Layout ideas for a narrow, long living room
Opt for shallow-depth living room furniture
Choose a loveseat and chairs with simple lines and shallow seating to avoid cluttering the room. Place them against a long wall to maximize available space. Instead of a traditional coffee table in front, add side tables at the ends of these pieces; this will allow for freer movement.
Modular sofas configured in an ‘L’ shape naturally fit the unique geometry of a narrow and long living room.
For a larger rectangular living room, consider moving the main furniture to the center of the room, thus creating distinct areas. For instance, start with a Wezzano genuine leather loveseat as the focal point of a TV corner, and back it with a console table as an occasional workspace for teleworking or homework.
Let the room breathe
Resist the urge to fill every available space — this can make the room feel suffocated and cramped. Stick to essential furniture and leave some areas open to give the room a sense of airiness.
Plan for discreet storage solutions like a TV stand with elegant drawers and solid doors, or a multifunctional Eller ottoman with a tray, to hide as many items as possible and declutter the space.
Make use of vertical space
If a bookcase or storage unit would take up too much floor space in your narrow living room, consider installing high shelves. Opt for wall-mounted and recessed lighting, as well as table lamps instead of floor lamps, to keep the space open and easy to navigate.
Finally, draw attention to the walls — not the shape of the room — by hanging a few large decorative paintings and wall art pieces. These will make the space appear more spacious and luxurious than many small frames would.
Our wall art options
How to arrange furniture in an open plan living room
A studio or an open plan kitchen and living room offers inspiring and airy living spaces. However, it’s important to visually delineate the space to maximize its potential.
Define the space with rugs
Invest in a luxurious large rug, like the fluffy hand-woven Nukta measuring 5 feet by 8 feet, as the anchor for a specific area — a reception area or reading nook, for example. Then create artificial boundaries using potted plants, bookcases, or other furniture to sculpt the space.
Backless furniture is particularly well-suited for this purpose. For instance, you might arrange some books, vinyl records, and decorative items in an elegant Edward wooden bookcase on the ‘living room’ side, and then your cookbooks and some nice bar accessories on the ‘kitchen’ side.
Move your sofa and chairs away from the walls
If there’s enough space, move your main living room furniture towards the center of the room instead of along the walls. Experiment with different layouts to create the impression of a ‘room within a room,’ reinforcing the idea of a zone dedicated to a specific activity.
For instance, you could arrange a Nappa aniline leather loveseat and two accent chairs around a coffee table. An ‘L’-shaped modular sofa also creates a similar effect, conducive to conversation and relaxation.
Echo decorative elements
While defining each space in your open plan arrangement, maintaining a consistent theme ensures a smooth transition from one living area to another. Without everything being perfectly uniform, consider repeating at least one color, texture, or pattern across your interconnected spaces.
Decorating tips for an odd-shaped living room
Even when empty, an atypical living room often features unusual angles and architectural elements. How can you turn these to your advantage?
Turn the living room’s flaws into features
Examine each irregular shape and annoyance in your odd-shaped living room, and think about how you can use these elements to your advantage. For instance, transform a cramped alcove into practical storage with a two-tone wood Neghan corner bookshelf. On a sloped ceiling, create beautiful light play by installing a textured shade pendant light, like the sea reed mesh Nakami.
Design your decor around a key element
Draw attention away from the room’s irregular shape by prominently displaying a bold decor element. Dare to paint a wall in a bright color, hang a large, expressively designed artwork, or choose a conversation-starting piece of furniture. A stunning Walomi coffee table, combining tempered glass and a genuine teak wood root taken directly from the ground, will completely overshadow the room’s irregularities.
If your living room features a fireplace, make it the centerpiece by mounting your TV over the mantle and arranging your furniture around it, for example. If the fireplace is unused, transform its hearth into a beautiful decorative element by arranging various decorative accessories.
Choose versatile furniture
Arrange your seating with modular elements or furniture of modest proportions that can be easily reconfigured according to the room’s peculiarities. For example, the armless Elkin chair covered in bouclé fabric can turn a narrow alcove into a cozy reading nook, where a large accent chair with traditional arms would be less suitable.
Every atypical living room offers a blank canvas for your imagination. With these tips, turn this room into a sanctuary of refinement and personality, reflecting your tastes and creative sensibilities.
