20% Off

Layout Idea #1: 20×15 Bedroom with Open Layout

This layout is focused on keeping the bedroom open and flowing. The sleeping area at the center of the bedroom creates a focal point for this large space. Leaving a lot of floor space open visually opens up this space and creates breathing room (as well as plenty of walking room—no tight passageways here!). But having the bed at the center of it all gives coziness and depth to the open space.

How to Make it Work

Create a focal point.

The king-sized bed with flanking nightstands sits opposite the bedroom door—creating a visual focal point when you enter the space. And it’s anchored by a large rug, layered under a patterned rug, which helps define the sleeping area. The wall sconces above the bedside tables help to break up the large wall and play up the height of the ceilings.

Establish a sitting area along the far wall.

The back wall between the windows is open and offers ample opportunity for a cozy seating area. We opted for an upholstered bench and martini table between the windows to create this seating nook, but you could also use accent chairs or a chaise lounge here. A grid gallery wall over the bench gives this area its own focal point between windows and anchors the seating nook.

Pay attention to visual balance.

Since the bed is such a major visual focal point in this bedroom, it requires being balanced out a bit by another piece of furniture. By placing the dresser area across from the bed in this open-concept layout, it creates visual balance without impeding the room’s flow. And the full-size floor mirror adds a practical touch to this “getting ready area.”

This layout is perfect for…

Someone who wants an open space that is inviting and has a good walking flow throughout.

Layout Idea #2: A 20×15 Bedroom with Zones

This second layout option is focused on setting up the room the long way and zoning the space for different uses. By placing the bed between the two windows on the far wall, the length of this large 20×15 bedroom layout is utilized to create a sleeping area, a seating area, and a distinct dressing area to get ready for the day.

How to Make it Work

Start with the sleeping area.

A large bedroom calls for large furniture—especially when it comes to beds. We opted for a king bed, which fits comfortably between the two windows. Putting the bed between the windows and flanking the bed with two nightstands creates a visual frame for the bed and utilizes the long narrow shape of the room. When figuring out how to decorate around a canopy bed—especially a king-size canopy bed—it’s important to use bedside tables that are proportional to the size of the room and the bed. Nightstands that are chests or cabinets (which naturally have larger footprints) balance out the large bed frame and also provide ample storage.

Follow it up with a seating area.

If you want to add seating to a bedroom, this is a great layout option. Adding seating at the end of the bed helps fill in the long space with practical use. Two swivel chairs can be used for lounging, reading, or conversation. The round rug anchors this seating area, while the stool adds a surface area for books, drinks, glasses, or use as a footrest. (Placing a tray on top of the stool adds extra stability for drinks.)

Establish a dressing area.

If you want a major bedroom storage idea, consider a wardrobe or armoire. In this bedroom, the use of a freestanding wardrobe adds a lot of storage for clothing while being a substantial piece in the room—helping to visually fill the space. (A smaller dresser would have felt dwarfed in such a large bedroom.) The full-size floor mirror next to the wardrobe adds a practical touch for outfit checks while getting ready.

Finish off the space with decorative touches.

The artwork throughout the bedroom is simple but cohesive and pulls the different zones of the space together by spanning the large, open wall spaces.

This layout is perfect for…

Someone who wants to break up their bedroom for multiple uses: sleeping, lounging, and getting ready for their day.

No matter what layout you choose…

In large spaces like this 20×15 bedroom furniture layout, it’s important to find visual tricks to help take advantage of the space without it feeling cavernous. In both bedroom designs, we showed you, we used large indoor plants to fill up what would otherwise be empty corners. We also opted for statement chandeliers to help fill the space created by the tall ceilings in this bedroom.

Need help with your 20×15 bedroom design?

Living Room Layouts: What is The Best Living Room Layout For You?

One of the first things you need to do when decorating a room is decide on a layout. In the living room, figuring out the right layout for you depends on how you want to use your space and what pieces you want to include.

Check out our living room checklist for all of your must-have living room furniture pieces.

So, start by asking yourself how you want to use your living room. Do you entertain family and friends often there? Are you trying to incorporate a play area for your kids? Wanting to figure out layouts for living rooms with a fireplace? Or maybe you have an open floor plan and the living and dining spaces need to feel cohesive? Whatever your needs are, being clear about how you’ll engage with your living room design on a daily basis will help determine your layout.

To provide you with some guidance and inspiration, we’re breaking down four common living room layouts below. Read on to see the layouts and pick up tips for bringing the look in each setup into your home with our casual and formal living room layout ideas.

Best Living Room Layouts for Casual Conversation

Living room layouts featuring laid-back conversation areas are common with Modsy customers. It’s easy to see why, given that these designs encourage intimate conversations. If you want a cozy living room where people can mingle and relax, these are for you.

Conversational Layout #1

This layout focuses on the three mini seating areas that surround space—the sofa and woven ottoman serve as main seating in the room, while the armchairs by the fireplace are each set up as reading corners with their respective ottoman and drinks table.

Get more layout ideas for living rooms with a corner fireplace.

How To Set Up This Layout:

Use three-point seating. Arranging your seating in a triangle, like the sofa opposite the fireplace and the inward-facing armchairs here, will instantly center your seating area and create an effortless conversation area.
Go round. Opting for curvy designs in your living room furniture will give your space a less rigid look and feel. It will also create a good flow, making it easy for lots of people to move through the seating area.
Think visually minimal. The monochrome prints, black-and-white Moroccan rug, and white sheepskin keep the space feeling cozy rather than busy and overwhelming.

Conversational Layout #2

Stumped by an awkward living room design? We’ve got you. Think of this split-level living room layout as the “conversation pit” of your space. Whereas the first layout has an open flow, this one has a formal and structured formation with living room furniture that plays up a cozy vibe. If you’re after a simple layout, this is one of the more straightforward living room ideas.

How To Set Up This Layout:

Line up your seating. A simple way to create conversation areas in a living room is to arrange your sofa, armchairs, benches, and ottomans in a U-shaped setup. This way, they form a semi-closed seating area that feels intimate.

Stick with open bases. Because your seating arrangement has a boxy configuration, even it out with furniture that are on legs and have open bases for airy contrast.

Opt for classic colors. No need to go full neutral—but sticking to light blues, greens, and beige tones in your accents will create a cohesive look that’s punchy but easy on the eyes.

Best Living Room Layouts for TV Watching

If you use your living room more as a place to kick back for movie nights and weekend Netflix binges with family and friends, the following two layouts have you covered. These living room ideas are centered around the TV as the main focal point of the seating area.

TV Watching Layout #1

With a deep, stuffy sectional as the centerpiece, this living room furniture arrangement is perfect for families with kids or those of you who host regular movie viewings and game nights. This living room with a TV and a fireplace is all about fuss-free comfort, where everything is designed around the joint focal point of the fireplace and TV.

