Keep the sightlines between adjoining rooms open for an airy, casual atmosphere. The sightlines in an L-shaped space are often broken up just enough to make for an awkward transition from one room to another. With the right palette, accessories and furniture placement, however, an adjoining living room and dining room can appear cohesive and natural. Wall Color In an L-shaped space, two areas share a wall. This is normally the longest wall in the “L” formation. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to paint the entire space one color, as long as the hues blend nicely. Decide on a color for each room. Then choose at which end of the long wall to begin the second shade. For example, if you’re going with a slightly lighter tone in the living room, you could allow the dining room’s darker color to enter the living room along the shared wall. A darker or more dominant-colored wall in any space acts as a feature wall. Furnishings Your furniture is key to good design flow.

But it doesn’t have to match. Matched sets can appear too stuffy and contrived. The furniture throughout a home works best when it simply goes well together. Case in point: dark maple mixes nicely with bleached pine or oak because these two types of wood are different enough to show planned definition. Bring them together with other elements; a maple dining room set and a pine entertainment center could both have chrome legs, clean lines and retro, art-deco inspiration. Decor and Accessories In each space the decor can have its own personality; however, carry the same design language throughout for flow. You might choose solid gray curtains for the TV-watching area, and white drapery with gray swirls in the eating space. Anchor each room using a striped rug under the coffee table and a paisley rug -- with a similar palette -- under the dining table. If you accessorize with crystal candlesticks in one room, use crystal vases in the other. Set three floor or table lamps in a triangular formation throughout the room for light and balance.

Pull it all together with artwork that carries the same theme, from songbirds to city-scapes. Transition If you took away the walls from an L-shaped space, the furniture in one room typically would sit at a right angle to the next. Yet the transition from room to room, should feel effortless. You could tuck a sectional sofa into the outer corner. Place two armless, low-back chairs across from the couch, while backing them onto the dining area as a half wall. Back a streamlined buffet against the chairs, on the table’s side. wicker chairs for outsideThe longest side of a rectangle or oval table should run parallel to the line created by the chairs. accent chairs for $50As long as there is easy access past the grouping -- a minimum of 3 feet or hallway width -- this arrangement can provide division, without blocking sightlines.distressed leather club chairs for sale

References Your Decorating Hotline: Furniture Placement: L-Shaped Room Photo Credits Jack Hollingsworth/Photodisc/Getty ImagesAlcove Storage Alcove Shelving Shelving Ideas Storage Ideas Built In Storage Office Storage Kitchen Organization Storage Solutions Alcove Cupboards Forwards Like the clean lines here but what would look good behind the shelves? Do I want walls on show? A fireplace is a perfect focal point for a conversation grouping. A fireplace works as the focal point in a living room. dining chairs for sale in melbourneBecause people are naturally attracted to the warmth, light and action of dancing flames, they like to arrange furniture so everyone can catch a glimpse of the hearth. arm chairs for sale yorkThere are several furniture arrangements that work in a room with a fireplace -- the right one for you depends on the size and shape of the room and the pieces you would like to include.cheap aluminum folding lawn chairs

The H Shape Begin any furniture arrangement with the largest seating piece, which is usually the sofa. The H-shaped seating grouping requires two sofas. They may be full-sized, three-cushion sofas, or smaller loveseats. Place the sofas at right angles to fireplace, facing each other, with a low coffee table in between them to form the H. If there's room, add extra seating that faces the fireplace in the form of a low bench or a pair of hassocks. The L Shape The L-shaped arrangement begins with one sofa, placed perpendicular to the fireplace on either side, and facing across the hearth. patio chair cushions bed bath and beyondThe short arm of the L faces the fireplace, and may consist of another sofa, a loveseat, or a chair or two. butterfly chair frame cheapIn a long narrow space, the long arm of the L may face the fireplace to accommodate less depth in the distance from the fireplace. where to buy shower chair in the philippines

This arrangement opens the grouping to another part of the room, such as a dining area or the spot with a game table. Having one side of the seating arrangement open offers flexibility to include larger groups for entertaining. The U Shape The U-shaped arrangement begins with a sofa parallel to the fireplace wall and facing it. Two loveseats placed perpendicular to the fireplace wall and facing each other will form a perfect U. Two chairs on each side, perpendicular to the fireplace and facing each other can also form a U. If your space is limited, two armchairs placed flanking the fireplace, angled slightly inward and facing out toward the sofa will form a rounder U. Any of these U arrangements create an intimate conversation area for socializing. Other Angles Occasionally, a squared-off arrangement isn’t quite right for the room. You may want to place furniture at a slight angle to the fireplace wall, especially when the furniture arrangement is away from the outside walls creating an interior space within a space.

Secondary groups of seating in the room angled toward the fireplace conversation group subtly unify the design. Table Placement Side tables and coffee tables are essentials in a living room. Ideally, everyone should have a place close by to put down a drink or dish. A low coffee table solves the problem for everyone seated around it, but end tables are also helpful. After the seating pieces are arranged, add tables to serve each place in the group. Provide 18 inches of clearance between coffee tables and seating so people can effortlessly move in and out of the group. Common Arrangement Problems Don't put seating directly in front of the fireplace or facing away. In some living rooms, the television set or entertainment center may compete with the fireplace as the focal point. You can place the television over the fireplace mantel, or in a niche or cabinet to one side of the fireplace, so the seating arrangement works for either focal point. References HLM Interiors: How to Arrange Furniture in a Living Room with a Fireplace