Living rooms can be tricky to decorate. They need to be both functional and stylish, while also fitting in with the rest of your home. If you have an awkward living room, don’t worry – we have some tips and tricks for you! In this blog post, we will discuss how to make the most of your space, no matter how awkward it may be. So read on for some inspiration!
How to Decorate an Awkward Living Room?
Consider Function First
The way you use your living room will heavily influence the type of decor you choose. If you have young kids, you’ll want to make sure any furniture is sturdy and can withstand a little wear and tear. You’ll also want to consider how easy it is to clean – think about sofa fabrics that can be easily wiped down or vacuumed, and avoid light colors that may show stains more easily.
Start with the Basics
Before you start shopping for new furniture and decor, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate your existing pieces. If you have any furniture that you absolutely love – whether it’s an heirloom piece or simply something you’re attached to – make sure it has a place in the room. You can then build the rest of your design around it. If there are any pieces that you don’t love, consider selling them or donating them to make way for new items. Once you’ve sorted through your furniture, take a look at your walls, floors, and windows. Are there any areas that could use a little TLC? Painting the walls or refinishing the floors can make a big difference in the overall look of your living room. [1]
Create a Focal Point
Every room needs a focal point – an area that instantly draws the eye when you walk in. In many cases, the focal point will be a piece of furniture, like a sofa or entertainment center. But it could also be an architectural feature, like a fireplace or set of French doors. Once you’ve identified your focal point, you can start to arrange your furniture and decor around it.
Include Plenty of Seating
One of the most important things to consider when decorating any living space is seating. After all, what’s the point of having a beautiful living room if there’s nowhere comfortable to sit? When choosing furniture for your living room, look for pieces that are both stylish and functional. A sofa with built-in storage is perfect for hiding blankets and pillows, while a coffee table with a shelf or drawer can be used to store magazines and remote controls. And if you’re short on space, consider investing in a futon or daybed that can double as a guest bed.
Think About the Lighting
The right lighting can make all the difference in your living room. If you don’t have a lot of natural light, consider adding some floor lamps or table lamps to brighten up the space. And if you want to create a cozy atmosphere, try using dimmer switches to adjust the light level in the room. You can also use window treatments to control the amount of light that comes into the room – heavy curtains can block out sunlight, while lighter shades will allow more light to filter in.
Designated Zones
If your living room is on the smaller side, you might want to consider creating designated zones. For example, you can have a seating area with a couch and chairs, a TV area with an entertainment center, and a reading nook with a comfortable armchair. This will help to prevent the room from feeling cluttered and cramped. And if you have an open floor plan, furniture placement can be used to create distinct areas in your living room. [2]
Keep the Doorways & Walkways Clear
Make sure you leave enough space for people to move around comfortably, without having to squeeze past furniture or dodge obstacles. And if you have a doorway that leads into another room, consider using a screen or curtain to divide the two spaces. This will give you the flexibility to open up the space when you’re entertaining guests, and close it off when you want some privacy.
Use Multi-Purpose Furniture
If you’re short on space, multi-purpose furniture is a great way to make the most of your square footage. For example, an ottoman with built -in storage can be used as a coffee table or footrest. And a futon or daybed can serve as both a sofa and a guest bed. When shopping for furniture, look for pieces that can be used in multiple ways. This will help you save money and maximize your living space.
Use an Online Room Planner Tool
If you’re not sure how to arrange your furniture, an online room planner tool can be a great help. With these tools, you can input your room dimensions and then experiment with different furniture arrangements. This is a great way to see what works best for your space and get some ideas for how to arrange your furniture.
Limit Furniture Size
When choosing furniture for your living room, it’s important to consider the size of the space. If you have a small living room, opt for smaller pieces of furniture that won’t overwhelm the space. And if you have a large living room, don’t be afraid to go big – scale is important in design, and larger furniture can make a small space feel more open and airy.
Brighten and Widen with Mirrors
Another great way to make a small living room feel bigger is to use mirrors. Mirrors reflect light, which will help to brighten up the space. And if you place a mirror across from a window, it will create the illusion of a wider room. So don’t be afraid to hang some mirrors in your living room – they can really make a difference in the overall look and feel of the space.
Hang Your Curtains High
When hanging curtains, it’s important to consider the height of your ceilings. If you have high ceilings, hang your curtains closer to the ceiling to make the space feel taller. And if you have low ceilings, hang your curtains closer to the windowsill to create the illusion of a larger window. Either way, make sure your curtains are long enough to reach the floor – this will help your living room look and feel more spacious.
Choose Furniture with Exposed Legs
Another trick for making a small living room look bigger is to choose furniture with exposed legs. This will give the illusion of more space, as opposed to heavy pieces that sit on the ground. And if you’re worried about comfort, don’t be – many sofas and chairs have cushions that can be removed, so you can still enjoy a cozy seat.
