
Seating is one design element that can make or break your living room. Whether you have a large family or entertain visitors often, having enough seating is key to making your living room functional and welcoming. But if you have a small living room, finding space for all of your furniture can be a challenge.
There are plenty of seating options that will save space without sacrificing style. From statement armchairs to multi-functional ottomans, there are many ways to get creative with your living room seating.
Here are some of our favourite ways to improve your living room seating:
1. Decide on Your Priorities
With seating in your living room, comfort should be your top priority. If you have a small living room, it’s especially important to choose pieces that won’t overcrowd the space. Look for chairs with slim silhouettes and avoid anything too bulky.
You can also look for pieces that can serve more than one purpose, like an ottoman with storage. This type of furniture is great for small living rooms because it can be used as a footrest, coffee table, or extra seat when you have guests over.
You can really impress too by embracing intentional mismatching, this helps to keep things fun and vibrant
2. Draw a Focal Point
In any room, it’s important to create a focal point. This is an area that will draw the eye and give the room a sense of purpose. In a living room, the focal point is often the fireplace or the television. But if you don’t have either of these things in your room, you can create a focal point with your seating.
One way to do this is to choose a statement chair. This can be an armchair with a bold pattern or a unique shape. It should be placed in the centre of the room, so it becomes the star of the show. You can then arrange the rest of your seating around it.
Another way to create a focal point is to use a grouping of chairs. This can be anything from two armchairs facing each other to a loveseat and chair flanking an ottoman. The key is to arrange the pieces so they feel intentional and purposeful.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Play with Scale
Size matters. You don’t want all your pieces to be the same size—this will make the room feel boring and stagnant. Instead, mix things up by incorporating furniture of different sizes.
Choose one large piece, one medium-sized piece, and one small piece. For example, you might pair a big comfy couch with a smaller armchair and a tiny side table. Not only will this create visual interest, but it will also make your space more functional.
Having an odd number of pieces also helps to create a balance in the room. Odd Numbers rules in design are based on the theory that an odd number of elements is more visually appealing than an even number.
4. Introduce Difference Colours and Patterns
If your goal is to create a cohesive look, you don’t want everything in the room to match perfectly. Mismatching can actually add visual interest and depth to a space. The trick is to choose different colours or patterns that complement each other.
If you want to create contrast, go for colours that are on opposite ends of the colour wheel. For more subtle contrast, try different shades of the same colour. Adding patterns is a great way to add interest without going overboard.
A solid sofa with geometric patterned pillows looks modern and fresh. Pairing a floral pattern with stripes or plaid is another way to mix things up. For something a little more unique, you can always opt for a velvet upholstery fabric with an abstract print.
5. Use an Unconventional Piece to Define Area
If you want your seating to make a statement, don’t be afraid to be creative. A piece of furniture that is unexpected will definitely grab attention. And, it can be the perfect way to add character to a room.
If you can't decide whether you go for something vintage or modern, why not mix the two styles together? For a living room with a more contemporary feel, consider using an upholstered chair or sofa in a bold geometric print.
Or, if you want to add a touch of elegance, try a velvet chaise lounge. This can be a great way to create a cosy reading nook or a luxurious spot to relax.
Conclusion
There are many ways to arrange your living room seating. And, the best way to do it is by thinking about your specific needs and goals for the space.
Take your time, and experiment with different arrangements until you find something that feels right for your space. And don’t be afraid to mix things up. After all, the best rooms are the ones that reflect your personal style.