Open-Plan Living: Using Furniture to Create Zones

Open-plan living is bright and sociable, but without clear zones it can feel like one big empty room. Furniture is the easiest way to give each area a purpose.

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Float the sofa

Place the sofa with its back to the dining or kitchen zone to create a clear boundary. Corner and chaise sofas are especially good at defining a living area. See how to style a corner sofa.

Use rugs as rooms

A rug under the living group and another under the dining table instantly separates the spaces.

Light each zone

Hang a pendant centred over the dining table, use a floor lamp beside the sofa, and pendants over the island.

Choose shapes that flow

Round and oval tables make it easier to walk around in a shared space. Allow about 90cm of clear path between zones.

Connect with colour

Repeat one or two colours and timbers across zones so the whole space feels cohesive.

Common questions

How do you zone an open-plan living room?

Float the sofa to form a boundary, use separate rugs for living and dining, and light each zone individually.

Where should a sofa go in an open-plan room?

Often with its back to the dining or kitchen area, which creates a clear edge for the living zone.

What dining table suits open-plan living?

Round and oval tables are easy to walk around and soften a large open space.

See it in the showroom, or have it delivered

Everything we sell is brand new in the box, priced at up to 80% off RRP and covered by a 1-year warranty. Visit our showroom at 65A Grange Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192 (Opposite Moorabbin DFO on Grange Road), open all 7 days: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. We deliver Australia-wide, with delivery from $40 priced by distance, and Afterpay and Zip are available. Clearance stock is limited, so once a piece sells out it is gone. Questions? Call 03 8522 2115 or 0421 768 052.