10 Smart Ideas for a 13 x 17 Living Room Layout: Maximize Your 13 x 17 Living Room with Clever, Stylish, and Practical Design Tips

Over the past decade working in interior design, I’ve seen how mid-sized living rooms—like the 13 x 17 feet space—often unlock more potential than you’d think. With the right layout, even a room with fixed proportions can feel open, welcoming, and versatile. I often say, “small space sparks big creativity,” and in this post, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite living room layout ideas, blending my own design experiences with expert-backed tips.

1. Conversation-Centric Seating

My Take: I love arranging sofas and chairs to form a gentle U-shape. It feels intimate and encourages connection—perfect for family nights.

Pros: A U-shaped setup maximizes the central area, offers great sightlines, and creates a focal point for a coffee table. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, defined conversation zones improve social interaction.

Cons: Requires enough space around furniture to avoid a cramped feeling; may limit walking paths.

Tip: Aim for at least 3 feet for walkways between pieces.

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2. Floating Furniture Arrangement

My Take: Instead of pushing pieces against the walls, I float the sofa towards the center—a technique that instantly opens up the flow.

Pros: Helps define living areas in open-plan homes; allows room for slim storage along walls.

Cons: Not ideal for very small or narrow spaces; you’ll need a well-sized rug to anchor the layout.

One of my projects benefited greatly from a L shaped layout releasing more floor space while using the floating approach.

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3. Zoning with Rugs

My Take: Rugs do more than warm the floor—they create clear zones, essential for a multifunctional 13 x 17 room.

Pros: Adds texture and warmth; visually separates seating from dining or work areas.

Cons: Requires careful measurement; undersized rugs can throw off balance.

Tip: Choose rugs that allow at least the front legs of furniture to rest on them.

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4. Built-In Storage Walls

My Take: I’ve done projects where a full-height built-in became both a media center and bookcase—saving precious floor space.

Pros: Reduces furniture clutter; customizable to your needs.

Cons: Built-ins are permanent; may not suit renters’ needs.

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5. Light Layering Strategy

My Take: Combining overhead, floor, and table lighting adds depth, making the room look more expansive in the evenings.

Pros: Improves ambiance; gives flexibility for different activities.

Cons: Can require more plugs or rewiring.

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6. Symmetrical Balance

My Take: Placing matching sofas or chairs opposite each other creates harmony and an elegant, classic look.

Pros: Timeless aesthetic; easy to plan around focal points like fireplaces or windows.

Cons: Less flexible for casual or eclectic styles.

In one client’s home, matching chairs were placed around a central rug, enhanced by wood elements bringing warm tones into the scheme.

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7. Multipurpose Furniture

My Take: I often utilize ottomans with hidden storage, or side tables that double as stools, to keep the space tidy.

Pros: Saves space and money; promotes minimalist living.

Cons: May require compromises on comfort or size.

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8. Visual Height Tricks

My Take: Hanging curtains closer to the ceiling rather than the window frame can make the room feel taller.

Pros: Draws the eye upward; enhances natural light spread.

Cons: More fabric needed; may not fit some window shapes.

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9. Angled Furniture Placement

My Take: Sometimes breaking the straight lines by angling a chair or sofa toward the rest of the room softens the look.

Pros: Adds visual dynamism; makes traffic flow more engaging.

Cons: Can waste space if overused.

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10. Accent Wall Focus

My Take: Painting one wall a deeper hue or using textured wallpaper creates a focal point without crowding the room.

Pros: Personalizes the space; can visually expand or cozy up the room depending on color choice.

Cons: Risk of overpowering if the tone is too bold for natural light levels.

One memorable redesign featured a teal accent wall behind the media unit, complemented by glass backsplashes making spaces airier in the adjoining kitchen.

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Summary

A 13 x 17 living room isn’t a limitation—it’s your invitation to think sharper about flow, zoning, and comfort. The right mix of furniture arrangement, lighting, and multifunctional pieces can make it feel bigger and richer in character. As Architectural Digest notes, thoughtful planning transforms average spaces into unforgettable ones. Which of these layout ideas would you most want to try?

FAQ

1. What is the best couch size for a 13 x 17 living room layout?

A standard 84-inch sofa fits well, leaving room for side chairs without overwhelming the space.

2. Can I have both a living and dining area in a 13 x 17 room?

Yes, use zoning methods like rugs and lighting to separate the functions visually and physically.

3. How do I make a 13 x 17 living room feel bigger?

Use light colors, mirrors, and floating furniture; the National Association of Home Builders recommends maximizing vertical elements too.

4. What’s the ideal TV size for this room?

For a seating distance of 8–10 feet, a 55–65 inch TV balances comfort and viewing angles.

5. Is an L-shaped sofa suitable?

Yes, an L-shaped sofa works if placed to maintain open walkways; consider the floating arrangement mentioned above.

6. How much space should I keep between furniture pieces?

At least 18 inches between a sofa and coffee table, and 30–36 inches for main walkways.

7. Can I mix modern and traditional furniture in this layout?

Absolutely—balance proportions and use cohesive colors or textures to tie them together.

8. Are built-ins worth it for a 13 x 17 space?

Yes, especially if you need vertical storage. Built-ins declutter surfaces and optimize the footprint.