Lengthen the Walls with Paint
If you want to make your living room look longer, consider painting the walls a light color. This will create the illusion of more space and make the room feel larger. You can also use stripes to lengthen the walls – simply paint alternating stripes of light and dark colors. This will give the room a sense of depth and make it appear longer than it actually is. [3]
Use Area Rugs
Area rugs are a great way to add color and pattern to your living room without overwhelming the space. When choosing an area rug, make sure it’s large enough to fit under all of your furniture. And if you have a small living room, choose a rug with a simple design that won’t overwhelm the space.
Float the Furniture
If you have a small living room, one of the best ways to maximize space is to “float” the furniture. This means arranging the furniture away from the walls, so it’s not blocking off any walkways. This will create an open feel and make the room appear larger. If you’re not sure how to float your furniture, an online room planner tool can be a great help.
Play Around With Shapes
When it comes to furniture, don’t be afraid to mix and match different shapes and sizes. This will add interest to your living room and make the space feel more dynamic. So don’t be afraid to mix things up – a square coffee table might look great next to a round sofa, for example.
Add Storage
If you’re struggling with limited storage space, consider adding some storage furniture to your living room. A storage ottoman can double as a coffee table and provide extra storage for blankets and pillows. And if you have a lot of books, consider adding a bookcase or shelving unit to store them. This will free up space in your living room and make it feel more open and airy.
Utilize Vertical Space
If you’re short on space, make sure to utilize your vertical space. This means hanging things like curtains and artwork higher up on the walls. You can also add shelves or cabinets above eye level to store things like books and games. By utilizing your vertical space, you’ll be able to free up floor space and make your living room feel more spacious.
Exploit Every Nook and Cranny
If you have a small living room, it’s important to make use of every nook and cranny. This means utilizing space that might otherwise be wasted, like under the stairs or in the corner of the room. You can add shelves or cabinets to these areas to store things like books and games. Or you can use them as a place to display photos or artwork.
Room Dividers
If you have a large living room, you can use room dividers to create separate spaces. This is a great way to add privacy and define different areas in your living room. Room dividers can also be used to add storage or display space. And if you have a small living room, they can be used to create the illusion of more space.
How To Decorate An Awkward Living Room With Odd Ceilings
Slanted Ceilings
If you have a living room with slanted ceilings, the first thing you need to do is embrace the awkwardness and make it work for you.
Here are some tips on how to decorate an awkward living room with slanted ceilings:
- Hang curtains high and wide: This will make the ceilings seem taller and the room feel more spacious.
- Arrange furniture around the perimeter: This will create an illusion of more space in the center of the room.
- Use light colors: Light colors will help reflect light and make the room feel brighter and airier.
- Add plants: Plants can help fill empty spaces and add a touch of life to any room.
Tall Ceilings
If you’re lucky enough to have high ceilings in your living room, take advantage of the extra space and make a statement by hanging curtains near the ceiling. This will make the room feel more grand and open. You can also use tall plants or sculptures to fill up empty corners and add some vertical interest.
Another way to decorate awkward living spaces is by using furniture with clean lines. When choosing pieces, look for those with straight legs and simple silhouettes. These types of furnishings won’t overpower the room or make it feel cluttered. Instead, they’ll provide a nice contrast to any intricate details in the space like crown molding or carved fireplace mantels. Last but not least, don’t forget the power of accessories. A few well-placed throw pillows or a colorful piece of art can go a long way in making an awkward living room feel more inviting.
What Do You Do With Dead Corner Space?
One way to deal with dead corners is to make them into a reading nook. All you need is a comfy chair and some shelves for books. If you don’t have room for shelves, you can use a small bookcase or even stack some crates. Add a lamp and voila! You’ve got yourself a cozy little spot to curl up with a good book.
Another way to utilize dead space is by turning it into a bar area. This is perfect if you entertain often or just like to have somewhere to fix yourself a drink at the end of the day. You can either buy a small bar cart or repurpose an existing piece of furniture like an end table or cabinet. Again, just add some shelves and voila! You’ve got yourself a bar area. [4]
How Do You Furnish A Walk Through the Living Room?
If your living room is long and narrow, you may be wondering how to furnish it so that it is both stylish and functional. Here are some tips and tricks for decorating a walk-through living room:
- Create a focal point: A focal point will help to anchor the space and make it feel cohesive. You can create a focal point by hanging a piece of art or using a large piece of furniture as an anchor.
- Use area rugs: Area rugs can help to define the different spaces in your living room. They can also add color and pattern to the space.
- Arrange furniture around the perimeter: Arranging furniture around the perimeter of the room will help to create an illusion of more space.
