Decorating Living Rooms
Ideal Layout for Surround Sound

If you have spent a lot of money of your TV and AV equipment, it really makes sense to make sure you get the best performance out of them. And it really makes a difference to the quality of the sound, depending on how all the speakers are positioned and angled.

• Your TV is probably the focal point of everyone's attention some evenings - isn't it great to get everyone gathered together on the sofas to watch a really good movie - popcorn optional!
• For a really practical point of view on decorating living rooms and arranging the layout, look at where you should position your TV.
  
  
  • Where is the aerial point? Can you use an aerial extension, to allow you to put the TV elsewhere?
  
  
  • Do you have a flat screen TV that is difficult to view at an angle?
  
  
  • Will everyone be able to sit comfortably and see the TV clearly?
  
  
  • Take care to keep your TV screen out of the glare of sunny windows.
• Take a look at this table to find out the ideal distance to sit from your TV, for all different screen sizes. Or even take it with you when you are going to purchase a new TV. Don't waste money buying a huge screen, when you have a small room, and a smaller screen would be perfectly fine.
• Try to position your seating somewhere in between the minimum and maximum distances, for your best viewing position.











• Don't ignore your surround sound system, and particularly the positioning of the speakers. How you position your speakers in your room, really does make a difference to the quality of the sound. Even to the untrained ear - mine!


• My fiance makes the positioning of the speakers a priority, with his AV equipment and surround sound system, so I always need to consider this when I am planning and decorating my living room. He looks after the technical aspects really, but I can show you these really useful guidelines, which will help you get the most out of your AV equipment. (Under his instructions and guidance - so thanks, Ian, for your help!)
• Just take a look at these simple layout plans, showing your ideal layouts and positioning for maximum surround sound enjoyment:
• Key to Symbols










Please bear in mind that the sub-woofer can actually be positioned anywhere in your room. Apparently you can't really tell which direction the bass sounds are actually coming from anyway.

Sub-woofers are rather large, (and not really that attractive) so feel free to hide them anywhere, as I am assured that it won't make any difference to the sound quality!



• Layout for a Square Room









• Layout for a Long Room









• Layout for an L-shaped Room









• Remember, as always, these are just guidelines or suggested layouts. Feel free to do what suits you best in your living room. And I hope you will have very many pleasurable viewing, and listening, hours to come...

Consider your options for style, color and furnishings, to come up with a great living room decorating idea.

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