How To Set Up This Layout:

Invest in big seating. When the focus of your space is entertaining around the TV, go for a comfy, sink-in sectional and chaise combo to create the ultimate lounge area. Not sure if you want a sofa or sectional? See our guide for each of their pros and cons.
Elevate your TV viewing. Even if you don’t have a fireplace, hang your TV a little higher to avoid having to crane your neck to watch movies. For the best way to incorporate your TV to look like decor, check out our easy hacks for working TV viewing into any living room layout.
Finish with extra seats. A sectional and chaise on its own isn’t enough to fill out your living space, so make it a point to include the additional pouf or armchair. This will give your living room more flexibility as a conversational area and not just for TV watching.

TV Watching Layout #2

While the first layout gives you a sort of cozy seating alcove, this furniture arrangement gives you a central boxed-in, TV-viewing spot that still has good flow and leaves plenty of walking room all around. And unlike the previous design, this layout results in a slightly more formal living room design, while still using the TV as the focal point.

How To Set Up This Layout:

Try multipart seating. Another seating option is a large, multi-piece sectional that is designed to be configured to suit your room and can accommodate lots of bodies. Try a floating furniture approach with this layout, since a floating sofa can also act as a room divider. This approach is especially good for large rectangular living rooms.
Add in more moveable pieces. With a sectional that forms a conversation ring, pair it with versatile accent tables that can easily be pulled in and out of the space. Try a round coffee table and a C-shaped drinks table for compact and convenient options.
Optimize space around. Tuck a bench behind the sofa so that it’s easy to bring around for extra seating when needed. A bench can serve as a great perch to have at the ready for family game nights or for an extra surface for setting down a tray of drinks.

Best Living Room Layouts for Formal Entertaining

Conversational but less casual and intimate, these formal living rooms are less focused on lounging and lean more toward a space for cocktail parties and book clubs. These layouts are more aligned with traditional rules of interior design—so expect more classic and elevated living room ideas with furniture arrangement and decor.

Formal Layout #1

When it comes to formal living room ideas, this layout approach is tried-and-true. With its symmetrical furniture arrangement and elegant decor pairings, this layout offers a sense of instant sophistication that never fails to impress guests.

How To Set Up This Layout:

Double everything. There’s power in pairs when it comes to this layout—from facing sofas to floor lamps flanking the fireplace and matching pillows. Start with your sofas—the more classic shapes the better—and then move to the smaller accents and accessories.

Symmetry rules. This is key if you want a classic formal layout. It not only provides a sense of order and structure to the space, but it also lends a tailored look and frames architectural details, like windows or a fireplace, as focal points.

Neutral is best. The best way to ensure this formal living room layout maintains a streamlined and elegant look is to embrace a neutral palette of grays and white tones. It will soften sharp lines and dark materials and give your space a light and chic appeal.

Formal Layout #2

For a different take on formal living room design, try this elevated and curated take on a conversational layout. The key here is to combine lots of different seating in many different styles and materials, which will usher in a refined ambiance.

How To Set Up This Layout:

Vary your seating. The most important element in this living room layout is the mix of ottomans and armchairs, along with a bench and sectional. Together they create a formal and balanced look that gives any living room both a sense of intimacy and elegance.
Center with accents. With a variety of seating styles, you want to make sure the seating area still appears focused. Use a set of art prints and a large coffee table as visual anchors to ground the center of your space.
Delineate with a rug. No matter your living space, a rug will set apart your seating area. It’s essential in this formal layout, as a light-hued rug can unify all the different designs.

Best Living Room Layouts For Multi-Uuse Spaces

For many people, living rooms aren’t just for lounging (especially during shelter-in-place times). This space might flow into a dining area or need to also function as a playspace for children or as a makeshift home office. If this is the case for your home, these multipurpose living room ideas featuring flexible layouts are sure to help you tackle your space.

Explore more multipurpose space design ideas.

Multi-Use Layout #1

For a small living room design that needs to work as both living and dining room, clear delineation of where each area starts and ends is key. That means where you place your living room furniture will make all the difference.

How To Set Up This Layout:

Partition with furniture. Use a sofa to divide the living and dining areas. The sofa back acts like a wall to separate the room into two distinct spaces with different functions. If you’re not sure where to start, take a peek at these open living dining room layout ideas.
Add tall accents. Whether it’s a light fixture over a dining table, a tall plant next to your sofa, or art on the walls, accents make for visualmarkers that will help further set apart your living and dining spaces.

Multi-Use Layout #2

Balancing multiple functions in a living room can be tricky, especially when it involves a space for children. When you’re carving out a play area or a fun corner for kids, it’s even more important to nail down a layout that clearly provides separation between different “zones.”

How To Set Up This Layout:

Corner it. Carve out a corner for the kiddos. You can use a rug to physically zone the space and top it with children’s furniture to formalize the spot as your little one’s dedicated play area. Having trouble doing this in your own space? Check out more ways to make your living room also work as a playroom.

Use kid-friendly markers. No, we’re not saying you should let your kids draw on your walls! We simply mean hanging up a piece of youthful art to signal that the area under it is a play space. You can also work in baskets and kid-friendly storage for toys and clutter, which will ultimately indicate that it’s a separate space from the rest of the living area.

Multi-Use Layout #3

One of our favorite open floor plan ideas for a living room is incorporating a mini office space. But it can be tricky to get the layout right as you want to make sure you add function without creating more visual clutter.

How To Set Up This Layout:

Back it with a desk. Tuck a desk behind your sofa to set up an open workspace for yourself. The back of the sofa acts like a mini wall that instantly sets your office area apart from the rest of the room. Can’t fit a desk behind your sofa? Explore more ideas from us on how to make an office in your living room.

Work in accent furnishings. By itself, a desk can feel a little haphazard in the middle of your living room. Try rounding out your office space with side tables, storage pieces, or a pair of stools on either side of your desk. This adds instant symmetry and balance while also formalizing this area as a dedicated workspace. Want more ideas? Get the full scoop on our favorite miltipurpose furniture.

Looking for more living room design inspiration? Dig further into our blog for some real living room design stories and check ut our line-up of the best living room designs of 2020!

Design Your Perfect Living Room!

3 Ways to Design a Living Room With Fireplace and TV

January 4, 2021/0 Comments/in Layout Guides, Tips & Guides, Tips & Guides /by Modsy

We’ve walked through how to design a living room with a fireplace and the best TV viewing layouts. But what about layout solutions for a living room with a fireplace and TV?