- Use light colors: Using light colors on the walls and furniture will help to make the room feel more open and airy. [5]
Does A Couch Have To Be Centered In Front Of TV?
If you’re working with an awkward living room layout, there are a few things you can do to make the most of the space.
First, consider whether or not a couch needs to be centered in front of the TV. In many cases, it’s actually better to float the sofa off to one side or put it at an angle. This will help create a more dynamic and interesting space.
Another tip is to use furniture to define different areas within the living room. For example, you might have a reading nook with a comfy chair and floor lamp near the window. Or, you could create a conversation area with two chairs and a small table in another part of the room. By defining these areas, you’ll help give the living room some much-needed structure.
Finally, don’t forget to add some personal touches to the space. A few well-chosen accessories can really help bring a living room to life. Look for items that reflect your personal style and that will help create a warm and inviting atmosphere. With these tips in mind, you should be able to transform even the most awkward living room into a cozy and stylish space.
FAQ
Where should I put my sofa in the living room?
There’s no easy answer when it comes to where to place your sofa in the living room. It depends on the layout of the room, the size of the furniture, and your personal preferences. However, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make sure your sofa looks its best in any space. If you have a large living room, you may want to consider placing your sofa against a wall. This will create an intimate feel in the space and help define the seating area. If you have a smaller living room, try floating the sofa in the center of the room. This will make the space feel more open and inviting. Another important consideration is traffic flow. You’ll want to make sure there’s enough space for people to walk around the sofa without having to squeeze past it. If you have a narrow living room, consider placing the sofa against a wall or in a corner. This will create more walking space and prevent the furniture from blocking traffic flow.
How do you furnish an odd shaped room?
If you have an awkwardly shaped living room, you may be wondering how to decorate it. Here are some tips and tricks for furnishing an odd shaped room:
- Use furniture to create separate areas within the room.
- Place your furniture against the walls.
- Use area rugs to define each space.
- Hang artwork at different heights.
- Use mirrors to reflect light and make the space appear larger.
Is there an app to help me rearrange my room?
Yes, there are a few different apps that can help you rearrange your room.
How far should the couch be from TV?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the size of your living room and the furniture you have. However, a general rule of thumb is to keep the couch at least six feet away from the TV. This will give you enough space to walk around and avoid glare on the screen.
How do you fill an empty living room?
There are a few things you can do to make sure your living room is both comfortable and stylish. First, consider your furniture. If you have a large living room, you may want to consider investing in some larger pieces, like a couch or an armchair. You can also add some smaller pieces, like end tables or coffee tables, to help fill the space. Second, think about your color scheme. You may want to go with neutral colors, like white or beige, to make the space feel more open. Or, if you want the space to feel more cozy, you might choose warmer colors, like red or orange. Finally, don’t forget about the details! Adding some throw pillows, blankets, or even some artwork can really help to make your living room feel complete. Following these tips, you should be able to easily decorate an awkward living room and create a space that you and your family can enjoy.
Do sofas need to be against a wall?
No, sofas do not need to be against a wall. In fact, putting a sofa in the middle of a room can actually help to break up an awkward space and make it feel more inviting. If you have an awkwardly shaped living room, don’t be afraid to experiment with furniture placement until you find a layout that feels natural and makes the most of your available space.
Which direction should your sofa face?
There’s no easy answer when it comes to deciding which direction your sofa should face in an awkward living room. It really depends on the layout of the room and what you hope to achieve with the space. If you want the room to feel more open and spacious, you might consider facing the sofa towards a wall or window. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a cozier feel, you might orient the sofa so that it faces into the room. Ultimately, it’s up to you and what you think will work best in your space.
Useful Video: How to Decorate AWKWARD SPACES | INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS
Conclusion
No matter what shape or size your living room is, there are plenty of ways to make it feel cozy and inviting. By starting with the basics, like a comfortable sofa and coffee table, and adding in some personal touches, you can create a space that’s both stylish and functional. And don’t be afraid to get creative – odd angles and dead corners can actually be an opportunity to show off your unique sense of style. With a little imagination, you can transform even the most awkward living room into a beautiful space you’ll love spending time in. Do you have any tips for decorating an awkward living room? Share them in the comments below!
References
- https://www.thespruce.com/arrange-furniture-awkward-living-room-5194365
- https://www.realhomes.com/design/awkward-living-room-layout-ideas
- https://www.angi.com/articles/awkward-living-room-layout-ideas.htm
- https://www.houzz.in/magazine/10-clever-ways-to-style-dead-corners-stsetivw-vs~83216967
- https://michaelhelwiginteriors.com/2017-blog/2021/3/5/what-you-need-to-know-to-arrange-a-pass-through-living-room-with-3-or-more-doors