Layout Phase|Step 4 of 23
Evaluate Furniture Placement
Rearranging furniture is free and transformative. Most rooms suffer from "pushed against the walls" syndrome.
Time Required
30-60 minutes
Cost
$0
Difficulty
Easy
Layout Principles
Define a Focal Point
Every room needs one: fireplace, TV, large window, or art piece. Arrange seating to face it.
Create Conversation Areas
Seating should face each other for easy conversation. 8-10 feet between sofas is ideal.
Allow Traffic Flow
3 feet minimum for walkways. Don't make people walk through the conversation area.
Pull Furniture Away from Walls
Even 6 inches makes rooms feel larger. Floating furniture looks intentional.
Common Spacing Rules
- Coffee table to sofa: 14-18 inches (easy reach)
- Side table height: Same height as sofa arm or 2 inches below
- Between facing sofas: 42-96 inches (conversation distance)
- TV distance: 1.5-2x the screen size diagonally
- Dining table clearance: 36 inches from wall to pull out chairs
- Rug under sofa: Front legs on rug minimum, all legs ideal
Questions to Evaluate
- Can you walk through without dodging furniture?
- Is there a clear path from the entry?
- Can everyone see the TV comfortably?
- Can people sitting talk to each other easily?
- Is there a place to set drinks within reach of every seat?
- Does it feel balanced (not all heavy pieces on one side)?
Pro Tips
- •Use painter's tape: Mark furniture footprints on the floor before moving heavy pieces.
- •Sketch options: Simple floor plan on graph paper helps visualize.
- •Live with changes: Try a layout for a week before deciding it doesn't work.
- •Consider the entry view: What do you see when you walk in? Make it intentional.