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How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side – 15 Living Spaces Tips

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips
How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

Meet the Author and Your Future Designer: Julio Arco is a passionate architect with years of experience in architecture, interior design, urban design, and housing. He studied at prestigious universities across North America and Europe. 

 

If you’re looking to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side, hire me or my colleagues to help you. Our collaboration will be a seamless online process, from idea boards to detailed layouts, renderings, and a curated shopping listClick here to learn more and work with me with 25% off! Learn more About Me, or visit my Portfolio

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

Living Room and Living Spaces – Introduction Video

My aunt always says that the key to a happy life has a beautiful home. And while I used to roll my eyes at her (I was young and unappreciative), I’ve realized that she’s right.

A well-decorated home looks beautiful and makes you feel good when you walk in the door. It’s like a little piece of heaven on earth. And who doesn’t want that?

But finding inspiration for your home can be tricky, and there are many design challenges, from those lacking usable space to those involving unusually shaped corners and alcoves.

One such challenge is how to decorate two living rooms side by side. This can be difficult, as you want each room to have its own identity while still seamlessly flowing together. Here are a few tips on how to approach this type of design challenge:

For starters, a few tips and tactics can greatly improve your space’s manageability. Instead of trying to manage everything in one huge living area, why not just split it up?

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

1.- Separate Spaces in Your Living Room to Create Balance.

Separating spaces in your living room is a great way to create balance and achieve different purposes in the same room. Zoning is a common architectural strategy for dividing up large living spaces, and it’s crucial to divide the space according to purpose and provide significance to all regions. For example, in front of a fireplace, you may want a more formal setting than you would for watching television.

A window seat complete with a footstool and a writing desk would be ideal for enjoying the view of a garden. I think that the perspective and the window’s lighting may help define the space.

A corner chair, a craft or hobby area, a gaming area, and private dining space are also commonplace in modern living rooms. Seating for four and six people is typically divided into two distinct spaces in order to create balance and maintain visual interest in the room. So, don’t be afraid to separate spaces in your living room to achieve different purposes – it’s a great way to design a more balanced and visually interesting room!

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

2.- Leave Ample Room to Move Around, assuring Comfort.

The main objective while decorating your living room should be to make it as comfortable as possible. No one likes feeling cramped, so be sure to leave plenty of room for people to move around freely.

Always leave more room between pieces of furniture in a big living room than you would in a smaller area. The furniture should be arranged so that it is near enough together to provide a sense of unity and to facilitate easy discussion (no more than 10 feet is a good rule of thumb), yet far enough away to provide visual and acoustic separation.

In a bigger room, you may get away with leaving more space between the couch and coffee table (although it should still be within arm’s reach; the standard recommendation is 18 inches) and between the chairs and side tables or table lamps. Feel free to experiment with different arrangements to find what works best for your space.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

3.- Use Screens for the living room to create different zones within a large living room.

Use Screens for the living room to create a different atmosphere within a large living room. They each have benefits to consider. A big couch may block the view of the television, but it can be quickly relocated, making the area more comfortable to accommodate bigger parties or perhaps another purpose.

A low bookshelf may still allow for some communication between rooms, but this compromise can be easily remedied by installing a tall bookcase. You may include a built-in bookshelf unit in order to increase storage, including family photos, keepsakes, and media equipment. It can also serve as an impromptu buffet table during larger gatherings. 

Use screens as room dividers to achieve different levels of intimacy without closing off the space entirely. You can use them to section off a reading nook or office space in the corner of a living room. Folding screens are especially useful because they’re lightweight and easy to move around.

If you have young children, you may want to use a screen to create a safe play area that’s out of the way of foot traffic. Different types of screens can create different looks, from modern and minimalist to global and eclectic. Use your own personal style to choose the right screen for your space.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

4.- Play with volume and scale in your spacious living area to create visual interest and keep the eye moving.

When furnishing a big living space, mass is one of the many crucial design components to keep in mind. There are two significant sources of it, and mass refers to both physical size and the amount of something. 

