Open-concept living is a greatly desired feature in home design at this time. Buyers really want it! This article will show you how to arrange furniture for an open concept living space.
Often called the great room, the open concept plan is an interior design encompassing two to three rooms with no separation; a living room, kitchen and dining area.
Arranging furniture for open concept living can be a bit tricky. How do you define each separate area, yet make it all look good together?
Don’t despair! With the right color combinations, area rug placement(s) and proper furniture arrangements, you can achieve a unified look.
Keep reading to learn how you can improve the look and feel of your open concept area by highlighting it’s focal points and architectural features, while also improving the flow of traffic.
If you have a house for sale, highlighting the positive features will also minimize the negative aspects you wish you could hide.
Determine the function(s) in your open concept room
Before you begin moving furniture around, consider what activities you and your family will be doing in that space.
Use furniture that suits the needs of each space to make your space functional.
Perhaps you have an extremely long room and would like to have a game room, TV area, or a child’s play area on one end.
Also, determine whether the room has one or more focal points. Some rooms will not have a focal point, so you may need to create one.
Determine the function(s) in your open concept room
Start with an area rug
Define the separate zones with area rugs
- Area rugs are a great way to unite a vast sea of flooring by turning it into smaller, useable spaces.
- Area rugs will provide needed color and warmth to a large space that can often feel cold and impersonal.
- Lay an area rug down in your chosen location and “float” your furniture on top. The area rug will act like an “anchor,” designating that spot as a separate room.
- Two area rugs are often used to define separate zones; one in the living room and another under a dining table.
Wall colors for open concept living
Create harmony and flow between rooms
- Paint the walls of each room the same neutral color, or a lighter or darker paint tone from the same color swatch.
- Coordinate color, pattern and texture from one room to the next.
- Use low-profile furniture to avoid obstructing the view between the spaces.
- Be aware of traffic flow when arranging furniture; don’t make it difficult to maneuver through a room or around furniture.
Arrange Furniture For Open Concept Living
Separate the different zones
If your open concept space is overwhelmingly vast, perhaps a bit of separation is needed between the zones.
- Folding screens, a see-through shelving unit, tall potted trees, or columns can be used to create separation.
- A console, or sofa table placed behind the sofa can fill the space. Place plants or paired table lamps on top for extra height.
- Hang a stunning ceiling light fixture over the middle of the dining table to highlight that area as the dining room. If the light fixture doesn’t line up with the table center, swag it over to the proper place.
- A distinct focal point in each room that shows the function of that room already acts as a natural room divider. A fireplace will define the living room, a chandelier will define a dining space, and so on.