5 Common Living Room Layout Mistakes (And How to Fix Them Like a Designer)

A beautiful room can fall flat fast if the layout isn’t working. And honestly? Most layout mistakes aren't about the furniture itself. It's how (and where) you're placing it.

If you want your living room to feel polished, intentional, and designed—not just "put together"—you need to avoid these five common mistakes.

1. Pushing All Your Furniture Against the Walls

It’s the first instinct, but it’s the fastest way to make a room feel disconnected and smaller.
Instead: Float your furniture. Pull your sofa and chairs in to create a cozy conversation zone. You’ll instantly add warmth, flow, and a sense of purpose to the room.

2. Using a Rug That’s Too Small

A tiny rug can throw off the entire space. It makes everything feel disconnected, like floating islands.

Instead: Size up. Your rug should be large enough that at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs sit on it.

3. Ignoring the Focal Point

Whether it’s a fireplace, a stunning view, or even a statement art piece, your layout should anchor around your focal point—not fight against it.

Instead: Orient your main seating to face or frame the feature you want to highlight.

4. Creating Bottlenecks

If you have to squeeze between furniture to move through the room, the flow is off.

Instead: Make sure there’s at least 30-36 inches of walking space between major pieces. Your home should feel welcoming, not like an obstacle course.

5. Forgetting About Layers

A living room isn’t just a sofa and chairs. It’s the coffee tables, side tables, lamps, throws, and little details that finish the space.

Instead: Layer thoughtfully. Balance hard and soft textures, mix heights, and use finishing touches that make the room feel intentional. (Need a designer-approved starting point? The RESET List has you covered.)

A Final Note

Good design isn’t about filling every corner.
It’s about creating a space that feels collected and balanced—where everything has a purpose, and there’s breathing room to enjoy it.

Want an easy way to get that curated, high-end look at home?

→ Grab The RESET List Here to get my exact go-to pieces.