A thing’s mass (volume) is its size, whether that size is real or imagined. Larger furniture is appropriate for a more spacious room. Massing is a technique for designing big living spaces that involves clustering items together to make them look larger. A collection of artwork, a number of chandeliers at varying heights, or a set of comfortable seats are all good examples. 

Make your mark on the space by playing with volume and scale! It will prevent the eye from becoming bored in one area and give the illusion that the space is larger than it actually is. Use these tips and make your living area stylish and inviting

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

5.- Play with perception using color and draw attention to where you want.

A room’s apparent size may be drastically altered just by changing the wall color. These are excellent techniques to bring attention to a far-off object in a large room since brighter colors look closer to the viewer’s eyes.

The walls (to make them seem to enclose the room a bit more), the ceiling (to create the feeling of a lower ceiling), and the flooring may all benefit from this method. Alternatively, you may use a monochromatic scheme and utilize richer colors in the furnishings and accents to give the impression of depth and width. (This is an example of the mass design concept in action.)

Whether it’s a matte black living room, a beautiful teal hand-painted wallpaper, or a deep blue living room, color can play with our perception and draw attention to where we want it.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

6.- Just as how color can drastically change how big a space seems, texture can do the same.

Just as how color can drastically change how big a space seems, texture can do the same. If you want to make a small room appear bigger, you should consider using glossy, polished surfaces. These surfaces create the illusion of infinite space.

However, textures can also provide depth and make things seem more developed. For example, textured wallpapers or bespoke wall and ceiling treatments like murals, paneling, and coffering can make a small room appear larger. Using texture, you can change a room’s perceived size without changing its dimensions.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

7.- Use two coffee tables side by side and create a larger conversation area.

When working with expansive floor plans, architects and designers must often be creative to make the most of every inch of usable space. In order to make the most of a spacious living area, it is common practice to place two identical coffee tables side by side.

This design strategy creates a larger conversation area and allows for more flexibility when arranging furniture. A word of warning, this style is most at home with non-statement pieces and angular coffee tables; avoid round or organic shapes as they will make the area feel smaller. Use this tip to make your large living room seem more inviting.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

8.- Add Custom cabinetry that fits seamlessly into the wall and make use of every inch of space.

Add custom cabinetry to your home design in order to make use of every inch of space and create a polished appearance. Custom cabinets can be used to fill out nooks in larger living rooms or line an entire feature wall.

You can also choose to add open shelving and cabinets to create a more airy feel in the room. When it comes to storage, most people are looking for more. In a big room, you have the advantage of being able to seamlessly integrate custom cabinetry into the design that fits your specific needs.

With careful planning, you can make use of every inch of available space and create a beautiful, functional living area.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

9.- Add accent tables to fill up empty corners or between sofas.

Accent tables are a terrific way to fill up empty corners or the spaces between sofas. Although you may not need or use them often, including them will make the room seem more complete. You can use them to display vases, family photos, or even art objects.

Floor lights may be used to fill any empty spots in your seating arrangement. Change up the lighting by alternating between table lights and floor lamps. However, box-shaped furniture arrangements are ideal for big living rooms because of the number of individual pieces of furniture needed to complete the arrangement and the amount of space required between them.

One method to quickly furnish a big living room is using a boxy arrangement of furniture. This will give the illusion of a more furnished space without having to buy a lot of additional furniture. When combined with the right accents, a boxy arrangement can give your living room a high-end look without breaking the bank.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips r

10.- Include oversized art and accents and create a focal point.

Oversized art and accents can help to create a focal point in a large living room. Whether you choose a statement piece of furniture or a bold work of art, making a statement will help to define the space and give the room a sense of purpose.

In a large living room, it’s important to have at least one element that stands out and commands attention. By choosing oversized pieces, you can make sure that your room feels put together and cohesive rather than feeling like a blank canvas. With the right choices, your large living room can be both stylish and inviting.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

11.- An oversized sofa or sectional can help fill up a large living room.

