The living room, or lounge room, is the ultimate sanctuary. It is no longer just a formal space; it is the beating heart of the home where stories unfold—the quiet mornings, the late-night conversations, and memorable moments of laughter.
Designing this space requires intention. It’s about more than trends; it’s about choosing foundational pieces that will evolve with your life. At Few & Far, we believe in creating a room that feels lived in, layered, and loved—a true reflection of a life well-collected.
To guide your vision, here are five essential things to consider when designing your lounge room, featuring core pieces from our recently restocked sofa and occasional chair collection.
Before selecting a single item, you must define the primary function of your lounge room. This step is the cornerstone of thoughtful design.
The Intentional Question: Ask yourself: Is this room primarily for quiet reading and contemplation (a solitary space)? Or is it built for large-scale entertaining and communal connection (a social hub)?
If it’s a Social Hub: Your focus should be on creating a conversational layout. Choose plush, modular sofas that can be reconfigured for different gatherings. Large, easy-to-access coffee tables are essential for grounding the zone and holding shared moments.
Foundational Focus (Restocked): Our Roland Modular Sofa (Green & Beige) is designed precisely for this versatility. Its plush form and adaptable sections ensure every conversation feels intimate and comfortable, regardless of the room’s size.
If it’s designed to be a Sanctuary: The design should prioritise individual comfort and quiet. Incorporate sculptural accent chairs and layered lighting. The pieces should invite you to sink in and pause.
By setting a clear purpose, you ensure every piece you bring into the space—from the largest sofa to the smallest accent—is a meaningful part of the room’s narrative.
The arrangement of your furniture dictates the room's energy. A functional layout ensures good flow, maximises natural light, and clearly defines the room's "anchor zone."
Arrange seating so that facing pieces are no more than 10 feet (3 meters) apart. This distance encourages conversation and connection without strain. Position your largest piece, typically the sofa, first, and arrange complementary seating around it.
The Importance of the Anchor
The coffee table is the physical centre of the lounge. It is the core surface that grounds the seating arrangement. Ensure it is easily accessible from all main seats.
Styling Insight: Avoid pushing all furniture against the walls. Pulling even the sofa a few inches away from the wall adds depth and makes the room feel more intentional and custom.
Zoning with Rugs
Never underestimate the power of a rug. A rug is the visual foundation of your layout, defining the primary seating zone. The goal is size: If in doubt, bigger is always better than too small. At a minimum, the front two legs of all major upholstered pieces (sofas, accent chairs) should rest on the rug to visually unify the area.
Lighting is the primary tool for creating enduring peace and warmth in a lounge room. You should always incorporate three distinct layers: ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Ambient: This is your general overhead light. Use dimmers to control the overall mood, allowing you to shift the feeling of the room from functional brightness to intimate warmth.
Task: This is focused light for specific activities. The restocked Bolzano Table Lamp (Chrome & Burgundy) or a floor lamp beside an occasional chair creates the perfect reading nook.
Accent Lighting: The Sculptural Touch
Accent lighting is where the piece itself becomes part of the decor. Utilise lamps that are sculptural in form or feature tactile, unique materials.
Foundational Focus (Restocked): The striking Blaze Table Lamp and the natural texture of the Hemera Raffia Pendant introduce essential texture and warm light, transforming a corner from a dark nook into a curated feature. The versatile Solstice Table Lamp and Ourea Table Lamps (Green & Natural) are perfect examples of pieces that deliver soft, intentional illumination while acting as sculptural accents on a side table or console.
The true secret to a lasting, soulful lounge room is quality. Investing in timeless hero pieces ensures your style won't date, and the furniture will endure years of stories and use.
Seating as Sculpture
Occasional chairs are essential for adding visual interest and flexible seating. Choose pieces that stand out and offer a defining aesthetic.
Foundational Focus (Restocked): Our beautiful Bonnie Chair (Red & Green) is an example of an accent piece designed to be a sculptural statement. Its unique form and rich, deep colour introduce a complex, collected element to your seating arrangement.
The chairs are not merely functional; they are art that provides a crucial visual accent.
Materiality & Patina
Focus on natural materials—rich leather, robust timber, and quality textiles. These materials don’t just last; they age gracefully, acquiring a patina that reflects the life of the home. This intentional choice aligns with the 'buy once, buy well' philosophy.
A room is only complete when the details feel intentional and personal. This is where you bring in the smaller items that inject personality and warmth.
The Layering Principle
Use throws, cushions, and curtains to introduce softness, colour, and tactile quality. This is the easiest way to transition your home's style between seasons—swapping heavy throws for linen, for example.
Art & Vignettes
Your art collection is the final narrative. Use the principles of the Gallery Wall to showcase collected prints, photography, and original paintings.
Even the smallest objects should tell a story. Items like our Bone & Resin Decorative Boxes (launching soon!) or a single, unique Cascade Vase bring depth and sophisticated simplicity to a coffee table or console. These are the pieces that make the space feel genuinely collected, not just decorated.
By considering these five foundational elements, you move beyond simple decoration and begin to design a lounge room that not only looks beautiful but actively supports and enhances the daily rituals of your life.
Drawing from years of experience in homewares and design, we celebrate conscious buying, artisanal craftsmanship, and are driven by the belief that every space should be a collection of pieces that tell stories from past and present and make ways for the narrative to continue in the future. Our mission is to inspire, guide, and help you weave a unique and meaningful story within your own walls.
