The key is to have enough surface space without overcrowding the room. Try to have one on either side of the sofa, and between pairs of chairs. Everyone should be able to comfortably set down a drink without having to get up and walk over to a table. The number you need will depend on how much seating you have.

Side Tables - Side tables tend to be an afterthought, but they're important.

At the same time be sure to leave enough leg room between seats and tables: 14 to 18 inches should do the trick. People sitting around them should be able to lean over to put down or pick up a drink without having to get up from their seat. If you don't want to use a coffee table you can try using a couple of smaller tables or benches to achieve the same look. The length of the table should also be roughly one half to two thirds the length of the sofa. If you choose to use, one remember that the height should be slightly lower than the seat height of the sofa and chairs around it.

Coffee Table - Coffee tables are practical pieces that are often found in the center of conversation areas.

If space doesn't allow it, make sure that at least the front legs of any large upholstered pieces are on the rug. Remember that all of the furniture should be able to comfortably sit on the carpet.

Rug – Using area rugs is a great way to define seating areas, but the number one mistake people make in the living room is using an area rug that's too small.

Try putting the sofa and chairs in a few different spots and see what works best visually and in terms of leaving space to accommodate traffic flow. Sketch out the room on a piece of graph paper using all the appropriate measurements. You don't want them to be too big or too small, so it's best if you draw up a floor plan ahead of time. The most important thing to do is measure the space before buying any of these pieces. As for the specific placement, it is best to place the sectional sofa facing the television or fireplace, as one or both of those. This way you can create more space to move around.

Set a timer for eight minutes every night, and put away as much as you can in those eight minutes. When placing a sectional sofa in a small family or living room, it is recommended to arrange the pieces into an L-shaped sofa in the corner. Sofa and Chairs - These are often the big-ticket items, so it's important that they suit the space. The eight-minute rule can be used for any space in your home.

The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

Arrange a room