A long and narrow living room can be a challenge to design. They’re awkward when considering different layouts, and it takes time to imagine how you’ll use this space beyond just watching TV. There are definitely ways to make the space feel not just liveable, but elevated.
First and foremost, don’t feel the need to fill the entire space with furniture and decor. You want the space to feel proportionate and balanced without filling every corner with furniture. It’s okay if you have an empty corner; if it bugs you, put a plant there. Don’t feel pressure to add more just for the sake of more. Beyond that, there are a few more tricks of the trade you can implement – I hope they help!
Multi-use zones
Creating multi-use zones is the only way to make these long, narrow rooms work. Otherwise, you risk filling the room with too many pieces and getting a lackluster result. I’ve had many conversations with clients and asked them what do you want to use this room for?
Sometimes, it’s a tricky question because it’s a secondary living space. They aren’t sure what to use it for because it’s hard to envision multi-use zones. But through talking it out, they realized they’d like a space away from the TV or room to host Christmas every year, would like seating for guests, and a small bar for a glass of wine in the evening.
Central seating area
This seating area should be the primary focus or use of the living room. A medium-small size sofa will fit best in these long, narrow rooms. You could add a chase to the sofa as well for lounging. A small coffee table, end tables and, of course, a rug. Pick an 8×10 rug in your living room unless it’s a small room.
This central seating area can face a TV or a wall of artwork. Either way, add a TV stand or credenza for storage and a place to add a lamp or decor. The lack of storage and lighting is often a problem in homes but always a vital element in any room.
Secondary use space
Now that you have your central seating area, you have space for another seating area. You could add two swivel chairs with a small table in between or an antique drop-leaf table for games or morning coffee.
If you don’t want more seating, install bookcases flanking the windows with cabinets below for storage, like blankets, games, or anything else you might need. You could even add a countertop on the base cabinets making sure to have 18″ from the counter to the bookcase so you have more surface for lighting, photos and decor.
Tertiary use space
This leaves you with another end of the room that you might need help with. If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace there, you can add a small piece of furniture, like shoe storage and all the fireplace tools you may need.
If you don’t have a fireplace, add a desk; if you need it, even a little writer’s desk, some plants, or make it a space for your hobby; if you’re into painting, set up an easel. If you love plants, set them on a lovely table in front of the window for house plants or seeding plants in early spring.
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