Decorating an Extra-Long Living Room

Furnishing a long, narrow living room can seem like a decorating nightmare. With limited wall space and the room's elongated layout, it's tricky to make a lengthy living area feel cozy and welcoming. However, with some clever furniture arrangement and design tricks, you can maximize and enhance the spaciousness of your extra-long living room.

Here are some tips and ideas for decorating an expansive living space so it feels warm, inviting and less like a bowling alley.

Create Separate Zones with Furniture Placement

One of the best ways to furnish an extended living room is to divide it into two distinct zones, creating an "S"-shaped walkthrough. For example, you could have a primary sitting area with a sofa, chairs and coffee table at one end. At the other end, place a secondary lounge zone with armchairs oriented around a fireplace or media console.

Separating the lengthy space into two defined seating areas gives the room more intimacy and allows multiple furniture configurations. It also prevents that "tunnel" effect by breaking up uninterrupted lines of sight. Place key accent pieces like lamps and plants in between zones to further differentiate them.

Budget-Friendly Tips

When furnishing on a budget, look for used furniture from thrift stores, garage sales or online marketplaces. Mixing vintage, distressed pieces with some new items can save money while adding character. Repurpose what you already have - stack wooden crates as end tables or stools for extra seating. Area rugs are also relatively affordable ways to define spaces within an open floorplan.

Use Furniture Shape and Placement to Expand Width

Since long living rooms tend to look narrow, use the furniture layout to exaggerate the width. Place sofas, shelves and entertainment units along the longest walls, rather than lining everything up on one side. Angle furniture diagonally across corners to make the room appear less boxy. For example, position the sofa facing out toward the center of the room rather than flat against a wall.

The shape of furniture can also help expand the width visually. Choose sofas and chairs with exposed legs and transparent undersides versus solid bases. Glass coffee tables, open shelving units and see-through media consoles give the impression of a wider footprint.

Maximize Storage Solutions

One challenge with a skinny, long living room is lack of adequate storage space. Opt for multifunctional furnishings with hidden storage like ottomans, benches or trunks that do double duty seating and stowing items. Shelving units positioned horizontally help widen the room while providing display space. Built-in cabinetry is another excellent way to gain storage without clutter.

Use Mirrors to Reflect Light and Views

Mirrors are a must-have in any narrow, extended living space. Position tall leaning mirrors along the length of a wall, or hang a large mirror above the mantel or media console. The reflective surfaces will bounce natural light around, making the room feel brighter and more spacious. Mirrors also double visual space, creating the illusion of width when they reflect views of windows, artwork or furnishings across the room.

Incorporate Greenery and Plants

Plants are a great way to soften the hard edges and add warmth to a long, sterile living area. Place tall statement plants in floor pots near entryways or in corners. Use trees and leafy plants to divide seating zones and add interest along bare side walls. Hanging plants from the ceiling also help draw the eye upward and make the space feel less tunnel-like. Greenery brings an organic, lively feel while improving air quality.

Use Color and Lighting to Expand Dimensions

Color and lighting tricks are useful for making a long, narrow room appear wider and less confining. Paint the longest walls in lighter, bright hues to stretch the space, and use darker shades on the narrower end walls to push them back visually. Windows create the illusion of expanded width, so maximize exposure by hanging sheer curtains rather than heavy drapes.

Proper lighting is key to avoiding a dark, depressing atmosphere. Install layered lighting throughout the living zone, including recessed ceiling fixtures, table and floor lamps, plus accent lighting. Focus illumination along the center length of the room rather than the ends to emphasize the horizontal plane.

Design a Unified Theme

With limited furniture, create cohesiveness through a unified color palette, materials and style. Neutral upholstery and rugs allow the eye to travel smoothly across the narrow room versus choppy patterns. Incorporate touches of the same colors and textures through pillows, throws, lamps and accessories. Consistent finishes like all-wood or matte black furniture also help tie the aesthetic together seamlessly.

Finding the ideal spot for a TV can be a layout challenge in an extended living space. Place the television on a long wall, mounting it above a media console or mantel to save floor area. Position seating diagonally across from the TV to allow comfortable viewing without craning necks. Hide unsightly wires by running them neatly along the edges where wall meets floor or ceiling.

A sound system is a great way to enhance the entertainment zone and fill the room with immersive, dynamic audio. Install discreet in-wall or ceiling speakers to distribute sound evenly across the length of the space. Include a wireless subwoofer for impactful bass that brings music and movies to life.

An awkward living room can be transformed into a warm, welcoming space with careful furniture placement, decorating tricks and the right audio-visual technology.