Is your living room not giving you what you need in terms of design? You may find it difficult to get around, or the placement of the furniture just doesn't look right. Whatever it is, you can make it better with these eight tips from home design pros.

Don't Block Traffic

Many people have trouble with their living rooms because they're so difficult to get around. They'll be tripping over chairs or knocking their ankles on coffee tables. This is because the living room has been set up in a way that actually blocks traffic.

Understand how people move through the room. Will they need to get across it into another room? Where will they go when they come in? Map out those traffic routes, and ensure that's at least 90cm of space between furniture.

Understand What You Use The Room For

"You should always consider what you use your living room for," says writer Adrian Maloney from Boomessays. 'Some people like to watch TV there, while others use them as a place to hang out with friends. Others will want to play video games, while others prioritise movie night there.'

This should give you an idea on how you should place your furniture. If you use it as a hang-out zone, you'll have plenty of comfy seats. If you want to watch movies, then a big TV and lights that are easily reached from the sofa are a must.

Optimise Your Seating

The seating is one of the most important things about your living room, so you want to get it right. When placing seats, think about how they will be used.

Are you planning to sit and read in that armchair? Then you want to place it near a window to get some natural light. You can also place a lamp next to it, so you can turn on the light when it gets dark.

Move Away From The Walls

There's no reason why all your furniture has to be up against the walls. You can bring your furniture forward, making the room feel bigger and giving it some breathing space.

This is done to great effect with sofas. Bring it away from the wall, and you'll see the room has a whole new feel. Even leaving 30cm of space between the two will be enough.

Create Different Zones

If you have an open plan living room, it's hard to make the room feel like it has a purpose. There's a lot of space, so what do you do with it?

Create zones for each area, so each one has a purpose. A rug under your sofa and armchairs indicates a place to relax. A chandelier over a table gives you excellent dining space.

Don't Block The Windows

When placing furniture, be careful not to block your windows. The clearer they are, the more natural light they can let in. This also helps you enjoy the view if there's a garden or other natural beauty out there.

Find The Focal Point

In every living room, there's a focal point you want to draw attention to. Perhaps you have a beautiful original fireplace, or there's intricate wallpaper on one wall of the room.

When arranging furniture, keep these things in mind. You can place furniture in a way that ensures these focal points are the first thing you see when you enter a room.

Add Your Own Personal Touch

Finally, remember that these are tips from the pros, but it is your home. Your personal taste is still the most important thing here. You don't have to follow all the rules here, especially if you have your own ideas on creating a space that you love. Use them as a guide, rather than a strict template.

With these tips, you'll be able to get the most out of your living room. You'll have space to move around, and furniture that works with how you use the room. Give them a try, and you'll see some small changes that can totally change the feel of the room.