This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
43
Chapter 3 Planning Living Areas
on individual preference and the building site. If
some parts of the building site are visually more
pleasing than others, you may want to locate the
living room so it overlooks the best view.
The location of the living room refers not only to
the room’s location on the building site, but also to
its relation to the main entry and other rooms in the
home. A living room should not serve as a main
circulation route into and through the home. To
avoid traffic directly into the living room, have the
main entry open into a foyer or hallway, 3-2. A
change in floor level can also help set the living
room apart and eliminate heavy traffic through it.
Since entertaining and dining are two activities
that often go together, the living room should be
located near or adjacent to the dining room. A
combined living room and dining room is sometimes
planned to serve both entertaining and dining
purposes. A screen, flower planter, dwarf wall, furniture arrangement, or fireplace can be used to separate the two areas. A change in floor levels can also
set apart the two rooms.
Rooms used for specialized activities are
considered part of the living area. Such special
rooms may include a study den, library, music room,
and special hobby room. The number and types of
rooms in living areas are determined by household
size, lifestyle, and budget.
Living Rooms
Chapter 3
Planning Living Areas
Location
The living room in a newly built home is often
located in the front or back of the home, depending
BED 2
11' × 12'
BED 1
16' × 16'
BED 3
11' × 10'
BATH 1
KITCHEN
11' × 21'
BED 4
11' × 15'
BAR
After studying this chapter, you will be able to
G
list the rooms and activities involved in the
living areas of a house.
G
judge the appropriateness of a living room for
a family according to its location, size, and
arrangement.
G
identify a dining room that meets the size and
location needs of a specific family.
G
determine the appropriateness of a family
room’s location, size, and arrangement for a
family.
G
recognize various types of entryways
according to purpose and location.
G
list possible uses and styles of patios, porches,
and courts.
G
identify living-area requirements for individuals
with special needs.
The living areas of a home serve two groups of
people: household members and guests. Living
areas are places in the home for family members to
relax, entertain guests, dine, and meet together.
They are areas devoted to conversation, meals,
company, recreation, and hobbies, such as the
living room, dining room, family room. Several more
“rooms” constitute the living areas of a home,
including the entryway, foyer, patio, and porch, 3-1.
BATH 2
Objectives
The center of activity for many households is
the living room. It may be used as a conversation
area, TV room, or place to entertain guests,
depending on the specific occasion. Reading,
listening to music, playing indoor games, and
pursuing hobbies are some of the other activities
that may take place in the living room. The lifestyle
of the household helps to determine the living
room’s location, size, arrangement, and functions.
Key Terms
patio
grade level
porch
deck
court
3 CAR GARAGE
California Redwood Association
3-1 This private porch provides a pleasant area for
relaxing and entertaining guests.
42
BATH 3
FOYER
UTILITY
living areas
closed plan
open plan
main entry
foyer
special-purpose entry
FAMILY
18' × 20'
3-2 A foyer at the main entry prevents constant traffic through the living room.
DINING
12' × 16'
LIVING
18' × 22'
44
Part One Housing and Space Planning
45
Chapter 3 Planning Living Areas
Another factor to consider in the location of the
living room is noise. The living room should be
located so noise from the kitchen does not interfere
with quiet activities in the living room. On the other
hand, the living room should be located away from
bedrooms so living room activities will not disturb
family members using the sleeping area.
Size and Arrangement
Living rooms are designed in a variety of sizes
and shapes. The ideal size of a living room is determined by the number of people who will use it, how
and when it will be used, the furniture intended, and
the size of the other rooms. Another factor that may
influence the ideal size of a living room is the presence of an adjacent patio, porch, deck, or balcony.
This added space can make a room appear more
open and extend the use of the room.
Every living room requires an area for conversation. The dominant furniture grouping in the living
room is called the primary conversation area, 3-3.
This area occupies a circular shape, 8 to 10 ft. in
diameter.
To accommodate an 8 to 10 ft. conversation circle,
a living room needs to be 10 to 14 ft. wide. Living room
widths greater than 14 ft. can be difficult to decorate.