According to you, our Modsy customers, figuring out a living room layout that factors in both a fireplace and TV is a common conundrum. Especially when it comes to a living room layout that’s both functional and attractive.

So, to offer some guidance, we’ve come up with three stylish and functional living room layout ideas that take into consideration both a fireplace and TV. Also, don’t forget to check out our layout guides for more ideas, including the best living room layouts to help you get started.

Layout #1: The Entertainment Pit

In this open concept layout, the main seating faces the fireplace and TV, which are visually stacked on top of each other in the front of the room. The result is a centralized entertaining and gathering space with the fireplace and TV above it becoming one combined focal point.

The all-around seating forms a U-shape layout that helps to delineate the spot and set it off as a warm and welcoming living area within the larger space.

The Key Design Elements:

Have big, comfy seating. For a balanced look, you need sumptuous and large-scale pieces to anchor your living room furniture layout. Consider a leather Chesterfield sofa, deep upholstered armchairs, and cushy X-benches arranged in a U-shape for a comfy conversational setup.

Frame your focus. Any living room layout with fireplace and TV combined as the primary focus should be balanced out with a bit of symmetry. Try adding tall bookcases to flank your TV and fireplace, which will bring symmetry and visual cohesiveness to the gathering spot as a whole.

Keep walls minimal. Because all the attention is directed to the front of your living space, keep your walls bare to avoid visual clutter. If it feels empty, fill your bookcases next to the fireplace and TV with decor and objects, which make for finishing touches that are just like wall decor.

It’s a great living room layout if you…

Want to skip the media cabinet for your TV and save space
Like the idea of a ‘2 for 1’ focal point, where the fireplace and TV are the main attraction
Prefer the look of a sofa directly facing a TV that’s wall-mounted at the perfect height
Have a square or rectangular living area with a fireplace and want a layout that accommodates comfortable seating and has good flow and tons of walking room

Layout #2: The Cozy Zone

In this compact living room layout, the corner fireplace and TV alongside it create two distinct focal points that help to frame an enclosed seating area. While there are several ways you can lay out a living room with a corner fireplace, this is probably our favorite because it forms an intimate and cozy seating area.

This furniture set up around the fireplace and TV is also ideal in a small living room with a corner fireplace.

The Key Design Elements:

A sectional is best. With a corner fireplace to consider, a sectional makes for all-in-one seating that is comfortable and perfectly frames your seating area. It will center the space while also giving even focus to both the corner fireplace and TV adjacent to it.

Opt for a media cabinet. You’ll need a media cabinet for your TV in this layout, which will also help to anchor the front of your room. This works with the main seating that’s facing the TV, and it also balances out the architectural elements of the fireplace.

Minimize accent pieces. Just as you would with small living room layouts, you want to maximize flow and walking room, so stick to a coffee table, one additional chair, and a side table. This also opens up the space around the fireplace and TV.

It’s a great living room layout if you…

Have an open living room where you can float a sectional or sofa
Like your TV and fireplace to be separate focal points that are equally captivating
Want to have a space where you can enjoy a roaring fire AND watch TV at the same time without being distracted by one or the other
Live in a small space (corner fireplace or not) and want to create a cozy gathering space

Layout #3: The Double Focus

This spacious living room layout has the fireplace as the central architectural element and a focal point. Because it’s a fireplace surround without a mantelpiece, the TV has to be placed to the side on top of a media cabinet. The benefit of this is that even though the TV is not the central focus, it tucks nicely into an inlet next to the fireplace, creating a streamlined and balanced look.

The Key Design Elements:

Pull in a wide sectional. For this living room layout with fireplace front-and-center and TV lining the wall next to it, you need a sectional run almost the full length of the front wall for a balanced look. This also lets you enjoy both the fireplace and TV without having to move around.

Decorate your walls. To balance out the TV and fireplace front wall, bring in art and tall accents to fill out the vertical space. You want your fireplace and TV area to look well-rounded, so consider adding art above the fireplace and pulling in a tall plant or mirror to even things out.

Think high contrast. Lean into the streamlined aesthetic and the rectilinear forms of the fireplace and TV here to play up a contemporary, high-contrast look. Keep to black-and-white furnishings and crisp art and accents with clean lines and a modern sensibility.

It’s a great living room layout if you…

Have a living room where the fireplace is the focal point architecturally and the TV is a secondary focus
Want to keep your fireplace and TV in the same space but not compete for attention
Prefer a living space that’s not just all about TV watching, but also captivates with other art and decor
Love a contemporary minimalist look with a modular approach to the living room layout

Check our gallery for more living room design ideas!

Experiment with your living room layout!

3 Ways to Design a Fun and Functional Basement Family Room

August 18, 2020/0 Comments/in Layout Guides, Tips & Guides, Tips & Guides /by Modsy

For most of us, the first ideas for basements that come to mind often involve turning it into a laundry room, a media and game room, or some sort of multipurpose space that has a little bit of everything—a big sofa, a TV, substantial storage pieces, maybe even a pool table. And more often than not, it results in a room that’s all function and not exactly warm and inviting.

We get it. Many basements tend to have awkward room shapes, small windows, and low ceilings to contend with. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be transformed into a fun and functional gathering spot where the whole family can hang out and relax in comfort. In fact, with a few clever interior design ideas, basements can actually make for the perfect family room in a home.

Here, we’re providing you with 3 stylish and functional basement family room ideas along with useful tips for translating each look for your home. Find out more below!

Basement Idea #1: The Kid-Friendly Den

In this kid-friendly design layout, the basement design focus is a spacious family room that also accommodates young kids. We established two zones that include a tepee for a children’s play area as well as a large sectional that defines a gathering spot for the entire family. Here, it’s all about a communal space for relaxing that works for adults and kids alike.

An open floor plan maximizes space for spreading out:

For a family room that works for both adults and young children, an open layout that leaves tons of walking room for everyone all around is key. By clearly defining the main lounging area from the kids zone, this layout lets parents keep an eye on the little ones while they kick back or watch TV in the seating area.

Family-friendly furniture adds to the functions of the room:

A large soft sectional paired with a round coffee table are key to keeping this room kid-proofed and safe for energetic children. The sectional also provides the ideal spot for snuggling up for family movie nights. Pull in an overarching floor lamp for a stylish and sturdy lighting source that’s perfect for storytime.

Kids are given their own distinctive space:

You know we’re big fans of family rooms that pull double-duty as playspaces for kids. One of our favorite ways to kid-zone a living space is to set up a play tent off to the side of a room to clearly define an area that’s all theirs. The bonus is that you can also easily use it to store stuffed toys, games, and books when it’s not in use for a quick solve that keeps everyday clutter contained.

