How To Decorate A Long-Narrow Living Room With A Fireplace


Updated: 11 June 2024

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How to Decorate a Long-Narrow Living Room with a Fireplace

Whether you have a fireplace or not, a long narrow living space can feel warm, cozy, and inviting with the right furnishings and design choices. The purpose of this essay is to provide tips on how to decorate a Long-Narrow living room with a Fireplace in order to make it both functional and stylish.

Table of Content
  1. How to Decorate a Long-Narrow Living Room with a Fireplace
  2. I. Identify the space
    1. A. Take a measurement of the living room's dimensions
    2. B. The fireplace is a good example of a focal point
    3. C. Take into account the layout of the furniture and the traffic flow
  3. The furnishings
    1. A. The seating arrangement
    2. B. Tables
    3. C. Rugs
  4. Wall decor and treatments
  5. Faqs
    1. Which art styles look best above a fireplace?
    2. If my room has dark wood floors or beams, how can I incorporate color?
    3. What furniture pieces work well in a narrow galley-style living room?
    4. Can a long room have two focal points?
    5. How do you decorate around vaulted or cathedral ceilings?  
    6. What furniture placement maximizes a room with a single large window?
    7. Can we decorate around our fireplace without a mantel if we don't use it?
    8. What can I do to decorate a corner fireplace?
    9. Conclusion

I. Identify the space

Identify the space in long narrow living room

A. Take a measurement of the living room’s dimensions

To properly place furniture in a long, narrow living room, it is essential to measure the space accurately. Measure the length, width, and height of the room with a tape measure. Make note of any obstructions like windows or doors that disrupt the flow. Sketch a floor plan with the measurements on graph paper. When arranging furniture, this will serve as a guide.

B. The fireplace is a good example of a focal point

The fireplace is a good example of a focal point

A fireplace is naturally the focal point of a long room. Furniture should be positioned to draw attention to the fireplace. The main seating area can be placed directly opposite the fireplace to encourage gatherings. Adding accent lighting, artwork, or plant shelves to the cozy fireplace will add visual interest.

C. Take into account the layout of the furniture and the traffic flow

As a result of the elongated shape, furniture placement is crucial. Make sure there are adequate walkways between the entrance and other living areas on either side of the main sitting area. Place furniture groupings perpendicular to the fireplace rather than parallel to the long walls. As a result, separate relaxing spaces are defined while the open layout feels spacious instead of cramped.

The furnishings

furnishings

A. The seating arrangement

1. Create a cozy conversation area near the fireplace with large sectionals, loveseats, and armchairs. A cushy and durable fabric is one that can withstand heat from the flames, such as leather or velvet.

2. Place smaller accent chairs, ottomans, or poufs in complementary patterned fabrics in other zones of the long room. Ottomans can be used as extra seating or footrests. Consider chairs with rolling casters if you want flexibility.

B. Tables

Decorate A Long-Narrow Living Room with table

1. Create surfaces near the primary seating area with low rectangular coffee tables made of wood, glass, or stone. Lamps, books, and decor should be placed on end tables flanking sofas and armchairs. Traditional interiors pair well with wooden farmhouse styles. 

2. Longer console and credenza tables provide additional display space for family photos, plants, and accessories behind wider sofas. Adding them to a long wall also prevents it from feeling bare.

C. Rugs

1. Anchor the primary seating zone with an oversized shag, braided or area rug measuring 6×9 feet or larger. The fiber wool is flame-resistant and cozy. 

2. Add complimentary round rugs 2-3 feet in diameter to define furniture groupings and add a warm texture underfoot.

Wall decor and treatments

Wall decor and treatments for living room
  • To make the space feel bright and airy, paint or wallpaper the walls with a light, neutral shade like off-white, gray, or pale blue. You should avoid dark colors that can make the room seem smaller.
  • Display family photos, greenery, or knickknacks on floating shelves flanking the fireplace for built-in storage and display. Install custom built-ins or open shelving along another wall.
  • Hang a large mirror, framed artwork, or mounted TV above the mantel to draw the eye upward. A soft fabric like linen can be layered on either side of sheer or mid-weight curtains.
  • Add potted snake plants, pothos, or succulents to your decor. For ambient lighting, arrange coffee table books, candlesticks, and table lamps. Decorate furnishings with decorative pillows and throws.

Faqs

Which art styles look best above a fireplace? 

Traditional fireplace designs tend to complement classic styles such as landscapes, still-life paintings, or framed photos. Above the mantel, abstract art, mirrors, or flat screens can also be paired with modern interiors.

If my room has dark wood floors or beams, how can I incorporate color?

A: Use colorful accent pillows, throws, artwork, or wallpaper in one defined space like above the sofa. Curtains, rugs, and decorative accessories are other great ways to add hue without overwhelming the room. 

What furniture pieces work well in a narrow galley-style living room?

The ideal sectional sofa is one that fits the length but has connectors that allow for separation. Maximize your floor space with floating shelves, credenzas, and slim cocktail tables. Extra seating can also be provided by poufs and ottomans.

Can a long room have two focal points? 

A: Yes, in addition to the fireplace you can create a second focal point like large statement-making artwork, built-in shelves, or a vibrant bar cart in the other zone to break up the long walls.

How do you decorate around vaulted or cathedral ceilings?  

A: Large artwork, pendant lighting, and side wall shelving that reaches closer to the upper space make the decor proportional Drapes hung from the ceiling also help define areas.

What furniture placement maximizes a room with a single large window?

In order to enjoy natural light and views, occupants should gather around the window. Consoles flanking the window prevent it from cutting the space in half. 

Can we decorate around our fireplace without a mantel if we don’t use it?

You can use the wall space creatively with built-in bookshelves or a gallery rail. Go minimalist by simply flanking with plants or layer art above.

What can I do to decorate a corner fireplace? 

A: Divide the room into two seating zones on each side, facing each other rather than each other for conversation areas.

Conclusion

Defining the space with measurements allows sectional sofas, loveseats, accent chairs, and coffee or console tables to be strategically placed to create defined seating areas in the long narrow living room. Wall accents, neutral-painted walls, and thoughtful decor help make the elongated space feel inviting, warm, and comfortable. A long room can be transformed into a cozy fireplace lounge with the right furnishings and stylish details.


housedecoratings.com

housedecoratings.com

My name is Emily, and I am a house decorating expert. I have been helping clients decorate and design their homes to make them beautiful and functional for over 10 years now. As a decorating expert, I have a real eye for spotting what decorative accents and styles will complement a home's existing architecture and aesthetic. Part of my process involves really listening to understand my clients' lifestyles, personalities and needs to ensure the finished space reflects who they are.

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