How to Best Arrange a Living Room with TV and Fireplace

November 14, 2023
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Finding the perfect furniture layout for a sitting room can be tricky. Determining the right place for your furniture while ensuring your fireplace is the center of attention, is key. And then the question comes in…where do I place my TV?

Do I opt for a dedicated tv wall or should I hang it above my fireplace? But do I really want to cover up my beautiful brick fireplace with a tv? All of these are great questions in figuring out the best option for family room ideas with tv and fireplace.

In this post, we’ll dive into several family room ideas centered around a tv and fireplace.

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Source: Pure Salt Interiors // @vlentine

If you’ve ever tried arranging furniture around a living room fireplace arrangement, you know, it’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube. Each piece needs to fit perfectly, yet the solution can feel completely out of reach.

My own living room can be a challenge when it comes to furniture placement. I knew I wanted these 5 things:

  • My traditional fireplace to be the focal point
  • More than enough room to move freely throughout the space
  • The overall aesthetics of the room to flow cohesively with our adjoining dining room
  • A cozy living room, with a great conversation area, in spite of our high ceilings
  • The TV placement to allow for a comfortable viewing angle for everyone in the room

In order to check all of these boxes, I have found the layout in the picture below to be the easiest way to usher in a welcoming living room.

Living room with seating arrangement: 2 sofas and 2 accent chairs; coffee table for family room ideas with tv and fireplace.

But there’s more than just the aesthetics of the space. A couple other things to consider are:

  • How can I make my living room cozy and inviting while ensuring safety?
  • What about storage solutions that won’t compromise aesthetics?

Whether you have an expansive family room or a smaller space with architectural features worth highlighting, this post has you covered.

Over the next several paragraphs, you’ll find practical advice on creating the perfect balance between function and design.

We’ll also look at how accent chairs can add personality without overwhelming your layout. So buckle up – it’s time to turn that frustrating puzzle into an exciting challenge!

Family room with a tv above the fireplace for the family room ideas with tv and fireplace post.

The Importance of a Fireplace in a Living Room

Picture this: you’re snuggled up on your family room furniture, sipping hot cocoa by the warm glow of your fireplace. This isn’t just an ideal winter scenario; it’s the reason why 58% of homeowners prefer to have a fireplace in their living room.

According to The National Association of Home Builders, a well-designed fireplace can increase the value of a home by up to 12%.

Fireplaces are more than architectural features; they serve as functional focal points that complement other furniture pieces and create harmony within our living spaces.

The Fireplace as a Focal Point of the Room

Imagine entering any typical living room. Your eyes immediately gravitate towards one central feature – whether that’s an entertainment center or accent chairs grouped together for conversation.

But when there’s a fireplace? That becomes your main event, drawing everyone’s attention like moths to its inviting warmth.

Your corner fireplace not only acts as your heating source but also provides aesthetic pleasure with its flickering flames and unique designs – from traditional fireplaces with carved mantels and brick surrounds to sleek modern styles encased in glass or steel. ~Architectural Digest

In a small room, particularly one where floor space is at a premium, consider arranging seating around the hearth.

Rather than filling every square foot with large items like sofas facing each other across vast coffee tables. Try rearranging your living room to maximize the potential of what you possess.

TV with fireplace and a long console table for family room ideas with tv and fireplace post.

Source: Pure Salt Interiors // @vlentine

Fireplace Styles and Their Impact on Room Layout

The type of fireplace plays a significant role in determining how best to arrange your living room furniture. For example, if you have an electric fireplace mounted on the wall or a frame TV above it, consider creating balance with a symmetrical arrangement.

A white mantel serves as a fresh backdrop for showcasing family pictures or art pieces, lending an inviting feel to the whole room.

Family room painted white with high beam ceilings and a sitting space for family room ideas with tv and fireplace.

Arranging Furniture Around a Fireplace

Are you wondering how to make your living room feel more cozy and inviting? The key might just be in how you arrange your furniture around the fireplace.

Let’s dive into some practical tips for family room ideas with tv and fireplace

Safety Considerations for Furniture Placement

The first step is ensuring safety. It’s easy to get carried away with aesthetics, but it’s crucial not to overlook this aspect when arranging seating areas near a fireplace. So, what does that mean?

Furniture layout is important. Furniture should be placed at least 3 feet away from the hearth – that’s where sparks can fly out and ignite flammable materials.

Keep fabrics like curtains or throw blankets well clear of this zone too. And remember, if you have kids or pets running around, extra precautions are needed.

Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality with Storage Solutions

A balanced living room layout means combining functionality with beauty – yes, they can coexist.

How about using built-in shelves or cabinets on either side of the fireplace? They are a great option for displaying treasured items while providing additional storage space without crowding your floor plan. 

Fireplace with built-ins flanking both sides.

This arrangement doesn’t just maximize utility; it also gives an impression of symmetry which most people find pleasing. Symmetry tends to draw our eyes towards focal points – perfect for showcasing your elegant fireplace mantel.

