One of the most important parts of designing a living room is creating a sense of intimacy. Whether you're working with an open-plan lounge that needs some coziness or a rather narrow living space that feels a little one-dimensional, it's crucial to set up your room with not only different seating styles but multiple seating areas.
While I like to think I'm up to date with all the best living room seating ideas, it was interior designer Nate Berkus who recently reminded me that you can get more creative with a living room layout. Even in a smaller space, I don't need to stick to the sofa opposite sofa with coffee table in the middle formular, especially as my living room sees a lot of socializing, and I would like it to feel more intimate and interesting.
Taking to Instagram to share his go-to tip for designing a cohesive and inviting living area, he advocates the presence of 'multiple seating areas' that will give your scheme versatility and a layered feel.
When you're tight on space like me, design tips that create the illusion of more room are precious. The beauty of Nate's advice is its replicability. If you're working with a small living room in an apartment or your space lacks coziness, it might be worth considering this simple yet effective tip.
When it comes to arranging the layout of your living room, it's useful to view the space in different 'zones'. These separate areas are handy when multiple guests come over, as they create the option to chat openly or intimately. Nate explains, 'I also think it's really nice to give two people their own spot in the room if you're entertaining. If somebody wants to branch off and have a side conversation, you want there to be comfortable places to sit everywhere.'
If you're working with a long living room, setting up multiple seating areas also gives the room a larger sense of scale, creating the illusion of more space. A small living room layout can be instantly improved by positioning two armchairs on one side of the room and a sofa and coffee table set up on the other. These separate pockets of seating create depth, giving the space a sense of versatility and multi-functionality.
The beauty of this hack is that you can mix various furniture styles, too, so don't feel you need all your pieces to match. To create a transitional design like Nate's, consider adding modern furniture designs alongside vintage styles.
You'll notice a luxurious velvet armchair in one corner of the room, two upholstered vintage stools, and a rather plush-looking linen sofa right at the center. Nate explains, 'I think that multiple seating areas allow me to have many shapes, like this classic Louis the Sixteenth style chair mixed with Italian midcentury.'
Recreate Nate's layered living room look
Much like Nate's Louis the Sixteenth style piece, this Rococo-style chair is a classic design that will give your living room a touch of grandeur and patina. Upholstered in a chic green fabric, it's a contemporary take on a timeless style.
You'll notice plenty of wrought iron furniture in Nate's projects. It's a transitional style staple that radiates grandeur without feeling too ornate. This elegant chair is upholstered in soft velvet, making it the perfect addition to a living room in need of some luxury.
Nate mentions mid-century is a classic living room furniture choice. This relaxed yet cool chair is a take on timeless retro design. It features a plush upholstered seat in off-white and a frame made from dark wood, a contemporary take on classic styles.
No living room is complete without a sofa. The Shelter Sofa is similar in shape and material to Nate's piece; it's made from quality linen and is equally inviting and plush. Pair it with a carved stool or a wrought iron chair, and you've got yourself a transitional-inspired set-up.
You'll notice a pair of vintage wooden stools in Nate's living room design. Upholstered in a classic fabric, the Falken stool radiates sophistication and elegance, much like Nate's. For a truly Nate Berkus-inspired scheme, pair a duo of them alongside a glass coffee table and a snug armchair.
Velvet is not only luxurious to look at, it's oh-so comfortable and snug. Inspired by vintage shapes, the Clemence chair is a living room staple that stands proudly without dominating. The best part is that it pairs so well with other styles.
Nate Berkus proves that the best living room furniture ideas are layered and zoned. Combining various seating styles into separate zones creates a sense of intimacy and more space that's effective for living rooms of any scale.
