The Main Differences Between A Living Room And A Family Room

Both the living room and the family room are two important areas in a house. Sometimes people get confused and, as a result, the terms become interchangeable. However, the fact is that the living room is far from being the same thing as the family room and there are some remarkable differences between the two.

The location.

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One of the differences between these rooms is in the portion of the house where they’re located. The living room is the most spacious room of the house and is usually at the heart of the house, occupying the front portion. It’s also known as a front room. Sometimes it’s connected to the dining room.

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Generally, the family room is adjacent to the kitchen and, in some cases, it becomes a part of the kitchen itself. Also, family rooms often feature a door that leads directly into the garden or courtyard, terrace, etc.

Function.

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The living room is the space where we entertain guests and welcome friends and relatives. It’s a comfortable but also somewhat formal area.

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A family room is more informal and often serves as a multipurpose space. People often use it as a home office whenever they need to take care of some work-related issues.

Design.

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In terms of design, it’s well-known that living rooms almost always include an entertainment center, TV, sometimes even a computer. But they also have plenty of storage and a more or less classical layout.

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On the other hand, family rooms have to be flexible and versatile. They’re spaces where family members and guests gather to chat, listen to music, play games and enjoy all sorts of other activities. Because of their informal look, they often seem more comfortable. Couches and recliners are must-have items.

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Living room décor usually focuses more on design and style and less on function. As for the accent details, they are often decorated with artwork and other less-personalized elements.

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In a family room, it’s customary to see framed family portraits, heirlooms and photos.