Beige sofa with sage cushions in a bright living room, beneath the centred heading “Living Room Comfort: 5 Simple Checks”.

Living Room Not Feeling Comfortable? 5 Things to Check

Living Room Not Feeling Comfortable? 5 Things to Check

You sit down for the evening, move a cushion, shift position and reach for the remote. Then you realise the lamp is reflecting on the television and your drink is just out of reach.

If that sounds familiar, spend a few minutes checking what gets in the way of enjoying your usual seat. You may find that a small adjustment makes the room easier to use.

Here are five places to start.

1. Does your seat suit the way you sit?

Sit in your normal position and notice what you keep adjusting.

If you prefer sitting upright, can you rest comfortably against the back with your feet supported? If you like curling up, is there enough usable space once the cushions are in place?

Try removing any decorative cushions that get in your way. Check the care instructions for the seat and back cushions, including whether they need plumping, turning or rotating. Only turn or rotate them if their design allows it.

If one seat has become noticeably different from the others, inspect it and ask your retailer about the change. Understanding the issue is a useful step before deciding what to do next.

Start here: identify one thing that feels awkward about your usual position, rather than judging the sofa only by how it looks.

2. Are you facing what you use most?

A seating arrangement can look balanced while leaving someone turning sideways to watch television or talk to another person.

Look at the room from each regularly used seat. Can everyone see the screen comfortably? When friends visit, can you talk without sitting at an awkward angle?

A small change to a chair or television position may help. Check that any new arrangement still leaves clear routes through the room. If you’re considering a different arrangement, our guide to planning a living room layout that works explains how to compare positions before moving your furniture.

Start here: try the least popular seat in the room. It may show you why everyone avoids it.

3. Is the lighting working from your seat?

Check your lighting when you normally use the room, particularly after dark.

A lamp may create a reflection on the screen, shine directly into your eyes or leave your book in shadow. Try changing its position or direction before buying anything new.

If the room serves several purposes, separate lights can give you options for reading, watching television or chatting. Keep cables clear of walking routes when moving lamps.

For more evening lighting and soft-furnishing ideas, see our guide to making your living room cosy for autumn and winter.

Start here: sit down with the television on and check where reflections appear.

4. Are the things you need within easy reach?

Drinks, books, glasses and remote controls all need somewhere convenient to go.

Notice whether you regularly lean across an armrest, reach behind you or get up because there’s no suitable surface nearby. Moving an existing side table may be enough.

Check the space around footstools and reclining seats too. Can someone walk past when your feet are up? Does the coffee table need moving every time you recline?

Start here: arrange your usual evening essentials before sitting down and see what still feels inconvenient.

5. Does the room have somewhere for everyday belongings?

Living rooms often double as workspaces, playrooms and places to sort the post.

If you would prefer those things out of sight in the evening, give them a convenient home. A basket for toys, a tray for paperwork or a cupboard shelf for a laptop may be all you need.

Choose storage that fits your routine. It should be easy to put things away and get them out again.

Start here: clear one surface you use regularly and decide where its usual contents belong.

Try one change before making a bigger decision

Choose the adjustment that addresses your biggest irritation and try it over a few evenings. That will help you work out what improves the room and what still needs attention.

If the seating itself remains unsuitable, note exactly what you would like to change: seat depth, back height, cushion feel or room to stretch out. Our sofa buying guide can help you compare your next options.

Talk through your options with us

Visit our Retford or Dinnington showroom to try different seating, or contact our team for help shopping from home.

With nationwide delivery available, you don’t need to live nearby. Share your room measurements, photographs and what you would like to improve, and we can discuss suitable designs and delivery to your area.

What’s the one thing you would change about your usual seat? We’re happy to help you explore the options.


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