Basement Idea #2: The Media Hub

With this layout, there’s a more elevated look and feel that’s tailored to movie-watching and entertainment. In terms of tried-and-true basement ideas that maximize space, this one does so with style to spare. Like many TV viewing layout ideas, this design emphasizes comfy seating and big storage for electronics, games, books, and everything family-room oriented.

The layout maximizes every corner for use:

The beauty of this basement design is that no square-footage is left unused. From the major shelving unit to the cleverly positioned floor lamp to the seating area that’s topped with a series of mirrors that open up the room even more. It’s about making the most of the length of the room to free up more walking space all around.

There’s plenty of storage for beyond the room:

With a built-in shelving unit that spans an entire wall, there’s more than enough storage to accommodate all the needs of the family room and beyond. It’s a storage and entertainment center that’s an investment piece, but it gives you everything you need—a display case for books and favorite objects that’s also a cabinet that lets you conceal bigger items and clutter.

A seating arrangement that’s made for entertainment:

The more formal leather sofa paired and the swivel side chair anchor the seating area while still leaving lots of breathing room around it. While the furnishings are less kid-friendly, they add up to a comfy gathering spot. An ottoman footstool also easily doubles as another seat as needed.

A corner workstation makes this a triple-function space:

This quiet workspace anchored by a desk and Mid-Century-style chair adds another layer of function to the already practical room. This is an easy way to create an occasional office for wrapping up some quick emails, catching up on mail or even playing computer games.

Basement Idea #3: The Rec Zone

If you already have a family room in the home, this game room basement design is the perfect complement to it. Think of this as the ultimate entertainment space that combines everything from the previous two layouts and then some. There’s a TV-watching lounge area that’s perfect for adults and kids alike as well as a bar area where people can gather and unwind with a drink.

The sectional placement creates two functional areas:

With any other layout, choosing a sectional or sofa is totally up to you. But for this game room, a sectional is key since it also serves as a room divider that sets apart your conversational lounge area from your entertaining bar space. The result is two functional zones that feel distinct from each other but still appear visually cohesive in the room.

Even the small accessories are about function:

Every accent counts when you’re working with a space that has multiple functions. Here, the versatile round coffee table allows for more walking room and baskets are totable storage pieces that can corral extra blankets and even toys if you have kids. Also look for accent furniture like a side table with a built-in lamp that adds both function and unique style.

You get more out of not having a full built-in bar:

To keep the room’s layout free-flow and feeling airy and open, a bar cart is a moveable option that’s both space-saving and storage-friendly. You can easily tuck it into a corner for drinks or, when hosting game day parties, pull it into the lounge area as needed.

Consoles give you an actual bar feel:

One way to up the look and feel of your bar entertainment area is to pull up matching consoles behind your sectional back. This creates an instant counter that you can stash bar stools under for a real bar vibe. This also sets up your bar space with a ledge that allows guests to comfortably watch a game or a movie while enjoying a drink.

Get Interior Design Help for Your Home

Interior Design Basics: How to Create Symmetry and Visual Balance in a Space

August 14, 2020/0 Comments/in Interior Design 101, Tips & Guides /by Modsy

Welcome to our Interior Design Basics series, where we break down—you guessed it—the basic principles of interior design! The Basics are the building blocks of interior design that, though we don’t always talk about them, are what help a room feel more balanced, put together, and considered. Today, we’re talking all about symmetry and how you can use this design principle to create visual balance within your space.

Symmetry is a commonly used design principle that helps inform where you place furniture and decorative objects. It supports the larger idea of balance within a space, which makes a room feel more harmonious and inviting. (Other types of balance include radial and asymmetrical balance.)

Most commonly used with classic and traditional interior design styles, symmetrical interior design is used to achieve balance and order within a layout. It’s often used in conversational layouts in living rooms and, because of its mirror-imaging, it lends itself to more formal styles. (Though we definitely see the practice of symmetrical layouts across design styles.)

What is Symmetry in Interior Design?

Curious about where symmetrical design might show up? In a living room layout, it might look like two matching sofas facing each other, sconces flanking either side of a fireplace, or two pairs of chairs placed on either side of a coffee table. In a bedroom, two matching nightstands on either side of a bed is a common place for symmetry to show up. It can show up in wall art as well—either in a grid gallery wall or through two pieces of art from the same collection hung side-by-side. Symmetry is also quite common in dining rooms, where you have matching chairs on the sides and heads of the table.

Ultimately, symmetry in a room is anywhere that you have two halves of a design element facing one another so that their counterpart is equally balanced. This is achieved through the use of a single focal point, which guides how you create visual balance within the room. In a room with “perfect” symmetry, you could almost draw a line from the focal point and down the middle of the room, and each side would be a mirror image of the other.

However, symmetry isn’t restrictive—it doesn’t always mean two perfectly matching things facing one another. You can also achieve the balance that comes through symmetry with two chairs facing a sofa that are of equal or similar size and scale to the sofa, like in the image above. In this room, you can also see in the back of the room that there’s a mirror on one side of the fireplace and built-in shelves on the other. While not perfectly symmetrical, there is a sense of visual balance

Curious how you can create some symmetrical balance in interior design? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite examples to show you the many ways this design principle can come to life in your home!

Check Out 13 Ways Symmetry Can Be Put to Work in Interior Design

This layout has “perfect symmetry,” using the two facing chairs on either side of the sofa. The background, however, is laid out differently—with a bookcase on one side and a large plant on the other. It still achieves balance because the objects in the background take up equal (or at least similar) visual weight in the space.

Shop This Look

This classically designed room features perfect symmetry, down to the flanked sconces on either side of the mirror and the visual weight of the objects on the bookcase. Rooms with fireplaces are very well-suited to symmetrical design, since you’re designing around a common architectural feature in a space.

Shop This Look

This might surprise you, but symmetry in eclectic spaces is actually quite common. Here, the two chairs on either side of the sofa create symmetry in the primary layout of the room. The scene is grounded by the yellow statement sofa, while the background is balanced by the eclectic gallery wall and bookcases. (This helps create the sense of symmetry in the back of the room, even though the architecture of the space and the doorway itself aren’t perfectly centered or balanced.)

Shop This Look

This room may seem perfectly symmetrical at first glance—and it’s pretty close. But you’ll notice that next to the left-hand sofa there’s a sizable side table, which is balanced out by the use of the heavier cabinet in the back right side of the room. Often, in layouts like this, the asymmetrical balance is struck by objects that are diagonal from on another.

Shop This Look

While this room isn’t perfectly symmetrical, the scene is still balanced. The two chairs flanking the fireplace add to the “perfect” symmetry idea while the weight of the sectional is balanced out the wingback chairs just opposite of it. Of course, the architecture has some built-in symmetry, with the fireplace and two built-in cabinets on either side. If you have this kind of architecture in your home, embrace it rather than fighting it!

