Fun-ctional Family Room

Is your family room as comfortable and functional as it could be?  Here are some easy tips to help you create a welcoming, fun space just by rearranging your existing furniture.

First, evaluate the room.  How does your family use the room?  Do you need to create separate activity areas for talking, watching TV, working on the computer or playing games?  What is the main architectural focal point of the room - a fireplace or window? 

Second, make sure that your large pieces of furniture are positioned to face your main focal point.  If you have multiple focal points, try to place your furniture to combine them.  For example, place the TV near or above the fireplace.

Third, begin to rearrange your pieces following these rules:

·Place furniture no more than 4’-5’ from each other.  (L-shaped or U-shaped groups work well for a cozy conversation area.)

·Position seating far enough away from your TV for comfortable viewing.  (The distance between the TV and seats should be 3X the diagonal size of the screen.)

·Each seat should be near a table to place drinks, books, etc.

·Place the coffee table 18” from your sofa and align edges of the end tables with the edge of chairs and sofas.

·When space allows, arrange the furniture in multiple groups to create secondary activity areas.  Use area rugs to anchor each area.

Look for pieces to add to your new design in your basement, attic or garage. Just by rearranging and reusing what you already have, you can create a more fun and functional room. It’s all a matter of getting off the couch!

Cathe Rousselle