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Interior designers' advice

Interior layout: how to arrange your living room?

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The living room is truly the heart of the house, since we spend many moments there, with family or friends. It is for this reason that it deserves special attention to make it both beautiful and functional. Whether you're looking for inspiration for a complete living room renovation, or simply looking for a few tips to freshen up your space, we've got you covered with practical ideas and tips to inspire you and create a living space that combines style and comfort. Discover our expert advice for a welcoming and cozy living room, whether you have a large space or a smaller one.

The essential furniture for setting up a living room

When designing a living room, each piece of furniture plays a key role, both in terms of style and functionality. The sofa, often considered the centerpiece of the living room, comes in a multitude of styles, colors, materials and sizes: from the large comfortable sectional sofa to the elegant two-seater sofa, there is something for all tastes and for all desires. Start by selecting a sofa perfectly suited to the size of the room you have, then, a pretty coffee table, both aesthetic and practical. The TV benches brings a touch of modernity to your living room: there are a large number of models, from contemporary wall-mounted ones to more traditional wooden ones. Take into account the use you will make of it and the needs you have: hidden storage of multimedia devices, custom dimensions, integrated shelves, etc. Storage solutions are essential since they allow you to keep your living room tidy. Open shelves that combine practicality and modernity, closed cabinets with a refined style, large bookshelve to organize everything: the possibilities are endless. Whether you have a small or large living room, armchairs and poufs will allow you to create the atmosphere that suits you while giving you additional seating to accommodate your guests whenever you want. Colors, styles, materials, finishes... from the classic leather club armchair to colorful poufs with playful clean shapes, the only limit is your imagination. By integrating these elements, it is possible to create a practical cocoon that reflects your style.

Arrange a long living room

While designing a long living room presents challenges, it also presents real creative opportunities. Indeed, to design a space that is both elegant and functional, it is necessary to break the feeling of a corridor and create an open and welcoming space. To begin with, it is essential to position the sofa perpendicular to the long walls as this helps divide the room into distinct zones. If space allows, an L-shaped sofa can also be a great option to demarcate the space, without cluttering the room. The use of rugs is also a tip that helps define the different areas of the living room. A large rug placed under the living room furniture creates an island dedicated to comfort, while visually balancing the room. For the coffee table, choose oval or rectangular shapes whose lines blend more into the room. This facilitates circulation and maintains fluidity in the space. Tables that have built-in storage can also be useful for keeping your living room tidy. Opt for low, elongated furniture rather than tall, bulky units to maintain the feeling of openness within your interior. Wall shelves are a great option for displaying your decorative items without taking up available floor space. Lighting also plays a major role in long living rooms. Use a combination of light sources via wall lights, pendant lights, table lamps, etc. to enhance the dimensions of your living room. Keep in mind that you must avoid shadowy areas which overwhelm the room and give the illusion of narrowness. To play even more on the impression of grandeur, place a large mirror facing a window or bay window to give the illusion that the room has a second window. Designer mirrors hanging on the walls, colorful cushions and pretty plants add life and color to your long living room. These little finishing touches will bring personality and charm to the space, making it welcoming and warm.

Layout of an L-shaped living room

Laying out an L-shaped living room provides an interesting backdrop for creating a space that is both dynamic and functional. This particular configuration makes it possible to define the different zones easily. In an L-shaped living room, the strategic placement of the sofa is essential since it can help to visually demarcate the different spaces of the room: relaxation area, TV or reading area, or even office. The coffee table also plays a key role in an L-shaped living room. A round or oval shaped coffee table can also soften the corners and facilitate circulation within your living room. If dimensions allow, place a coffee table in both spaces of the L for greater functionality and comfort. Use floor lamps or pendants above key areas to define spaces and bring warmth to your interior. In terms of decoration, it is preferable to unify the different elements of the two sections of your living room, however you can definitely play the singularity card by mixing different patterns with varied colors and textures.

Know how to furnish a large living room

Furnishing a large living room is a perfect opportunity to let your creativity express itself. If you have a large room, multiple possibilities are available to you in terms of interior design because you will be able to play with the spaces at your disposal. Play with proportions, textures, lights, and transform the big into grandiose! In a large living room, the sofa is THE centerpiece that should not be neglected. Opting for a large modular sofa or several sofas allows you to furnish the space while providing the number of seats required to accommodate your guests. Positioning the sofas to create one or more islands promotes interactions, visual balance in the room and, ultimately, conviviality. Large coffee tables or several small tables grouped together can become an attractive and practical focal point in the living room. They offer space for decorative objects and everyday practicality. Combine lighting fixtures: pendant lights, table lamps, floor lamps, etc. You will be able to create lighting zones which define the different living spaces while providing warmth and harmony. When it comes to storage, your living room offers multiple possibilities, elegant and spacious solutions such as designer bookshelves or even sideboards. These elements can serve as a storage area and display for art objects or even books and family souvenirs. Wall decoration and accessories play a crucial role in dressing a large living room. Mirrors placed on the floor or shelves attached to the walls will bring an additional illusion of grandeur and character to your room.

gautier furniture arrange your living room
gautier furniture arrange your living room
gautier furniture arrange your living room

How to arrange a small living room?

Arranging a small living room requires finesse and a good understanding of how to use space to create an environment that is both welcoming and functional. In a small space, each of your choices must be considered: it is important to maximize the use of space without neglecting aesthetics and style. In a small living room, choose a small sofa or a modular sofa that adapts to your needs without cluttering the room on a daily basis. Opting for furniture with clean lines and light colors is a good option for creating a more open feeling of space. The coffee table, also a central element, must be proportional to the available space. Round or oval coffee tables, which reduce visual clutter, or tables with built-in storage shelves have many advantages. In very tight spaces, select nesting tables or side tables that can be moved or easily stored. In terms of lighting, opt for several small light sources rather than a large floor lamp: table lamps, wall lights and other spotlights can help you distribute the light more evenly and thus create a feeling of space. For storage, choose vertical solutions such as wall shelves or wall units to save floor space while providing enough space for objects that you will need to keep within reach on a daily basis. An orderly living room and an unobstructed view allow you to appreciate every square meter you have. A large mirror or a series of small mirrors placed in front of a window or under a light source will allow you to cheat, giving the illusion of a larger space.

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