Do you have an awkward living room layout with a fireplace that just doesn’t feel right? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Many people find themselves in this situation. A fireplace can be a beautiful focal point in a living room, but if the layout is awkward, it can also make the space feel cramped and uncomfortable. In this blog post, we will give you some tips on how to furnish an awkward living room layout with a fireplace. We will also show you some examples of beautiful living rooms with fireplaces to boost your inspiration.
Awkward Living Room Layout with a Fireplace: Where to Start
If you have an awkward living room layout with a fireplace, the first step is to determine your focal point. The obvious choice would be a fireplace, right? Well, yes and no. The answer, in fact, depends on several conditions, as well as on your preferences.
If you choose to set the fireplace as the room’s focal point, everything else should be arranged around it. That part is easy.
However, the shape of the room can still make it difficult to find the right layout. On top of all, the size of the fireplace also goes into the equation, dictating the size and scale of the furniture. But don’t let these challenges deter you. With a little careful planning, furnishing an awkward living room layout with a fireplace becomes easy. So, let’s get started and go step by step.
Living Room Fireplace Ideas, Hints & Tips
One of the most difficult rooms to design is a living room with an awkward layout and a fireplace. The challenge is to create a cohesive design that makes the most of the space and doesn’t make the room feel cluttered. Here are some tips for furnishing a living room with a fireplace:
- Start with the basics: Focus on furniture that is functionally essential, such as sofas, chairs, and coffee tables. Once you have the layout all set, it will help you determine the rest of the decor.
- Create zones: Use furniture and rugs to define distinct areas for different activities, making the awkward room layout work for you. For instance, consider establishing a seating area for watching TV and a separate reading nook by the fireplace.
- Think vertically: If the floor feels cramped, utilize tall items such as floor lamps and archways. Drawing the eye upward will trick it into seeing the space as more open.
- Use mirrors: Mirrors reflect light and make a small room feel larger. Place them across from the fireplace to create the illusion of depth.
- Play with proportions: You can also use furniture to enhance the sense of balance in the room. For example, if your fireplace is on the left side of the room, try placing a coffee table or end table on the right. This will help to create a sense of symmetry and make the room feel more proportional.
Turn Flaws Into Assets & Make Them Work for You
If you have a small living room, you might want to consider multi-functional furniture that leaves more space free for traffic. An ottoman or a coffee table that doubles as storage, for example, is a great way to save space. You can also look for sofas and chairs with built-in compartments or side tables. This will help you keep the area tidy and organized so that the fireplace would feel like a welcome addition rather than a liability.
Start by placing your sofa directly in front of the fireplace. It’s the most intuitive way to create an intimate seating area perfect for a tiny room. However, if you have a bit more space to work with, try also positioning the sofa perpendicular to the fireplace to promote a natural flow and convey more visual dynamics.
Whether grand and traditional or sleek and modern, a fireplace can help define the space and create a sense of coziness. If you have a large living room, you might want to consider using the fireplace as a glorious arrangement anchor, making it the center of attention. That, however, requires a thoughtful choice of materials and decor—more on that in the following posts.
Alternatively, you can use the fireplace as a divider between two different activity areas. For example, you might place your sofa and armchairs on one side of the room, with the coffee table and TV on the other. Whatever approach you take, choose a layout that can enhance your space with a sense of balance and symmetry.
How to Layout an L-shaped Awkward Living Room With a Fireplace
Designing a functional and stylish living room can be challenging, especially when working around an inconvenient layout. One of the most common layouts is the L-shaped room, which can present quite a few challenges regarding furniture arrangement. However, with a bit of planning, you will end up with a beautiful and cohesive space worthy of effort.
The focus, in this case, should be on creating zones for different activities. For example, you might want to create a dedicated seating area for entertaining guests or watching TV. You can then utilize the remaining space for a dining area or home office. Use a fireplace as a focal point to anchor your furniture arrangement.
Also, don’t be afraid to play with scale and proportion – using tall pieces of furniture in a small space can actually make it feel bigger.
How to Layout a Long and Narrow Living Room With a Fireplace
If you have a living room that’s long and narrow, and you want to make it feel more inviting, cozy, and intimate, there are a few directions you can follow. First, take into account the exact dimensions of your room and the position of your fireplace since you’ll naturally want a layout that makes sense.
For instance, you may consider placing your furniture against the walls to open up the views. And if, at the same time, the fireplace stands in the corner of the room, one option could be to create two distinct seating areas. You can achieve that by placing a sofa and/or chairs around the fireplace and another chair or loveseat across from it—or the other way around. That will help define the zones and make the room feel more intimate.
Positioning your sofa facing the fireplace will create a natural focal point for the room and make it feel more inviting. You can then complete the arrangement with chairs or ottomans. If there is enough room left for a coffee table, place it in front of the sofa. Otherwise, get creative with side tables.
You can also boldly accentuate the awkwardness of the living room layout by placing the furniture in a semi-oval shape. Keep in mind that you’ll probably need a side table at the end of an oval sofa. If such an arrangement leaves a lot of clearance in front of the fireplace, add a statement rug in front of it to define the space further. Finally, don’t forget to accessorize with wall art, throw pillows, and keepsakes to make the space truly your own.
How to Layout a Square Living Room With a Fireplace
When faced with a square living room, determining how you want to use the space is the first step. Do you want it to be primarily a lounge area, or would you prefer a more formal seating arrangement? Once you’ve decided on the room’s function, you can begin to layout the furniture.
If you’re looking for a lounge area, consider placing a sofa facing the fireplace and a TV above the mantle. Two armchairs can be placed perpendicular to the couch, and a coffee table can be set in front of it.
For a more formal look, place two sofas facing each other with a coffee table in between. One or two armchairs can be placed at either end of the sofas, and a rug can be used to define the seating area. This setup works well with a corner fireplace layout, too.
Again, regardless of how you choose to layout the room, make sure to leave enough space for traffic flow.
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