UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS

All in the family

The family room, which is also called a den, should be a multipurpose room where people can relax, converse, enjoy a snack, and do fun activities.

With this in mind, it is important to think about furniture pieces and other design pieces that compliment this range. The options vary from family to family; some families prefer quieter activities so there may be bookshelves along the walls, while other families are more dynamic and would prefer to have an entertainment set.

“Personally, for me, the most important thing in a family room is a nice couch. I can’t imagine a family room not having a couch. It’s what makes it feel comfortable,” said Vicky Baldonado, sales manager of Furniture Outlet.

Different combinations of sofas and couches can create a closed in space for intimacy and inclusion, as a way to make people feel like they are warmly invited into the room. Baldonado said that some people may want to have a television in the room so the couches can be

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The main point of a family room is gathering together, so make sure to pick furniture pieces that will accommodate all members of your family.

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positioned towards it, but a family room can be without electronics, too. Sofas that are facing each other or angled towards each other allow easier communication.

“Don’t forget pillows, too,” Baldonado said. “There’s different kinds of pillows, so choose something that feels cozy for you.”

A coffee table at the center can be a nice focal touch. The table can have aesthetic pieces like fresh flowers or a spread of magazines. End tables can be placed to the side of the couch, where a lamp can be placed. If there’s a wide window, a small table can be placed in front of it, flanked with two chairs, so people can converse while enjoying the outdoor scenery. If a television is the focal piece, consider mounting the television higher on the wall and angling it downward so that it does not compete with glare from lighting.

The family room can also be a great place to showcase memorabilia, such as family photos, special achievements, and handmade art pieces. These can be hung up on walls or displayed on shelves. This will be a nice personal touch that guests can interact with. The memorabilia also make nice conversation starters. p

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