The solution is to use the extra space for circulation
along one side of the room or for a secondary furniture grouping, 3-4. A secondary furniture grouping
3-4 To accommodate circulation and a secondary
furniture grouping, a living room width greater than
14 ft. is generally needed.
may consist of a small conversation area that seats
two or three people. On the other hand, it may contain
a piano, desk, or reading chair for one person, 3-5.
(For common sizes of living room furniture, see A-7 of
the Appendix.)
The ideal living room space allows enough area
for the desired number of conversation circles and
traffic. A length of 16 to 18 ft. is sufficient for a
seated conversation area. A living room 18 to 22 ft.
long can easily accommodate a primary conversation area and a secondary furniture grouping. Both
examples allow enough space for people to move
around easily.
A well-planned living room avoids circulation
across conversation areas. Circulation problems can
be avoided by strategically locating entrances. For
example, in 3-6, two doorways are located at one
end of the room, and the other doorway is located in
the middle of the opposite wall. This causes circulation to pass across the living room, interfering with
conversation and/or television viewing. In 3-7, the
doorways are located at one end of the room so
circulation passes along the unoccupied side.
If a living room has a fireplace, it should be
located within view of the people seated in the
conversation circle, 3-8. There should be no traffic
between the fireplace and conversation circle.
Dining Rooms
WCI Communities, Inc.
3-3 The seating in this living room defines the
primary conversation area.
Many homes built today provide at least two dining
areas: an informal area in the kitchen and a more
formal one in the dining room. Having a room set aside
3-5 This secondary furniture grouping allows an area for games away from the main conversation circle.
3-6 Poorly placed doors make it difficult to arrange a
good conversation circle, one that is not interrupted
by a circulation path.
3-7 Well-placed living room entrances allow a direct
circulation path that does not interfere with the
conversation circle.
for dining is both functional and relaxing for many
households. The decision to plan a separate dining
room depends on the lifestyle of household members.
The primary purpose of a dining room is to set
aside a place for eating, but it may serve other
purposes. A dining room may be used to display a
household member’s special interest, such as a
collection of unusual seashells or beautiful houseplants. Such displays make interesting topics for
dinner conversation.
Part One Housing and Space Planning
47
Chapter 3 Planning Living Areas
In an open plan, rooms in the living area use
minimal walls to encourage a sharing of activities
across the space. The rooms are not closed off
from each other. The dining area in an open plan is
an extension of the living room or kitchen, 3-9. A
home tends to appear more spacious with an open
plan because there are fewer walls to divide the
space.
COV. PORCH
68'-0"
QUIET PATIO
PATIO
Location
WOODBOX
NOOK
9'-4" × 6'-0"
There are two basic types of space design
plans that apply to dining rooms—closed and open.
In a closed plan, rooms in the living area are basically cubicles that permit little sharing of activities
between rooms. The dining room in a closed plan is
set apart from the living room or kitchen.
PLANTER
CL.
MASTER BEDRM.
16'-3" × 15'-8"
HALL
B.C.
BEDROOM
10'-4" × 13'-4"
CLOSET
BEDROOM
12'-0" × 10'-0"
CLOSET
LIN.
FAMILY ROOM
17'-4" × 12'-0"
PLANTER
Cl.
MUD ROOM
LAV.
STORAGE
3-8 A fireplace can become the focal point of a
conversation circle.
FR. RM
FOYER
64'-0"
Manufactured Housing Institute
DINING ROOM
12'-0" × 13'-6"
DN. 2-4"
30'-0"
D.W.
CLOSET
BATH 2
KITCHEN
11'-4" × 12'-0"
Size and Arrangement
The ideal size for a dining room is determined
by the number of people to be served at one time,
the furniture intended, and the amount of space
needed for circulation.
The minimum-size dining area for four people is
80 sq. ft. A dining room averaging 120 sq. ft. can
comfortably seat four people and provide space for
a buffet. A dining room measuring 180 sq. ft. seats
four to eight people and has space for a hutch and
a buffet, 3-11. A dining room over 200 sq. ft. is
considered very large, with room for several pieces
of furniture.
