You use your living room for practically everything. Whether you’re having guests over, using it for family movie night, or just unwinding after a long day at work, it’s probably the most comfortable room in the house. You want it to help anyone feel welcome and at ease, right? The key isn’t as much what furniture you have, but how you arrange it. The perfect arrangement, though, means some serious planning on your part. Here are a few tips that can help.

INCLUDE A READING AREA.

Many people like to inhale a novel, relax with a magazine, or read to the kids, and setting up a reading area as part of your living room is a great way to do just that. If you happen to have an extra corner of the room, a reading area is the perfect way to spend it. All you need is an armchair or two and a lamp. A table is a nice addition as well. If you have plenty of space to work with, add a bookshelf for that standard library look.

YOUR SEATING AREAS ARE MOST IMPORTANT.

If you’re looking for that casual environment that so many living rooms have, it’s time to think seating. You have lots of options outside of the standard couch, though. For example, if you have a fireplace, add a couple of oversized pillows there so the kids can grab them and watch TV on the floor. Instead of putting in another end table, put in an ottoman instead, as it’s a great added seat in the house. Don’t forget to consider the seating placement, though. If you plan to spend a lot of time watching television, a J shape works best for your seating areas. If you’d prefer serious conversation take place in the room, dump the sofa and go with several comfortable chairs instead.

TIE LARGE ROOMS TOGETHER.

With bigger living rooms, it can be tough to make it all work. Make certain your room has a good focal point, like a television, fireplace, or bay window, then place the furniture around that. You can also use similarly styled rugs to pull it all together.

Living rooms are easily one of the most important spaces in a house. Get the perfect arrangement, and you’ll have the one place you always want to be.