How to Arrange Your Living Room for Maximum Comfort and Ease, According to Designers

Create a serene refuge for you and your guests.

living room full view — Credit: Haris Kenjar

Your living room should be a welcoming space that reflects your lifestyle and encourages relaxation and connection.
Start by arranging furniture for intimacy and function, ensuring every seat has access to a surface for convenience.
Incorporate cozy textures, layered lighting, and meaningful décor to create a warm, personalized, and inviting atmosphere.

Your living room is the beating heart of your home. It's where you'll relax with a book after a long day, and where you'll gather with friends and family for a round of drinks in the evening. Since it's such a hardworking space, it's natural that you want it to look and feel as comfortable as possible.

However, designing a plush, cozy space is easier said than done. The wrong color or material can immediately throw off the ambience, creating an environment that feels more sterile than welcoming. Here, we spoke with interior designers about how they recommend decorating living rooms to maximize comfort.

Think About How You Will Use the Space

No two homeowners will spend time in their living room in the same way, so it's important to be honest with yourself about how you'll really use this space.

"It often functions as a gathering spot for family events and parties, but more often it remains where families congregate day in and day out," says Matt Donahoe, founder and principal of Bureau Interior Design. "The mix of seating is critical, alongside surface area."

This intention will ultimately inform your overall layout.

Plan a Cohesive Layout

modern living room with stools and tufted furniture

Once you've considered how you'll primarily be using the space, it's time to map out a rough layout.

"Furniture placement is often overlooked—but it makes a significant difference," says Christine Vroom, founder and principal of Christine Vroom Interiors. "It helps the room feel designed for people, not just for appearance."

For starters, pull your furniture away from the walls. Placing sofas and chairs closer together creates a sense of intimacy and makes the space feel cozier and more comfortable.

"It's also important to think about function," says Bailey Ward, founder of Bailey Ward Interiors and co-founder of Cuvée Home. "Every seat should have access to a surface for a drink, whether that's a small martini table or a garden stool."

A shared table also serves as a central point where people can gather for conversation, further fostering a sense of comfort and ease.

Choose the Right Furniture—and Fabrics

Arranging your furniture correctly is important, but so is selecting the right chair from the start. One of the central components of any living room, naturally, is a sofa.

"I prefer custom sofas that hold their shape over time," says Sarah Akbary, principal designer of Sarah Akbary Interiors. "You want something deep and inviting for those slower moments, but still structured, so the room always feels polished."

When it comes to other pieces, keep it flexible. Akbary recommends swivel armchairs, which allow you to turn to face whichever way the conversation is happening.

Always consider the upholstery before purchasing. Texture is paramount when creating a space that looks and feels comfortable. Meridith Baer, founder and principal of Meridith Baer Home, recommends linen, boucle, wool, and velvet.

"A plush rug underfoot, a chunky knit throw, or even a slightly nubby fabric on a sofa can completely change how a space is experienced," she adds.

Don't Forget Lighting

Table with a lamp pink tulips in a vase and framed botanical artwork on the wall — Cuvee Home

"Lighting is the most underrated element," says Lonni Paul, founder and principal of Lonni Paul Design. "People often rely on overhead lights, but it’s really about creating a soft ambiance with lamps, dimmers, and even candles."

Varying your lighting scheme will make a space feel cozier and more personalized. Akbary recommends using dimmers, so you can set the lighting to your desired intensity, though she typically keeps illumination at around 2700 K.

Natural light is a component as well—and window treatments play a key role in how that light is received. "Soft drapery adds warmth, improves acoustics, and instantly makes the space feel more intimate," she says.

Consider Color

Have a cohesive color palette in mind before placing furniture. "We tend to veer into neutral colors as a baseline, allowing accents to punch up where clients want a room to feel cocoon-like," says Donahoe. "I personally feel most comfortable with soothing tones in warmer hues like ivory, chocolate, apricot, or terracotta."

However, he adds that color is ultimately a matter of personal preference. A neutral base generally creates a sense of comfort, but you can tweak it based on a favorite hue, too.

Make Sure to Accessorize

A neatly arranged wooden desk shelf with decorative items books and framed artworks — Cuvee Home

Don't forget to layer in smaller décor elements. Everyone wants to rush to buy their dream sofa, but a catchall tray and a candlestick can still make a big impact if you place them in the right spot.

These pieces are ultimately where you can let your personality shine. You can display a treasured antique from a relative or a piece you picked up on vacation abroad.

"A bare coffee table or sparsely styled bookshelf can feel impersonal," says Ward. "Objects with history and meaning bring new significance to the intimate spaces across your home."