Shop This Look

This living room has some serious symmetry—but also some definite deviations. But even where there are breaks in symmetry, there is still balance within the overall design. The pouf in the right foreground is balanced by the side table to the left of the sofa. And the large cabinet on the left is balanced by the oversized painting and baskets on the right. Also, a pair of matching square coffee tables (vs. one rectangular table) helps drive home the idea of symmetry in this space.

Shop This Look

In this room, symmetry shows up not only in the layout, but in the use of patterns and colors. The symmetrically balanced layout is reinforced by the patterns of the armchairs, the table lamps, and the throw pillows on the sofas. And the pops of blue throughout the room help create a sense of cohesion. The bookcases at the back of the room ground the look and reinforce the idea of a more traditional take on symmetry.

Shop This Look

This eclectic space is a great example of a more casual approach to symmetry. There are a lot of colors and patterns going on in this space, so you aren’t initially hit with the symmetry. But the layout is definitely driven by that sense of design balance. We love that the eclectic styling offsets the traditional aspects of symmetry in this space.

Shop This Look

Flanking sconces is a common method for drawing attention or adding visual balance to an area within a room. Here, you see that symmetry and balance on a TV wall. But it’s also a commonly used approach on either side of a fireplace or bed—or even an entryway table or a dining room console.

Shop This Look

This is a great example of traditional, perfect minimal symmetry being achieved through art, too. You can curate your art or gallery wall to be perfectly symmetrical to go along with your balanced layout.

Shop This Look

The two chairs in the foreground create symmetry in this living room, with the focal point being the mirror between the two windows. Meanwhile, the plant on one side of the sofa balances out the lamp and side table on the other.

Shop This Look

While this set-up isn’t perfectly symmetrical, the two art pieces play off of one another creating the idea of balance. Two art pieces that are the same size and either in the same style, with the same coloring, or from the same collection can give that sense of symmetry and balance without having two identical pieces of art side by side.

Shop This Look

In bedroom designs, symmetry is really common—even down to the pillows on the bed. You’ll often see matching nightstands, table lamps, and art or mirrors above the nightstands. (Or sconces instead of art and table lamps.) And, often, on the bed you’ll have your pillows with shams, and perhaps two more matching decorative pillows and one lumbar pillow going down the middle. Even if the rest of your bedroom isn’t symmetrical, symmetry around your bed can give you a sense of peace!

Shop This Look

Want to create some symmetry within your home?

Start My Project

Layout Guide: A Square Living Room Gets 2 Multi-Purpose Makeovers

May 1, 2020/0 Comments/in Layout Guides, Layout Guides, Tips & Guides /by Modsy

In our Layout Guides series, you’ll find layout ideas and solutions for rooms of all shapes and sizes. This week we take on the challenge of designing a square living room to work for hanging at home and having friends over.

If you’re like us, you probably love hanging out in your living room. It’s often the number one space in the house for entertaining and it’s usually the go-to spot for kicking back and relaxing after work. Living rooms come in a variety of spaces, but square living rooms are definitely one of the most common shapes! Just because they are common doesn’t mean they’re simple, however! A square living room has lots of possibilities when it comes to interior design.

How do I set up a square living room layout?

The easiest way to come up with living room ideas (square or not) is to decide what you want to do with it. Do you use your living room just for lounging and watching TV with the fam? Maybe you love having a formal space to entertain guests? Or are you interested in a combo live-work space? You can do any of these things and more—the sky’s the limit with square living room layout ideas! All you have to do is pick one that works for you.

To offer a little design inspiration and a few decor ideas for the living room, we designed a square living room with two layouts that make the most of the space. Read on to see our fabulous and functional square living room layout ideas with tips for designing your own!

Layout Idea #1: The Central Seating Square Living Room

This square living room layout is all about creating a welcoming space with multi-purpose central seating. We wanted the floor plan to work as a TV room design, entertaining, watching the kids play while you’re kicking back, etc. Living room layout ideas like this are all about flexibility—which is ideal for busy households because the space is easy to navigate. Living rooms should be a stylish spot where everyone can hang out at once without getting crowded.

The main goal of this square living room layout is creating a comfortable space to kick back and relax, whether you’re entertaining, watching a movie or just reading, napping and hanging with your family. We wanted to create a central and cozy seating area with a walking zone around groups of furniture pieces. With this floor plan, the living room can serve different functions—use it as is for conversation and leisure time or swivel the chairs around to face the TV for movie night! Plus, there’s a kids play area on the floor in the corner.

The Key Elements:

Long + low profile sofa: We love the gorgeous brown leather sofa in this square living room design. It is long enough to add ample seating for relaxation and you can still see over it to view out the windows and keep an eye on the kids. It’s subtle but still properly divides the floor plan and creates a border around the seating area.

Swivel chairs: Swivel chairs are a brilliant choice when it comes to small living room ideas. These chairs add stylish accent seating as part of the conversation circle—and they can easily flip around to face the TV. They also make for cozy reading spots and are near the bookcase if you need to grab a new novel.

Large area rug: A large area rug is key to creating a distinct conversation zone in a small living room. It pulls all of the seating together and anchors the arrangement around the coffee table. It helps create a smart floor plan even though all of the furniture is floating. A great rug can instantly turn a square living room into a cozy, intimate space to chat—and it also leaves room for a separate play area.

Will This Layout Idea Work for You? Yes If You…

Love multi-purpose living rooms where you can read, relax, entertain friends, or watch TV!
Need space in your square living room where you can monitor the kids play while you get some leisure time.
Like cozy, intimate seating circles that make for great conversation.
Have a busy household and need a floor plan with easy traffic flow (i.e. no sharp edges, coffee table to bump into, etc).

Layout Idea #2: The Conversational Living Room

For this living room layout, we wanted to create a live-work space with multiple functional areas. With so many of us working from home these days, it’s nice to have a desk in a comfortable hangout space, so putting an office in the living room was a no-brainer. This square living room checks all the boxes—the sofa provides plenty of seating and the floor plan is great for conversation, relaxing, entertaining friends and getting some work done.

Our goal was to create an open but cozy square living room for relaxing. The huge sectional sofa provides ample seating for you and your guests and there is additional flexible seating as needed. The open living room has multiple uses but there is a cohesive design across the entire space. And we love the contrast of the white sofa and yellow and blue accents against a taupe wall! With a small desk tucked in the corner, you also get to use the space for work without having to feel cooped up in an office.

The Key Elements:

Sectional sofa: This look starts with a supremely comfortable sectional sofa. We went with a sizable option that makes the room feel warm and welcoming and offers plenty of seats to relax and gather people around. It also sections off the back part of the room, creating a kind of buried den so the desk feels more private.

