The Cribsi Guide to Choosing and Arranging Living Room Furniture

Key Takeaways for Arranging Living Room Furniture

• Start with your main piece, like a sofa, and build your layout around it to create a natural focal point and balanced flow.
• Use the two-thirds rule to avoid overcrowding or leaving too much empty space, helping your living room feel visually balanced and easy to move through.
• Place tables and shelving within reach of seating to keep your layout functional and make everyday use more comfortable for you and your guests.
• Layer lighting, mirrors, and wall accents to complete your living room furniture design and make the space feel warm, open, and inviting.

If your living room is looking a little dreary, a simple rearrangement may be in order. Skip the full remodel and revamp your space by restyling your living room furniture for a new-to-you appearance. Add some personalized and thoughtful accessories or accents and, voila! You’ll be ready to lounge in style. Arranging living room furniture is a great way to make your area feel new again. Add some small touches to your decor and revitalize your space to create something amazing!

Imagine Your Dream Room

Every design starts with a vision. Perhaps you already love your furniture but it’s due for a new look, or maybe it’s time to totally trade it in for a new color scheme or design. Living room furniture draws the eye into your space and invites guests to socialize and relax in comfort and style. 

• When you choose your furniture, consider the size of your room, shape and other pieces you want to highlight. 
• Arranging living room furniture is often a process of trial and adjustment. Try a layout and see how it feels. Don’t like it? Move it around!
• Are you a book lover? A gamer? Love entertaining? Make sure you keep a designated area to welcome your most-loved hobbies and interests. 

Our team is always on the lookout for amazing finds you can’t get at your local box store or furniture warehouse. Use this guide by our style team to help you take the plunge into something different, and soon you’ll be designing and arranging your living room furniture like a pro! 

Pick and Choose

A big part of rearranging your space is choosing what to keep and what to part with. If your living room furniture design is dated, perhaps it’s time to trade in that old couch for a modern sofa that works better in the space. You don’t have to get rid of everything — rather we recommend choosing a few sets or items at a time to trade in and update. Here’s how you can approach this task step-by-step:

• Get rid of anything with stains or visible wear, and replace items that feel uncomfortable or no longer fit your space. 
• Assess the size and proportion of your living room furniture so your layout feels balanced and practical.
• Choose a color scheme you love ahead of time and remove pieces that do not align with it. 

Your color choices reflect your personality and set the tone of the room. For a sense of fun, choose colors that pop and draw attention. For a calm feeling in your living room, go neutral and choose some standout furniture that draws the eye to an area you want to highlight. Most of all, if you don’t love it, leave it and buy something you love!

Follow the Two-Thirds Rule

Imagine dividing your living room into thirds. Your main pieces of furniture (usually a sofa or sectional) shouldn’t take up more or less than two-thirds of the room’s space. This helps your layout feel balanced without looking cramped or empty. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• If you have an open-concept living room, arranging furniture might be a more difficult task or require some ways to divide the space evenly. 
• Adding contemporary living room decor is a great way to fill the space if needed. 
• Living room furniture and room design should always feel balanced and easy to navigate.

By following the two-thirds rule, you’ll guarantee your space will look like it’s on an even keel.

Tables and Shelving

An easy way to update is to refresh your space is by updating tables and shelving. Well-placed surfaces make your living room easier to use while helping everything feel more organized. You can completely unify a room by coordinating the color and material of living room furniture. Arranging contemporary living room tables and shelves carefully can optimize storage and keep the area looking organized and clean.

• For a sleek and modern look, try a glass top coffee table as a centerpiece and enjoy the open lines. 
• Complement your table with a wall shelf for a seamless appearance.
• For a playful look, try a contemporary piece to keep your living room furniture design simple yet fun!

Place your tables and shelving conveniently near the seating area so that guests can place their keys, beverages and other items nearby without a far reach.

Lights, Reflections and More!

Arranging living room furniture requires some experimentation with the layout — but don’t forget the lights and small accents that stand out! How you arrange lighting, art and mirrors in your living room has a big impact on the ultimate appearance and feel of the space. 

• Try adding lighting at different levels to make an ambience in the room that feels cozy and warm. 
• Use a mirror to help create an expanded appearance in smaller living room spaces. 
• Add wall art to highlight your personality and capture special moments you don’t want to forget.

Don’t forget – arranging living room furniture is just the first step toward creating a comfortable space. It’s the small details that add a relaxed apparel in your living room design. 

Make Your Living Room Layout Work for You

Arranging living room furniture is not about getting it perfect the first time. It is about creating a space that feels comfortable, functional, and easy to enjoy every day.

With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can create a living room that supports how you relax, gather, and spend time at home.

Shop Furniture and Customer Favorites at Cribsi Online

We have an amazing selection of furniture and decor to suit every room in your home. Check out our customer favorites and discover how simply arranging your living room furniture can completely revitalize the look and feel of your space. Shop Cribsi online, with free shipping in the United States.