5 Things All the Best Living Room Layouts Have in Common, Designers Say

A well-designed living room layout will help enhance the space by making it more functional for everyday use. To find out what types of elements constitute a top-notch living room layout, we polled three interior designers and asked them to weigh in.

Below, they share five features that all of the best living room layouts have in common.

Conversation-Friendly Setups

Tiffany Cassidy, principal designer at Lagnappe Custom Interiors, believes that living room layouts should promote conversation. Cassidy emphasizes the importance of seating placements and how they should feel intimate for communicating and not be placed far away, so people are shouting across the room.

She recommends creating different zones within the space. Within these areas, you will want to incorporate lightweight pull-up pieces like additional ottomans or petite chairs that can double as overflow seating when you're hosting guests, Cassidy says. They'll be easily portable and small enough to pop back into a corner or under a console table.

Linda Hayslett, the founder of LH.Designs, agrees that a variety of seating options are a must in the living room.

"This doesn't necessarily mean a sofa and a bunch of chairs, but there is definitely a sofa with either ottomans or chairs or possibly a combination of both," she says. "There are always options to sit in a good living room layout because who knows if you want it to be for entertaining friends and family or just casual to hang out with the kids."

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Storage Options

A living room that doesn't incorporate any storage furniture into its layout is lacking, according to Cassidy. She explains how storage in living spaces is essential for throw blankets, games, books, or any other miscellaneous items that need a place to live when they're not in use.

Some options include credenzas, storage ottomans, baskets, and much more.

Artwork on Display

No living room is fully complete without artwork, Hayslett notes. Every well-balanced space has artwork, especially living rooms, Hayslett says.

Where you choose to place the artwork within your space is entirely up to you, the designer explains, adding that the medium you choose can also vary greatly.

"It may not be the main focus or maybe it is, but artwork is there and helps enhance the layout of a living room," Hayslett says. Hayslett explains how it could be an object, painting, or photograph and how it will be additional eye candy besides the furniture.

Window Treatments

Once you have addressed your living room walls by adding some artwork, it's time to turn your attention over to the windows and window treatments.

"They're never the star of the space, but they help with the layout of a really good living room," Hayslett says. "Window treatments and the final crown jewel in any space, but especially a living room. The fabric or woven material chosen can really make a layout feel more inviting and cozier."

Going without living room treatments will send the wrong message about your space, making it lack personality and feel builder grade, Hayslett says. Don't overlook window treatments since they will elevate the overall feel you're going for in the room, Hayslett says.

Surface Space

Last but not least, it is important to incorporate multiple surface spaces into the living rom.

"Make sure that each chair or sofa has a place for setting a drink, like a side, coffee, or cocktail table," Bambi A’Lynn Bratton, the founder of Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design, says.

Of course, these tables do not all need to look the same. Keep it visually interesting by combining furniture with a range of colors, textures, and patterns, Bratton recommends.

"Don’t shy away from putting stripes, florals, and ikat side-by-side if the scale and color are appropriate together," Bratton says.