If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have the perfect living room layout. In fact, too often we notice that our living room shape is a bit awkward only when we start planning the furnishing. But don’t worry, there is no such thing as a problem without a solution. In this blog post, we will discuss different ways to make the most of your space, however untypical it may be. So whether you’re looking for long, awkward living room layout ideas or just don’t know how to arrange your furniture on a square floor, we’ve got you covered.
A Few Essential Tips for Dealing With Awkward Living Room Layout
One of the most common problems people have with their living room layouts is that they don’t know how to turn the flows into advantages. If this is you, don’t worry! Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- First, take a look at your living room and determine the main focal point. This could be your TV, fireplace, accent wall, a substantial piece of furniture, or even a window. Once you have your focal point, you can start building your setup from there.
- Another essential consideration is the traffic flow. No matter the room shape, you need to make sure there is enough space for people to walk around comfortably. For instance, if your living room is long and narrow, you may want to consider placing your furniture against the walls to create more space in the middle. Also, all doors should have enough maneuvering clearance.
- Don’t forget about storage! One or two bespoke pieces could fill the weirdest corners in an attractive and practical way. Alternatively, you may create hidden storage inside a platform, creating a split layout, and using it to elevate (pun intended) visual interest in a long & dull space. This is one of the best long awkward living room layout ideas that enhance both its appeal and functionality.
Use Rugs to Define Different Areas
If you have a large space to fill, rugs can help you play with its size, create different conversation areas or even just delineate awkward living room layout zones. They are particularly useful in an open-concept space, marking where the living room ends and another area begins. Moreover, rugs have a significant impact on the overall style of the room, typically making it look warmer, pulled together, and more inviting.
Use Furniture With Clean Lines and Muted Colors in a Restrained Space
If your awkward living room is on the smaller side, you may want to consider using furniture with clean lines and muted colors. When done right, the arrangement should convey a cohesive look and make the space feel more balanced. Streamlined furnishing also gives you more freedom to play with different setups and out-of-the-box decor solutions.
Hang Curtains High and Wide to Make the Room Feel Spacious
Another trick for making an awkward small living room feel larger is hanging your curtains high and wide. The illusion of taller ceilings and airier space will help the whole atmosphere feel brighter and bigger (choosing light-colored curtains will maximize that effect). It will also drag the eye up & away from the floor and any weird corners.
Place Mirrors Opposite Windows to Reflect Light and Even Out Dimensions
Some awkwardly shaped living rooms also have a problem with receiving enough natural light. Tactical use of mirrors will help reflect light towards the shady zones, adding depth to the whole space. Start by placing them opposite windows to bounce light around the room. In addition, you can also use mirrors to create the illusion of more windows in the space or to balance out its proportions.
Use Lamps Instead of Overhead Lights Whenever Possible
Sometimes it’s hard to achieve a perfect light flow with overhead lights in an oddly shaped living room. Instead, try using a variety of lamps to create a softer but more dynamic ambiance. You can combine floor lamps, table lamps, or even wall sconces to achieve the best results. Just be sure to place your lamps carefully so they don’t end up being an eyesore.
Keep Accessories Minimal for a Sleek, Modern Look
If you want your living room to have a sleek, minimalist look, then you’ll want to keep your accessories—well, at a minimum. This look relies on statement pieces and tolerates no clutter at all, including surfaces like coffee tables and shelves. Instead, opt for a few carefully curated pieces that will add visual interest without being overwhelming. In an awkwardly shaped living room, this scheme could deliver a stylish, artistic flair with a touch of drama, leaving quite an impression as a result.
How to Arrange Furniture in an Awkward Living Room
Now that you have some all-around tips for handling an awkward living room layout, let’s take a look at some specific examples.
Long Awkward Living Room Layout Ideas
If your living room shape is long and narrow, you can use this to your advantage by placing a sofa against a wall and accompanying it with ottomans & chairs. This will form a cohesive whole with a cozy atmosphere, leaving the rest of the room for other activities.
A long living area also offers a convenient solution for those needing an occasional home office that doesn’t call for a separate room. With the help of a transparent room screen, a portion of a long awkward living room can become a stylish workstation while remaining a functional part of the space.
Square or Rectangle Awkward Living Room Layout
If your living room is square, you could create a prominent seating zone in the middle. Place the sofa away from the walls, and accompany it with chairs or loveseats. Anchor the whole arrangement with a spacious rug. If there is enough clearance left around for uninterrupted traffic flow, use walls to enhance your storage options with shelves and cabinets.
Awkward L-Shaped Living Room
A rectangle or L-shaped awkward living room often allows the creation of two separate seating areas. One set could be a sofa, a coffee table, and one-two ottomans, in the role of a home media center.
The other zone could comprise two comfy armchairs and a side table, used either as a reading spot or an intimate conversation nook. This is a conveninet way to add some character to, e.g. an awkwardly shaped rental place where no major remodelling is allowed.
A Large Living Room
If you have a large living room, you may consider creating multiple seating areas using a variety of furniture pieces. Apart from the main, conventional arrangement with one or two sofas, the rest of the space can be filled with a daybed or a bench combined with accent chairs and ottomans. Diverse blends will help form more distinct spaces, taking the focus away from the room’s shape or dimensions and navigating it towards its style and functionality instead.
Pull each zone together with area rugs.
Awkward Irregular Shaped Living Room Ideas
Irregular living room shape offers a lot of space for creativity. Depending on the particular floor plan and its size, you may consider using multifunctional furniture for a variety of purposes. For example, an ottoman can be used as both a coffee table and an extra seating place. A futon can be used as a sofa during the day and a bed at night. That way, you can also turn a part of the oddly shaped living room into a mini guest room per need, with the help of a room screen.
We hope these tips and ideas have helped you figure out how to make the most of your awkward living room layout. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect layout – it’s all about finding what works best for you and your particular needs. So get creative and have fun! After all, your home should be a reflection of you and your personal sense of style.
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