieces of furniture smaller, so it will not take up much of the space and cause traffic especially if many people would be around.

2. L-Shaped

Just like above, you can divide the space. The other side will be automatically your seating area then the other could be a dining area. Even if you already have one, you can have this exclusive for your guests so that way, they will not need to transfer further. Another idea would be having a mini library. This would be great if you collect books and have it on shelves and maybe create a small sitting corner for you to enjoy them.

3. Cramped

This is usually the problem for small apartments especially the studio-type. It seems like there will be no space for everything. One solution is not to have large furniture that will take up space. Instead, have the alternative space-saving furniture that is available. You can have furniture that also doubles as storage like an ottoman. You can have daybeds that will be handy if you have a studio-type apartment or a sleeping space for your visitors. You can also eliminate the sofa but have the alternative seats instead. Comfort does not have to be with the big pieces. You just have to be creative with them.

4. Awkward Corners

This is when the room is full of niched corners. Not only does it look awkward, but it would also be dangerous at times too. The solution to this is placing shelves or racks that will cover them up. You can also have that as another seating corner with a table.

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Furniture Layout For A Rectangular Living Room With A Fireplace

To decorate your home is one of the crucial points in having your own. It is not just about having a touch and showing off your personality but also having it look pleasing to the eye. It is certainly not an easy task. You would have to choose the right color, decor, and furniture. And it does not end with that. You would also need to have to perfect layout to arrange those.

Sometimes, there will be added problems having your room much longer, and you have no idea how to make up for space. What if there is also a fireplace? Sure, it is a nice addition to have at your house, but it is an added factor to your arrangement. And even if you don’t have a fireplace, you may want to consider an alternative design. Gas fireplaces are great and electric fireplaces have become increasingly beautiful over recent years. You can even find models built into entertainment centers to help save space.

For that matter, here are some suggestions that will work for your living room:

Balance

With this, you can have the fireplace as your focal point. Then maybe have one large sofa in the middle with an equal amount of chairs and side tables at the side and have the television beside the fireplace and another shelf or rack on the other side. You could also have two large sofas on each side instead of chairs. No matter what it will be, having the pieces of furniture symmetrical is pleasing and always works.

Zones and Corners

A way to maximize space is having two purposes. You can still have the living room on the other side, but the other can be different. It can work, you just have to be creative with it. You can either have the fireplace as the divider if it is placed right in the middle. If not, you can always have it on the living room side.

Here are some examples that you can divide your living room with:

Workspace

If you are a person who works at home or takes home their work, this will be great for you. While the other side is for relaxation and entertaining guests, you can place a desk with your computer or laptop at the other or even just a corner that will be enough for you. It will depend on what your job will be, but you can place some essentials in your reach.

Dining area

The most common solution for small spaces is having the living room and dining room as one. It is also handy because these are the places you entertain your guests with, so they will be easily transferred places if there are dinner or lunch parties. You can also do this even if you already have a dining room. It could be a space that is exclusive when guests come over.

Another small seating area

You can have the main living room then have a corner either for reading or a private corner that you can have talks. You can also separate an entertainment area from the seating area.

Kid’s corner

If you have kids, it will be handy to give them a playpen with their toys. This way, you can watch them more closely. This is also helpful to have your kids on playdates or if your visitors will have kids too.

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Living Room Seating Ideas Without a Sofa

Having a small space has more advantages than we think. The first would be it is less difficult to clean because there are fewer rooms and spaces. It is also cozy and intimate, so it is a lot easier to have conversations with your friends and family. 

The downside is definitely the lack of space. You will not be able to splurge on furniture and decor because they might not fit in your home. You might need to be a minimalist even if it is not really your style. But it does not always have to be that way. You just have to be creative. You do not need to always follow the equation. You can have your own rules when comes to your home. For example, you do not have to have all of the needed furniture. You can just have an airbed for your bedroom or a sofa bed, so you could also have it as a home office. 

