How to Arrange Your Living Room Furniture

Create functional drama by pairing seating, lighting and even accessories, like ceramics and taxidermy, on opposite sides of your space. A mirror image look, like this one, is especially effective if you’re working with a pair of sofas.

If strict geometry doesn’t float your boat, be sure to offset bulky items, like couches and loveseats, with a coffee table and a pair of chairs. In general, pros suggest leaving at least a foot and a half of leg room between those pieces.

Don’t worry about providing cover for every inch of your space, but do create a relationship between large pieces by planting each of your seats' front legs on your area rug.

Speaking of planting, are you sure that you're arranging your greenery according to its needs? Dramatic species, like this bird of paradise, are a fabulous way to add interest to corners of your room. They also require bright, direct sunlight to thrive (so the corner you choose had better have a window or two).