The television often serves as the focal point of a home, providing a mix of news and entertainment that brings people together in the living room. The layout of this space, including the distance between the sofa and the television, choice of chairs and other design considerations, plays a key role in creating a comfortable and functional area.
Distance from the TV
Karyn Bagera Mugabo, a senior interior designer at Dreyz Interior, points out that the placement of a television in relation to a sofa should be a crucial consideration, as the seemingly simple arrangement can significantly impact the viewing experience and the overall atmosphere of a room.
“The optimal distance between the sofa and the TV is not arbitrary, but is based on certain factors that contribute to comfort, visual clarity and a balanced aesthetic. The most important factor that influences the ideal distance between the sofa and the TV is the size of the TV screen,” she notes.
Experts from House of Yakobo and Noel (HY&N), a design brand from Uganda, recommend that the optimal distance between the sofa and the TV is about twice the diagonal size of the TV screen. For example, if you have a 50-inch TV, you should keep a distance of about 100 inches (or around two and a half meters) between the sofa and the screen. Interior designer and architectural designer Phillip Luwemba points out that TVs between 24 and 40 inches should ideally be viewed from at least one and a half meters away. For larger TVs between 40 and 60 inches, a minimum distance of two meters is recommended.
Room layout
The distance between the TV and the sofa also depends on the size of the room. In smaller rooms where the sofa is closer to the TV, it’s important to leave some space to avoid a cluttered feel. “In larger rooms, additional seating or decorative elements can help balance the space and prevent it from feeling too empty,” says Luwemba.
Bagera says that in addition to visual clarity, the distance between the sofa and the TV plays an important role in creating a comfortable and inviting seating area.
A well-spaced layout allows for ample legroom and prevents viewers from feeling cramped or crowded. It also creates a sense of openness and airiness in the space, which promotes relaxation and enjoyment.
“As a rule of thumb, the space between the TV and the sofa should be kept simple. A minimalist approach makes the room appear larger and reduces clutter. Items like a rug in the middle and a coffee table will do the trick,” advise House of Yakobo and Noel. Luwemba adds that depending on the environment, a chandelier, coffee table or ottoman, or all of the above, can be placed in the space in between. In particular, he notes that spaciousness is great, but not so big that the room feels empty.
Bagera points out that the space between the sofa and the television can contribute to the overall aesthetic of the room and allows for the placement of decorative elements such as side tables, coffee tables and plants that can enhance the look and functionality of the room.
A generous arrangement allows sufficient legroom and prevents spectators from feeling cramped or crowded.
“These elements can create a sense of balance and symmetry while providing functional storage for remote controls, snacks or drinks. You can also add a bench or ottoman in addition to the sofa to increase the seating area. Appropriate distance between the sofa and the TV is important not only for comfort and visual clarity, but also for creating a harmonious and inviting living space,” she says.
By following general guidelines and considering the specific dimensions of your room and television, I believe you can ensure that your seating arrangement is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Colors
Bagera recommends commercially available black TVs because black can easily be combined with any color of sofa set you choose.
Luwemba also recommends black as it combines well with different colors, but he is quick to add that this is not a rule that should not be broken as some people love unique colors that are currently trending.
“Today, people have a wider range of choices and an equally wider choice. But style and aesthetics are key when choosing. If in doubt, consult a professional as an external consultant, as they are better informed about the materials and their durability under certain conditions,” he says.
Select sofas
When choosing chairs for the living room, consider comfort, style and size. Opt for sofas and chairs that suit the size and decor of the room. In smaller rooms, choose compact, multifunctional furniture to make the most of the space. In larger areas, try different styles and materials such as leather, fabric or upholstery options to complement the overall design.
Bagera recommends velvet because it feels luxurious and inviting. The kicker is that velvet chairs are making a big comeback because their soft texture and rich colors add a touch of elegance to any room.
Bold and modern: Chairs with geometric shapes, such as curved backs or tapered legs, are a popular choice for contemporary interiors. She also recommends less bulky sofas as these fit easily into spaces and are not heavy or difficult to assemble, as many people are into Do It Yourself (DIY).
“Sustainable and environmentally friendly chairs made from natural materials such as rattan, bamboo or jute are enjoying increasing demand,” she adds.
House of Yakobo & Noel points out that antique and vintage styles, dark wood furniture, curved pieces rather than sharp lines, and earth-toned furniture will compete with bolder statements and that custom-made items are on the rise.
“The details in furniture are important. Eco-friendly fabrics and materials for sustainable processing (bamboo) as well as oversized furniture are back on the popularity list. Comfort is the most important thing for many homes,” notes House of Yakobo and Noel.
When buying a quality sofa set, one must pay attention to the material the sofa frames are made of. Examples of durable materials that the frames are made of are wood, steel, aluminum, metal and plywood, which ensure the strength and durability of the sofa.
“You can choose fabrics that are naturally stain-resistant, such as technical fabrics, microfiber or leather. These materials are treated to repel spills and stains, making them easier to clean,” explains Bagera.
Conditions
House of Yakobo and Noel suggests a 60:40 ratio. “40 percent of the space can be left open for foot traffic/movement and the other 60 percent can be furnished with other relevant decorations and/or furniture,” they recommend.
The part equipped with decor and furniture should be strategically designed to provide enough freedom of movement while taking into account the needs of the room users.
