5 Living and Dining Room Layout Ideas That Work Together

If you’re tasked with designing a combined living and dining room setup you probably know just how challenging it can be. Making sure all of the furniture fits the space and cohesively goes together can make you second guess yourself that everything is right. I’ve created 5 different living and dining room layout ideas that hopefully will help take some of the guesswork out of it and provide some inspiration you can use for your project.

24×14 Open-Concept Modern Living And Dining Room Layout

This open floor plan tastefully combines the living and dining areas with a unified color palette and offers the feel of separation by using a rug to frame each zone.

Floor Plan Details: This 24 ft × 14 ft open‐concept room, places the furniture so there’s a comfortable flow between the two zones. The entry is positioned at the halfway mark on the left wall, allowing direct access to the dining and living area. The living section contains a sofa placed on the left wall in the upper section of the room. 2 ft of clearance is maintained on the side of the sofa for a floor lamp or side table. A coffee table is placed directly in front with two armchairs on the opposite side facing the couch. This setup works well for socializing, however, a TV is installed on the right wall above a narrow stand or console for watching your favorite shows. For visual cohesion, place a large area rug that’s large enough to tuck under the front legs of both the sofa and armchairs to unite the seating area.

For the dining section, a table is centered in the space and surrounded by 6 chairs, which allows for 3 to 3.5 ft of space between the table and each wall or buffet for a comfortable distance for pulling out chairs. A buffet is placed on the left side for dining-related storage. A 6 ft table fits well within the 14 ft wide space, leaving enough room to walk around. Using a pendant or chandelier centered over the dining table with a rug underneath defines this zone visually in an open layout.

Important Dimensions:

• Total Area: 24 ft (length) × 14 ft (width)
• Sofa: 8 ft × 3 ft
• Coffee Table: 4 ft × 2 ft
• Armchairs: Two, each 3 ft × 3 ft
• Buffet: 5 ft x 1.5 ft
• TV/Entertainment Area: 2 ft of clearance in front for any TV stand

Design Tips:

• Use a consistent style & color palette and complementary furniture finishes to help the design feel cohesive.
• Add distinct area rugs under each zone, one under the living room seating and one under the dining table can help define the two areas.
• Keep a central walkway from the entry door of at least 3 ft open for foot traffic.
• Ensure the furniture is proportionate to the room’s dimensions.

28×12 Long And Narrow Living & Dining Floor Plan

By laying out the sectional at one end and the dining set at the other this layout makes the challenging narrow footprint work.

Floor Plan Details: The long, narrow rectangular living and dining design requires careful zoning to avoid making it feel cramped. A sectional is placed in the top‐left corner, along the wall on two sides. A 2×2 coffee table is placed in front of the sofa which faces the TV console. One armchair is positioned off to the side for additional seating and as a natural divider or zone.

The small dining area seats four, with an optional bar cabinet pushed into one corner that makes things a little tight. Generally, chairs around the table need about 2 to 3 ft behind them to easily get in and out. The bar cabinet measuring 4 ft × 2.5 ft makes exiting from one side a little difficult, so this can be removed if necessary. A modestly sized table at around 4 ft × 2.5 ft fits the narrow room. However, if you need to seat more people going with a larger rectangular one with less aisle clearance may be the way to go.

Important Dimensions:

• Room Size: 28 ft (length) × 12 ft (width)
• Sectional Sofa: 9 ft × 7 ft
• Armchair: 3 ft × 3 ft each
• TV Console: 5 ft × 1.5 ft
• Table: 4ft x 2.5
• Bar Cabinet: 4 ft × 2.5 ft

Design Tips:

• Define the zones by choosing two rugs that fit under the sofa, table, and chairs.
• Use one small accent chair measuring 3′ x 3′, opposite the sofa for extra seating.
• A round or oval table will save the most space in a narrow room.
• Ensure you select window coverings that let in plenty of natural light.
• Add wall sconces, pendants, and mirrors to help brighten the space.

20×20 Compact Square Dining And Living Room Design

Using the TV stand to divide the space, this layout creates separation to create a cozy living and dining area.

Floor Plan Details: This 20 ft × 20 ft square layout closes off the open plan design by positioning a TV stand or console in the middle of the room. This creates two nearly symmetrical areas that are effectively split into two halves by the furniture divider. A two or three seat sofa is positioned against the top wall, and centered to face the TV with a coffee table in between. Two armchairs can be placed facing the couch to promote a conversational area or turned toward the TV, depending on the need.

