How to Arrange Furniture in the Living Room: Tips from Professionals

Almost every apartment has a living room: it's where the family gathers for watching movies, talking with friends, and having meals in a close-knit circle. Architect and designer Valeria Dan'kovskaya explains how to arrange furniture in a common room so that it matches the chosen style.

Valeria Dan'kovskaya, Architect, Designer
Valeria Dan'kovskaya creates public and residential interiors and leads her own studio Floors & Doors.

1. Living Room in Classical Style

Classical style is, above all, elegance, symmetry, and well-proportioned elements. Usually, in such an interior, the space is clearly divided into zones: for example, a dining area and a soft seating zone. Try to place the table with chairs near a window: it's pleasant to have lunch and dinner while admiring the view.

The fireplace is the central element of a classical living room. Place soft furniture around it: two sofas, or a sofa and two armchairs with a footstool and a rug. All of them should be symmetrically arranged relative to the fireplace: don't forget to place an elegant tea table in the center. On both sides of the fireplace, there's room for matching dressers with lamps, sideboards, bookshelves with books, paintings, or porcelain.

Designer's Tip: Classic style loves symmetry, so don't scatter items chaotically. Both zones should be well-lit, so don't skimp on lighting fixtures.

Layout of a living room in classical style

2. Room in Minimalist Style

Minimalism is characterized by functionality, simplicity, and doesn't impose strict design limitations. It's important to place large furniture elements correctly so that the room doesn’t look cluttered. There’s little furniture in this layout, but it is comfortable and functional. This can be a large corner sofa for guests, a coffee table. Opposite it, a TV stand or electric fireplace would fit well. The fireplace here serves only as a decorative element and not functional.

Minimalism is known for open layouts: it’s better not to zone or divide the room into a dining and living area with partitions – this visually reduces the space. A small dining group can be set up in a free corner.

Designer's Tip: Use multi-functional furniture pieces – for example, a sofa that can easily be converted into an extra sleeping place. Don’t overdo open storage systems – it's better to hide all items behind solid facades.

Layout of a living room in minimalist style

3. Living Room in Scandinavian Style

The Scandinavian style is similar to minimalism, but its main difference is an abundance of natural materials and cozy decor. Scandinavians, who treat nature with special care and reverence, are indifferent to excesses: such interiors don’t feature pompous expensive wardrobes or sofas – yet all furniture is comfortable and of high quality.

The living room should be spacious: just place a sofa, an armchair, a soft footstool, and a dining set. A large and comfortable sofa is the center of the composition. Open shelves are welcomed, and live plants are a must. Regarding the dining group, place a table with a white countertop and minimalist legs in the center, and light plastic chairs.

Designer's Tip: Use decor on open shelves moderately – don’t clutter the space. Plan several lighting scenarios in the room: from wall sconces and floor lamps to fairy lights.

Layout of a living room in Scandinavian style

4. Room in Loft Style

The layout in loft style is free-form, with strict vertical and horizontal lines. Soft furniture plays the main role in the interior, so the sofa is the center of the composition, and additional seating for family or friends is provided. Don’t forget a wooden, metal, or plastic coffee table, or replace it with an old chest or ceramic stool.

In a living room in loft style, there's no place for closed wardrobes or built-in hidden storage systems. The dining set in a living room usually includes few seating places or is entirely absent.

Designer's Tip: The room should hint at creative chaos. Decorate the space with cushions, posters, paintings, vintage appliances, and retro interior items.

Layout of a living room in loft style