Average American Living Room Dimensions
The living room is often considered the heart of the home, where we gather to relax and socialize. It is a versatile space that can be used for various activities, including watching TV, playing games, reading, and entertaining guests.
But what is the average American living room size, and what are the common furnishings found in this space? Let’s explore these questions and more. So that you can get a clear idea before designing your living room.
What is a Living Area?
A living area is a space within a home that is designed for relaxation, socializing, and entertainment. This area can include rooms such as the living room, family room, great room, or any other space that is used for similar purposes.
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Living areas are typically located in the front or central part of a home, and they are often designed to be visually appealing and welcoming to guests.
They may feature comfortable seating, decorative elements like artwork or plants, and entertainment features like televisions or gaming systems.
Why Do You Need a Living Room?
A living room is an essential part of any home. Firstly, it can be a hub for socializing and entertainment, making it a perfect place to host gatherings or hang out with friends and family.
Then again, a living room is often the first room that visitors see when they enter your home. So it can set the tone for the rest of the house and create a positive first impression.
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Finally, the living room can add value to your home. A well-designed and functional living room can increase the overall appeal and marketability of your property.
Types of Living Room
There are two main types of living rooms: indoor living rooms and outdoor living rooms. Each of these has unique qualities and advantages of its own.
Indoor
Indoor living rooms are the most common type of living area and are found in the majority of homes. These spaces are typically located inside the home. They are often decorated with comfortable furniture and other decorative elements that create a warm and welcoming environment.
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Indoor living rooms can be designed in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern, depending on your preferences. They may also include features like fireplaces, media centers, and built-in shelving to add functionality and style to the space.
Outdoor
Outdoor living rooms are becoming increasingly popular. Homeowners nowadays seek to expand their living space and create an outdoor oasis for relaxation and entertainment. These spaces are typically located on a patio, deck, by the pool, or other outdoor areas.
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These are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Outdoor living rooms may feature comfortable seating, lighting, and decorative elements like outdoor rugs and pillows.
One of the main advantages of outdoor living rooms is that they allow homeowners to take advantage of the natural beauty and fresh air of the outdoors. They provide a space that is separate from the rest of the home, allowing for a true escape from the stresses of daily life.
Average American Living Room Size
The average size of an American living room varies depending on many factors, including region, housing type, and personal preferences, much like the average size of a bedroom.
However, according to recent data, the average living room size in the United States is around 12 x 18 to 15 x 20 feet (or 216 square feet to 300 square feet).
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Some living rooms can be as small as 7 x 10 feet. Depending on the house size, a large living room can be even larger than 15 x 20 feet. So these average living room sizes differ depending on the size of your house.
There are variation seen in the size of living room depending on the area of the property. Usually, you will find smaller living rooms in city areas. 150 to 250 square foot living rooms are very common there. On the other hand, you will find larger living areas, such as 300 to over 500 square foot, in suburban areas.
Average American Living Room Size Chart
Now let's take a look at the typical living room sizes across America. The chart below can be helpful for those looking to purchase or rent a home or for those interested in home design and remodeling.
| Living Room Size | Square Feet ( sq. ft.) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny | 70 sq. ft. (7 x 10 ft) | Only enough space for a small sofa or loveseat, a couple of chairs, and a coffee table. |
| Small | 130 sq. ft. (10 x 13 ft) | Enough space for a sofa or sectional, a couple of chairs, and a coffee table, along with a few accent pieces. |
| Medium | 216 sq. ft. (12 x 18 ft) | Can accommodate a larger sofa or sectional, additional seating such as armchairs or recliners, a coffee table, and other decorative items. 6-10 people can comfortably hang out here. |
| Large | 300+ sq. ft. (15 x 20 ft) | Can comfortably accommodate multiple seating areas. There may also be space for a media center or entertainment area in a large living room. |
Common Furniture in the Living Room
Regardless of the average size or type of living room, there are certain furnishings that are commonly found in this space. Here are some of these:
- Sofa: In a living room, sofas are often the centerpiece, providing a comfortable place to sit and relax. It can be a sectional, loveseat, or traditional sofa, depending on the size and layout of the room.
- Coffee Table: The coffee table is a functional and decorative piece of furniture typically placed in front of the sofa. It provides a place to set drinks, snacks, and other items, as well as a surface for decorative accessories like candles or flowers. You may use a area rug under it to give a more defined space.
- TV Stand: Another piece of furniture that holds the television and other electronics, such as a cable box, or sound system.
- Accent Chairs: A great way to add additional seating and style to the living room is accent chairs. They come in various styles, colors, and fabrics, making it easy to find one that complements the overall design of the room.
- Chair Side Table: Another common furnishing in a living room is chair side tables, designed to be placed next to a chair or sofa. They can be used to hold a lamp, a book, a beverage, or other small items you want to keep within reach while you relax on the couch.
- Cabinets: Cabinets can be used in a living room to store or display decorative items. They come in various styles, including closed cabinets with doors and open shelving.
- Bookshelves: Many people prefer to keep bookshelves in their living room to store books, decorative items, and other knick-knacks.
This article is exclusively written for MeasurementOf.
Living Room vs Family Room
It's common to use the terms "family room" and "living room" interchangeably. But there are some key differences between the two spaces.
Traditionally, a living room is a more formal space that is designed for entertaining guests and hosting events. While a family room is a more casual space for everyday living.
A living room typically features elegant furnishings, a decorative fireplace, and high-end lighting fixtures. On the other hand, a family room is typically located near the back of the house and features comfortable furnishings, a TV, and other entertainment options.
The living room is often separated from other areas by doors or a hallway, while the family room is open to the kitchen or dining room.
Today, many homes combine the living room and family room into a single, multipurpose space that can be used for both formal entertaining and casual relaxation.
What Size Is a Standard Living Room?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. As we've indicated earlier, the size of a standard living room can vary depending on several factors, such as the layout of the home, the architectural style, and the intended use of the space.
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However, according to recent data, there's no set standard living room size in the United States. But a general rule of thumb is that the area of the living room is at least 7.5% of the total square footage of the house for large homes. For all others, it is about 11%. But this is on an average. And your own living room may be smaller or larger depending on a variety of factors.
Conclusion
The living room is an essential part of any home, serving as a hub for socializing and entertainment. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor living area, the size, and furnishings of the space can vary greatly depending on the size of the house and the architectural design. However, this average living room size guide can help you a lot to get a clear idea of it.
