A fireplace is the heart of the living room, a cozy spot where you want to relax and enjoy the evening with family and friends. We understand you’ve been dreaming of a spacious living area with a rustic fireplace that sets the mood.
However, your current layout might be challenging, especially if your fireplace is angled. Many homeowners have doubts about arranging furniture around an angular fireplace, worrying that it might disrupt the room’s visual balance.
But don’t worry—it’s not as tricky as it seems! Here’s a designer’s guide to arranging your living room around an angled fireplace. By following these helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a space that feels balanced and harmonious.
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The fireplace is a natural focal point in the living room. So you would want your seating area to be arranged around it. Position the sofa at an angle to align with the lines of the wall. Similarly arrange the accent chair. This seating arrangement naturally directs attention toward the fireplace, establishing a cozy and inviting conversation area.
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An angled fireplace can throw off the balance in a living room, so you would want to bring symmetry. Using two of the same items is a great way to strike the point and bring back the balance. We would recommend you stick with two identical sofas or accent chairs. Matching end tables or lamps will also achieve the same effect.
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Are you struggling with an awkward living room layout? We get it; it can feel like trying to solve a puzzle! If your fireplace seems disconnected from the seating area, don’t fight it—make it a feature on its own. Create a standout reading nook by building around the fireplace with thoughtful decor. Place a cozy accent chair, a stylish floor lamp, and a small area rug to craft a space that feels intentional and inviting. This setup will not only enhance the room’s flow but also give the fireplace its own moment to shine. Despite bringing back the balance in the space, you will have a comfy spot for enjoying your favorite book with a cup of hot cocoa.
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Don’t feel the urge to push the furniture against the walls. If you work with a spacious living room, don’t mind to create a floating seating arrangement. Place the furniture in the center of the room, creating a cozy area where the fireplace feels like an accent. Leave enough space around for traffic flow and you have the high end living room you always wanted.
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Can a small item like a coffee table solve this problem? The answer is yes! A square-shaped one will work well to bring harmony back, but the trick is to place it properly. Instead of placing the coffee table so the flat side faces the fireplace, make sure the corner is the one that faces it. Place the furniture around the table, and you will have a balanced seating arrangement.
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Even though an angled fireplace can present design challenges, it’s actually a great asset for small living rooms. Why? Because it naturally directs furniture placement to one side, leaving plenty of room for traffic flow. This helps prevent accidents, like kids tripping over the heart while running around!
When arranging your layout, ensure the space remains open and free of obstructions. Aim for at least 3 feet of clearance for main traffic paths, and leave 14 to 18 inches between the front of a sofa or armchair and the coffee table for comfortable movement.
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An angular fireplace cuts off one of the room’s corners. The furniture will be positioned around it, meaning that the corner will look visually heavy. At this point, you can solve the problem by styling the other corner to strike the balance. Adding cabinets or large decorative objects in the empty corner makes sense.
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If your living room is all styled with decor and the angular fireplace isn’t, this will result in an imbalance. Decorate the fireplace with a few accessories to complement the flow. A chair and logs will add visual weight while making the spot look cozy and inviting.
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If your furniture arrangement feels off, it’s time to try a classic designer trick: an area rug. A well-chosen rug not only ties the furniture together but also anchors the entire space. So, how do you pick the perfect size? A rug that’s too small will feel out of place, while one that’s too large can throw off the room’s balance. For a cohesive look, aim for a rug that’s large enough to cover at least the front legs of your furniture, helping to connect the pieces and create a harmonious flow.
The empty space around the fireplace might make it feel odd. So feel free to add shelves around to achieve visual balance. You can create a home library or show off your precious collectibles. Built-ins are also a nice option if you have enough space to do it. If not, floating shelves will work fine.
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If your living room feels too challenging to arrange, opt for a circular layout. A round coffee table or curved sofa can soften the sharp angles of an awkward fireplace and create a more inviting, fluid space. Plus, round sofas are one of the hottest trends in interior design, offering both style and function. Embrace this trend to not only break up rigid lines but also give your room a modern, cozy vibe.
