If you are struggling to figure out how to properly space your living room while the fireplace is the center of attention, you are not alone. A fireplace is both a great asset and a design complication in a room with or without a chimney breast. But don’t worry – there are a lot of ways you can make the most out of this feature in a more subtle and chic manner.
Here, you’ll find many wonderful ideas and suggestions on how to create the right ambiance for your living space around your fireplace. Calling all design lovers – it’s time to light the fire and fuel your imagination as you learn how to create an endless number of beautiful living room designs that are as stylish as they are relaxing.
Arranging Furniture Around the Fireplace
To give prominence to the fireplace, place furniture in such a way that all the focus will be directed to it. A well-known and practical method is to arrange sofas and chairs in the U-shape positioning all of them to the fireplace area. As you see, this option is rather simple but still rather effective as it keeps the focus on the fireplace and at the same time looks quite harmonious.
Selecting Furniture Based on Fireplace Size
The size of the furniture should be given consideration especially if the room has a fireplace. A large fireplace is appropriate for large-size furniture and a small one is appropriate for small-size furniture. In addition, it is important to consider the heights of the furniture to avert the blocking of the view of the fireplace. This makes for a harmonious and balanced design of the layout.
Using a Fireplace to Separate Zones in a Room
Sometimes, the fireplace might be used to section a room into two, apart from just being something to look at. Emily Flaxman, owner and principal designer of Flax Interiors, showcases this concept with a design where the fireplace isn’t centered but instead divides the room into two distinct areas: another for resting and the other for playing.
According to Flaxman, if a centering fireplace does not work with the layout of the room, do not worry about it, one should think out of the box. Instead of making the fireplace the focal point, think about how people will move through the space and what they’ll be doing there.
That way, the location of the fireplace would be evident, and the best position of the fireplace would be optimal for the room and its usage.
Creating a Functional Flow in Your Living Room
When arranging furniture for a living room, it is possible to have too much furniture that you congest the living room and yet leave little space to move around. Take a special focus on doors windows, and other accesses; do not place furniture in front of them, so that the main idea of the room is free from obstacles and one can easily move in the room without any obstruction the room should be comfortable for living or receiving visitors.
Placing the TV for Optimal Viewing
When placing a TV in a living room, the next decision is on its placement of your furniture, that is seating arrangement. In an ideal world, the position of the TV should be next to the focal point of the room, and hence visible from the sitting area. Also, avoid fixing the TV too high on the wall since this can be tiring when watching, as it is like sitting in the front row of a cinema hall. By doing so it is placed at eye level which makes it more fun and less tiring to watch.
Layering Lighting to Enhance the Fireplace
For a great ambiance in your living room, the use of lighting around the fireplace area should be done in layers to achieve a good look and feel. First, there should be an overhead light for general lighting and then have task lighting for the sitting area, for added luminance. Accent lighting is effective in calling attention to the design of the fireplace and its construction features.
With dimmers installed, you can easily control the light in the room at any one time, get the right atmosphere for any occasion, and ensure that the room is warm and welcoming.
A Daybed nook – how to create a cozy place in your home
As an option that is more comfortable and looks more like a furniture piece, a daybed in front of the fireplace is a great idea instead of a bench. Such an arrangement provides the perfect corner in the living room for either napping or reading. Thanks to the fire and the daybed, you’ll have a cozy area to relax regardless of the time of the day.
Furnishing for Meaningful and Comfortable Conversation
When it comes to the layout of the living room, the key should be to have conversation areas. Position the main seating area around your focal point such as a fireplace or television where the sofa should be placed to face. For comfort, place chairs or extra seats perpendicular or opposite each other rather than side by side. Limit distances between furniture to 8 feet and make certain that all guests can reach a coffee table or side table for beverages. This layout also makes it possible to have easy interaction and thus facilitates making the area more welcoming.
Consider Seasonal Decor
The ideas of the living room’s seasonal decoration are great for making the atmosphere more cheerful during different seasons. Around the hearth, use holiday greens such as garlands or wreaths during the holiday seasons, and during the fall use materials like wool and pumpkins. For spring and summer, one should use less intensive colors and such accessories as green plants or wicker baskets. Seasonal changes are made to keep the area interesting while at the same time, the fireplace remains the center of attraction.
Maintain a Clear View of the Fireplace
Do not place furniture or decorations around the fireplace that are too tall or close together, so that the fireplace is easily seen. Organize chairs in a comfortable distance and avoid high-back chairs like sofas or any high table. This makes sure that the fireplace remains the center of attention and at the same time, the house has a good flow.
