Zoning the Living Room: 4 Simple Rules

Designer Ruslan Kirnichansky in his blog "Diary of an Architect" shared how to make even a very small living room comfortable and functional.

Ruslan Kirnichansky is an expert in architecture and interior design.

Zone Division

Zone separation can add new functions to a room. However, it's important not to forget the main purpose of a living room and to highlight the primary zone – the place for family and guests.

Zone Integration

Not all functions can be combined in one room. For example, placing a bedroom in the living room is justified only in a studio apartment. With a separate bedroom, it's better to create a dining area, home office, or storage space in the living room.

Dining Area

If there's no space for a dining table on the kitchen, you can place it in the living room.

Home Office

To set up a workspace, you don't need much space. If you buy a special desk, you can create a hidden office that looks like a cabinet when assembled.

Storage Areas

The most important thing is that the cabinet should not dominate the interior. If you choose a door color to match the wall color, even the most spacious cabinet will become "invisible."

Excellent solution is to use mirrored doors: mirrors visually expand the space and fill the room with light.

Multi-functional Furniture

A living room becomes more functional if you use transformable furniture. A sofa-bed allows you to keep late guests overnight, and a dining table can be used as a workspace.

Proper Lighting

Create several lighting scenarios – this helps emphasize zoning and makes the room cozier. Provide a light source in each zone: for example, a floor lamp or table lamp near the sofa will fill the living room with soft light that invites relaxation.

Also read:

• How to Visually Expand a Small Living Room: 18 Secrets
  
• Kitchen-Living Room in a Small Apartment: Over 30 Ideas from Designers
  
• Small Apartment with Proper Zoning