Family Room vs Living Room What Makes Them Different

Even if you don’t use it very often, every space in your house serves a role. While there are certain general “rules” for how to use various rooms in your home, we all make our floor plans work for us (yes, that formal dining room may be used as an office!). The living room and family room are excellent examples of places with a few distinct differences, yet the underlying meaning of each differs dramatically from one family to the next.

Family Room vs Living Room What Makes Them Different

If you have two living rooms in your house and are trying to figure out how to best use them, knowing the difference between a living room and a family room can be very helpful. Here’s a rundown of each area and what it’s often used for.

What Is the Definition of a Family Room?

When you think of a “family room,” you probably envision a relaxed environment where you spend most of your time. The family room is where you normally congregate with family at the end of the day to watch TV or play a board game, as the name suggests. This room’s furniture should be made up of commonplace items and, if applicable, be kid or pet friendly. When it comes to utility vs. form, we believe the family room should prioritize the latter. The living area is considerably better suited to a too-hard couch that was purchased for aesthetic reasons. If your home has an open floor plan, the living room off the kitchen might be used as the family room, as it will feel less formal than a closed-off space. Your family room may also be referred to as a “great room” if you have an open floor plan. A great room differs from a family room in that it is frequently used for a variety of activities, such as dining, cooking, and watching movies. It is truly the heart of the home.

What Is the Definition of a Living Room?

If you grew up with a room that was only open on Christmas and Easter, you’re well aware of what a living room is supposed to be used for. The living room is the family room’s slightly stuffier relative, and it’s usually a lot more formal. Of course, this only applies if your home has various living areas. In a home with both areas, a living room becomes your main family space and should be as casual as a family room. Your more expensive furniture may be in the living room, which may not be as kid-friendly. If you have many rooms, the living room will usually be closer to the front of the house when you go in, while the family room will be further inside. You can use your living room to welcome visitors and conduct more formal events.

What Is the Best Place for a TV?

Now for the main stuff: where should your television be placed? This is a personal choice, but if you choose to have a more “formal living room,” your television should be placed in a den or family room. That’s not to say you can’t have a TV in your living room; it’s just that you might want to save space for some of your favorite framed art or more elegant pieces. Many larger families, on the other hand, may choose to have TVs in both rooms so that everyone may watch whatever they want at the same time.

Do You Really Need a Living Room and a Family Room?

According to numerous research, families rarely use every space in their home. For example, when compared to other rooms in the house, the formal living room and formal dining room are frequently underutilized. As a result, a family who constructs their own home and chooses their own floor design may decide against having two living spaces. Consider whether you’ll use both living areas if you buy a house with several living areas. If not, a living room can always be converted into an office, a study. Your home should be functional for you and your family. While there are some traditional distinctions between a family room and a living room, the best way to use each room is to do what works best for you.