Correct furniture arrangement is a paramount. Good planning means you can watch TV in comfort and chat easily with friends. Careful space management may even squeeze in enough room for a separate seating area for quiet reading or card games. In terms of human traffic flow, remember that space between furniture always seems less once translated into three dimensions.



Plan where to house the technology at the outset, and the room will look slick. It's not an issue whether or not the TV is on show, but do not try to conceal trailing wires. If you must have a computer in the living room, screen it carefully from the main sitting area. Paint existing speakers to match the walls, or disguise them in a wicker basket on top of a shelf unit.

Good lighting can make or break a living room. Plan for more side lights than you think you'll need with a central switch. Don't forget good task lighting, for reading, and a smattering of styles to add decorative interest. Controlling natural light is equally important. Everyone longs for a sunny living room, but if sunlight is too dazzling consider screening it with translucent roller blinds, Venetian blinds or American-style shutters.