The living room has quite a few aliases.
Until the late 19th century, the space was referred to as the “parlour,” a formal term reflecting its more buttoned-up history. Our British friends prefer “sitting room,” while the Aussies among us relax in “lounge rooms.”
As for us, we find ourselves embracing the “family room.”
A room by any other name would feel as cozy, of course. But the term serves as a reminder about the purpose of the space: bringing together the ones you love – kids, pets, and snacks included.
“The family room is a space where everyone can truly relax and enjoy their time together,” says Emily Emmitt, Anthropologie’s Home Stylist. “It’s the most comfortable room in the house, the place where everyone naturally gathers.”
Here, Emily shares her tips for creating a modern, stylish, come-one-come-all family room.
Let’s Stay In:
The Family Room
Our expert tips for creating the most lounge-worthy destination.
Select Your Sofa: Family Room Sectionals
The heart of a family room is the sofa. As the centerpiece of movie nights and morning laze-abouts, it should be sinkably soft and irresistibly inviting.
“You want something beautiful, of course, but also incredibly comfortable,” says Emily. “Function is really important here – you’ll spend a lot of time on this sofa!”
May we suggest the Edlyn Sectional? Sculpted with both entertaining and lounging in mind, this fan-favorite has it all: generously deep seats, a gently reclining back, and always room for one more.
The entire Edlyn collection is fully customizable and now available in Winchester Leather, an upholstery with the look of a family heirloom and the soft touch of suede.
“You want something beautiful, of course, but also incredibly comfortable,” says Emily. “Function is really important here – you’ll spend a lot of time on this sofa!”
May we suggest the Edlyn Sectional? Sculpted with both entertaining and lounging in mind, this fan-favorite has it all: generously deep seats, a gently reclining back, and always room for one more.
The entire Edlyn collection is fully customizable and now available in Winchester Leather, an upholstery with the look of a family heirloom and the soft touch of suede.
Shop Sofas & Sectionals
Family Room Furniture: Consider Custom
The Edlyn isn't the only customizable collection – far from it, in fact. With 100s of shapes, our custom furniture program is perfect for making a family room your family room. It couldn’t be easier: Choose your shape, fabric, color, and finishes, and we’ll create a one-of-a-kind piece for your one-of-a-kind space.
When making your selections, think about who will be enjoying the room. If your family includes little ones and furry friends, consider choosing a performance fabric. These versatile upholsteries are resistant to stains, pilling, spilling, and assorted antics.
Need some inspiration? Our Home Stylists are happy to help and offer complimentary consultations.
When making your selections, think about who will be enjoying the room. If your family includes little ones and furry friends, consider choosing a performance fabric. These versatile upholsteries are resistant to stains, pilling, spilling, and assorted antics.
Need some inspiration? Our Home Stylists are happy to help and offer complimentary consultations.
Shop Custom Furniture
Family Room Floor Plans: Loosen Up Your Layout
Whether you’re settling in for a Netflix marathon or hosting an impromptu happy hour, your family room should suit your gathering’s needs.
When considering the layout, make room for conversation and improvisation. Seating should be plentiful and flexible, assuring that there’s space for anyone who may join in.
“A good rule of thumb is that you should never have to lean over the coffee table to hear the person you’re talking to,” says Emily. “You want to foster a sense of intimacy.”
A plush, oversized ottoman – such as the Denver – can easily serve as additional seating. One of Emily’s favorite pieces, the Katina Chaise, can stand on its own, or be combined with a matching chaise to create a deep, two-seat sofa. Need a last-minute perch? A stand-by pouf always comes in handy.
When considering the layout, make room for conversation and improvisation. Seating should be plentiful and flexible, assuring that there’s space for anyone who may join in.
“A good rule of thumb is that you should never have to lean over the coffee table to hear the person you’re talking to,” says Emily. “You want to foster a sense of intimacy.”
