Living Room Setup: Easy Ways to Arrange Furniture, Color and Tech

Feeling stuck on how to make your living room work? You’re not alone. Most of us end up with a couch that blocks the hallway or a TV that feels out of place. The good news is you can fix those problems with a few practical steps. Below you’ll find clear, down‑to‑earth advice that will let you enjoy a room that looks good and feels just right.

Sofa Placement and Color Choices

The sofa is the anchor of most living rooms, so start there. First, avoid the classic mistake of pushing the sofa against a wall with no purpose—this can make the space feel cramped. Instead, try pulling it slightly away from the wall and placing a side table or a narrow bookshelf behind it. This creates depth and gives you a spot for lamps or décor without crowding the floor.

When it comes to color, neutral tones like warm whites, greige, or soft blues are safe bets. They make the room feel larger and give you flexibility to switch up accents later. If you want a pop, consider a deep navy or even a charcoal sofa—these shades work well with light walls and add a modern vibe. Check out our post on "Most Popular Sofa Colors" for the exact shades trending in 2025.

Don’t forget traffic flow. Measure the walkways and aim for at least 2‑feet clearance around the sofa. This keeps the room accessible and prevents you from tripping over blankets or cords.

TV & Coffee Table Positioning

The TV can be a visual heavyweight, so decide early if you’ll wall‑mount it or use a stand. Wall‑mounting frees up floor space and gives you a cleaner look, but you need to check the wall type and studs—no point in damaging plaster. If a stand works better for you, pick one that matches the sofa height; a stand too low makes the screen feel distant.

Ideal viewing height for a 55‑inch TV is usually eye level when seated, roughly 42‑inches from the floor to the screen’s center. Our guide “Best Height for a 55 Inch TV” breaks down the math if you want exact numbers.

Next, the coffee table. A common myth is that it has to sit exactly in the middle of the room. In reality, place it within 12‑18 inches of the sofa front, leaving enough room to walk around comfortably. If you have a round table, a 12‑inch height works well for most families, but you can adjust based on leg room.

Consider a multi‑functional table—some have hidden storage that’s perfect for magazines or remote controls. This helps keep the area tidy and reduces the need for extra side furniture.

Finally, balance the room with a few decorative touches. A simple centerpiece on the coffee table—like a small plant, a stack of books, or a decorative tray—adds personality without clutter. Avoid overcrowding the space; less is often more.

By following these steps—smart sofa placement, sensible color picks, and thoughtful TV and coffee table positioning—you’ll transform a chaotic living room into a welcoming, functional hub. Take one change at a time, and you’ll see how quickly the room feels upgraded. Happy arranging!