How to Design a Lounge: The Essential Product Checklist

A lounge is made for slowing down. Unlike a traditional living room centered around a television, a lounge is designed for conversation, cocktails, music, reading, and staying a little longer.

Here are the essential products that bring a lounge together.

1. A Comfortable Sofa

Begin with a two- or three-person sofa as the anchor of the room. Choose something deep and comfortable, but appropriately scaled so the other furniture still has space to breathe.

2. Lounge Chairs

Place one or two chairs across from or angled toward the sofa. The seats should face one another closely enough for conversation without making the room feel crowded.

3. A Coffee Table

Center a round or softly shaped coffee table between the seating. Rounded edges make it easier to move through the room while softening the straight lines of the sofa and artwork.

4. Side Tables

Place side tables beside the sofa so every guest has somewhere to set down a drink. Matching tables create symmetry, while mixed vintage pieces make the space feel more collected.

5. Soft, Layered Lighting

Use table lamps on both sides of the sofa to create a warm glow. Add a floor lamp, sconces, or dimmers if the room needs another layer of light.

A lounge should feel best in the evening.

6. An Area Rug

Choose a rug large enough to connect the sofa, chairs, and coffee table. At minimum, the front legs of each seat should rest on it.

7. Artwork

Hang one large piece above the sofa or create a collected gallery wall. A single piece should generally measure around two-thirds the width of the sofa so it feels connected to the furniture beneath it.

8. Pillows and Throws

Layer the sofa and chairs with pillows and a soft throw blanket. Mix materials such as velvet, linen, wool, or silk to give the room depth and a slightly sensual quality.

9. Objects for Enjoyment

Finish the lounge with books, candles, flowers, a record player, cocktail tray, or bar cart. Choose objects that give people something to enjoy together.

Your Lounge Checklist

• Two- or three-person sofa
• One or two lounge chairs
• Coffee table
• Side tables
• Table or floor lamps
• Area rug
• Large artwork
• Pillows
• Throw blanket
• Cocktail or serving tray
• Coasters
• Books or magazines
• Candles
• Flowers or plants
• Bar cart or record player, if desired

A lounge does not need many things. It needs comfortable seating, flattering light, a place to put your drink, and enough atmosphere to make you forget what time it is.

Need help pulling it all together? Book 15 minutes with Anna, send us your questions, and we’ll help you find the right direction for your lounge.