The dining area in the bottom half features a rectangular table measuring 6 ft × 2.5 ft and can fit 4 to 6 chairs. Depending on your need the table can be pushed further from the wall to accommodate the full 6 seats for a large family or entertaining friends. If space permits, consider a small buffet or sideboard along one side wall for storing dishes, utensils, or other items needed for gatherings.

Important Dimensions:

• Room Size: 20 ft × 20 ft (square footprint)
• Sofa: 7 ft × 3 ft
• Coffee Table: 4 ft × 2 ft
• Armchairs: 3 ft × 3 ft each
• TV Console: 5 ft × 1.5 ft

Design Tips:

• Angling armchairs help break up the “boxy” feel of a square room.
• For a rustic touch add a bench along the lower wall, measuring 6′ long x 1.5′ depth for dining.
• Consider wall‐mounted shelves, tall bookcases, or artwork to use the vertical height 
• Pull the table further away from the wall to sit up to six diners.
• Hang pendants or a chandelier with a dimmer switch over the tabletop to brighten the space and enhance the mood.

26×16 Formal Traditional Living & Dining Furniture Layout

This design focuses on a conversational living area around the fireplace, and features a comfortable dining space that can accommodate up to six, for a stylish furniture arrangement.

Floor Plan Details: Due to its rectangular shape, the room is naturally split into two main zones, formal living in the upper, and dining in the lower section. By arranging the sofa and chairs for easy conversation in the upper half, focused toward the fireplace, the upper part of the open plan is inviting and works for a classic and formal atmosphere. This setup provides a focal point, and anchors the conversational theme around the fireplace.

The lower dining area features a large rectangular table with seating for six. An additional side cabinet or built‐in on the right wall, allows for decorative display items or extra storage. The wide aisle clearances of 4 to 5 ft of space between furniture surfaces allow for comfortable serving and movement.

Important Dimensions:

• Room Size: 26 ft (length) × 16 ft (width)
• Sofa: 8 ft × 3 ft
• Coffee Table: 4 ft × 3 ft
• Armchairs: Two, each 3 ft × 3 ft
• Fireplace: 5 ft wide
• Dining Table: 7 ft × 4 ft

Design Tips:

• For a more traditional feel use classic silhouettes for the sofa and chairs, like rolled arms, tufting, and rich fabrics or patterns on the throw pillows.
• In the conversation hub, go for 2 to 3 ft of space between each furniture piece to walk comfortably without feeling too crowded.
• Use a large rug under the sofa, chairs, and coffee table to visually define that space.
• A traditional chandelier or pendant centered over the table can elevate the space’s formal setting.
• Use symmetry & balance throughout the room, such as matching chairs, classic table legs, and lighting to reinforce the formal feel.

18×12 Cozy Apartment-Style Floor Plan

Designed with comfort in mind, this open-plan layout gets the most out of every inch of space by carefully choosing and positioning the furniture for the best results.

Floor Plan Details: This 18 ft × 12 ft cozy, apartment‐style layout combines a small living area and a compact dining space for a cohesive design.  The entry is located on the left wall with a clear path to the back of the room allowing one to easily access either side. A patio door along the upper wall allows plenty of natural light to enhance the overall ambiance. A loveseat is placed along one wall facing a TV console on the opposing side with a circular coffee table in between. This arrangement leaves about 3 ft of walking space between the furniture pieces for an uncrowded feel.

The bottom portion of the room features the dining area with a small circular table measuring 3 ft in diameter. This size is adequate for seating 2 to 4 people with roughly 1 ft to 2 ft of space to the surrounding walls, which is tight but still functional. A narrow sideboard for storage measuring 4 ft × 1 ft is placed on the left side, near the entry. This can help store dinnerware and decor pieces, or act as a drop‐off zone for keys or mail when entering.

Important Dimensions:

• Room Size: 18 ft (length) × 12 ft (width)
• Loveseat: 6 ft × 3 ft
• Coffee Table: 3 ft diameter, circular
• TV Console: 5 ft × 1.5 ft
• Table: 3 ft diameter, circular

Design Tips:

• Using a circular coffee and dining table with rounded edges is ideal in tighter spaces to reduce bumps and visually soften the layout.
• Positioning the loveseat across from the TV console on the wall creates a focal point and helps keep wires hidden.
• Maximize the patio door’s natural light by using sheer curtains or blinds that don’t block out the window.
• Choose a small circular bistro-style table to save on space.
• Try to match furniture styles, colors, and accents within the two zones to keep things looking attractive and stylish.
• Hard floors can be dampened by using area rugs and plush furniture that absorbs the sound.
• If you need more separation between zones consider a decorative folding screen or tall potted plants to add more delineation.

If you found any of these plans useful, or are designing something completely different please drop us a comment below to let us know.