As for your living room, you do not need to have a sofa. There are many alternatives that you can take but still make your living room look cozy and welcoming. In addition, they do not add more space. Here some of them:

1. Floor Cushions and Bean Bags

You can definitely do it in a traditional Asian style where floor seating is not new and unusual. You can even have it styled that way with Asian-inspired floor cushions and a small coffee table. You could also go to Bohemian style with various patterns and a carefree look and feel. It does not have to be only floor cushions. You could Aldo get bean bags and nowadays, there are various styles you could choose that will fit not only personality but also your lifestyle. 

2. Daybed

A daybed is great to have when you often have visitors spending the night. This way, even if you do not have any guest room, you will not need to have extra airbeds that will take up space. They can still have a sleeping space then you can also have it as a seat during the day. This is also handy if your home is a studio type. You do not need to have a separate space as a bedroom. Instead, you can have the living room during the day then set it up as a bedroom at bedtime.

3. Lounge

Like a daybed, lounges are also versatile. They can be used as a seat but can also be a place for sleeping in. It is also less hassle than a daybed for it does not need any transformations to be one. Just add some pillows and a blanket, and it is done.

4. Chairs

Chairs do not have to be always the hard and uncomfortable types that we usually see. You can be stylish with easy chairs. If you want more comfort, there are a lot of armchairs available. You can even find ones that are convertible and turns into a bed, so another sleeping place option for you. Then you will just add some simple ottoman in the middle as a table or even as an extra seat, and your living room is ready.

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How To Combine Your Living and Dining Room Together In Small Spaces

You do not really need a big place to be able to bond with your family and friends that is why a small home is nice to have. It is enough for you to start. It is cozy and intimate which is good for conversations and catching ups. 

But of course, the downside of it is the lack of space. You have to get used to having a minimalist lifestyle for your small space does not bear much. One of the ways in maximizing the space is having two rooms in one. You could have your home office in your bedroom. There will not be any guest rooms and visitors opt to sleep in the living room instead. But one of the tricky parts is having the living room and dining room as one. Sure, it is not as bad as it sounds because both rooms are the usual place to have gatherings and entertain guests. But how would you have them separated? With these tips, you will be able to maximize your space but still having two separate uses.

Furniture

When it comes to furniture, the fewer the better, so it will not take that much space. You can have the basic ones for both rooms. You could have tables and chairs for the dining room then a sofa and maybe a few more seats and a table for the living room. Even if it is just a few, why not look for comfortable furniture that will make you relax and also welcoming for your guests. Another tip is getting furniture that is smaller in size, so you could accommodate to both rooms.

Decor and Theme

Decors are essential for the room to look pleasing to the eye. So, how will work when the room is divided into two purposes? The solution to that is to have coordinating decors. You can up with a theme that will be good for both rooms. It could be something simple like having them color coordinated. You could also do something about the interior style and in order to do that, the furniture is going to be a factor. An example is if you have contemporary furniture for your living room, it is advisable to have your dining room have contemporary furniture too, so they will match. You could also make a theme. A very good example is making it look like a cafe, and it will be nice since cafes are known for being cozy.

Wall Color

Make sure that the color you will choose matches for both the dining room and living room. It is said that light colors, such as white and cream, will help enlarge the room at least visually. This would make the room look less cramped. Add to that, these colors are easy to coordinate with furniture for they are neutral. When you want to pick something else, be sure that it will put the room together and not clash.

Lighting

Lighting will also help with having the room visually large. You could add lamps all around to make it brighter. As for the overhead lights, you can have designs that will match the overall design of the room.

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Large Living Room Layout Ideas

There is something therapeutic with arranging your own room. You will get to decide the best place to have your furniture. You will be the one to choose the color scheme. You will also be able to add your own decorations. Whatever you do, you will add your personal touch that will reflect who and what you are.

