Interiors / Layout
5 living-room layout mistakes that make a space harder to use
Before you move the sofa again, look at the routes, sight lines and tasks the room needs to support.
- Blocking the natural route. Mark the path between the door, seating and the main storage before placing a table.
- Floating everything without an anchor. A rug, console or lighting group can define a zone without forcing every piece against a wall.
- Using one harsh light source. Layer general, task and low ambient light so the room works at different times of day.
- Choosing by empty-room dimensions. Include door swings, radiators, windows and the space needed to clean around furniture.
- Making the room perform only one task. A small reading light or movable side table can let one area support more than television viewing.
Low-risk experiment: Use painter's tape to mark a furniture footprint for 24 hours before ordering. Never block an exit or heater while testing a layout.