12 Secret Facts About The 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Set: From Long Island To Warner Bros. Stage 5

Few TV homes are as iconic and instantly recognizable as the Barone residence in *Everybody Loves Raymond*, a seemingly mundane two-story house in the fictional Long Island suburb of Lynbrook that became the epicenter of one of television's most beloved sitcoms. As of December 12, 2025, the show's legacy continues to be celebrated, not just in reruns, but through a dedicated public exhibit, while fans still obsess over the confusing, yet cozy, layout of Ray and Debra’s home and the infamous house next door. The set, which was the backdrop for nine seasons of family chaos, passive aggression, and hilarious misunderstandings between Ray, Debra, Marie, and Frank, holds numerous secrets that even die-hard fans might not know. From the surprising real-life inspiration for the exterior to the deliberate design choice that made the Barone home look "ugly," the set itself is a character in the show’s enduring success. The latest news brings the set back into the spotlight with a major anniversary celebration and a chance for fans to step closer to the Barone world.

The Barone House: Real-Life Inspiration vs. Studio Magic

The entire premise of *Everybody Loves Raymond* hinges on the proximity of the two Barone houses: Ray and Debra's home and the house next door belonging to his parents, Marie and Frank. This unique living arrangement, a key source of the show's conflict and comedy, required a very specific set design and a clever use of real-world locations.

The Long Island Roots and Real-Life Exteriors

While the show is famously set in Lynbrook, Long Island, the exterior shots that established the neighborhood were actually filmed in a real-life suburb. The houses used for the exterior shots are located in Merrick, New York, a Long Island suburb not far from the fictional Lynbrook setting. The actual homes look remarkably similar to the sitcom's houses, allowing fans driving by to instantly picture Ray Barone's (Ray Romano) car pulling up to the curb. The show's connection to Long Island is so strong that the show’s producers and cast have been celebrated there, underscoring the authenticity of the show's suburban New York setting.

The Set’s Hollywood Location: Warner Bros. Stage 5

Despite the Long Island exterior, all the interior action—the kitchen arguments, the living room confrontations, and the infamous front door visits—took place on a soundstage in California. The *Everybody Loves Raymond* set was meticulously constructed on Stage 5 of the Warner Bros. lot in Los Angeles. This is where the magic of television allowed Marie (Doris Roberts) and Frank (Peter Boyle) to constantly pop over unannounced through the infamous "door next door."

Ray Romano's One Rule for Set Decor

Executive producer Ray Romano had a surprisingly simple, yet effective, criterion for the interior decor of the Barone house: he wanted it to look "ugly." The intention was to make the house feel authentic to a middle-class Long Island couple who may not have the most fashionable taste, a stark contrast to the typically polished and aspirational homes seen on other sitcoms. This deliberate choice of drab, slightly dated decor—including the infamous wallpaper and the slightly cluttered look—added to the relatability and realism of the Barone family.

Deconstructing the Confusing Barone Set Layout

One of the most enduring mysteries and topics of discussion among fans is the confusing and often contradictory floor plan of Ray and Debra’s house. Like many sitcom sets, the Barone home's layout was dictated more by camera angles and comedic blocking than by architectural logic.

• The Impossible Front Door: The front door of the Barone house is one of the biggest set anomalies. When Ray and Debra (Patricia Heaton) would enter from the front, the door's position and the hallway layout often seemed to defy a logical real-world floor plan. Sometimes, the hallway appears to lead to a mysterious alcove, confusing viewers trying to map out the home.
• Marie and Frank’s Entrance: The door leading to Marie and Frank's house, which is always in the center of the frame, is the set's most iconic feature. However, fans have noted that when Ray and Debra enter their parents' house through *their* front door, the direction of their entry seems reversed from what would be logical based on the set's orientation.
• The Kitchen's Central Role: Architecturally, the kitchen is the most functional part of the set, conveniently located adjacent to the dining room. This layout was essential for the constant flow of characters, especially Marie, who frequently used the kitchen to criticize Debra's cooking or simply to serve her own food. The kitchen counter served as a crucial barrier and stage for many of the show's most memorable arguments.
• The Upstairs & Bedrooms: While most of the action takes place on the main floor, the set did include a staircase leading to the bedrooms of Ray, Debra, and their children: Ally, Michael, and Geoffrey. Although rarely seen, the upstairs was fully constructed on the soundstage, allowing for scenes that required characters to run up or down the stairs.

The Set's Enduring Legacy and 30th Anniversary Exhibit

Even decades after the show concluded its run in 2005, the set continues to be a point of fascination, especially with recent events bringing the Barone family back into the public eye.

The 30th Anniversary Reunion and Set Item Secrets

The cast of *Everybody Loves Raymond* is scheduled to reunite for a 30th-anniversary special in November, a testament to the show's lasting impact. This reunion has sparked renewed interest in the behind-the-scenes details of the show's production. In a recent interview, Ray Romano revealed the one item he took from the set when the show wrapped: a specific chair. This small detail highlights the personal connection the actors had to the environment they inhabited for nine years.

The Long Island Music Hall of Fame Exhibit

For fans who want to get closer to the Barone world, a major exhibit titled "*Everybody Loves Raymond*: Celebrating 30 Years" is currently open at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF). This exhibit, which is scheduled to run until at least March 29, 2026, allows visitors to experience the show's legacy firsthand. It features memorabilia, behind-the-scenes photographs, and detailed information about the show's creation, bringing the *Everybody Loves Raymond* set and its Long Island roots full circle.

Key Entities and Set Trivia

The set was home to some of television's most memorable characters, whose interactions were shaped by the environment. The cramped, shared spaces amplified the tension between Debra Barone and Marie Barone, while the central kitchen became the battleground for food and parenting advice. Robert Barone's (Brad Garrett) frequent, awkward visits were often framed by the front door, and Frank Barone’s (Peter Boyle) grumpy presence was usually found lounging in the living room. The show's success was due in no small part to the authenticity of the set, which felt less like a Hollywood creation and more like a real, lived-in Long Island home. The set's designers masterfully used the space to facilitate the show's signature style of close-quarters, high-tension comedy, making the Barone house a true star of the show.