Or you may decide to go with an asymmetrical design, as I’ve chosen for my living room. (Here’s the post on how to add floating shelves to any space).

Fireplace wall view flanked with floating shelves and a sliding barn door on each side

Family Room Ideas with TV and Fireplace: Create Cozy Seating Areas

If you’ve ever walked into a room and instantly felt comfortable, chances are there was an intimate seating area involved. Arranging chairs closer together creates conversation zones that feel personal and inviting.

If you have the extra space, consider adding separate seating areas within your family room. These two accent chairs, set apart from the main seating area in my family room, provide a cozy place for conversation.

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A family room area with 2 neutral colored chairs flanking big picture windows

Place your sofas or accent chairs facing each other with a coffee table in the middle for drinks and snacks. Flank both sides of the sofas with side tables. Add a lamp or a plant to bring in a cozy vibe.

Sitting area with all white walls and area rug for best modern rugs for your home

Source: Streeter Custom Builder

But what if you’re dealing with a smaller living area? Well, even small spaces can feel spacious when furniture is arranged properly. Using versatile seating options like ottomans or poufs that can be moved around as needed are excellent choices.

Family room with a coffee table and 2 leather chairs.

Source: Pure Salt Interiors // @vlentine

Personalizing Your Living Room Layout

The heart of your home deserves a layout that’s as unique as you are. When arranging living room furniture around the fireplace, let your personal preferences and overall style guide you.

The Role of Accent Chairs in Your Living Room

An accent chair can do more than just provide extra seating—it’s also a great way to inject personality into the space. Whether it matches or contrasts with your sofa living room set is up to you.

Accent chairs come in various shapes, sizes, and designs—from modern minimalistic pieces for small space living rooms to large overstuffed armchairs perfect for curling up next to a roaring fire on cold nights.

You might opt for an accent chair that mirrors the color scheme of your family room but adds texture—think velvet, faux fur or my favorite– these boucle chairs.

Or maybe you prefer something completely different from everything else in the room. Just like our guide on choosing accent chairs, trust what feels right.

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Sitting area for Family Room Ideas with TV and Fireplace

Family Room Ideas with TV and Fireplace: Making The Fireplace Shine

Your fireplace mantel offers another opportunity to personalize this shared space while keeping things functional.

Not only does it serve as an excellent place for displaying art or framed photos (perhaps even a sleek frame TV), but by adorning it tastefully, we make sure it remains center stage—a true focal point of the entire room.

This doesn’t mean every inch needs covering; balance is key here too. A minimalist approach often works best: perhaps a single striking piece—an antique mirror, perhaps—or grouping smaller items together can create visual interest without overwhelming the eye.

Here’s a simple mantle décor idea to get started…

Sitting area with a large area rug for best modern rugs for your home

Source: Amazon

Space Planning and Furniture Arrangement

The best way to make your living room feel spacious, no matter its size, is through smart space planning. Let’s start with the largest pieces—your sofa and coffee table.

In a large living room layout design, you have more freedom to experiment. A popular choice is placing sofas facing each other with the fireplace as their shared focal point.

If you’re dealing with a smaller living room or corner fireplace, consider an L-shaped seating arrangement that doesn’t block views of your cozy hearth.

Steer clear of last-minute cramming.

Living room with a corner fireplace for Family Room Ideas with TV and Fireplace post

Source: Jubilee Interiors

FAQs for Family Room Ideas with TV and Fireplace

How to arrange your living room with a fireplace?

Create the fireplace as your focal point. Arrange seating around it, ensuring a clear view and easy conversation.

Family Room Ideas with TV and Fireplace: How to layout a living room with a fireplace and TV?

If they’re on the same wall, flank them with furniture pieces. If the fireplace is on the opposite wall of the tv, use flexible seating for both views.

How to arrange a living room with fireplace and TV on opposite walls?

Aim for balance – choose mobile or swivel chairs that can face either direction based on need.

How to arrange furniture in an awkward living room with a fireplace?

Furniture arrangement depends on traffic flow and focus points. Consider unique solutions like diagonal layouts or floating sofas.

Family room with sitting area and leather chairs

Source: Hunter Douglas

Turning your living room fireplace arrangement into a cozy, inviting space is no longer an unsolvable puzzle. You’ve learned how to use the fireplace as a focal point and make it complement other furniture pieces.

Safety first! Furniture placement around fireplaces needs careful consideration. But you now know how to balance aesthetics with functionality using built-in shelves or cabinets for extra storage.

Your personal touch matters too! Accent chairs can add personality without overwhelming your layout. So whether it’s a large family room or small living room, these tips should help create that perfect balance between function and design.

In short: When it comes to family room ideas with tv and fireplace, keep things practical yet stylish; let the fireplace be the star of the show but don’t forget about those accent chairs!

Let’s go beyond the design to build something beautiful together!

Until next week,

Happy Building, Friend!!

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