LIVING ROOM
16'-0" × 22'-6"
RAN.
DN. 2-4"
The dining room needs to be near the kitchen to
permit the movement of food at serving time. It
should also be near the living room so guests can
move easily to the dining room. Therefore, an ideal
location for the dining room is between the living
room and kitchen. See 3-10.
BATH 1
46
W. D.
50'-0"
GARAGE
23'-4" × 23'-4"
3-10 In this floor plan, the dining room is conveniently located between the living room and kitchen.
The basic pieces of dining room furniture are a
table and chairs. The household size, number of
guests, and size of the dining space are the factors
that determine the size and shape of the table.
Approximately 2 ft. of table length should be allowed
for each seated person. A rectangular table measuring
3½ by 5½ ft. seats four to six people.
The required space for dining room chairs
varies with chair sizes and styles. Large chairs and
armchairs require more space. To easily move into
and out of average-size chairs, there should be at
least 32 in. of space between the table edge and the
wall, buffet, or hutch behind. More space, about 36
WCI Communities, Inc.
3-9 The open dining room plan gives a home a more spacious appearance.
to 44 in., allows enough space for walking around
seated guests to serve food. See 3-12.
Other possible furniture pieces in the dining room
are buffets, hutches, corner cabinets, and serving
carts. They provide space for food and storage.
Serving carts move wherever needed and take very
little floor and wall space.
Family Rooms
Many households need space for actionoriented pursuits. Having a family room in addition
to a living room makes possible the separation of
48
Part One Housing and Space Planning
49
Chapter 3 Planning Living Areas
active and passive activities. The living room can be
used for conversation, reading, studying, listening,
and TV viewing, while the family room can be the
center for games, hobbies, dancing, exercising, and
active play. Family rooms are distinguished from
living rooms by informal decor and durable, easily
maintained furniture.
Family rooms are also called great rooms,
media rooms, playrooms, recreation rooms, and
multipurpose rooms. See 3-13. With families
increasingly interested in making their homes a
refuge as well as a place for fun and entertainment,
the size of family rooms is progressively increasing.
In fact, family rooms are replacing living rooms alto-
gether in some homes. In such cases, the family
room is located centrally and often opens to the
kitchen, allowing those working in the kitchen to
communicate easily with the rest of the family. A
centralized family room also facilitates the casual
style of entertaining that is common today; it permits
guests to socialize and participate in the food
preparation together.
Location
No set rules exist for the location of family rooms.
In some homes, the family room is separated from the
rest of the home. For example, many basements and
3-11 This medium-size dining room has ample space for a large dining room table, hutch,
and buffet.
14'-0"
BUFFET
36"
36"
11'-8"
44"
HUTCH
42" × 72" TABLE
36"
Sauder Woodworking Co.
3-12 Ample clearance space for seating and service should be allowed around a dining room table.
3-13 The family room may be used for special activities, such as hobbies or crafts. Family
rooms generally have more casual furnishings than living rooms.
Size and Arrangement
The ideal size for a family room depends on the
activities planned for it and the number of people
who will use it. A minimum space of 12 by 16 ft. is
recommended.
An important consideration for family rooms
is storage, which is definitely needed for the
many items that are used there. Storage units
can be arranged to form a room divider that
3-14 In homes with an open design plan, the family
room is often an extension of the kitchen.
separates an activity area from the remainder of
the room.
Furniture for family rooms should be comfortable as well as durable and serviceable. A sturdy
table with comfortable chairs could serve as an area
for game playing, dining, or a variety of hobbies.
Floors, too, need to be durable, easy to clean,
and suitable for activities. If noise or warmth is a
consideration, carpeting may be practical.
BED RM. #2
12'-4" × 11'-4"
CLO.
BED RM. #3
11'-0" × 10'-1"
CLO.
BC
LAV.
DINING RM.
11'-6" × 11'-0"
GARAGE
21'-8" × 22'-0"
GUEST
CLO.
