Living room vs. family room; are they the same thing? Well, maybe you’re not alone in that tight spot, many homeowners can’t draw the line between a family and living room.
The idea of the open layout design has further sent the masses into a web of confusion, leaving many with mixed opinions.
But first, it is essential to note that these should be two different sections or rooms in your home—and each has its critical role.
In light of that, it’s natural to want to know the underlying differences, especially if you have enough room to include both in your house. Or maybe, if understanding their distinctions will help you ditch one for another, more so if you’re on a tight budget, or space is a limited resource.
Living Room Vs. Family Room: The 4 Underlying Differences
And while the two may look similar, a living room vs. family room differs depending on;
- Purpose: while a living room can serve as a hosting place for visitors who stop by, the family room should be a relaxing spot for your household.
- Position in the house: while a living room sits near the main-door entrance, your family room should be located further into the house— somewhere near your kitchen.
- Arrangement: Lastly, the living room arrangement or layout also differs from that of a family area, as we shall see later.
- Formality: family rooms are more comfy and relaxed (and less formal) compared to living rooms.
Though many homes have either of the two rooms, spacious apartments and mansions have both. Roomy homes tend to maintain the formal living room and a recreational family area approach instead of choosing a living room vs. family room.
What is a Family Room?
A family area is usually built at the center of the home, unlike its close counterpart, which nears the main door.
Sometimes it is almost attached to the kitchen, enabling a family to navigate (and use) these two functional spaces without being worlds apart.
That brings us to the critical role of the family area; to serve as a relaxing and bonding place for a household of family.
Therefore, its arrangement must include warm, cozy, and plenty of seating organized in a roomy area to accommodate the entire family.
Your choice of furniture is a big deal because a family area should be a purposeful fun spot built to offer everlasting comfort.
That means the durability, color, and resilience of the material(s) are also matters of concern when choosing the fabrics for a family room. Remember, you want something that can stand the test of time, especially if you have kids.
Lastly, you must include an entertainment or recreational hub in your family area. A source of music and a TV screen are standards in family areas.
You can also add casual tables to provide a snack-eating counter and create space for décor, book storage, and household picture frames.
For more decoration, add any form of wall art to your empty walls. You can be as creative as you like because this is a casual space.
What is a Living Room?
As hinted earlier, this is the formal space, usually located near your main door, and not at the center of the home like a family area.
Because of its strategic placement (near the door), it serves as the perfect official reception area for any visitor who comes into your house.
That way, not everyone who walks into your home will know you have a cluttered family room or kitchen.
Living rooms are generally more official, with respect to; furniture, arrangement, decoration and so on. Many times, they include the standard chair-&-coffee table and a couch.
Style and formality is a characteristic of living rooms than comfort is. You are more likely to find family bequests and treasures instead of household picture frames.
Living rooms do not necessarily need an entertainment hub because they are more of a temporary reception area for on-the-move visitors.
One is beautiful, and both are Excellent!
So what’s your progress with your living room vs. family room dilemma? Well, you have the power to make the right choice, now that you know the fundamental differences.
But the best idea is to include both because, as we’ve seen, each room plays a critical role in your home.
