preloader-matrix

Top Interior Designer in Gurgaon, Best interior Designer in Delhi NCR

Top Interior Designer in Gurgaon, Best interior Designer in Delhi NCR
Home / Living room and family room – distinguishing the two with interior design

Living room and family room – distinguishing the two with interior design

The arrangement of interior spaces within homes has been evolving over the decades, reflecting societal transformations, lifestyle changes and technological advancements. Traditionally, the formal living room was set aside for receiving guests, where women’s presence was rare. Female guests were ushered into an inner family room where the women of the house attended to them. However, with changes in societal norms and shifts in the status of women, they have been enjoying equal freedom as men, with no restrictions on them entering any space. As a result, the distinction between a family room and a living room has also changed.

However, the terms living room and family room have often been used interchangeably, even though they have vastly different meaning and usage. With the availability of space and budget, affluent urban Indians seek two separate spaces – one where they welcome the guests and friends in a formal manner, and another informal and casual area, where they want to spend quality time with the family. The first space is the living room, and the latter, the family room or lounge. The family room often converts into a television and entertainment den where all members bond over a TV show or a movie, or play board games or simply sit and enjoy each other’s company over some light banter. Thus, in contemporary times, living room interiors have undergone a major transformation. In view of this, home interior designers in Gurgaon are tailoring their design plan accordingly.

Once these distinguishing factors between the two spaces are understood, it becomes easy to plan the design. At MADS Creations, we often prevail upon the client regarding the need to have a separate family room or lounge. Where there is no space available to carve out a family room, we suggest converting one of the extra bedrooms into a lounge. And our clients have come to appreciate the value of having this exclusive space to gather in an intimate atmosphere and catch some special moments with their family members. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, family rooms act as spaces that bring the members together on a regular basis. The recreational activities they engage in relax them and help grow deep bonds with one another.

However, in urban homes, where space is of premium, the lines between living and family rooms often blur to create seamless areas. In fact, the advent of open-concept homes is now allowing the living, dining and kitchen areas to come together to become one whole unit. This is true, even when the family has a separate TV den or fully equipped home theatre.


Here are design elements that distinguish a family room from a living room:  


1. Formal and Casual Mood

Formal and Casual Mood


While designing separate living and family rooms, one main factor to keep in mind is the mood of the spaces. The living room will have a more formal atmosphere with the choice of luxury furniture, flooring, wall coverings and even accessories articulating the mood. The living room also needs to showcase the owner’s individuality through the preference of design style, colours and artworks. The statement light will indicate the luxury quotient of the design scheme. While the family room will have a casual mood with the focus being on fostering bonhomie among the family members, The accessories are drawn from family mementos, photographs, children’s paintings, etc, adding another element of warmth and nostalgia. The family room lighting needs to have the option to soften the glow to evoke a mellow atmosphere. A good home theatre system and acoustics enhance its usage as an entertainment den.

2. Different Kinds of Seating Arrangements

Different Kinds of Seating Arrangements


The living room is a window to the family’s aesthetic preferences and lifestyle. So living rooms feature more formal, luxurious and stylish furniture, emphasising design and sophistication. An interesting mix of sofas, armchairs, ottomans and poufs make it visually attractive. A coffee table decked up with select décor objects, coffee table books and a floral arrangement becomes the focal point of the room resulting in an inviting vibe.
In the family room, large, comfy loungers allow for the family members to sink in and relax, while catching up with their loved ones. The focus is on modular and versatile furniture that allows for easy rearrangement to accommodate various activities and games. It is also a great place to have a bar, if it has not been planned already elsewhere.


3. Entertainment Hub

Entertainment Hub

The advent of home entertainment systems has had a profound impact on the function and design of family rooms and living rooms. In recent years, the rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms has transformed how families consume content, challenging the traditional notion of going out to cinemas. As a result, family rooms have become the epicenter of entertainment, with plush sofas, state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, and cozy atmospheres replacing the need for a dedicated cinema outing.
Meanwhile, living rooms continue to host formal guests.

4. Open-Plan Living & Family Spaces

Open-Plan Living & Family Spaces

In the dynamic and cosmopolitan cities, preferences for living room and family room designs have evolved to reflect the hustle and bustle of urban life. Open floor plans that seamlessly connect these spaces have become popular, creating a fluid transition between casual family time and more formal gatherings. Mostly conceived in neutral colour palettes with pops of vibrant accents, these expansive spaces add a touch of modernity to the traditional warmth of Indian homes.

5. Versatile Family Rooms

Versatile Family Rooms

Apart from its role as an entertainment den, the family room has been adapting to the evolving requirements. It doubles up as a home office, yoga or meditation room, whenever the need arises. It can even be used as a guest bedroom in a pinch, as the large sofas can be used for sleeping whenever there are unexpected extra guests. That makes it a multi-functional space.

So, the differences between family rooms and living rooms are not merely defined by their names, but by the activities and functions they accommodate. As we embrace the future, the living room and family room will continue to evolve, adapting to the ever-changing needs of families and the societal landscape. These spaces will remain integral to the fabric of our homes, serving as a reflection of our lifestyles and a testament to the dynamic nature of interior design.

Scroll to Top
×