MUD RM. &
LAUNDRY
KITCHEN
10'-6" × 11'-0"
REF.
WET BAR
MASTER BR.
12'-4" × 13'-8"
WH
FUR.
TUB W
NOOK
10'-0" × 10'-6"
BATH #1
FAMILY RM.
13'-8" × 19'-6"
Entryways
Entryways control circulation to different parts of
a home. From the entryway, people should be able
to move to other parts of the home without interfering with activities in any area. Careful planning of
entryways adds to the convenience and comfort
that a family derives from the home. There are three
basic types of entryways: main or guest entries,
special-purpose entries, and service entries.
(Service entries are discussed in Chapter 5,
“Planning Service and Work Areas.”)
The main entry opens to the living area of the
house, often a foyer. It is the part of the home that
most guests see first. An attractive main entry
welcomes guests into a home and makes a good
first impression.
To establish better circulation patterns inside a
home, the main entry is usually located near the
center of the dwelling. The floor plan in 3-15 shows
how a well-located main entry provides access to
various areas of a home.
A main entry that opens into a foyer is preferred
over one that opens directly into a living room. A
foyer is an entry hall that functions as a place to
greet guests and, in colder climates, remove coats
and boots, 3-16. The foyer lends privacy to the
visitor and household.
The size of the dwelling and the number of
people using the entry determine the space it
needs. The minimum space required for one person
to fully open a door is 3 by 5 ft., but 5 by 7 ft. is more
convenient and comfortable. The minimum foyer
size is 6 ft. square, not including closet space.
An entry closet is convenient for storing coats,
hats, gloves, umbrellas, and other outdoor accessories. The minimum closet size is 2 by 3 ft., but a
closet that is 2½ ft. deep and 4 ft. wide is more desirable. For convenience and easy access, the closet
should be located 4 to 5 ft. from the doorknob side of
the door, not directly behind the door.
The floor at the entry of the house should be
durable, water- and soil-resistant, and easy to
clean. Slate, ceramic tile, asphalt tile, and vinyl floor
DRESSING
RANGE
CLO.
D
70'-0"
BATH #2
attics are converted into family rooms. Basements are
often good locations for family rooms because they
are usually large enough for a variety of activities.
Basements also tend to contain noise well.
Family rooms can also be placed to provide an
extension to living or service areas. For example,
locating the family room near the living room
provides overflow space. Locating the family room
by the kitchen allows those preparing meals to
share in family room activities. In some homes, the
family room is combined with the kitchen and is
called a great room. See 3-14. A family room may
also be located near a pool or outdoor recreation
area. This provides a convenient arrangement for
entertaining outdoors while providing accommodations close to the outdoor activities for guests who
prefer being indoors.
51
Chapter 3 Planning Living Areas
LIN.
Part One Housing and Space Planning
34'-0"
50
FOYER
LIVING RM.
17'-0" × 13'-6"
ENTRY
3-15 A centrally located main entry helps to establish good circulation patterns throughout a house.
coverings are popular and durable floor treatments.
If carpeting is used, select a tight weave that is easy
to vacuum. A doormat outside the door for cleaning
shoes and boots reduces the amount of dirt carried
indoors.
A special-purpose entry provides access to
patios, decks, and courts. See 3-17. Sliding glass
doors and French doors are often used for this type
of entry. Special-purpose entries extend the use of
the room to outdoor areas and make the room
appear more spacious. Since these entries are
infrequently used, usually by just one person at a
time, less clearance space may be needed.
Patios, Porches,
and Courts
Therma-Tru Corporation
3-16 The main entry opens into a foyer that provides
ample space for greeting visitors.
Patios, porches, and courts extend the living
areas of a home to the outdoors. They may be used
for conversation, relaxing, playing, entertaining,
dining, and cooking. The intended purpose of the
space and the size of the home determine the design,
size, and location of patios, porches, and courts.
52
Part One Housing and Space Planning
53
Chapter 3 Planning Living Areas
3-20 A pool can be the center of activity for a patio.
3-22 A veranda is generally located one story above
the ground.
