Designers Share Tricks to Make Living Rooms Feel Bigger

From rearranging furniture to built-in sofas, these tips can maximize space in your living area.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:15pm

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Designers Erick Espinoza and Jessica Helgerson share their top tips for making living rooms feel more spacious, including spreading out furniture arrangements, using benches or ottomans instead of bulky chairs, and incorporating built-in sofas that blend seamlessly into the room.

Why it matters

With living rooms often serving as the central hub of the home, it's important to make the most of the available space. These designer-approved tricks can help create the illusion of a larger, more open living area without requiring major renovations.

The details

Espinoza advises against cramming all the furniture in the middle of the room, as that can make the space feel cluttered. Instead, he recommends spreading out the seating arrangement and potentially creating two distinct zones within the same room. Helgerson is a proponent of built-in sofas, which she says can provide ample seating without taking up too much visual space. She recommends deep seats, a 10-inch platform base, and thick cushions to achieve maximum comfort and functionality.

  • The article was published on March 16, 2026.

The players

Erick Espinoza

A designer who recommends spreading out furniture arrangements and using benches or ottomans instead of bulky chairs to maximize living room space.

Jessica Helgerson

A designer who is a proponent of built-in sofas, which she says can make a room feel larger without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

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What they’re saying

“The last thing you want to do it squeeze everything in the middle of the room if there's a focal point like a fireplace. When furniture is more spread out, it also gives you the opportunity to possibly do two different furniture arrangements within the same space.”

— Erick Espinoza, Designer

“That sofa was never in the way, could fit eight friends comfortably, doubled as a couple twin mattresses for sleepovers, and accommodated storage drawers below as well.”

— Jessica Helgerson, Designer

What’s next

The article does not mention any specific next steps or future newsworthy events related to the story.

The takeaway

These designer-approved tips show that with a little creativity, you can maximize the space and functionality of your living room without requiring major renovations or purchases. By rearranging furniture, incorporating built-in elements, and making strategic use of the room's layout, homeowners can create the illusion of a larger, more open living area.