Skip to content

Top Navigation

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Food
  • Home
  • Life
  • Health
  • Money
  • Style and Beauty
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Real Simple

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Explore

    Explore

    • How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time. Read More
    • Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Keeping foods chilled properly helps them last longer and stay fresher. Sticking to the ideal refrigerator temps can help you avoid potential foodborne illnesses, too. Read More
    • 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. Read More
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    Not all dairy is created equal. 
    • Recipes
    • Real Simple Cooking School
    • Cooking Tips & Techniques
    • Shopping and Storing
    • Kitchen Tools and Products
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Decorating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Green Living
    • New Uses for Old Things at Home
    • Quick Fix
    • Real Simple Home
  • Life

    Life

    See All Life
    • Family
    • Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Wedding Planning
    • Travel Ideas
    • Career
    • Get It Done
  • Health

    Health

    See All Health
    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind.
    • Preventive Health
    • Mental Health
    • Health Coach
    • Crisis Coping
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Healthy Eating
    • Well Fed
  • Money

    Money

    See All Money
    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money.
    • Money Confidential Podcast
    • Saving Money
    • Money Planning
    • Money Confidential
    • Spending
    • Money Etiquette
    • Invest Better
  • Style and Beauty

    Style and Beauty

    See All Style and Beauty
    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    All you need is a tape measure and a little free time.
    • Clothing
    • Skincare
    • Shoes
    • Hair
    • Clothing Care
    • Makeup
    • Hair Body Face
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party together—even when you're far apart.
    • All Holidays
    • Gifts
    • Father's Day
    • Passover
    • Entertaining
    • Home for the Holidays
    • Come Together
    • Hanukkah
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Real Simple
  2. Home
  3. Decorating
  4. Living Room Decorating
  5. Rearrange Your Living Room

Rearrange Your Living Room

By Real Simple Editors Updated August 07, 2017
Skip gallery slides
FB Tweet
Formal Living room
Credit: Thomas Loof
Using the same basic pieces, we created three different plans—formal, feng shui, and family—so you can land the perfect layout at home.
Start Slideshow

1 of 3

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Formal

Formal Living room
Credit: Thomas Loof

“With plenty of seating and luxe details, a formal setup is a special-occasion spot—the focus is on entertaining rather than everyday life.” —Elizabeth Bauer, interior designer

Squared-Off Floor Plan
The furniture, all at right angles, seems to stand at attention. Wide spacing makes the room feel grander than it is. The rug defines the seating zone, but because it’s an unfussy material (jute), it sends a welcoming signal.

Multiples, in Furnishings and Art
The room has a sense of structure and organization, thanks to sets of chairs, tables, and lamps as well as themed art hung in a crisp grid. Almost every detail has a partner.

Sophisticated Palette and Textures
Neutral tones with one pastel (lavender) used sparingly feels refined. Silk drapes, tufted velvet, scalloped edges on a leather daybed, and mirrored surfaces add up to lushness.

Where to buy: Belle sofa, $2,630, mgbwhome.com for stores. Tufted storage ottoman, $2,700, johnderian.com for stores. Putty bench, $8,240, ochre.net for stores. (Similar to shown: Krefeld bench, $3,206, dwr.com.) Hanna armchairs, $2,525 each, olystudio.com for stores. Jute bouclé rug, $199 (8 by 10 feet), westelm.com. Faceted mirror tables, $199 each, westelm.com. Parsons console, $349, westelm.com. Tom Dixon Base table lamps, $515 each; and floor lamp, $1,100: abchome.com. Giclée Insect prints by Garry Wade, $100 (small) and $620 (large), artwade.net. Cascade shade, $243, theshadestore.com; with pleat drapery, $292 for two, theshadestore.com. Silk-and-velvet pillow covers, $29 each, westelm.com. Renaissance Stripe pillow (on sofa, center), $105, michelevarian.com.

1 of 3

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 3

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Feng Shui

Feng Shui Living Room
Credit: Thomas Loof

“A feng shui living room draws people in and makes them feel welcome, relaxed, and secure. It’s as inviting for one as it is for a group. People associate feng shui with things like Buddha statues and crystals, but it’s really just about creating a sense of flow and balance. —Catherine Brophy, feng shui designer

Tight Circular Arrangement
A close gathering space with a round ottoman encourages conversation and offers a smooth path to seating (no corners to bump into). A small rug directs attention to the room’s center.

Hits of Red
Red is the color of good fortune in China, and it’s great for enlivening a “social” space. But use it sparingly—too much can make people feel jumpy.

Reflective Pieces
Mirrors bounce light around—or “move energy” in the feng shui lexicon. The gazing ball on the ottoman lets you see what’s behind you; this creates a subtle sense of ease and security.

Emotional and Meaningful Objects
Objects in a living room should express who you are. A child’s painting and a drum represent creativity. Books are a sign of curiosity. Carefully chosen photos and mementos have a place of honor on an uncluttered shelving unit.

Living Things
A plant requires care and attention, so it reminds you to tend the space. Bringing in cut flowers—or any sort of new addition—keeps energy moving and helps refresh the room.

Where to buy: Pure Cobra ottoman, $1,695, abchome.com. Pierre mirror, $279, zgallerie.com. Suzanne chair in Sophie Linen-Natural, $1,510, mgbwhome.com for stores. (Similar to shown: Taboret red stool/side table, $288, insideavenue.com.) Stella shelf, $2,700, olystudio.com for stores. (Similar to shown: Tall Curvee red shelf, $520, houseeclectic.com.)

2 of 3

3 of 3

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Family

Family style Living Room
Credit: Thomas Loof

“In a family space, the floor should be as comfortable as the furniture, so everyone can stretch out and relax. Cheerful, eclectic decor puts people at ease and conveys a sense of creativity.” —Scott Sanders, interior designer

Wide-Open Layout
Instead of lots of seating, there’s a task table for art projects (or bill paying) and plenty of rug room for toys. Everyone in the family can do his own thing and still be together.

Multiuse Pieces
An upholstered bench in the far right corner and the center ottoman work both as storage and play surfaces. Add chairs to the table and it’s perfect for board games.

Mixed Patterns and Color
The elaborate rug is soft, storied, and inviting. Large printed throw pillows double as floor cushions. Tiny touches of orange and turquoise unify the lively palette.

Whimsical Art
A paint-smeared palette and kids’ drawings set among legit pieces announce that this is a playful, unprecious room. Vintage toys bring a bit of history without compromising the casual vibe.

Where to buy: Palma desk, $995, jaysonhomeandgarden.com. Color Reform silk rug, $9,099 (8 by 10 feet), abchome.com. Jieldé Signal floor lamp, $1,235, shophorne.com. Nailhead upholstered storage bench, $349, westelm.com. Vintage Bolivian rug (on ottoman), $264, johnderian.com for info. Flock pillow (behind doll), $65, johnrobshaw.com. Teal silk-dupioni pillow, $205, michelevarian.com; and silk-velvet pillow, $235: michelevarian.com. Wheeled wooden animals by Matt Austin, $260 for three, mattaustin.net.

3 of 3

Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Real Simple Editors

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 3 Formal
    2 of 3 Feng Shui
    3 of 3 Family

    Share & More

    Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Real Simple Logo

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithAll products and services featured are selected by our editors. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Real Simple. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.realsimple.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Rearrange Your Living Room
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.