Designing a room starts with understanding its purpose. Family rooms are often used for household relaxing, while living rooms are saved for more formal affairs. So, family room versus living room design typically comes down to serving these unique purposes.

Read on to explore the difference between a living room and a family room, why the distinction matters, and how to design each one. 

What’s a family room?

A family room is a relaxed, casual living space where the family gathers to watch TV, play board games, or just spend time relaxing. Typically located near the kitchen or at the back of the house, it’s designed for comfort and everyday use. That means plush couches and entertainment consoles perfect for lounging around. 

Sometimes referred to as a den or great room, the family room prioritizes practicality and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a hub for family life and informal gatherings. 

Check out comfy family room sectionals on Onton

What’s a living room?

A living room, sometimes called a sitting room, formal living room, or salon, is usually a more structured and elegant space located near the front entry of a home. This room is designed for entertaining guests and special occasions rather than daily family use. Think holiday gatherings or cocktails with dinner party guests. 

Furniture tends to be more refined, with fine-design sofas, coffee tables, and decor that reflect a more formal interior design aesthetic. And in many home layouts, the living room is separate from the family room or great room, offering a polished environment that contrasts with the casual vibe of everyday living areas. 

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What’s the difference between a living room and a family room?

The terms living room and family room are often used interchangeably, especially in households that have one main living space. However, they serve distinct purposes and typically have different design vibes. From layout and furniture to formality and purpose, let’s break down the distinctions. 

Use and purpose

The family room is where daily life happens — think casual hangouts, movie nights, and homework with the kids. It’s designed to be comfortable and practical, making it easy for the whole household to gather and relax together. 

In contrast, living room design is more about hosting and presentation. It’s typically reserved for welcoming guests or celebrating special occasions, with an emphasis on creating a neat, polished space. If the family room is a simple plastic plate, a formal living room is fine china. 

Design and layout

Family rooms tend to have a flexible layout centered around oversized couches and entertainment units with TVs or game consoles. The furniture and decor prioritize durability and coziness. 

Living rooms tend to feature a more deliberate arrangement with refined (and often more expensive) furniture. Whether your style leans toward minimalism or bohemian, the living room is your chance to decorate with intention. Think elegant sofas, designer coffee tables, and carefully chosen artwork arranged to spark conversation. 

Location

Typically, family rooms are located near the kitchen (sometimes connected in an open floor layout) or the back of the house. Living rooms tend to be positioned near the front entry, creating a space that makes a great first impression and remains separate from busier, more casual areas of the home. 

Formality and atmosphere

Formality is the clearest distinction between family rooms and living rooms. Family rooms embrace informal vibes that welcome wear and tear, encouraging everyone in the house to gather comfortably. And formal living rooms exude a more put-together, styled atmosphere, often decorated with a specific style and carefully chosen furniture.

Family room furniture ideas and design tips

Family room design choices should revolve around lived-in comfort, creating a space for movie marathons, game nights, and impromptu midday naps. Here’s how to balance function with style: 

• Prioritize comfort and durability: Look for deep, cushy sectionals in fabrics that can handle spills, pet hair, and the occasional leap from cushion to cushion. Materials like Crypton and microfiber are great for stain resistance, while natural fibers like cotton and linen hold up to regular use and offer a breathable, soft feel. 

• Include entertainment-focused layouts: Anchor the layout with a media console or wall-mounted TV flanked by speakers or shelves for games and gear. L and U-shaped sectionals define the space and make it easy for everyone to get a good spot. 

• Choose family-friendly storage: Built-ins, baskets, and ottomans with hidden storage keep clutter in check. Look for pieces that blend into your decor, like a sleek minimalist storage bench by the window or a woven rattan basket for coastal vibes. 

• Add personal and cozy touches: Layer throw pillows in a mix of textures and colors, and make sure there are plenty of blankets for lounging. Decorate the coffee table and shelves with personal touches — think travel mementos, scented votive candles, and family photos. 

Formal living room ideas and decorating tips

Whether you go for timeless traditional, contemporary, or even a moody Gothic vibe, your formal living room is the place to showcase your style. Here are several living room ideas that invite conversation and make guests feel truly welcome:

• Emphasize symmetry and conversation-encouraging layouts: Position sofas and chairs to face one another across a central coffee table. This creates a balanced arrangement that naturally encourages conversations during formal entertaining. 

• Use elegant or delicate materials: Choose rich fabrics like velvet or silk or refined materials such as polished wood and marble. You might layer different textures and finishes that add visual depth, but just keep your color palette tight and avoid competing patterns to maintain a cohesive, polished look. For instance, in a contemporary space, a curved sofa and arc lamp create visual flow without being overly matchy matchy.

• Consider furniture that elevates the look: Choose statement pieces that lift the room’s overall aesthetic and make it feel special. A sculptural coffee table, an ornately carved sideboard, or an iconic pair of side chairs will cultivate a sense of refinement. 

Learn how to redesign your living room with Onton

Explore living vs. family room decorating ideas with Onton

Are you looking for an oversized family room sectional or a sleek formal sofa? Find a perfect match on Onton. Use our AI-powered search engine to browse items from the best brands. Try a search like “designer armchairs” or “U-shaped couch” to find pieces that suit your space.

Once you save your faves, use Onton’s Imagine tool to see how everything comes together. Upload a picture of the room and experiment with different layouts, decor, and styles — it’s an easy way to try things out before hitting the “Buy” button. 

Dream up your ideal living and family room aesthetics with Onton.