A plush, oversized ottoman – such as the Denver – can easily serve as additional seating. One of Emily’s favorite pieces, the Katina Chaise, can stand on its own, or be combined with a matching chaise to create a deep, two-seat sofa. Need a last-minute perch? A stand-by pouf always comes in handy.
Bright Ideas: Family Room Lighting & Lamps
Similar to seating, family room lighting should be flexible and user-friendly. There are three types of lighting to consider in such a popular space: ambient, accent, and task.
"Think of ambient lighting as your room's sun – it's the main brightening element, and is usually overhead," says Emily. "Then, layer in accent lighting to define areas, as well as task-minded lighting, such as a small lamp beside your favorite reading chair."
Before shopping for lamps, carefully consider both the purpose and layout. Sight lines are particularly important in gathering spaces. "If you fall in love with an arc lamp, be mindful that it doesn't hang into the seating area," says Emily. "Larger shades are also something to think about – make sure the lamp you select doesn't interrupt the flow of your space or conversation."
Natural light, of course, is the gold standard. When selecting window treatments for your family room, consider semi-sheer drapes to allow as much sunlight as possible. If your space receives large amounts of sun, keep in mind that brightly colored curtains will fade.
"Think of ambient lighting as your room's sun – it's the main brightening element, and is usually overhead," says Emily. "Then, layer in accent lighting to define areas, as well as task-minded lighting, such as a small lamp beside your favorite reading chair."
Before shopping for lamps, carefully consider both the purpose and layout. Sight lines are particularly important in gathering spaces. "If you fall in love with an arc lamp, be mindful that it doesn't hang into the seating area," says Emily. "Larger shades are also something to think about – make sure the lamp you select doesn't interrupt the flow of your space or conversation."
Natural light, of course, is the gold standard. When selecting window treatments for your family room, consider semi-sheer drapes to allow as much sunlight as possible. If your space receives large amounts of sun, keep in mind that brightly colored curtains will fade.
Pile on the Throw Pillows
Too many pillows? No such thing – especially in the family room. Take this opportunity to experiment with color and texture.
“If you’re hesitant to invest in a statement sofa, consider some brightly colored and embellished throw pillows,” says Emily. “It’s one of the quickest, most affordable ways to refresh the room – I swap mine out every season.”
No family room, of course, is complete without a blanket or three. Make sure to stock a couple of extra throws for serious lounge sessions.
“If you’re hesitant to invest in a statement sofa, consider some brightly colored and embellished throw pillows,” says Emily. “It’s one of the quickest, most affordable ways to refresh the room – I swap mine out every season.”
No family room, of course, is complete without a blanket or three. Make sure to stock a couple of extra throws for serious lounge sessions.
Shop Throw Pillows
Layer in Texture
The secret behind the most inviting rooms? Where everyone lingers as time melts away? Texture, texture, texture.
This season, we’re settling in with handwoven area rugs, macramé throws, and tufted quilts. In addition to the usual suspects, look to nature for unexpected textural elements.
“Knotted woods, potted plants, and even branches add beautiful depth and dimension to your décor,” says Emily. “Take a look around your garden and see what you have right in your own backyard.”
This season, we’re settling in with handwoven area rugs, macramé throws, and tufted quilts. In addition to the usual suspects, look to nature for unexpected textural elements.
“Knotted woods, potted plants, and even branches add beautiful depth and dimension to your décor,” says Emily. “Take a look around your garden and see what you have right in your own backyard.”
Shop Throw Blankets
Make It Yours
Most importantly, the family room should be yours. Our favorite spaces reflect the people who live within them and the times shared together.
“Photos are always nice, but there are other ways to nod to your loved ones,” says Emily. “Display souvenirs from a trip together, shells collected by the little ones on a favorite beach, or a blanket knitted by a dear friend. These little touchstones will make you happy and bring warmth to the space all year long.”
“Photos are always nice, but there are other ways to nod to your loved ones,” says Emily. “Display souvenirs from a trip together, shells collected by the little ones on a favorite beach, or a blanket knitted by a dear friend. These little touchstones will make you happy and bring warmth to the space all year long.”