There are so many elements involved in decorating a living room and it's a room that we spend a lot of our time in so you want to get it right. To make it more complicated, you need to consider the fact that you'll spend time in a living room at various points of the day, so it needs to work as well at midday as it will with the curtains drawn and candles lit. Starting with the bones of the room, there are paint colours and flooring to decide on, which will set the tone of the space. We love the distinguished feel of wooden flooring, preferably with some rugs layered on top for softness. Consider putting in some joinery and bookcases that can help you make the most of the room's height and provide valuable storage. If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace, make it a focal point, arranging your sofas and chairs to face it, and decorating the mantelpiece with pictures and ornaments.
How do you design a living room?
You should start with the space itself and map out where all your big furniture could go – so your sofa, any armchairs and freestanding bookshelves for example. Certain things are easy, such as an ottoman or coffee table will go in front of a sofa or in between two facing each other, but others depend entirely on the space you have. Once you have that in your mind, consider the light the living room receives and that will help you choose the paint colours. For how that might influence your decision, you can read Joa Studholme's guide in our gallery of in real homes. When you've mapped your key bits of furniture and chosen the paint colours, that's when you can add in the flourishes to make it cosy and choose cushions, a rug, storage and so on to fill the space out.
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How to choose your living room furniture
At that point, it's time to consider how to choose your living room furniture, taking into account how you use the space, what kind of sofa you prefer, how many armchairs you can fit in, whether you need a sofa bed, and the importance of a coffee table or ottoman, and of course side tables to put a drink on. The right furniture can make a huge difference to the feeling of a room. Consider the scale of it - you don't want tiny furniture drowning in a huge room, although small living rooms can often benefit from some oversized furniture. In an open plan living room-cum-kitchen, furniture can be essential for breaking up the space; a sofa with its back turned to the dining table is a handy way of differentiating between the living space and the dining space. And consider how you use your furniture before you make the final decision - do you prefer to lounge on a squashy sofa or is this a more formal room where you'd prefer to sit upright?
How to accessorise a living room
Finally you can get to the really fun bits, the textiles and accessories. The size and shape of your window might dictate your choices when it comes to curtains and blinds, but there's a huge variety out there to choose from. Perhaps you like simple, elegant curtains in heavy linen or wool, or something brighter and chintzier for a more eye-catching feel. In a small room, you may well prefer to stick to blinds, but think about getting them in a fun pattern so that they become a decorative feature. Almost every living room will be in need of a good rug, whether you opt for rustic sisal, a modern Berber rug or a traditional Turkish carpet. And then what’s a sofa without some beautiful cushions? They’re essential for adding colour and pattern to a room.
The art of the living room
Turning our attention back to the walls, the final thing you’ll need is some art, so don't miss our shopping guide to affordable art, as well as our advice on how to start a collection. And once you’ve assembled it all, find out the best ways to hang your pictures on the walls, with helpful tips for gallery walls, statement art and everything in between.
If you’re in need of inspiration, we’ve gathered the best living room designs and lounge ideas from the archive here to help with your decoration, from country houses to studio flats and London townhouses.
As an expert and enthusiast, I have a deep understanding of various topics, including interior design and home decor. I can provide you with information and insights on how to design a living room and make it a cozy and inviting space. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Designing a Living Room
Designing a living room involves considering various elements to create a harmonious and functional space. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Space Planning: Start by mapping out the space and determining the placement of key furniture pieces such as sofas, armchairs, and bookshelves.
- Lighting: Consider the amount of natural light the living room receives, as it can influence the choice of paint colors .
- Paint Colors: Choose paint colors that complement the overall design scheme and create the desired atmosphere. Consider factors such as natural light, room size, and personal preferences.
- Flooring: Wooden flooring can add a distinguished feel to the living room. Layering rugs on top of the flooring can add softness and texture.
- Focal Point: If you have a fireplace, make it a focal point by arranging sofas and chairs to face it. Decorate the mantelpiece with pictures and ornaments to enhance its visual appeal.
Choosing Living Room Furniture
Selecting the right furniture is crucial for creating a comfortable and visually appealing living room. Consider the following points:
- Functionality: Determine how you use the space and choose furniture accordingly. Consider factors such as seating capacity, the need for a sofa bed, and the importance of a coffee table or ottoman .
- Scale: Consider the scale of the furniture in relation to the room size. Avoid using tiny furniture in a large room or oversized furniture in a small living room. Achieving a balance is key.
Accessorizing a Living Room
Adding textiles and accessories can bring life and personality to a living room. Consider the following tips:
- Window Treatments: Choose curtains or blinds that complement the size and shape of your windows. Opt for simple and elegant curtains in heavy linen or wool, or go for something brighter and chintzier for a more eye-catching feel. Blinds can be a good option for small rooms, and selecting them in a fun pattern can make them a decorative feature.
- Rugs: Almost every living room can benefit from a good rug. Choose a rug that suits your style, whether it's rustic sisal, a modern Berber rug, or a traditional Turkish carpet. Rugs add warmth, texture, and color to the space.
- Cushions: Beautiful cushions are essential for adding color and pattern to a room. Choose cushions that complement the overall design scheme and provide comfort.
Adding Art and Hanging Pictures
Artwork can add personality and visual interest to a living room. Consider the following tips:
- Art Selection: Choose artwork that resonates with your personal taste and complements the overall design of the room. Consider the size, style, and color palette of the artwork .
- Hanging Pictures: When hanging pictures, consider creating a gallery wall, arranging statement art, or using other creative display methods. Ensure that the pictures are securely hung and properly aligned.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and personal preferences play a significant role in designing a living room. Feel free to experiment and create a space that reflects your style and meets your needs.
