Let’s start with a quick quiz: How many of you are sitting in your living room right now, looking around and wondering why something feels off—but you can’t quite figure out what it is?
If that sounds like you, this guide is exactly what you need. And if you’re confident your living room setup is perfect, consider this a way to test whether your design holds up to our Living Room Rules.
Think of these rules as the commandments of furniture placement. Technically, there are 22 of them—but unlike strict commandments, these rules are more like guidelines. Sometimes, breaking them still works. But in general, following them helps solve common design questions, such as:
How tall should my coffee table be compared to my sofa?
How big should my rug be?
Where’s the best spot to hang my TV?
Let’s break it down.
1. Furniture Placement
Rule: Allow 30″ to 36″ of walkway space between large furniture pieces (or at least 18″–24″ if the room is smaller).
This ensures the space doesn’t feel cramped and prevents the need to squeeze between furniture. If your room is small, choose smaller-scale pieces to create breathing room—your shins will thank you.
This spacing also helps keep seating comfortable. Just like a date sitting too close can feel invasive, furniture placed too tightly makes the room uncomfortable. Conversely, if seating is spread too far apart, you’ll feel like you need to shout across the room.
2. Sofa
Rule: If possible, don’t place your sofa directly against the wall. Pull it out 3–5″ to give the room some breathing space.
Though this may feel counterintuitive in smaller spaces, it makes the room feel more open and less cramped.
3. Coffee Table
- Rule 1: Your coffee table should be at least half the length of your sofa.
- This creates balance and ensures the pieces look proportional.
- This creates balance and ensures the pieces look proportional.
- Rule 2: The table height should be no more than 4″ higher or lower than your sofa’s seat cushions.
- Too tall and it feels like a countertop; too short and it becomes uncomfortable to reach.
- Too tall and it feels like a countertop; too short and it becomes uncomfortable to reach.
- Rule 3: Keep 16″–18″ of space between the sofa and the coffee table.
- This allows enough room to walk around while keeping it close enough to set down a drink or rest your feet.
4. Side Table
Rule 1: A side table should never be deeper than the sofa it sits beside.
Oversized tables look awkward and out of place.
Rule 2: Place the side table at a height within 2–3″ of the sofa’s armrest.
This ensures it’s easy to set down a drink, book, or remote without straining
Final Thought
These rules are meant to make designing your living room less overwhelming. While they serve as reliable guidelines, remember that design isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a space that feels both functional and inviting. Sometimes, breaking the rules can lead to surprisingly beautiful results.