Separate Seating Arrangements

• One of the most important things to consider when decorating a living room is how to group the furniture. Create a space that encourages family members and guests to interact with each other by creating comfortable seating areas. You can place a sofa and coffee table near one entrance, two reading chairs and a small table near another, and a love seat and a standing lamp by the last one. Make sure that the chairs face the room's focal point, such as a TV or fireplace.
  
  

Central Arrangement

• If your living room features three entrances, such as doorways to a den, to a kitchen and to a bathroom, arrange all of your furniture in the center of the space to create a cozy environment. A central arrangement is especially ideal if you don't have much furniture to work with. Arrange a couch and love seat to form an "L" shape in the center of the living room, with furniture backs to the entrances. Set a coffee table in the center of the seats, and display a TV on a stand against a wall in front of the furniture. Decorate the perimeter of the room and any open corners with plant stands or bookcases.
  
  

Rugs

• You can use plush floor rugs to define different areas of the room and to create a warm look near each entrance. Rugs featuring coordinating colors or designs will also work to give a large living room a cohesive look. For instance, place matching rugs near each separate seating area, or set one large decorative rug under the coffee table in a room featuring a central arrangement.
  
  

Distinct Areas

• Take advantage of the living room's multiple entrances by dividing the space into three distinct areas. Create a television-viewing area, complete with a comfortable sofa, a side table for snacks and an entertainment center near one entrance. Turn the space near another entrance into a work area by setting up a computer desk and chair set. Make the area near the third entrance a place for relaxing and reading by including a reclining chair, a bookcase and a standing lamp.