An oversized sofa or sectional can help fill up a large living room and provide plenty of seating for guests. The extra space can also be used for naps, movie nights, or reading a good book. Consider getting an oversized coffee table instead if you have a smaller living room. It will make the space feel bigger and provide a place to put your feet up. Either way, oversized furniture is a great way to make a large living room feel more inviting.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

12.- Add an Oversized rug to make the space feel more intimate.

An oversized rug can be a great way to make a large living room feel more intimate. It will help to visually divide the space and make it feel cozier. In addition, it can also help to break up the gaps between the furniture and the walls, making the room look less spacious.

There are a number of ways to add visual interest to a big couch rug, including choosing a rug with an interesting pattern or texture. Another option is to use two smaller rugs to create a layered look. Whatever approach you choose, an oversized rug can help you achieve the cozy, inviting living room of your dreams.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

13.- A full-size mirror will make the space appear larger.

Adding an oversized rug to a small living room can make the space feel more intimate and cozy. The rug will also help define the seating area and make it more purposeful. Choose a rug that has a striking design or pattern to add visual interest and help the room feel larger. Avoid placing the rug too close to the walls so that it doesn’t make the room feel even smaller.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

14.- Include a Chandelier that is sized appropriately for the room

Adding a chandelier to your large living room can make the space feel more luxurious and inviting. It’s important to choose a chandelier that is sized appropriately for the room; The general rule of thumb for the ideal size of the focal point lighting in your living room is the square of the room’s dimensions.

Therefore, a chandelier or other light fixture with a diameter of 45 inches would be ideal for a 20 x 25-foot space. To a similar extent, a huge chandelier in the living room should be hung at the height of around 22 to 27 inches if the ceiling in the room is 9 feet high. By following these guidelines, you can be sure to find the perfect chandelier for your large living room that will make the space feel more luxurious and inviting.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

15.- Include Enough illumination to make the space brighter.

Large living areas can seem impersonal and daunting. Still, one way to make them feel more inviting is by adding enough illumination to make the space brighter. There are several ways to achieve this, such as by using lights of varying intensities or relying on a combination of architectural and free-standing lighting.

Around 20 lumens per square foot is generally considered sufficient to achieve a bright space. Consult with a contractor, electrician, or another lighting expert to ensure that your large living area is properly lit. With the right level of brightness, your once-daunting living room will feel warm and inviting.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

Decorate 2 living rooms side by side -FAQ

What to do when you have 2 living rooms?

If you have 2 living rooms, you may wonder how best to utilize the space. One option is to use one room as a formal living room and the other as a more relaxed family room. Another option is to use one room for entertaining and the other for everyday use.

What is a 2nd living room called?

A 2nd living room is often called a family room, den, or great room.

How do you arrange furniture in 2 living rooms?

When arranging furniture in 2 living rooms, it’s important to consider the layout of each room and the flow between the two spaces. You’ll also want to consider the function of each room and how the furniture will be used.

How do you split a living room into two rooms?

There are a few different ways to split a living room into two rooms. One option is to use a screen or divider to create two separate areas. Another option is to use furniture to delineate the two spaces. Finally, you can use different flooring materials or colors to create a visual separation between the two rooms.

How do you make two rooms feel like one?

There are a few different ways to make two rooms feel like one. One option is to use a shared color scheme or style throughout both spaces. Another option is to use similar or coordinating furniture in both rooms. Finally, lighting can create a seamless transition between the two spaces.

How to Decorate 2 Living Rooms Side by Side - 15 Living Spaces Tips

Hire an Online Interior Designer at Havenly

There are several online interior design websites, but Havenly is your best option to hire from a robust list of interior designers that will help you in decorating and creating the perfect dog-friendly home. 

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In addition, your Havenly designer will be able to provide tips on how to create a space that is both comfortable for your dog and inviting for guests. With Havenly, creating a beautiful and functional home that your dog will love is easy and stress-free.

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M.Arch. Julio Arco
M.Arch. Julio Arco

Bachelor of Architecture - ITESM University
Master of Architecture - McGill University
Architecture in Urban Context Certificate - LDM University
Interior Designer - Havenly
Architecture Professor - ITESM University

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