How to Arrange Family Room Furniture

Draw a floor plan or create a small model of your family room with paper so you can see what the furniture looks like in different places. This helps you decide where to put furniture without going through the hassle of actually moving it and finding out you don't like it.

Determine a focal point for your family room. This could be a fireplace, a television, a favorite picture or a window with a view you enjoy. This will be the centerpiece that you arrange your furniture around.

Think about the flow of traffic through the family room. Leave a space for walking around chairs so conversations won't get interrupted by people passing through.

Consider putting a group of chairs or couches close together so people can sit and interact with each other. Avoid putting larger pieces of furniture together, which negatively affects the balance of the room.

Decide how you want to use tables. If the family has a tendency to pile things and clutter up a room, it's best to keep end tables and coffee tables away from the seating areas. However, if the family members like sitting together and talking while enjoying food and drink, then place tables close to the chairs so people can set their plates and cups down.

Use colorful area rugs to highlight the areas where you want people to sit. Rugs are also handy for covering unsightly stains or other floor flaws.

Analyze lighting as you rearrange the furniture. Make sure there is ample lighting for people who want to sit and read, and also consider areas with low lighting for cozy conversation.

Move the furniture into the new spots beginning with the largest pieces. In the family room, this would most likely be the sofa. The furniture does not have to directly face the focal point, but should be arranged to enhance it.

Synchronize the decor in the room, even if you have unmatched pieces, by choosing slip covers and pillows that are tied together in a common theme.