What size rug do I need for my living room?
The rug should be large enough that at least the front legs of your sofa and armchairs sit on it. For a typical three-seater sofa arrangement, a 160 x 230 cm rug works well. For a larger seating area, a 200 x 290 cm or 240 x 340 cm rug is better. Avoid small rugs that float in the middle of the room without touching any furniture — they look lost and make the room feel disjointed. Leave at least 25 cm of bare floor between the rug edge and the wall.
How far should the sofa be from the TV?
The recommended viewing distance depends on the TV size. For a 43-inch TV, aim for 1.8 to 2.3 metres. For a 55-inch TV, 2.1 to 2.7 metres. For a 65-inch TV, 2.4 to 3.0 metres. These distances provide a comfortable viewing experience without eye strain. The centre of the TV screen should be at roughly seated eye level — about 100 to 110 cm from the floor — to avoid neck strain.
How wide should a walkway be in a room?
Main walkways (the routes you use most frequently, such as from the door to the sofa) should be at least 90 cm wide. Secondary walkways (such as between the coffee table and a bookshelf) can be 60 to 75 cm. In kitchens, the minimum gap between facing runs of units is 100 cm. These clearances ensure you can move through the room comfortably without turning sideways or squeezing past furniture.
How do I zone an open-plan room?
Use furniture, rugs, lighting, and colour to define distinct areas within the open space. A sofa placed with its back to the dining area creates a visual boundary between living and dining zones. A rug under the sofa grouping anchors the living zone. A pendant light over the dining table defines the eating area. Different paint colours or wallpaper on feature walls can reinforce the zones. The key is to create areas that feel purposeful and distinct while maintaining a cohesive overall look. For detailed guidance, see our space planning guide.
Should I push furniture against the walls?
Generally, no. Pushing all furniture against the walls is one of the most common layout mistakes. It creates a ring of furniture around an empty centre, making the room feel like a waiting room rather than a home. Pulling the sofa even 15 to 20 cm away from the wall makes the room feel more intentional. In larger rooms, floating the sofa towards the centre creates a defined seating area and opens up space for other zones behind it.
What is the right height to mount a TV on the wall?
The centre of the TV screen should be at seated eye level — approximately 100 to 110 cm from the floor for most people sitting on a standard sofa. Mounting the TV above a fireplace is popular but often places the screen too high, leading to neck strain during extended viewing. If you must mount above a mantelpiece, use a tilting bracket that angles the screen slightly downward to improve the viewing angle.
How much space do I need between a coffee table and a sofa?
Allow 40 to 50 cm between the edge of the sofa seat and the nearest edge of the coffee table. This distance is close enough to reach a drink without stretching, but far enough to stand up and walk past comfortably. If the coffee table is too close, you will bang your shins; if it is too far, you will have to lean forward uncomfortably every time you pick up your cup of tea.
How do I make a small room feel bigger?
Several layout and design strategies make small rooms feel more spacious. Use light colours on walls and furniture to reflect light. Choose furniture with visible legs so you can see the floor beneath — this creates a sense of openness. Use mirrors to reflect light and double the visual depth. Minimise furniture and choose pieces that are proportionate to the room. Keep the floor clear of clutter. Use vertical storage (tall shelves, wall-mounted cabinets) instead of spreading storage across the floor. Good lighting is also essential — a well-lit room always feels larger than a dim one.
What is the ideal distance between dining chairs?
Allow 60 cm of width per person along the table edge. This gives each diner enough elbow room to eat comfortably. Between the back of a dining chair (when someone is seated) and the wall or any furniture behind, leave at least 90 cm — ideally 110 cm. This allows people to push their chairs back and stand up without bumping into anything. If the space behind the chairs is a main walkway, increase the clearance to 120 cm.
How do I arrange furniture in an L-shaped living room?
L-shaped rooms naturally divide into two zones. Use the larger section for the primary activity (usually the main seating and TV area) and the smaller section for a secondary activity (a reading nook, a home office, a dining area, or a play space). Place the sofa to face the focal point in the larger section. Use a rug to anchor each zone. A bookshelf, console table, or change in rug can mark the transition between the two areas without a physical barrier.
How much space should I leave around a bed?
Allow at least 60 cm on each side of the bed for comfortable access — this applies to both sides if two people share the bed. At the foot of the bed, leave at least 60 cm between the bed and any wall or furniture for walking past. In front of wardrobes and chests of drawers, leave 90 cm for doors and drawers to open fully. If the bedroom is very small and you cannot achieve 60 cm on both sides, prioritise one side and push the other against the wall — but this is a compromise, not the ideal.
What is the best way to arrange a room for conversation?
For comfortable conversation, seating should be arranged so that people face each other at a distance of no more than 2.5 metres. An L-shaped arrangement (sofa plus armchair at a right angle) or a face-to-face arrangement (two sofas opposite each other with a coffee table between them) both work well. Avoid placing all seating in a single row facing the television — this is fine for watching films but terrible for talking. Angling armchairs slightly towards each other encourages eye contact and natural conversation.
How do I plan lighting for a living room?
A living room needs three types of lighting. Ambient lighting (a central pendant, chandelier, or recessed downlights) provides overall illumination. Task lighting (a reading lamp beside an armchair, a desk lamp in a work area) provides focused light for specific activities. Accent lighting (table lamps on a console, LED strips behind the TV, candles) adds mood and warmth. Plan so that every seating position has access to at least one controllable light source. Ensure lamps are positioned near power sockets — trailing extension leads spoil the layout and are a trip hazard.
Can I use Free Room Planner for space planning?
Yes. Free Room Planner is ideal for space planning. You draw your room to scale, place furniture from the built-in library, and experiment with different arrangements. Because everything is to scale, you can immediately see whether furniture fits, whether clearances are adequate, and how the overall layout feels. It is free, requires no account, and runs in any browser. For a step-by-step space planning process, see our space planning guide.