How to Arrange Your Living Room Layout, No Matter the Size

We've all been there before: standing in the middle of an empty room, scratching our heads to figure out how to best place the furniture. Stylists make it look so easy, but knowing how to decorate a living room—and a small one at that—is easier said than done. A tiny space poses a particular challenge since you have to be mindful of how you can best utilize every single square inch. 

So where do you begin? Start with identifying what your needs are for the space. Are you an avid entertainer, or do you prefer binging on Netflix? Next, look at your space's layout: Is it an open-plan? What's the focal point? Once you've nailed down the essentials (a sofa and a spot for the TV), the rest is just filling in the pieces of the puzzle. To help you get a head start, we illustrated our three favorite living room layouts for a tiny space. Grab a pen and paper, and draft the living room of your dreams.

The Open-Plan

The Layout: In an open-plan room that connects to a dining area and kitchen, separate the space with a large L-shaped sectional, thereby creating a living area enclave.

The Sofa: When picking the sofa, be especially mindful of the side of the L-shape. In a small space, you want it sitting alongside the windows, not blocking the pathway. If you're planning on floating the sofa, pay attention to the back of the sofa, as you'll be seeing it as much as the front. 

The Extras: Finish the space with a coffee table and side table next to the sofa. Create extra seating and a reading nook with a lounge chair and floor lamp across from the sectional. 

The Conversationalist

The Layout: This is a fantastic layout for entertainers. It's also the ideal setup when the living room entrance sits across from a fireplace, because it doesn't break the flow and keeps everything symmetrical. 

The Sofa: If the room is spatially challenged, choose sofas that are narrower to leave enough space to walk around. Complete the room with an extra-narrow coffee table.

The Extras: Sit in every spot on the sofa, and make sure there are enough side tables for everyone to place their drink down. Flanking the fireplace with bookcases also leaves plenty of room for a TV and other storage.

The Walk-Through

The Layout: This is the classic living room layout, with the TV in front of the sofa, perfect for long evenings of Netflix and chilling. Depending on whether your space is more narrow or square, place a set of chairs either side by side on one side of the room, or across the sofa. 

The Sofa: For optimal Netflix sessions, choose an extra-deep sofa with a moderately high back. You'll never want to get up. 

The Extras: Finish the space with a showstopping media stand, a couple of side tables, and plenty of mood lighting.