It is not that easy though especially if your living room is large. The problem with it is that the living room will not look too cozy. What can you do with all of those spaces? Will you leave them bare? Maybe you can make your room look smaller? Here are some tips that will help you on how you will arrange your large living room:

Color

If you are thinking of wanting to make your room look smaller, painting your walls in a darker shade can do that. Patterns also can create an illusion. Wainscoting or masquerading is also one of the good solutions for this.

Texture

Like the color, texture can also create an illusion regarding the size. So, if you want to make it look bigger than it is, glossy and polished will work for that. If not, have a more rough look that can be done with wallpapers and the flooring.

Furniture

When it comes to large spaces, the division is the key. You can have a focal point, such as a television or a fireplace then have a large sofa and table right in the middle then have some other nice furniture on the side of it. You can arrange them symmetrically if you want. Two smaller seats at each side with side tables and shelves to fill up space. Some will opt to have another function like making a smaller seating area in the corner for reading or working. 

Decor

To make good use of the height, you will need to decide on the perfect curtains. Long curtains can be the key to this, and you can hang them higher than the window frames if it does not fit then place a shelf or any other framed decor to distract from them. A simple solution with your bare walls would be putting large framed pictures or artwork. Just make sure you know how to balance it with your furniture and the color of your room. Another item that will not only add up to your space but also put added interest and design is a large rug. You could either have one that will cover the entirety of your floor. But if you are planning to have your room in section, you can use multiple rugs that will fit those.

Lighting

The usual main light feature of a large living room is a chandelier. Be sure it is not too big to be distracting or too small that is barely noticed. Large rooms often come with large windows, so natural light during the day will not be a problem. You can make use of the space to add more lamps, so it will be more illuminated during the night. Corners and side seating will be a perfect place for them.

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How To Choose A Sofa Color

One of the best things about having your own home, whether it is big or small, rented or owned, is that you will be able to have your personal touches to it. From the decorations to the furniture, you will be able to show it off however you please.

But not all of us are good at choosing. Even if you would say you have your own style, it is still hard especially if you have to mix and match colors and designs. You could say that choosing furniture is one of the hardest parts. From the size to the style, it is not that easy. The color is also an aspect. Have you asked yourself how? You just have things to think about and consider and here are they:

1. Consider the Decor

You could either have a home that is pre-decorated or you will choose a sofa then go from there. But you could also be buying a new sofa, and your home is already decorated. Decorations are not just the things you will put around the room, but also the room itself. So, think about what color the walls are or does it have wallpaper? If it is already that way, you will have to get one that will match or complement them. If you are allowed, you can repaint it then have the sofa of your choice.

2. Consider the Other Furniture

Are your tables and shelves are dark-colored or light-colored? No matter what, they will affect the choice of color. Like the walls and decor, they should match. Other furniture also counts the other seats. If you have armchairs at the side or have found the most comfortable futon and want to add it, you would definitely want to have the same color scheme as them, so it will not contrast. 

3. Consider the Location

Another thing to consider is where you will be putting your sofa. If it will be placed in direct sunlight, it will affect the color. Fabrics with bold colors will tend to fight after a while when they are exposed to sunlight. This also includes other materials. If you are wanting to have a leather couch, it should be placed away from the sunlight because the color will fade away over time. If that is the case, you will need to choose a color, usually light-colored, that is unnoticeable when changed like gray or cream.

4. Consider Your Lifestyle

It would be easy if you are by yourself at your home. But if you have other companions like a roommate or partner or even kids, it will be different and crucial. Especially with kids, they tend to spill anything from food to paint, a light-colored sofa should be avoided. This also includes if you have pets with their fur that sticks on furniture or the dirt they sometimes take home. Another thing to consider is how often you have visitors because that will also affect. Having visitors is unpredictable. There could be food or drink spillage, and it is unavoidable.

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How to Arrange Your Living Room Furniture With Your Television

Some houses have the living room and entertainment room separated. The entertainment room could also be called a home theatre because it where the television, surround speakers, and such are placed. The living room, on the other hand, is where guests are usually entertained. That does not always happen though for common home does not have enough space for that. So, what happens is that the entertainment room and living room are merged into one. 

