Living Room Furniture

Living Room Basics

The key elements to any living room are conversation areas and focal points. Build a furniture collection using these considerations as your guide. Living room guests should be able to easily carry on a discussion with each other, so group furniture in an L-shape or U-shape. Arrange this grouping towards your focal point or with the TV in mind if applicable.

Start off a living room furniture collection with a basic large piece like a sofa, loveseat, settee, or chaise lounge. Keep in mind the scale and dimension of the room when choosing furniture, so that the pieces fit comfortably in the space. Smaller living rooms are often served well by an ample loveseat or several arm chairs. Futons are popular with apartment dwellers because of their compact size and portability. Most upholstered furniture features wood or metal frames with support springs, cushioned padding, and fiberfill. Then the piece is finished with upholstery material like fabric, leather, trim, and fringe.

Chairs can be used to complete a sofa or loveseat arrangement, or they can be used as the main seating in a petite living room. Classic chair styles include traditional wing chairs, lounge chairs, recliners, and arm chairs. Ottomans are often paired with chairs as footrests, but they can do double-duty as extra seating.

Enhance the Living Room

Tables are another central part of a living room furniture arrangement. Having easily accessible table tops will provide a comfortable experience for guests and family. A coffee table placed in front of the sofa is a surefire way to anchor the sofa, add storage, and create a decorative staging area. Two end tables flanking a sofa will infuse a room with balance and symmetry. Likewise, an accent table placed between two chairs will make the pieces feel more connected. Lamps are frequently placed on end tables for use as reading light or ambient lighting. A popular option to the end table is a nesting table set which can be stored together or used separately as the need arises for extra tables.

A console table or bombe chest placed behind a sofa will create another platform for displaying decorative accessories. If space permits, a small game table with two side chairs is a charming addition to a cozy corner of any family room. Storage units that add beauty and function to living rooms include curios, secretaries, sideboards, china cabinets, and breakfronts. Built-in wall units and bookcases are large furniture pieces that can attractively show off accessories and neatly house electronics. Many people like to hide the TV in an entertainment center or armoire, so that the aesthetics of the living room are improved.

There are many sizable accessories which can complement the furniture pieces in a living room. For example, pianos are a functional part of countless beautiful living spaces. Common types of this classical musical instrument include the baby grand and the upright (or spinet) piano. Also, screens and dividers serve to decorate large walls or to section off the living area from other rooms.

Living Room Furniture Resources

Broyhill – Living room collections and fine furniture for over a century.

Basset Furniture Direct – Offers custom furniture for every room in the house.

One Way Furniture - Living room furnishings at a discount.

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