A well-arranged living room isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s the heart of your home, where form meets function in the most fabulous way. At My Object of Desire, we believe your living space should feel like a personal sanctuary infused with beauty, intention, and a bit of boldness. That’s why we’ve collaborated with our founder Janet Morais—a seasoned interior designer with years of luxury design experience—to bring you a definitive guide on how to arrange living room furniture.
From the perfect layout to stylish accents, here’s how to transform your living room into a space that reflects your unique point of view. (And yes, we’ve included some must-have pieces from our curated collection to make it even easier.)
1. Define Your Focal Point
Every great room starts with a strong focal point. It could be a fireplace, a chandelier, dramatic piece of art, a statement cabinet, or a luxurious sofa that demands attention. Build your layout around this visual anchor.
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2. Create Conversation Zones
The best living rooms encourage connection. Whether you're entertaining or relaxing, your seating arrangement should make it easy for people to interact. Position sofas and chairs to face each other with 3 to 10 feet between them. Add occasional chairs or benches to round out the space.
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3. Consider Traffic Flow
Avoid the “furniture maze” trap. Leave at least 30 inches of clearance around major pieces so people can move through the room with ease. A layout that feels open but anchored is key. Be sure to consider how far your sofa is from your coffee table.
Pro Tip from Our Founder:
"Always float furniture at least a few inches from the wall. It instantly creates a more polished, designer look—plus, it improves circulation and flow."
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4. Balance Shapes and Proportions
Contrast is your best friend when arranging furniture. Pair curvy pieces with clean lines, mix high and low silhouettes, and match large-scale items with smaller accents to create harmony.
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5. Use Area Rugs to Define the Space
A well-placed rug can help define zones, especially in open floor plans. It should be large enough that at least the front legs of all major pieces are on it.
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6. Don’t Forget Accent Tables
Side tables and coffee tables aren’t just functional—they complete your furniture arrangement by filling in negative space and adding layers of style.
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7. Add Lighting in Layers
Proper lighting brings your furniture arrangement to life. Use a combination of overhead lighting, floor lamps, and table lamps to create a moody, multi-dimensional effect.
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8. Personal Touches Make It Yours
Don’t forget to add accessories that reflect your personal style—sculptures, candles, books, pillows, and objets d’art that spark conversation and joy.
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Expert Insight, Curated for You
With guidance from our founder—who has transformed high-end interiors across Europe and the U.S.—this article is more than a guide. It’s your shortcut to creating a space that feels curated, comfortable, and undeniably you.
Explore our full collection on MyObjectofDesire.com to find all the pieces featured here and more. Your dream living room is just a few clicks away.