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 narrow living room to work for lounging and entertaining.
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Narrow Living Room Layout Ideas
The Space: A 12’ x 24’ narrow living room that gets lots of light and is the main spot for relaxing and entertaining.
The Challenge: Maximizing the small and narrow space to accommodate a comfortable sofa for lounging and watching TV. There also needs to be a dining area for entertaining, but the two spaces should feel distinct from each other.
Idea #1: The Laid-Back Lounge Layout
Layout idea #1 puts emphasis on a comfortable main living area with lots of small-space seating. The layout creates a lounge-y vibe inside the narrow living room and encourages conversation as well as TV watching. The design features lots of versatile pieces and can easily be rearranged for different uses. A compact dining set-up near the kitchen makes for a great spot for low-key entertaining with a few guests.
With this layout approach, entertaining is centered around the main sofa area while the mix of small space-friendly furnishings help create a cozy feel in the room.
Why It Works:
- The custom sofa fits perfectly along the shorter wall and makes the most of the narrow living room.
- The round table is perfect for the small dining area right by the kitchen counter. This layout creates a natural flow that’s great for hosting sit-down dinners.
- There’s lots of extra versatile seating that can be moved around. The petite side chairs by the windows are easy to rearrange and the poufs can even pinch-hit as footstools or cocktail tables.
- It’s easy to create multiple focal points with art in the room’s different “zones.” Hang art and wall decor that go with each space and add major visual interest.
This is Great If You…
- Like a space with a more laid-back seating area that’s conducive to conversation and cocktail gatherings.
- Prefer a living space where the main focus isn’t always the TV.
- Usually only have a few people over at a time and enjoy smaller gatherings and dinners.
- Need a space that’s compact but flexible with versatile furnishings that are easy to move around and swap out over time.
See the layout in 360!
Idea #2: The Formal Entertaining Layout
Layout idea #2 takes lounging and entertaining into full consideration. Dedicated living and dining areas can comfortably accommodate a big crowd. The furnishings are arranged in a more formal manner with a very open flow that optimizes the narrow living room for TV viewing.
In this layout, the furniture setup gives the illusion that the space is larger than it seems since it includes a true dining space as well as a large TV console that fits perfectly across from the seating area.
Why It Works:
- We arranged the sofa along the longer wall, which gives the seating area a roomier feel and a more open flow.
- The large glass-top dining table seats six and provides a formal entertaining space in the apartment — even if it’s slightly farther away from the kitchen in this layout.
- We positioned the TV console directly across from the seating area here, making the space perfect for movie nights and lots of Netflix binges with friends.
- Fewer but larger pieces give the space a more decorated look and feel.
This is Great If You…
- Are all about having friends over whenever you can for movie marathons and Bachelorette viewing parties.
- Love long affair dinner parties that start with cocktails and move on to a multi-course meal.
- Want a space that has a more grown-up aesthetic with investment pieces that have a timeless quality to them.
- Like a space where everything has its designated place and purpose — but still looks stylish and uncluttered.
See the layout in 360!
