The best way to decorate a long narrow living room is not easy but some tips will help to do it. Even if the width of the room may be restricted, it is possible to make it functional and not create an impression of the long tunnel. With some tips from interior designers, this guide explores what to think about before getting started with the decoration, and how to position the furniture and accessories to make the most of the space. Here are some of the best tips for the makeover of a small and especially a narrow living room.
What to Know for a Long, Narrow Living Room
Purpose of the Space
Before implementing any design, one should consider the main purpose of the living room when designing it. Is it going to be a living and dining room or maybe a home office space in conjunction with the living and dining room? What you need to know about the room determines the right design to be implemented in the room.
Room Proportions: Long and Narrow When designing a long, narrow living room, it’s important that you consider the room proportions. These two measurements will determine how many zones can be developed or if a more fluid design is required. Whether people are choosing a large sectional or a mix of accent chairs and a loveseat, the proportions will dictate the right choices for the area.
Determine the Traffic Flow
After the floor space has been evaluated, one has to think about the traffic within the room. Look at the patterns that people follow, and work out where they tend to walk. Is the arrangement of furniture facilitating mobility or does it hinder it in some way? Pay attention to certain areas that would attract most people, for instance, a fireplace or a conversation zone.
Consider the current furniture arrangement to identify blind zones where people get in the way of each other or queues form. Therefore, the traffic circulation can be planned in such a way that the furniture does not hinder the movement and the planning is logical.
Tips for Arranging Furniture in a Long, Narrow Living Room
Selecting the Right Furniture
Using appropriate furniture is a very important factor for a comfortable and efficient living room. In a long, narrow space, there are several factors that need to be taken into account and they are scale, functionality, and style. Due to the possible space restrictions, it is always good to go for furniture with dual functionality, such as selecting a sofa that has storage space within it or a thin table that serves as a console table that also functions as a desk.
Things such as a round coffee table, end table, or a console table to put drinks or lamps on.
Accompany the multifunctional furniture: a sofa bed a square of an ottoman, table that can become a workplace.
The type of furniture that you decide to use will determine the ways in which the space will be utilized and appreciated. If you select the necessary furniture that will fit not only the room’s dimensions but also your requirements, the living room can be both comfortable and useful.
Furniture Choices: Larger Pieces vs. Smaller Options
Again, armchairs or loveseats are appropriate for a long room, but so are sectionals for a large, L-shaped living room. L-shaped sofas and sectionals are more seating area than traffic barriers, which are perfect for slim spaces.
This is because apart from changing the orientation of the sofas, one can alter the shape of the sofas further by adopting the curved style of sofas or sectionals to improve the design of spaces.
Creating Zones in the Living Room
There are many ways of organizing a large, slender living room, but perhaps the most efficient is to divide it into zones. In this way, defining a particular area, for example, a seating area, entertainment area, or a work area, the room is useful to perform each of the functions without appearing congested.
It is important to determine the variety of the space use – whether all the space is for combined usage as a living area and dining area or whether there are sections for such purposes as reading or television viewing. In terms of the layout, the furniture makes some divisions in the room and at the same time gives the space a function with efficiency established by using all the possible floor space.
Maximizing Vertical Space
However, due to the long and narrow layout of a long narrow living room, do not underestimate the prospects of vertical space, which may also be valuable.
Though ceilings are not very high you can always trick your eyes and make the room look bigger by using mirrors and artwork. Blinds and curtains can also be used on the drapes and floor-to-ceiling windows to make the room look and feel larger.
They suggest tall bookshelves or other furniture and decor that will make the eye travel up the walls. These elements give the room a depth of field making the space even more vivid and realistic to the eye.
Keep Some Space Open
A long room does not have to be furnished from ceiling to floor and wall to wall. If you place the furniture in the center of the room, you can have the sides empty, while making it balanced and not cramped. This is particularly effective in squares, where furniture is placed around the center – window or fireplace – and thus an emphasis is placed on the middle of the room with space on the sidelines.
Experiment with Furniture Placement
There is always a tendency to make several attempts before arriving at the most favorable design. First of all, try to change the furniture placement to find out how it can be arranged in the room.
One can position the furniture in the conventional style, for instance, positioning the back to a fireplace or television set. Another approach is to attempt to place in a certain angle, this can effectively reduce the length wall effect of the room. This way you can decide very quickly what feels right or wrong when trying out different layouts.
Lighting
The best lighting is important for the creation of the right ambiance and for focusing on the particular zones in the room. Having overhead lights together with table lamps placed here and there provides a glowing room feel. Select lighting that is suitable for the furniture kind and at the same time will create accents.
Conclusion
A long and narrow living room is a challenge to decorate since it might look like a tunnel or be too cramped. When planning a design, the first and most important thing to consider is the function and size of the room you’re working with. Use furniture that suits the space, such as sectional sofas or multifunctional pieces like storage ottomans, and create distinct zones to break up the long space. following these tips can transform a narrow living room into a well-balanced space that feels spacious and functional.
