How To Arrange an Open Floor Plan

Ready to turn your open floor plan into your dream space? Planning out a large open space can be intimidating, we understand. The very reasons we love an open floor plan—so much space and flexibility—are the same reasons they can be tough to design. 

Rest assured, we’re here to help you. When you know the essentials of open floor plan design, furniture arranging becomes much more intuitive. Read on for recommendations from our experts on how to arrange your living room furniture in an open floor plan. You'll transform your wide-open room into a beautiful and livable space in no time!

First, you shouldn't necessarily consider your open floor plan space as one huge room. You'll likely utilize your open concept space for many different functions, and it's okay for a little bit of separation to designate the living area from the dining area, for example. Creative placement of furniture and rugs will allow you to create the illusion of separate rooms within your open floor plan. You can have the best of both worlds with an open floor plan and an intimate living area, too!

A large rug can be your best friend when you're defining set areas within your open-concept room. Place a rug under your living room furniture to represent the space's boundaries. With just a large area rug, you’ve created the sense of a living room separate from your kitchen and dining areas.

Another option to set areas apart within an open floor plan is utilizing the furniture itself. Use the angles of a sofa or sectional to divide the living area from the dining area and create a natural barrier. A nice bonus? These lines can create pathways for your visitors as they walk through the space.

How much should the elements within an open floor plan match? Our answer is: just enough! You want your larger pieces to create a sense of unity in the room, allowing one space to flow neatly into the next. Then use accessories and smaller pieces to differentiate each area.

Keep the big things unified, like the overall furniture style (modern, farmhouse, etc.) and your primary upholstery colors or wooden finishes. With a cohesive furniture theme for your open floor plan, you're free to get creative with accessories and decor without fear of your space seeming mismatched.

Find a line of furniture you love, and you can choose pieces from a single line for different areas of your room.

Even though you want to create a sense of harmony in an open floor plan, you must also add distinct elements that guide the eye within the room. Otherwise, an open floor plan can feel disjointed or cluttered. Creating a focal point in each area allows the eye to rest on a beautiful piece and gives each area a unique look.

Find a statement chandelier or pendant to anchor a space, like in a dining room area above the table. If you have a fireplace, they are excellent to use as a main focal point in an open floor plan living area. Angle two small sofas or a cozy sectional in a way that naturally draws the eye to a fireplace. Your entertainment center is another natural focal point, and a unique TV stand or console table will certainly stand out.

As you arrange furniture, remember that you’ll need convenient storage space in each area. Coffee tables with storage and storage ottomans are perfect for items you want out of the way but still within reach, like extra blankets for family movie night. Try placing a sofa table behind the couch, or find end tables to hold your books, magazines, and remote controls. With a bit of creativity, bookshelves and sofa tables can also serve as excellent room dividers, helping you define unique spaces within your open floor plan.

Want to learn more about decorating a home with an open floor plan? Shop in a store near you today or book an appointment with one of our design consultants for expert recommendations on how to make your open floor plan room both flexible and cohesive