Conversation nook: The armchairs create their own conversational area. This layout works great for multiple conversational groupings in one open space—you can also pull the chairs in closer to sectional. Plus, you get to utilize the corner of this large space, which might otherwise go empty.

Ladder desk: This ladder desk is one of our fave decor ideas for a square living room because it creates a subtle working space. It’s mounted on a wall so the “office space” doesn’t take over any of the living room. Plus, the bookcase adds open book storage, which you can use for display items.

Will This Layout Idea Work for You? Yes If You…

Invite friends over often and need a spacious floor plan for casual hangs.
Need a home desk / workspace and prefer working in a shared space.
Love to curl up in a cozy reading chair with a good book!

Need help with your living room layout?

Start My Project

Layout Guide: Two Ideas for a Long, Narrow Living Room With a Fireplace

April 29, 2020/5 Comments/in Layout Guides, Layout Guides, Tips & Guides /by Modsy

In our Layout Guides series, you’ll find layout solutions for rooms of all shapes and sizes. This week we set out to find two design solutions for a long, narrow living room layout with the added challenge of a fireplace.

The Space: A long, narrow living room with a fireplace

The Style: Rustic Southwestern

The Challenge: Creating a functional, uncrowded layout in a long, narrow living room design with a fireplace.

There’s no other way around it—long, narrow living rooms are a design quandary for even the savviest decorators. Even a basic living room design requires a fair amount of design savvy to ensure that it functions well and fits everything you need. And if you are filling out a long, narrow space, you have some extra concerns to address.

When you’re designing a long, narrow living room layout, think about how you’d like to divide the space. Will you want to keep it open as one single space or divide it to have two distinct areas that flow into each other? What is the ideal layout for the functionality you need? Are you leaning toward cozy, lounge furniture or a more formal setup? It can be tricky to fit your furniture into a long room without overcrowding it—and a living room with a fireplace is even more challenging. Here we tackle a narrow living room with two totally different designs—take a peek and start brainstorming for your own space!

Layout Idea #1: Dual Purpose Living Room

Layout Idea #1 makes smart use of the space to create a dual-purpose living room. We sectioned the large space into distinct areas, which is a great way to maximize square footage if you have limited rooms in the house. The spaces include multiple conversation zones—the main sofa and living area, a cozy fireplace seating arrangement and a dining area. Guests can choose to kick back and cozy up by the fire or take a seat at the table and enjoy the beautiful view!

We love how this layout creates multiple zones for different uses. The intimate seating area near the fireplace is great for conversation while the seating table in the back of the space works for games/homework/crafts or as a more formal dining spot. The main focus of this layout is to break up the space to create functional and different seating arrangements that still feel cohesive and flow together.

The Key Elements:

Designing a long, narrow space is all about choosing furniture pieces that don’t overcrowd the space. The rattan chairs are the perfect size to flank the fireplace. They add cozy seating that is light and easily moveable—setting them across from the sofa also creates a warm conversation circle.

We went with the “Floating Sofa” setup, which places the sofa in the center of the room instead of up against a wall. This serves as another comfortable place to sit and it faces the chairs and fireplace for conversation and entertaining. This placement calls for a low profile sofa that divides the space into two zones without blocking the view. A round kitchen table adds additional seating and provides a place to do different activities while still being a part of the living room/conversation.

Will this narrow living room layout work for you? Yes if…

You need to maximize the use of a single living room/dining room space.
You like to have multiple conversations areas.
You want a table for games, homework, happy hour drinks, etc.

Layout Idea #2: Open Lounge

Our second layout makes the most of the big space by using the openness to create a lounge-like feel. It has lots of extra seating, making it a great layout for entertaining—guests can relax by the fireplace or on the large sectional sofa with plenty of poufs for seating galore. It also leaves a lot of floor space open for reading/games, etc.

This living room has a relaxed and luxurious lounge vibe in both distinct seating zones. You can have two separate areas to hang out, the sectional sofa and the fireplace seats, but they’re also open to each other and cohesive in style. The layout doesn’t interrupt the flow of walking through the space. The fireplace lounge area has chairs that are easy to slide over to the sectional area if you need. Either way, the sofa provides a great area for large groups to lounge together.

The Key Elements:

This living room looks great with the enormous “L” sectional that fills up the corner and maximizes seating. Pushed back against two walls, it creates a cozy corner without wasting any space! A furniture piece like this makes the room feel immediately inviting and also keeps a large space from feeling too sparse.

The armchairs flanking the fireplace are stylish and cozy, great for reading, intimate convos, and fireside warmth. Having another seating nook at the far end of the room means you can get a little privacy here while others hang out on the sectional. This living room layout also makes use of one of our favorite design tricks—area rugs! You can subtly “divide” the different seating zones by using rugs to visually delineate them. It divides space while keeping the design cohesive and the room extra cozy.

Will this living room layout work for you? Yes if…

You love to have friends over and entertain!
You live with kids/pets and want some open floor space.
Your fam likes a big space to sprawl out.
You like having more than one comfy space to kick back and relax.

Need help with a narrow living room design?

Tips for Tackling 4 Common Living and Dining Room Layout Designs

April 7, 2020/2 Comments/in Layout Guides, Layout Guides, Tips & Guides /by Modsy

Having a connected living room plus dining room design in your home can be a wonderful setup for hosting dinner parties, gatherings, holiday meals, or just everyday family dinners. This design usually means that the rooms share a big or small space and blend into one another. It’s one of the best floor plans for entertaining, but it also requires a savvy furniture layout that allows for a comfortable dining room as well as a seating area in the living room.

If you’re struggling with how to find the best floor plan for your living room plus dining room design, you’re definitely not alone! Designing floor plans like this can be a challenge. Check out some of the following suggestions for handling this interior design conundrum, then see how we tackle 4 common living room and dining room layout struggles!

How can I decorate my living room and dining room?

The short answer: any way you want! Get creative with your interior design choices so you have a living and dining room area that feels welcoming and works with your routine! We recommend picking a cohesive style as a launching point for both spaces so they don’t feel at odds with each other. Consider furniture styles, materials, and color palette—they don’t have to be matchy-matchy, but it will look best if they complement each other.

Style impacts function, so consider your home dwellers (i.e young kids or pets?) and how you want to use the space (i.e. large dinner parties or family movie nights?).

How do you paint a living room dining combo?

When a living room and dining area are a 2-for-1 deal, it’s always best to paint them both in the same color. If you want to really differentiate one space from another, choose an accent wall in one room or paint multiple walls. Just be sure to avoid too many different colors or it will start to look like a circus! Also, consider the color of furniture pieces and be sure to use these accents in both rooms to tie the spaces together.

