Wall outlets — living + dining: code vs good practice

Code: no point >6 ft away. Good practice: + floor outlets.

Hearth in front — living + dining: code vs good practice

Code: 16″ (20″ big). Good practice: meet code.

Hearth at sides — living + dining: code vs good practice

Code: 8″ (12″ big). Good practice: meet code.

Walk paths — living + dining: code vs good practice

Code: no specific requirement. Good practice: 36″.

Table to wall — living + dining: code vs good practice

Code: no specific requirement. Good practice: 36–48″.

Chandelier — living + dining: code vs good practice

Code: no specific requirement. Good practice: 30–36″ above table.

Rooms · Chapter 5

Living + dining

The rooms people gather in. They work when furniture, light, outlets and walking paths are planned together, and when a fireplace is built to keep its heat where it belongs.

NEC 210.52(A) outlet spacingIRC R1001 fireplacesIRC R303 light + airIRC R314 smoke alarms

1 of 6Next: Layout →

5.1

What makes a living room?

A living room is a place to sit, talk, watch and gather. It works when seating faces something, people can walk around it and light comes from more than one place.

Arrange for conversation first, the TV second.

Perspective: living room with sofa, two chairs, coffee table, rug, fireplace and window — FIG. 5.1 · What makes a living room?

Unlock the full fieldbook

The rest of Living + dining: 5 more spreads, 36 drawings and 12 code citations, plus every other chapter, is part of the full fieldbook.

5.2Living room layout6 drawings
5.3Dining rooms and tables6 drawings
5.4Lighting and outlets6 drawings
5.5Fireplaces12 drawings
5.6Common mistakes6 drawings

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