How to Decorate an L-Shaped Living Room

According to Your Design Hotline proprietors Teri and Cindy, the L-shaped room rose to popularity with the advent of ranch homes in the 1950s. Its odd shape poses a decorating challenge. Although the "L" lends itself perfectly to practical, dual-use space, such as a family room and office or living room and dining room, a look that flows visually and functionally is difficult to achieve. Consider such elements of design as furniture placement, color, lighting and decorative accessories when planning the layout and decor of your L-shape room. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose a focal point for each section of the "L." A fireplace, large window or built-in bookcase works well.

2

Place each room section's largest piece of furniture directly across from its focal point.

3

Arrange the next largest furniture pieces. If the largest is a sofa, place the love seat and other seating directly across from it or to its sides at 90-degree angles. If the largest is a dining table or desk, make sure its scale is proportionate to the size of the room.

4

Fill bare space with smaller furniture. Break up a too-long expanse of wall with a buffet or sofa table.

5

Extend furniture in a larger room by placing pieces farther away from each other and by arranging it on area rugs.

6

Walk through both sides of the "L," using all entrances to the room, to make sure the room's traffic pattern -- its flow -- is unimpeded. Rearrange furniture, if necessary, to open pathways for clear passage.

7

Add accessories to tie together the room's disparate elements. Use items of varying heights to add interest.

8

Light the room with general, task and mood lighting. Attempt to achieve a three-point lighting design in which each area of the room has a wash of overhead lighting and task and mood lighting coming from two directions. The intent is to provide ample light while minimizing shadows and glare.