How do you approach the layout in a living-dining combo?

First, consider the flow of the room. Which other areas of the house lead into this space? Most importantly, where is the kitchen? It’s usually a good idea to lay out your dining room open to the kitchen so you can easily transport food, dishes, etc. in and out.

Also, consider how you plan to use each room. Is your dining room going to be used for entertaining? In that case, it’s great to have it flow right into an open living room so guests can mingle throughout the space. If you want your living room to be a dedicated chill-out space, start with foundational furniture (sofa + TV stand) and once you have those pieces in place, you can build out from there.

Take a look at these 4 living room and dining room layouts to help brainstorm more ideas about your space!

Open Living Dining Room with a Kitchen

The Challenge: Designing an open space with easy flow and multiple focal points

The Layout: TV viewing + conversational living room

This living room is all about lounging and relaxing on comfy furniture! It features a fireplace + TV as focal points of the living area. The open space has space for all the right furniture—sectional plus two armchairs so your guests can spread out and the family won’t have to fight over seats.

The dining space is adjacent to the kitchen, which is a huge bonus! There’s no interior design law that says the kitchen and dining area must meet, but think about carrying a platter of food or dirty plates back and forth—it just makes sense to have them close together!

The Key Elements:

This living and dining room has an excellent furniture layout that uses a “floating sofa” to define the spaces. The sofa back acts as a wall that creates two zones so it’s easy to maintain separate vibes if you want to. We opted for round furniture (coffee table, side table, and dinner table) because it tends to open up small spaces where flow through the room is a concern.

Explore the Space

Long and Narrow Open Living Dining Room

The Challenge: Creating a formal open living/dining room in a long, narrow space

The Layout: Formal entertaining living-meets-dining spaces

This layout starts with spaces that are distinctly separated, but flow together visually. We started by arranging the living room furniture to create a formal, conversational vibe. The space features two sofas, symmetrically placed on either side of the fireplace. This setup makes the roaring fire the focal point and conversation area. Plus, you have a bar cart in the corner for easy entertaining.

The dining and living room are separate but aligned and we wanted to make sure we kept the design uniform. The dining table placed perpendicular to sofas helps define a separate dining area and creates a buffer between the kitchen and living room.

The Key Elements:

Both the living and dining room have beautiful antique rugs to help “zone” the space—each room is grounded on its own rug. The rectangular tables keep this look super formal and direct traffic flow without disrupting the cohesive styles.

Two woven poufs at the end of the living room allow for additional seating without crowding the narrow living space. They are great for entertaining as you can keep them in front of the fire and move around as needed! The pale blues and neutrals create an elegant palette and keep the space feeling open and sophisticated

Explore The Space

The Oversized Living Room + Dining Room

The Challenge: Designing a huge open living-dining room with lots of windows

The Layout: Completely distinct living and dining spaces

Totally distinct living room and dining room floor plans like this are great for a vacation home where lots of people gather at once! The defining piece of furniture in this living room and dining room setup is the 3-piece sectional sofa—this seating area can fit the whole family with space for all in your in-laws and more!

The Key Elements:

The large sectional also creates a triple focal point living room, with seating facing toward the TV, toward the fireplace, and toward the dining room. This layout creates a cozy nook in this large open space—and did we already say LOTS of seating?? We complemented it with this circular coffee table which doesn’t hinder flow through space.

The round dining table in the dining area is also great for family gatherings—it fills the 5 walls of this “slanted room” without drawing attention to the funky shape like a boxy table might. Plus, the circular shape creates flow, directing traffic from the kitchen and dining area. It’s a great setup for family meals, easy conversation, and creates lots of space for passing food around the table.

Explore The Space

Split-Level Open Living And Dining Room

The Challenge: Creating a cohesive look for a small split-level living plus dining room

The Layout: Low-key living room and elevated dining space

This look takes the dining room to the next level! The spaces are distinct enough to warrant their own vibe, but we love how they line up next to each other to make for an easy transition from one to the other. After dinner, you and your guests can wander down to the living room for TV viewing in the lower level!

The Key Elements:

In this layout, the living room furniture serves to partition off the living area. The arc floor lamp provides ambient overhead light and the console behind the sofa helps orient you in the space. The sofa also offers a view of the TV and window.

The blue accent wall on the top-level adds visual depth and creates a cozy, tucked in the dining room area. It also pulls the eye into the dining room so you get to take in the unified palette of both spaces at once.

A circular, 4-top table is perfect for a small family and cozy, intimate dinners with friends. The closed credenza adds extra storage so you don’t have to worry about this living and dining room looking unkempt!

Explore The Space

Need help with your open living-dining room layout?

Layout Guide: A Rectangular Living Room Done Two Ways

January 7, 2020/2 Comments/in Layout Guides, Layout Guides, Living Room Interior Design, Tips & Guides /by Modsy

In our Layout Guides series, you’ll find layout solutions for rooms of all shapes and sizes. This week we take on the challenge of designing a rectangular living room layout with limited space.

The Space: A tiny living room with a rectangular shape and one wall-to-wall window.

The Style: Industrial Minimal

The Challenge: Designing a rectangular living room layout with limited space that is stylish, fun, and functional.

One of the best ways to make a home feel both elegant and inviting is designing a living room layout that works for your space. If you have a rectangular living room, the right layout helps to create space to entertain guests, kick back with your family, or comfortably enjoy games and activities at home.

With two walls longer than the shorter walls, a rectangular living room can easily start to feel narrow and claustrophobic. But with a little strategic planning, you can overcome this challenge and make a rectangular living room layout feel warm, welcoming and friendly. Here’s our guide to designing a living room layout that makes the most of a rectangular space.

Layout #1: TV-Viewing Living Room

Living Room Layout #1 is all about creating a casual, family-friendly spot where you can lounge, kick back and watch TV. The sectional sofa is placed directly across from the television for optimal viewing and extra seating. And the room feels open and airy with plenty of room to navigate around furniture.

The Key Elements in This TV-Viewing Living Room Layout

Plenty of Seating: The large sectional sofa is a great choice for a rectangular living room layout because it offers enough space for your whole family to stretch out. The armchairs provide extra seating and can be easily moved for TV viewing or conversation. And the pouf acts as a footrest but can double as a chair when needed.

Prime TV Setup: In this design, the seating is geared toward watching TV so you won’t have to crane your neck or miss any of the action while you’re lounging! The sectional and chairs create a cozy space for chilling with a good movie or binge-watching your favorite show.

Extra Storage: The dresser against the back wall offers tons of extra storage to tuck away all your clutter. There’s also a stylish bookcase for vertical storage/display next to the TV. These storage options help make sure you can keep the room uncluttered but still have access to the things you need.

