While small living rooms have their own challenges due to their limited space, bigger living areas present their own set of issues too. Bigger than average rooms can be wonderful for entertaining, but not as cozy or even functional for day-to-day living.
Even if your room is not huge, it can be difficult to furnish if it is awkwardly shaped or connected to another space in some way. Keep these tips in mind when designing for a challenging space.
Zones are your Friend
Large rooms can function as so much more than just a large sitting area, but you might have to get creative with how to best utilize the size or shape of the room you have. Identify several possible functional areas within the room, such as a conversation zone, a media zone, an area for a writing desk, a console or a game table, a dining area or perhaps a reading area.
Find an Anchor
Great rooms or large living areas can end up feeling cluttered if you put too many small pieces in the room without a couple of anchoring pieces. A sectional, large sofa, large coffee table, and even built-in bookcases or a piano will help anchor a room so smaller pieces can be tucked in here and there as accents if necessary.
Remember Scale
Tall ceilings are a gift! Opt for taller furniture whenever possible. If your furniture has a low profile, your ceilings may feel too tall and your furniture will seem dwarfed. Consider a taller bookcase, an armoire, taller backs on chairs and sofas, and taller accessories.
Think in Pairs
If you can’t find a coffee table big enough for your space, bulk up a larger conversation area with two matching square or rectangle ottomans side by side. You can also use two area rugs for two separate conversation areas rather than one large one. You can also opt for two sofas instead of a loveseat/ sofa combo. And thinking in pairs could also mean using two seating areas separately: one for conversation and one for the TV.
Embrace your large space! Once you get the design squared away, it will feel much more like a blessing than a curse.
