How to Arrange Living Room Furniture for Style and Functionality

24/03/2025

Have you ever found yourself moving the couch just a few inches to the left, and somehow, the whole room feels better? You’re not alone. Rearranging furniture can boost your mood and give you a fresh perspective (1). It’s more than a design tweak—it’s a reset for your space and mindset. 

In this guide, we’ll show you easy tips for arranging your living room furniture. 

What You'll Learn 

  • How to plan layouts that fit your space and style 

  • How to create balance and easy ways to move around 

  • How to unlock shopping power with Acima Leasing’s lease-to-own option 

Try Layouts That Fit Your Space 

How you set up your furniture can change how your living room looks and feels. Some layouts work better depending on how big or small your space is. Here are a few ideas to help make your space feel cozier and more useful. (2)(3) 

  • Traditional Layout: Symmetry defines this layout 

  • Open Concept: Low furniture helps divide a space 

  • Small Room: L-shaped seating can fit long and narrow spaces well (4) 

  • Large Room: Position your comfiest seating to support the room’s main purpose  

Want more ideas? Our blog covers:  

Find the Main Focus for Your Room 

Every great furniture arrangement starts with a focal point that anchors the room: (5) 

Quick Tips: 

  • Fireplace: Creates a warm, inviting gathering space 

  • TV: It can work well when it’s integrated into a media wall or paired with a fireplace 

  • Statement Pieces: Standout pieces help the eye move through the room and add style 

Keep Walkways Clear and Comfy 

Your living room should be easy to walk through and feel open, not crowded. (6)(7) 

Quick Tips: 

  • Leave space between your furniture so it doesn’t feel cramped 

  • Angle your chairs or sofa to make moving around smoother 

  • Pull furniture away from the walls in big rooms to help the room feel cozier 

Set Up Seats That Spark Conversation 

Talking with family or friends is easier when your furniture is set up in a way that helps your conversation. (8) 

Quick Tips: 

  • Small Groups: Place chairs and a couch so they face each other to make chatting easy and natural. 

  • Large Groups: Set up seats in a half-circle or soft curve so everyone feels included. 

  • Multiple Spaces: Use rugs or tables to split the room into cozy hangout spots. 

Create Balance with the Right Furniture 

Making your living room feel just right is all about balance. (6)(7) 

Quick Tips: 

  • Use big furniture first to shape the room 

  • Add smaller pieces to balance the look 

  • Pick a layout that matches your style 

Pick the Right Coffee Table for Your Space 

A good coffee table brings your seating area together. When choosing one, think about proportion, shape, and how it will be used. (9) 

  • Proportion Matters: Choose a coffee table that’s around two-thirds the length of your sofa. 

  • Shape Options: Round tables are great for tight spaces or curved seating, while rectangles work well with standard sofas. 

  • Dual Purpose: Consider tables with storage or use an ottoman with a tray for extra function. 

Use Rugs to Pull Your Room Together 

Rugs help bring your seating area together and make the room feel cozier. (10) (11) 

  • Choose a Rug Size That Fits: It often works well to have rugs tucked under the front legs of sofas and chairs in small spaces. You could use a rug that fits under all furniture legs in larger rooms. 

  • Find a Spot That Works: Centering the rug in the seating area can help connect the furniture and make the room feel grounded. 

  • Match the Shape to Your Space: You may want to choose a rug that fits your room’s shape, like a round rug for circular layouts or a rectangle for long spaces. 

Set Up Your TV and Fireplace for Comfort 

Here are some simple ways to place your TV and fireplace so your room looks and feels good: (6) 

  • TV Placement: Try putting the TV near the wall across from your couch in long or L-shaped rooms. 

  • Fireplace Focus: If your fireplace stands out, you can set up furniture around it to make it the star of the room. 

  • TV and Fireplace: When your room includes both, try arranging your seating to face each focal point comfortably.  

Light Your Space for Comfort and Style 

Layered lighting brings your furniture layout to life: (12) 

  • Ambient Lighting: Use overhead or large lamps for soft, even light.  

  • Task Lighting: Place a lamp where you read, work, or do crafts. 

  • Accent Lighting: Add a spotlight or small lamp to highlight shelves or art.  

Decorate and Arrange with Acima Leasing 

Designing your ideal living room starts with choosing furniture that fits your space and style. Here's how Acima Leasing can help you bring home the pieces you love, with more options. 

Here’s a quick look at what Acima Leasing offers: 

  • The No Credit Option*: Acima Leasing’s lease-to-own option is accessible, without using credit*. 

  • Easy Application: Simple application process to get started. 

  • Favorite Retailers: Find what you're looking for retail partners in-store and online. 

Ready to explore living room layout ideas and shop for your dream space? Apply with Acima Leasing today and start arranging furniture to fit your space and style!  

 

The content of this article is provided solely for general interest and should not be relied upon or construed as any form of advice, whether legal, financial, or otherwise. Receipt or use of this information does not create any sort of relationship between us.

 

Sources: 

  1. Psychology Today. (2014). Rearranging the furniture makes me feel better. 

  1. The Spruce. Traditional living room ideas. 

  1. Better Homes & Gardens (BHG). Living room furniture arrangement. 

  1. Homes & Gardens. Small living room layout rules. 

  1. Houzz. How to identify and work with focal points. 

  1. The Spruce. Rules for arranging furniture. 

  1. Better Homes & Gardens (BHG). How to arrange furniture. 

  1. Homes & Gardens. Conversation seating layout. 

  1. Southern Living. Coffee table size and shape guide. 

  1. Apartment Therapy. How to buy the right rug for your space. 

  1. The Spruce. Living room area rugs guide. 

  1. Homes & Gardens. How to plan living room lighting.