Open plan living allows us to create interior design layouts which effortlessly flow together for a sense of space and seamless style. However, when it comes to combining a living and dining room layout, this can require some careful thought. It’s important that a kitchen diner remains stylish yet functional and isn’t hampered by visual clutter. Check out our top combo living room dining room layout ideas below for inspiration.
Keep your living and dining room layout minimalistic
One way to ensure a consistent style across a living-dining room layout is to keep your colour palette neutral and your décor minimalistic. This means opting for dining tables with clean lines and sofas in neutral shades, for instance. This doesn’t mean compromising on any sense of individuality and personality, though. You can still add accents to your combo living room and dining room, through additions like scatter cushions and wall art. In fact, the unfussy layout will help to draw more focus to those key pieces. Less really can be more with open plan living.
Bombay - Solid Marble Round Dining Table
Create clear divisions for your open plan room layout
This approach works particularly well for long, rectangular combo living rooms and dining rooms. Adding a piece of furniture that creates a visual divide will help you separate the look and feel of your living and dining room layouts. The partition doesn’t have to be a piece of furniture that feels out of place either. A dining table in a living room, placed behind a corner sofa, for example, will work well, as will a bookcase or display unit, making for a practical addition that adds to the overall aesthetic. This also allows you to enjoy different but coordinating designs in each of the spaces. Just make sure they work in sync, with certain shades or decorative touches tying them together.
Arctic - Solid Marble Dining Table
Storage solutions for your open plan living room
When one room has to work to serve two different functions, it’s likely there are going to be a lot of different items that need to be thoughtfully stored away. That means stylish storage solutions are crucial. For your dining room layout, you can include sideboards to store away placemat settings and cutlery, while bar trolleys can be a wonderfully convenient addition for entertaining.
For the living room layout, it’s a good idea to utilise your vertical space. This can free up floor space and add a contemporary touch to your room. Shelving Units can offer a fantastic alternative to TV units, providing plenty of clever space for your screen, and stylish storage for your speakers or any decorative items you want to display.
Stream - Tall Shelving Unit, Metal
Work with the space you have
Ultimately, every home is different. While these combo living room and dining room layout ideas can help you achieve an interior that works for you, it’s important that you consider how much space you actually have to play with. If you need an adaptable space that can accommodate dinner guests, for example, you can add an extending dining table in your living room. Alternatively, bar stools can be a space-saving dining options for those with more compact homes.
Vinci - Ceramic Extending Dining Table
Shop our combo living room and dining room furniture
Put thought into your layout and the pieces that will work in it and be sure to browse our collection to find the ideal furniture for your combo living room dining room layout. We offer a range of dining tables to create a sleek divide between each room, a range of stylish storage options, dining chairs and bar stools, as well as a range of sofas and chairs to complete your combo living room dining room layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you arrange a combined living room and dining room?
Start by deciding which part of the room will be used for relaxing and which will be used for dining. Position larger pieces, such as your sofa and dining table, first and make sure there is enough space to move comfortably between each area. Rugs, lighting, storage furniture and the positioning of your sofa can then help create a visual distinction between the two zones.
How do you separate a living room and dining room in an open-plan space?
You can visually separate a living room and dining room without building walls by using furniture to create distinct zones. Positioning a sofa with its back towards the dining area, adding a bookcase or display unit between the spaces, or using a rug to define the living area can all help. Different lighting can also give each zone its own identity while maintaining a cohesive overall design.
Where should a dining table go in a living room dining room combo?
The best position will depend on the shape of your room, but placing the dining table behind or adjacent to the sofa can work particularly well. Ideally, position the dining area closer to the kitchen where possible and leave sufficient space around the table for chairs to be comfortably pulled out.
How do you arrange a small living room dining room combo?
In a small combined living and dining room, prioritise furniture that makes efficient use of the available space. An extending dining table provides additional dining space when required without permanently occupying a large footprint, while streamlined sofas, dining benches and practical storage furniture can help keep the room feeling open and uncluttered.
How do you make a living room and dining room look cohesive?
Use a consistent colour palette, complementary furniture finishes and repeated materials or textures across both areas. Your living and dining furniture does not need to match exactly, but repeating colours through rugs, cushions, wall art and accessories can help the two spaces feel connected.
Can you put a dining table behind a sofa?
Yes. Positioning a dining table behind a sofa can be an effective way to zone an open-plan living and dining room. The back of the sofa creates a natural visual boundary between the relaxing and dining areas without physically closing either space off.
What shape dining table is best for an open-plan living space?
The best dining table shape depends on the size and layout of your room. Rectangular tables can work particularly well in longer spaces, while round dining tables can help maintain a sense of flow in smaller areas. Extending dining tables are useful when you want to maximise everyday floor space while retaining the option to accommodate additional guests.
How can a rug divide an open-plan living and dining room?
A rug can visually define a particular area without introducing a physical divider. Positioning a large rug beneath or around your main living room seating can establish the boundaries of the relaxation area, helping distinguish it from the dining space while maintaining the open-plan feel of the room.
What furniture works well in a combined living and dining room?
Consider versatile furniture that provides functionality without making the room feel overcrowded. Sofas, extending dining tables, dining benches, sideboards, bookcases and display units can all work particularly well. Storage furniture is especially useful because it can help define different zones while keeping an open-plan room organised.
Where can I shop for living room and dining room furniture in Hertfordshire?
You can explore living room and dining room furniture at the Fishpools showroom in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. Seeing different furniture collections displayed together can help you compare sofas, dining tables, chairs, storage furniture and accessories when planning a coordinated open-plan living and dining space.
Where can I find living and dining room furniture near North London and Essex?
Fishpools' Waltham Cross showroom is conveniently located for customers travelling from Hertfordshire, North London and Essex. Visiting the showroom allows you to see living room and dining room furniture together and explore different combinations of sofas, tables, chairs, storage and home accessories for your space.