You love your home, but lately, your living room just isn’t working the way it used to. The cushions feel too low, the walkways feel tight, and getting up from your favorite chair takes more effort than it should.
You’re not looking for “senior furniture” per se; you want living room furniture ideas that feel stylish, supportive, and built for the long haul. If you plan to stay in your home as you age, the right pieces make all the difference. And we can help.
What Is a CLIPP Certification?
CLIPP stands for Certified Living in Place Professional. It’s a designation earned by designers, builders, and remodelers who are trained to create spaces that support safety, comfort, and independence for people of all ages and abilities.
At its core, CLIPP is about designing with longevity in mind, without sacrificing beauty. It means your home doesn’t just meet your needs today; it adapts gracefully as those needs evolve. 88% of adults aged 50+ said it’s important for them to remain in their own homes as they age.
Working with a CLIPP-certified team, like us, means every decision—from layout to furniture—considers mobility, accessibility, and how your space supports daily life, both now and in the future, so that you can make aging in place a reality.
Benefits of CLIPP Certified Design
Working with a CLIPP-certified designer goes beyond picking furniture that “fits.” It’s about creating a living space that respects how you live today, tomorrow, and years from now.
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Safety Without Sacrificing Style
CLIPP professionals understand how to minimize fall risks, improve mobility, and support ease of use, without making your space feel sterile. Design and dignity go hand in hand.
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Furniture That Works With Your Body, Not Against It
Every selection considers ergonomics, reach, visibility, and stability. That means armchairs you can rise from easily, coffee tables that don’t interrupt walkways, and lighting that reduces eye strain.
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A More Confident, Independent Life
The right design reduces daily friction. You move more easily, feel more at home in your body, and don’t have to rely on others for basic comfort.
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Planning That Reduces Future Costs
Small design decisions today—like proper spacing, outlet placement, or smart furniture choices—can help avoid expensive changes down the road.
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Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
CLIPP-certified design doesn’t just serve the person living in the space. It reassures loved ones that the home is safe, functional, and built with care.
10 Living Room Furniture Ideas To Help You Age in Place
You deserve a living room that evolves with you, without ever feeling like it was designed for someone else’s limitations. These CLIPP-informed furniture ideas make aging in place feel beautiful, intuitive, and supportive from every angle.
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Prioritize comfort—but never at the expense of style.
Supportive doesn’t have to mean bulky. Choose seating with proper lumbar support, high-performance fabrics–like upholstered pieces, and clean lines that complement your aesthetic. Look for chairs and sofas that balance firmness with cushioning, especially around the knees and hips.
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Choose multi-functional furniture that works smarter, not harder.
Furniture that serves multiple purposes simplifies daily life. Think ottomans with hidden storage, side tables with built-in charging ports, or benches that double as extra seating and storage. Each piece should earn its place—visually and practically.
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Keep walkways clear by selecting furniture that’s the right scale.
Oversized living room sofa sectionals and heavy coffee tables can create clutter and trip hazards. Instead, opt for furniture that leaves 36–42 inches of clearance in main walkways. This supports mobility devices, easier cleaning, and an overall sense of flow.
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Opt for rounded edges and soft finishes wherever possible.
Sharp corners increase the risk of injury, especially near high-traffic zones. Rounded arms, curved coffee tables, and soft-edge finishes add safety and an elevated, intentional design, making your living room cozier.
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Incorporate contrast between furniture and flooring to improve visibility.
As we age, depth perception and contrast sensitivity can change. Choose upholstery or furniture finishes that clearly stand out from the flooring. A navy sofa on hardwood or a light armchair over a bold color rug can help reduce visual strain and potential missteps.
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Create anchored zones using rugs and lighting to define function.
Use area rugs, side tables, and layered lighting to visually anchor seating areas. This creates intuitive, grounded zones that feel like a purposeful design choice, not a floating afterthought. Use non-slip rug pads and avoid anything with curled edges or loose fringe.
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Select elevated seating that’s easy to get in and out of.
Seats that are too low can strain the knees and back. Look for sofas and chairs with a seat height between 18–20 inches and firm enough support to allow you to push off from. Avoid anything that sinks dramatically when you sit down.
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Add accent chairs that swivel or recline—but do it thoughtfully.
Swivel and reclining chairs can add ease and flexibility—but only when designed with safety in mind. Choose options with stable bases, controlled movements, and firm arms that assist with standing.
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Customize your furniture with local artisans for longevity and meaning.
Mass-produced furniture often overlooks ergonomic design. Working with local makers allows you to choose dimensions, materials, and features that suit your body and your aesthetic. It also results in pieces that age beautifully and hold emotional value.
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Think ahead by selecting modular or adaptable furniture systems.
Modular seating can be rearranged as needs evolve—whether due to changing family dynamics, accessibility requirements, or evolving care needs. Look for pieces that allow for add-ons or configuration changes without the need to start over completely.
Living Room Furniture Ideas: Frequently Asked Questions
What furniture should be in a living room?
A well-designed living room typically includes a sofa or sectional, a pair of chairs for balance, a coffee table, side tables, and layered ambient lighting. If aging in place is a goal, you’ll also want to consider elevated seating, clear walkways, and additional seating that supports flexible use, like a swivel chair or sturdy bench.
What is the 2/3 rule for furniture?
The 2/3 rule keeps your living room design visually balanced. For example, your rug should cover at least 2/3 of the seating area, and your coffee table should be about 2/3 the length of your sofa. This helps maintain open space for movement, while still supporting cozy and functional layouts.
What is the new trend in living rooms?
The trend for 2025 is all about intentional comfort—think spacious living that doesn’t feel empty, natural light that supports your circadian rhythm, and furniture pieces that are ergonomic without looking clinical. Sleek living meets everyday function, especially for those planning to age in place and in style.
How to arrange living room furniture with a TV and fireplace?
Start by choosing your primary focal point—or blend both by positioning furniture on an L-shaped axis. Use a pair of chairs or a sectional to create symmetry and anchor the room with a rug and layered lighting. Prioritize walkways, preserve natural light, and keep furniture close enough to feel connected while leaving space for accessibility.
Design a Living Room That Grows With You With Ron Scott Design Build
Decades of Expertise
With over 30 years of remodeling experience, we’ve helped homeowners create living spaces that evolve with their needs, without ever compromising beauty or craftsmanship.
Wellness-Centered Design
Our CLIPP-certified team approaches every project with intention. From color and light to materials and layout, we consider how your space supports your nervous system, mobility, and mood.
Personalized Boutique Experience
Our owners are hands-on from the first conversation to the final walkthrough. You’ll never feel rushed, overlooked, or pressured. We listen deeply and guide every decision to align with how you want to live.
Expert Insight, Inside and Out
With a Certified True Color Expert and a Medical Intuitive on staff, we bring a rare level of thoughtfulness to every room. We design not just for what you see, but how you feel, move, and age in the space.
Timeless Craftsmanship
We select premium materials and proven techniques to deliver furniture layouts and remodels that are both intuitive and enduring. Your living room should welcome you now and support you always.
Let’s create a living room that feels good today and keeps working for you tomorrow. Book your consultation or explore our portfolio to see how wellness and beauty can live together.
Danette Veatch is a holistic interior designer and co-founder of Ron Scott Design Build, dedicated to creating healthy, harmonious living spaces with a touch of sophistication. She holds certifications in color consulting, energy healing, and wellness-focused design, enabling her to integrate color psychology and positive energy principles into every project.
