10 Inspiring Ideas for a 17x20 Living Room Design: Transforming Your 17x20 Living Space with Smart, Stylish Ideas

As someone who’s spent over a decade designing homes, I can tell you — large, rectangular spaces like a 17x20 living room are a dream canvas, but they also challenge you to create cozy intimacy within that scale. This size gives you room to play with multiple zones, seating arrangements, and statement features. I’ve found that even bigger spaces benefit from the same principle as small ones: thoughtful layout and cohesion are everything. Today, I’ll share 10 living room design ideas that blend my personal experience with expert-backed insights to help you make the most of your 17x20 space.

1. Define Zones with Area Rugs

My Take: In many of my projects, a 17x20 living room felt too open until I anchored the seating area with a large rug. Sometimes I even layer two rugs to create a lounge zone and a reading nook.

Pros: Area rugs visually carve up the space, add warmth, and help absorb sound. Using a patterned rug can also introduce personality and tie in color schemes.

Cons: Large rugs can be expensive, and layering requires careful pattern coordination to avoid clashing.

Tip: For a bold and cozy look, try placing a 9x12 under your main sofas, and a smaller 5x7 under an armchair grouping — much like I did in a minimalist living room project where the zones felt instantly defined.

save pin

2. Flexible Seating Arrangements

My Take: In bigger living rooms, fixed seating layouts tend to feel formal. I often combine a main sofa with lightweight armchairs and poufs that can be moved around easily for different occasions.

Pros: Adaptable seating supports entertaining, lounging, or even a game night. It keeps the space dynamic.

Cons: Without a strong anchor point like a coffee table, the room might feel scattered.

save pin

3. Double Focal Points

My Take: If you have both a fireplace and a TV, don’t choose one — I like creating arrangements that allow both to shine, maybe on adjacent walls.

Pros: Visually interesting and accommodates different family activities. The layout can flex easily between entertainment modes.

Cons: Furniture placement can be tricky to balance both sightlines.

save pin

4. Statement Lighting

My Take: A 17x20 living room deserves a dramatic light fixture. I once installed a sculptural chandelier over a central coffee table, and it became the conversational heart of the room.

Pros: Defines the room’s mood, adds architectural interest, and visually anchors the space.

Cons: Large fixtures can be pricey and may require reinforced ceiling support.

save pin

5. Layered Textures

My Take: When I worked on a neutral-tone project, mixing linen sofas, leather chairs, and wool throws made the large room feel intimate and tactile.

Pros: Texture creates warmth and depth without cluttering. It’s great for neutral palettes.

Cons: Too many textures without a cohesive palette can feel visually noisy.

save pin

6. Built-in Storage Walls

My Take: I’ve turned entire long walls into custom cabinetry and shelving, combining closed storage with display space for books and art.

Pros: Maximizes vertical space, hides clutter, and creates a striking focal wall — something especially functional in open-plan homes according to Houzz 2023 design trends.

Cons: Built-ins are a commitment, and not ideal for renters.

Case Example: One recent client loved how the storage wall gave them room to hide electronics while showcasing their art objects, similar to how a wood-accented shelving design worked in another family home.

save pin

7. Symmetry for Formality

My Take: In a long rectangular living room, I’ve created harmonious layouts using matching sofas facing each other with a central coffee table in between.

Pros: Symmetry brings a calm, balanced feel, and makes entertaining more comfortable.

Cons: Can feel too formal for casual lifestyles, and requires enough pieces to achieve the effect.

save pin

8. Art as a Scale Setter

My Take: Large rooms can dwarf small decor. I like to use oversized art or gallery walls to fill visual space appropriately.

Pros: Sets scale, reflects personality, and can be a conversation starter.

Cons: Large artworks can be costly and heavy to mount.

save pin

9. Open Pathways

My Take: I always design with traffic flow in mind, ensuring furniture placement allows easy movement between zones. For a 17x20 space, that means leaving at least 3 feet of clear pathways between pieces.

Pros: Improves comfort and safety, especially with kids or elderly residents.

Cons: Sometimes means compromising on furniture scale or quantity.

Note: I once adjusted an open-plan family room layout to widen pathways, and the client instantly remarked how much bigger the space felt.

save pin

10. Biophilic Touches

My Take: Plants are my go-to for making big spaces feel alive. In one project, tall fiddle-leaf figs flanked the sofa, softening the edges of the room.

Pros: Improves air quality, adds organic shapes and colors, and enhances relaxation according to an American Society of Interior Designers study.

Cons: Requires ongoing care and adequate light conditions.

save pin

Conclusion

A 17x20 living room isn’t a limitation — it’s a playground for thoughtful, layered design. By defining zones, layering textures, and shaping the space with lighting and focal points, you can make it as cozy as it is spacious. As Architectural Digest notes, scale and proportion are key in any room design. Which of these 10 ideas would you try in your own living room?

FAQ

1. What’s the best furniture layout for a 17x20 living room?

Use your largest piece (like a sofa) to anchor one zone, then arrange smaller pieces to create secondary sitting or activity areas.

2. How do I make a large living room feel cozy?

Layer rugs, add textured fabrics, and use warm lighting to bring intimacy to the space.

3. Can I have both a TV and fireplace focal point?

Yes, position them on adjacent walls or use a shared focal area to balance views.

4. How many rugs should I use in a 17x20 living room?

One large rug for the main seating area, plus a smaller one if you’re defining a second zone.

5. Should I stick to symmetry in a large living room?

Only if you like a formal look; asymmetry can create a more relaxed vibe.

6. How do I plan pathways in my living room?

Leave 3 feet of space in high-traffic areas. This improves comfort and safety.

7. Do plants really help in interior design?

Yes, studies by the American Society of Interior Designers show plants improve mood and air quality.

8. What’s the benefit of built-in storage walls?

They maximize vertical space and can showcase your personality while keeping clutter hidden.