
When we moved from our previous home with its grand vaulted ceilings to our current house with its cozier 9-foot ceilings, we had to completely rethink our living room design. In our old house, the openness made it feel extra spacious, which meant we needed to add warmth and coziness. Now, with a slightly smaller living room, our focus is on making it feel as open and airy as possible.
This got me thinking about the average living room size and how it impacts design choices. Whether your space is small, medium, or large, the way you style it can make all the difference in how functional and inviting it feels.
Average Living Room Sizes
Living rooms come in all shapes and sizes, but here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:
Living Room Size | Dimensions (Feet) | Best For |
---|---|---|
Small | 10′ x 12′ – 12′ x 18′ | Apartments, smaller homes |
Medium | 14′ x 20′ – 16′ x 20′ | Most suburban homes |
Large | 18′ x 24′ and up | Open floor plans, luxury homes |
Now, let’s talk about how to style each one!
Small Living Room (10′ x 12′ – 12′ x 18′)

In a smaller space, the key is to maximize function while keeping the room feeling open and uncluttered. My daughter is in the process of moving into a 1,300-square-foot home, and with the living room on the smaller side, designing the space has been a bit of a challenge—but it’s coming together beautifully. One of the first things we did was hang the curtains high to create the illusion of taller ceilings and a more spacious feel.
Styling Tips for Small Living Rooms:
✔ Choose furniture with exposed legs – This keeps the space feeling light and open.
✔ Neutral color palette – Light colors reflect more light and make the room feel bigger.
✔ Hang curtains high – Mount your curtains closer to the ceiling to give the illusion of taller walls.
✔ Opt for multi-functional furniture – Think ottomans with storage, nesting tables, or a sleek sectional with a chaise.
Medium Living Room (14′ x 20′ – 16′ x 20′)
This is the most common living room size, offering plenty of flexibility when it comes to furniture arrangement. Our current living room falls into this medium-size category, with 9-foot ceilings, and it has been much easier to design in a way that feels both functional and inviting. To make the most of the space, we created a cozy conversation nook near some interior windows by adding two chairs with a side table in between—perfect for morning coffee or casual chats.
Styling Tips for Medium Living Rooms:
✔ Distinct areas – A seating area and a reading nook or console table behind the sofa can add function.
✔ Layer lighting – Overhead lights, table lamps, and sconces help create a cozy atmosphere.
✔ Large area rug – A bigger rug (at least 8′ x 10′) helps define the space and make it feel more intentional.
✔ Balance the furniture – Make sure larger pieces (like a sectional) don’t overwhelm the space.
Large Living Room (18′ x 24′ and up)

A large living room can easily feel cold and uninviting if not styled correctly, which is something we experienced firsthand in our last home with vaulted ceilings. While I loved the openness, it was definitely more challenging to design in a way that felt warm and cozy.
Styling Tips for Large Living Rooms:
✔ Multiple seating zones – Break up the space with a main seating area and a smaller conversation corner.
✔ Oversized decor – A large living room needs big artwork, tall plants, and statement furniture.
✔ Incorporate warm textures – Layer rugs, soft throw blankets, and textured pillows to add coziness.
✔ Avoid pushing furniture against walls – Floating your sofa and chairs in the center of the room makes the space feel more inviting.
No matter the size of your living room, the goal is to make it feel welcoming and functional for your family. In our last home, we had to add warmth to counteract the large, airy feel. In this home, we’re finding ways to keep things light and open without feeling cramped.
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