The question would be, is there enough space for that? Well, some do not opt for a complete entertainment system set because having a television alone will be enough to suit their needs. Maybe that is your scenario? Another question is how will you arrange your living room? It is quite important because it will surely affect the space of your living room and also the feel it will showcase to your guests. You will not really need an interior designer for this and have some of these tips, and you are good.

Television

The first would definitely be the television. It is usually used as the focal point of the room, so it is placed right in the center of the seating area. It is usually placed in a rack but nowadays, with flatscreen TV, it is now mounted on the wall, so more space for you.

Seats

With your television as the focal point, you will arrange your sets around it. Take note that the television’s distance from the seating should be at least 8 to 12 feet away. The main seat, usually the biggest one like a sectional, couch, or a big comfortable futon, is facing the wall with the television. Then the smaller ones would be at the side of the television. Having them rounded always works. With this, you will be able to form a balanced look.

Tables

Usually, homes will just opt for one main coffee table, and it is usually placed right in the middle of the seats and television. It is where drinks and remote are usually placed so have it inches away from the seating, easy to reach for you and your guests. If there are side tables, they are usually placed beside side chairs or the main seat. Just make sure it has enough space that it does not get in the way of people passing through. If you do not have enough space, you can have foldable tables as an extra in case you needed for yourself when working or for your visitors.

Shelves

Shelves are placed against the wall that will depend on the allowed space. It is where books and some of the displays are usually placed. If your television is mounted, you might want to have a rack or shelf near the television where you can put your other media consoles. 

Lighting

Side lamps should be placed on the side tables but make sure that it will not take the whole space of the table. You can also have floor lamps, and you can have those that have a table attached. As for chandeliers or any other permanent light fixtures, it should be centered above the seating area.

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Choosing a Sofa For a Small Living Room

A home is still a home no matter what size it is. It is the place where you can relax after a long day or even a week. It is the place where you can be yourself. It is the place where you can welcome your friends and family. You can also express yourself and show your personality through your home. Be it by the decorations and furniture you choose and also the color scheme of both inside and outside of your house.

Decorating is not that easy at seems though. Aside from your personal tastes, you will also need to consider your budget you are willing to use. The size of your house is also an effect. If you have a small space, how can you choose something that will be right and fit into your house?

Let us start with the living room. It is where we entertain our guests, so you should pick the proper sofa where they will sit around and that will make them comfortable and at ease.

The Right Size

Make sure you know the size of your space. You can measure the dimensions and even take some pictures. This way, you can also ask help from others in choosing the right size. You can even consider choosing a type of sofa that is great for small spaces. An example is the corner sofa or the L-shaped sofa. As the name suggests, it is placed in the corner, so it will provide more space in the other areas of the room. It is also large enough to accommodate visitors. Another example is the futon which is handy when your visitors are going to stay over. Having a small space might mean no extra rooms or to small to even have an airbed. A futon can be turned into a bed, so it can be the sleeping space of your visitor. 

Style and Functionality

As said before, your home brings out your personality and lifestyle, so be sure to choose something that will fit those. If you have frequent guests, you might consider the options mentioned above. And of course, as for the style, there is a variety to choose from colors to styles to patterns. Not only that, but the texture will also be your choice and preference. It could be soft and cushiony or firm and sturdy. Smaller spaces opt for a minimalistic approach for decorating as it is ideal. You can still add a few framed painting or pictures here and there and also some potted plants but that is it mostly. Because of this, it is important to have your sofa stylish enough to catch the eye yet also functional.

Consider Other Furniture

A sofa will likely not be the only furniture in your living room. You will also certainly have a coffee table and even some shelves. So in choosing the sofa, be sure that they complement each other in style. This will also affect the size. You could either choose a smaller table that will be enough to maybe have another one for the sides or a bigger one. rf maybe, if you are a book lover, you would want a larger shelf. A great option for this is to have furniture that can also be storage like ottomans. No matter what, it will certainly be less.