A Guide to Setting Up Your Living Room for Maximum Trash TV Comfort
Hey there, fellow home enthusiasts! It’s a short one today.
Today, I'm diving into one of my favorite topics: how to arrange your furniture so you can properly and comfortably watch Vanderpump Rules.
Hot take — I personally feel Ariana has taken her role as wronged woman as far as she can take it and remains on the show because she knows all the endorsement offers will dry up without it. Also, kinda not liking Katie right now who seems like a bit of a hypocrite. I think all of them should just be in a polyamorous relationship together and that way they can all just sleep together and no one owns another person and just be happy. They’re all just doing it with each other anyway.
Specifically, we're going to talk about arranging furniture in your living room. Whether you're a seasoned decorator or just dipping your toes into the world of design, finding the perfect layout for your space can be a game-changer. Many times when I hop on a client call, the number one question is about how to arrange furniture for flow and create an inviting space.
So, mix up a batch of Revenge Dress Cocktail (from Ariana’s Single AF: Cocktails for Badass B*tches) and let's get started!
Assess Your Space
First things first, take a good look at your living room. What's the size and shape? Are there any architectural features like a fireplace or large windows? Understanding your space is crucial before diving into furniture arrangement. You want to make sure you're working with what you have, not against it.
Here are the things you need to ask yourself:
How often you will watch TV in this room
Are there any other focal points you would like to highlight besides the TV?
How many people watch TV in the room at a time?
Is TV the primary focus of this TV room?
The number one furniture layout objective is to create ease and accessibility. If you have a narrow living room, large furniture like sofas, ottomans, chairs and coffee tables should not impede entrance. The only layout that I believe allows for a sofa to be right in front of the TV and block the flow of traffic is in an open plan living room / kitchen / dining room. I personally like to use the “roll over the back of the couch” move during the opening credits.
So let’s forget “focal points” for a minute. Every single design blog, expert, pundit and/or best friend would tell you that the focal point should ALWAYS be the TV/fireplace and ALL focal points should be the first thing you see as you enter a room.
In this scenario, the entrance to the room directly stares at the opposite wall. If this were a real situation, no one would get a good view of Brock in his teeny weeny speedos. Plus anyone running in to see a retake of James’ impromptu “Sloppy Jo” comment would nearly break their neck on the severely oversized chairs that are in the way.
The second arrangement can work because you can just easily enter the space, arms filled with phone, laptop, Trader Joe’s chips and guacamole and just bask in the 40-year-olds-that-act-like-teenagers absurdity.
No, fellow Vanderpumpers, the TV does not always have to be the focal point. Comfort should always be a priority over everything else. And if there is not enough seating, get some low profile floor pillows for the kids and adventurous adults.
Define Zones
Think about how you use your living room. Do you entertain often? Do you prefer cozy nights in with a good book? Defining different zones within the room can help maximize functionality. For example, create a conversation area with a comfortable sofa and a couple of armchairs, or designate a TV-watching zone with a sectional or loveseat facing the screen.
Experiment with Layouts
Don't be afraid to experiment with different furniture layouts until you find the perfect one. Start by placing the largest piece of furniture (usually the sofa) and then build around it. Consider factors like traffic flow, natural light, and the location of outlets when arranging your furniture.
Create Balance
Balance is key to a harmonious living room layout. Avoid placing all your furniture on one side of the room, as this can make the space feel lopsided. Instead, distribute furniture evenly throughout the room to create a sense of balance and symmetry.
Add Finishing Touches
Once you've nailed down your furniture arrangement, don't forget to add the finishing touches. Incorporate accessories like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork to tie the room together and add personality. Plants are also a great way to breathe life into your space and add a touch of greenery.
TV Placement Alternative
If you’re struggling to find a place for your TV, I have one very good suggestion.
Get a projector.
That’s right — you heard me. Get a projector. But don’t let me explain it to you. I’ll let Miss Emily Henderson tell you about her projector setup in her old home: Our New Hidden Living Room Projector.
Comfort over Design
Let me share a little secret about myself – I'm an unapologetic TV and movie junkie. I mean, my TV is pretty much my constant companion. It's on while I work, while I sleep, and even while I eat. Now, I'm not entirely sure if this level of TV consumption is healthy, but hey, I'm still alive, sleeping soundly, and relatively sane, so I guess it's working for me.
With that said, TV watching is undeniably important to me. And lately, I've noticed that TVs and TV rooms seem to have gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to design. Sure, I get it – a big ol' TV can definitely kill the vibe in an art-forward space. But here's the thing: if you're a dedicated TV watcher like me, it's time to be real with ourselves.
We don't have to sacrifice comfort for style when it comes to our TV rooms. Watching a ton of TV doesn't mean we have to settle for a space that's devoid of personality or overly formalized. It's all about finding that sweet spot where comfort meets functionality meets style.
When it comes to arranging furniture in the TV room, comfort reigns supreme in my book. I mean, who wants to be squirming around on a stiff sofa or battling for a cozy spot during a binge-watching session of our favorite guilty pleasures? Not me, that's for sure.
Sure, design matters too, but in the TV room, it's all about creating an environment where you can truly unwind and immerse yourself in the viewing experience. That means opting for plush seating that you can sink into, plenty of cushions and throws for added coziness, and maybe even a recliner or two for those moments when you need to fully recline and process all the drama.
But it's not just about physical comfort – it's also about fostering an atmosphere that's warm, inviting, and conducive to shared enjoyment. Whether you're hosting a Vanderpump viewing party with friends or snuggling up with your significant other for a cozy night in, the layout of your TV room should encourage connection and camaraderie.
And let's not forget about practicality. While that sleek, modern sofa might look stunning, is it really the best choice for your TV room, especially when it's going to be the backdrop for all the Vanderpump drama? Functionality should always take precedence over aesthetics in this space, so opt for furniture that's durable, easy to clean, and able to withstand the demands of binge-watching.
At the end of the day, your TV room should feel like a sanctuary – a place where you can escape the chaos of everyday life and lose yourself in the world of Vanderpump Rules (or whatever your guilty pleasure may be). So, when in doubt, always prioritize comfort over design when arranging your furniture. Trust me, your backside will thank you, especially during those epic Vanderpump marathons!
Now on to Vanderpump Villa.
Comfortably yours,
If you’re like me, you’ve had it up to here with those snooze-inducing showrooms that are more "museum" than "home". I'm flipping the script on home styling, and let me tell you, there won't be any rulebooks or tedious style history lessons involved. Just pure creativity.
Why do I rebel against the ordinary? For seven years, I meticulously crafted and refurbished homes solely for their resale value. I dwelled in a universe of beige, grey, black, and white. But in 2020, I reached my limit and gleefully abandoned all that for a fantastical realm of vibrant colors and delightful oddities. Dive deeper into my journey right here. 🌈🤹♂️🏡
My work and advice has been showcased in prestigious publications such as Architectural Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, The Zoe Report, Real Homes, and Homes & Gardens, among others.
I know that I'm not everyone's cup of tea, but then again, neither are you…