Warm and Livable: The industrial minimal style makes a great balance between fun and functional. The neutral palette with high-contrast accents is streamlined but not cold and the dark accent wall makes the space immediately cozy and inviting.

Will a TV-Viewing Layout Work in Your Space? Yes If You…

Need a cozy, family-friendly space to lounge.
Have a family that loves TV and movie time.
Like a sparse, stylish look that’s still warm and inviting.
Want extra seating on hand in case friends drop by.

Layout #2: Conversational Living Room Layout

This rectangular living room layout makes the most of the space by creating two distinct areas in the same room. The main space set up for easy conversation and entertainment, with plenty of room to navigate around furniture and seating options you can move around as needed. This layout also leaves room for a full dining setup in the back with a dining table and four chairs.

Why This Rectangular Living Room Layout Works

Ample Seating: The key to fostering conversation is proper seating that is centered around interaction! This layout features a cozy sofa placed on one of the long walls directly across from two comfortable armchairs along with a stylish bench in front of the window. There’s no TV in the room and the circular seating setup creates a warm conversation circle for guests.

Small Space Hacks: Every small room can use a few optical illusions! This layout features a large, circular mirror above the sofa that helps to make the room look much bigger. Likewise, the sconces on either side of the mirror are a great lighting alternative because they don’t take up floor space but still offer tons of light. And the bench and coffee table are open-base to avoid any visual heaviness in the room.

Sleek Style: Industrial minimal style is perfect for a small room because it is visually light and uncluttered. This room makes great use of clean lines and abstract art, neutral tones, and vibrant pops of color to create a super sleek and sophisticated look.

Dining Area: Not only does this living room layout create a cozy convo space, it also offers a cool dining area. The grey area rug helps to distinguish it as its own separate space and the metal chairs and white table create a visual lightness so it doesn’t feel too crammed with furniture.

Will a Conversational Layout Work in Your Space? Yes If You…

Are more into chatting and interaction than watching TV.
Prefer seating options you can move and shift around the room.
Love a minimalist, stylish space.
Want a dedicated dining area in your home but don’t have a separate dining room.

Need help designing your living room layout?

Layout Guide: A Rectangular Bedroom With Lots of Doors and Windows

January 6, 2020/1 Comment/in Bedroom Interior Design, Layout Guides, Layout Guides, Tips & Guides /by Modsy

In our “Layout Guides” series you’ll find layout solutions for rooms of all shapes and sizes. Often the trickiest part of interior design, finding the right layout for your room can be a challenge. This week we’re looking at two different rectangular bedroom layout ideas for a small room with lots of windows and doors.

Designing for bedrooms is a unique challenge no matter how you look at it. Beds are large and take up a big chunk of space, which can be particularly imposing for small bedroom layouts. Then add lots of windows and doors into the mix and it can become an even harder puzzle to work out!

Limited wall area means you have to get creative about furniture placement in order to ensure that your rectangular bedroom still feels like a peaceful and uncluttered oasis where you can get the rest and relaxation you need. That’s why we’re looking at small bedroom layout ideas for creating a space that is as functional, peaceful and stylish as a great bedroom should be!

The Space: A small, rectangular bedroom

The Style: Classic Modern

The Challenge: Designing a small, rectangular bedroom layout with lots of windows and doors to contend with.

Layout #1: The Serene Sleeper Layout

Layout idea #1 prioritizes a serene and peaceful sleeping environment. This bedroom layout features a queen bed, the perfect size to stretch out for a good night’s sleep. The bed is placed against the long wall, which is the most obvious placement. It leaves plenty of room for two sizeable nightstands on either side of the bed. It also means you can enjoy the view out the windows when you wake up in the morning.

Small bedroom designs are all about making a space feel open and airy so you can rest easy. Here, the neutral color scheme helps maintain a sense of calm and relaxation and the minimalist decor keeps the room feeling light and uncluttered.

Key Elements in This Serene Bedroom Layout

Placing the bed against the long wall means you can fit a queen size bed for maximum comfort and coziness. The bed also offers a lovely view out of the windows so the morning light can greet you! This placement also leaves room for two nightstands on either side, which helps create a sense of balance in the space.

The wall below the windows has a long dresser for extra storage so you don’t have to deal with clutter in your relaxation room. We also tucked a chair into the corner to create a cozy reading nook! The chair faces toward the windows too so you can take in the view from multiple spots.

The floor-length mirror tucked behind the chair means you have a functional dressing area in your bedroom. And it’s also a nice optical illusion to make the room seem even larger without taking up more floor space. The neutral rug under the bed offers a splash of color to tie the room together as well as floor coverage for bare feet.

Can This Symmetrical Bedroom Layout Work for You? Yes if You…

Love to gaze at the world outside from your bed.
Enjoy having a reading nook in your bedroom.
Want a bedroom that’s centered on rest and relaxation.
Hate clutter and want the serenity of a simple, sparse oasis.

Layout #2: Extra Floor Space and Functionality

Bedroom layout #2 is all about creating more space and functionality. But we wanted to make sure to maintain a sense of peacefulness and calm by not cluttering the room. As with any small space, it’s all about finding balance.

This layout features the bed against the narrow wall at the back of the room. We used a low, platform bed that fits right underneath the windows and doesn’t block the view. The bed frame has built-in nightstands/shelves for clever storage. We made sure to use furniture and decor that would take up minimal space while maximizing functionality.

Key Elements in This Space-Saving Bedroom Layout

The platform bed we used makes an awesome space-saver for this bedroom layout. The low headboard fits just under the windows, making it easy to push it against the back wall of the room. This placement leaves much more open floor space without blocking the light or view from the windows. It also doesn’t sacrifice your big, cozy sleeping space! The bed frame has built-in nightstands so you don’t need to buy the extra pieces of furniture. And it comes with two shelves on either side for extra storage. It’s a great interior design hack that adds function without the price tag of extra furniture.

The stylish bench at the end of the bed is great for extra seating or a place to drop your things/put on socks and shoes/etc. And the tall dresser along the back wall adds tons of extra storage space to tuck away clothes and clutter. The minimalist decor keeps the room feeling tranquil and calm and the pillow and artwork add pops of color for warmth.

Pushing the bed against the narrow wall and using minimal furniture leaves lots of open floor space in this bedroom layout. It’s great if you need space for things other than sleeping in your bedroom—yoga or painting, anyone?

Can This Functional Bedroom Layout Work for You? Yes if You…

Want to cut down on the amount of furniture in your space.
Love tidy, uncluttered layouts.
Like having your bed tucked in snugly between two walls.
Need extra floor space for exercise/activities at home in your bedroom.

Need help designing you rectangular bedroom layout?