States Industries Inc.
The view as well as exposure to the sun should
be considered in the design and planning of a patio.
In cool climates, the sun is a desirable factor so the
patio should be placed on the south side of the
home. In warm climates, shade is preferred.
Consequently, the patio should be placed on the
north side of the dwelling.
3-17 A special-purpose entry may provide access to
a private garden or patio.
Patios
A patio is an outdoor extension of a home’s living
area usually built at grade level, but not structurally
connected to the house. Grade level is the level of
the land surrounding the building. Patio materials
should be durable and maintenance free. Brick,
concrete, stone, and redwood are among the materials often used, 3-18. Patios can be categorized by
function as play, living, and quiet patios.
G
Play patios are usually located adjacent to a
family room or service area to provide an area
for play activities.
G
Living patios are located near the living areas of
the home: the living room, dining room, and
family room.
G
Quiet patios are located on the quiet side of the
dwelling, near the bedrooms. They are used for
relaxing, reading, and even sleeping.
If the patio will be used for dining, access to the
kitchen or dining room is necessary, 3-19. The living
patio is usually the largest of the three types of
patios and may be connected to, or serve as, a play
patio as well.
Patios vary in size and shape. The size of the
patio is determined by the activities planned for the
area, the equipment and furnishings needed, and
the size of the home. When an in-ground pool is
designed for a home, it becomes an extension of
the patio, 3-20.
Porches
Like patios, porches vary in shape, size, and
purpose. A porch is an outdoor extension of a
home’s living area that is structurally connected to
the house, built above grade level, and covered by a
roof. See 3-21. An uncovered porch is called a deck.
Porches built high off the ground are called verandas
or balconies, 3-22. Screens, glass, or railings enclose
some porches.
Porches are often located in front of the main
entrance to provide shelter for guests and protection
for the entry. A dining porch can be located off the
kitchen or dining room.
The shape and size of a porch should fit the
design of the dwelling. The lines and proportions of
Marvin Windows and Doors
3-18 This brick patio is very durable and maintenance
free.
Brown Jordan Co.
3-19 A patio adjacent to the kitchen is convenient for
outdoor dining.
3-21 The porch on this traditional home is a central design feature.
54
Part One Housing and Space Planning
the porch should complement the lines of the
house. A porch planned with the overall design of
the house in mind appears as part of the house
rather than a “tacked-on” addition.
Courts
Courts were an important part of early Spanish
architecture and are still designed for homes today. A
court is a patio-like structure that is partially or
completely enclosed by walls. Courts are used for the
same purposes as patios and porches: relaxing, entertaining, and dining. Courts are more prevalent in warm
climates where heating is not a major consideration.
Adaptations for
Special Needs
Attention to certain details can make the living
area of the house accessible to everyone in the
household, including small children, the elderly, and
individuals with physical disabilities.
Entryways and Foyers
Entryways and foyers large enough to permit
the door to open fully are needed to comfortably
accommodate people with disabilities who use a
wheelchair, crutches, or another aid. There should
be 12 to 18 in. of space on the doorknob side of the
entry and foyer to allow maneuvering room for the
aids. Doors with lever handles instead of knobs are
easier for everyone to open.
In wheelchair-accessible homes, the entry door
should be at least 34 in. wide. This provides space
for the wheelchair plus enough room for a person’s
arms to turn the wheels.
Patios, Porches, and Courts
Stairs present an insurmountable challenge to
most physically disabled individuals. Consequently,
elevated patios, porches, and courts are off-limits to
them unless a gently sloping ramp provides access
to the area. A ramp with a slope between 1:12 and
1:20 should be planned.
Living and Family Rooms
Placing the living areas at grade level enables
people who use wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, or
braces to easily move indoors, outdoors, and
throughout the living space. Clearances at least 4 to
5 ft. wide should be allowed around furniture to
permit turnaround space for a wheelchair, 3-23.
Seats and cushions should be firm to provide the
support needed by individuals in wheelchairs to
transfer easily to a sofa or chair. Power-operated,
elevating chairs are available to raise and tilt the
seat forward, which helps people with weak leg
muscles to a standing position.
