whats the dif between

regy_k Posted: Feb 18, 2011 03:33 PM

whats the dif between

living room and family room? I have been watching HGTV non stop now and all the houses they show have both - why?
in Israel we have just living rooms where we do everything, why u ppl have an extra room??? I dont get it. help to understand.

2010BTB Posted: Feb 18, 2011 03:33 PM

Re: whats the dif between

Living room is the formal guest room when you enter the house. Family room is more of a play around room to watch tv and just hang.

AmyElizabeth Posted: Feb 18, 2011 03:35 PM

Re: whats the dif between

I had one room - it had the couches and the TV and we called it a living room. DH's family has a living room (TV and couch) and a 'great room' where I guess they used to entertain guests and put the christmas tree and have the nicer couches.

I guess some homes have a fancier room for entertaining and a more cozy room for relaxing? It confuses me too!

regy_k Posted: Feb 18, 2011 03:36 PM

Re: whats the dif between

thanks Lauren.
I guess what I dont understand is why have both, why cant living room be the everything space?
sometimes I see one room living room and next to it is the family room. why not break down the wall and have humangous living room with designated areas?
I feel dumb

kris_gets_hitched Posted: Feb 18, 2011 03:37 PM

Re: whats the dif between

Because Americans always want more, more, more of everything.

regy_k Posted: Feb 18, 2011 03:38 PM

Re: whats the dif between

Posted by AmyElizabeth

I had one room - it had the couches and the TV and we called it a living room. DH's family has a living room (TV and couch) and a 'great room' where I guess they used to entertain guests and put the christmas tree and have the nicer couches.

I guess some homes have a fancier room for entertaining and a more cozy room for relaxing? It confuses me too!

hmm that is what my MIL has too, I just thought she repurposed DH's old room to not to have to clean the big room
well now it makes more sense I guess

regy_k Posted: Feb 18, 2011 03:39 PM

Re: whats the dif between

Posted by kris_gets_hitched

Because Americans always want more, more, more of everything.

LOL finally some honesty. tnx Kris

grkbarbie Posted: Feb 18, 2011 03:39 PM

Re: whats the dif between

living room = no tv
family room = tv

AwaitingAugust Posted: Feb 18, 2011 03:42 PM

Re: whats the dif between

Living Room is pretty much kept nicer and cleaner and has fancier things (to impress guests) .... but Family Room is a mess and more focused on comfort.

i never understood it either .... why wouldn't you want fancy AND comfort? and why would you buy fancy AND comfortable things?!

regy_k Posted: Feb 18, 2011 03:45 PM

Re: whats the dif between

Posted by AwaitingAugust

Living Room is pretty much kept nicer and cleaner and has fancier things (to impress guests) .... but Family Room is a mess and more focused on comfort.

i never understood it either .... why wouldn't you want fancy AND comfort? and why would you buy fancy AND comfortable things?!

totally what I am thinking! Mor u get me!

Im_My_Own_Princess Posted: Feb 18, 2011 03:49 PM

Re: whats the dif between

Posted by grkbarbie

living room = no tv
family room = tv

if its living vs family.. then what she said ^

but if you live in my house...

'formal room'= no tv
living room= tv

jhines4684 Posted: Feb 18, 2011 04:24 PM

Re: whats the dif between

I watched TV in the Den and spent time with guests in the living room. I don't think we ever used the term 'family room' in my house ever.

Byrne2Be Posted: Feb 18, 2011 04:29 PM

Re: whats the dif between

Posted by grkbarbie

living room = no tv
family room = tv

yup - this is my take too!

CarolAnn721 Posted: Feb 18, 2011 04:46 PM

Re: whats the dif between

Posted by grkbarbie

living room = no tv
family room = tv

This is how mine was...formal living room with couches we weren't allowed on and a fireplace, etc... family room with TV everyday couches that the 'children' were allowed on, etc...