Dining Rooms
Clearance for wheelchair armrests and sufficient leg space are the two primary conditions for
making a dining room accessible to disabled family
members and guests. Tables with widely spaced
legs or pedestal supports provide the open legroom
needed. A space at least 32 in. wide is necessary
for guiding a wheelchair between furniture pieces or
around furniture near walls.
In frequently used dining areas, flooring should
be durable to withstand daily wear. Nonslip, hardsurface floors or low-pile carpeting are good
choices for areas used by children, the elderly, or
disabled individuals.
55
Chapter 3 Planning Living Areas
3-23 Allowing living and dining spaces to flow
together in an open arrangement suits today’s casual
lifestyle and provides maneuvering space for a family
member with a wheelchair or walker.
Chapter Summary
Review Questions
The living areas of a home serve two groups of
people: household members and guests. The center
of activity for many households is the living room,
where family members enjoy TV, conversation, and
entertaining guests. The location, size, and arrangement of the living room should accommodate the
lifestyle of the household members. Dining areas
can be formal or informal, and many homes have
both. The size of the living and dining rooms should
be large enough to comfortably seat everyone that
uses them.
Family rooms allow action-oriented pursuits and
can be used for dancing, hobbies, music, or games.
A family room should be located away from the quiet
area of the home. Size and arrangement should be
considered for maximum usefulness.
Main entryways and foyers control circulation to
other parts of the house. The design considerations
for these areas include size, location, floor coverings, decor, and enough storage for coats and
boots. Other types of entries provide access to
patios, decks, terraces, or porches that extend the
home’s living space outdoors. Attention to certain
details can make the entire living area accessible to
all household members and guests.
1. What activities take place in the living areas of
a home?
2. What rooms are included in a home’s living
areas?
3. How can circulation through a living room be
minimized?
4. What items are usually placed in a secondary
furniture grouping?
5. Why is it desirable to place the living room
door(s) at one end of the room?
6. Should a closed or open plan be used for a
dining room in a small home? Explain.
7. What is the ideal location for a dining room in a
house?
8. What minimum size is recommended for a
dining room for a family of three? of six?
9. What locations in a home are good for a family
room?
10. What type of furniture is appropriate for a
family room?
11. Where should the main entry of a house be
located? Explain.
12. Which side of the house is the best location for
a porch or patio in Texas? in Minnesota?
13. How much space is needed around furniture
for wheelchairs to maneuver?
14. What types of flooring are recommended in
dining rooms used by children or disabled or
elderly members?
56
Part One Housing and Space Planning
Suggested Activities
Internet Resources
1. Using available sources, collect photos of
rooms commonly associated with the living
area of a residence. Be sure to identify the
room or area that is represented in each photo.
2. Sketch an ideal living room for your family, and
indicate how adjacent rooms connect to it.
Explain the features, size, and arrangement of
items you would plan for this room.
3. Create a floor plan for a dining room that will
seat eight people and hold a china cabinet and
buffet or hutch.
4. Plan a family or recreation room that allows
family members to pursue their favorite individual
and group hobbies. Identify the room’s dimensions, furniture pieces, and other equipment.
5. List the considerations to make before
designing a main entryway. Explain why each
consideration is important.
6. Collect photos of patios, porches, and courts
that you feel are attractive, functional, safe, and
easy to maintain. Display them to the class.
7. Interview a person who has a physical
disability to learn what types of housing
features cause the greatest barriers to living
independently in their homes.
Architectural Digest Magazine
archdigest.com
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
armstrong.com
HomeCrest Cabinetry
homecrestcab.com
James Hardie® Building Products, Inc.
jameshardie.com
Marvin Windows and Doors
marvin.com
National Gypsum Company
nationalgypsum.com
Owens Corning
owenscorning.com
Schulte Corporation, a manufacturer
of storage solutions
schultestorage.com
Note: Web addresses may have changed since
publication. For some entries, reaching the correct
Web site may require keying www. into the
address.