The living room is undeniably a precious space in the home—where movie marathons, late-night conversations, and special celebrations take root. So it’s only fair that it is decorated accordingly.
From specific furniture layouts to layered décor, there are certain fundamental principles that designers follow when working with a living room.
We consulted two interior designers to outline the six key factors they always keep in mind when decorating a living room, along with tips on successfully integrating them into your home.
Choose a focal point
To anchor the living room, interior designer Margaret Carroll likes to introduce a “wow” factor that grabs attention.
“It could be a vintage mirror, an oversized piece of artwork, or an architectural element like wooden beams that draw your eye upward,” says Carroll.
“Bold, colorful fireplaces or custom built-ins with carefully curated books and items tie the space together and give it personality,” Carroll adds. “It’s your chance to tell a story or showcase your style.”
The focal point doesn’t necessarily have to be décor or an architectural element.
“Plan your seating arrangement to allow for cozy conversations,” says Karen Nepacena, principal designer and founder of Destination Eichler. “It can be tricky to figure out where furniture should go in a room, but starting with a focal point will help the pieces fall into place.”
Make it personal
It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of your living room, but it’s important that it also makes sense for your home.
“Decorate your home based on how you actually live. Don’t decorate according to trends or magazine photos—unless they are practical for your lifestyle,” says interior designer Sandy Saintilus.
A common mistake is the popular white sofa that has been flooding social media feeds.
“They look great, but if you’re not willing to commit to the extra care required for light-colored furniture in general, you’ll end up hating them,” explains Saintilus.
Tip
Introduce items with sentimental value to make your living room more personal and unique.
“Maybe it’s a gifted item, a favorite book, a framed photograph of a special memory,” says Nepacena. “Not only will they bring you joy, but they can also serve as conversation starters with guests.”
Mix old and new
Blending old and new pieces is a tried-and-true design technique that works especially well in the living room.
“A room filled with only new or only vintage items can feel one-dimensional, but combining the two creates a dialogue between past and present,” says Carroll.
Carroll recommends starting with a neutral base, such as a simple sofa or rug, and then adding vintage details like an armchair or an ornament.
“Don’t shy away from bold contrasts—pair a minimalist coffee table with vintage wallpaper,” says Carroll. “Mixing items from different eras in a living room can be visually intriguing and impactful.”
Layer your lighting
Layering lighting is always a good idea, as it creates an inviting ambiance that you and your guests will enjoy for hours.
“Don’t rely solely on overhead lighting—add table lamps, picture lights, and floor lamps,” recommends Saintilus. “Having table lamps or floor lamps within arm’s reach will make it easier to access lighting without having to get up from your seat,” she adds.
Opting for warm lighting also helps set the mood.
“One of the most budget-friendly ways to create a cozy atmosphere is to ensure that your light bulbs have a temperature between 2700K and 3000K,” says Saintilus. “This will provide a warm glow instead of an overly bright, hospital-like lighting.”
Mix different textures
Similarly, using different textures adds more depth to the living room.
“Don’t be afraid to mix and match materials like wood and glass, leather and upholstery, a stone table with a fiber basket on top,” says Nepacena.
To simplify the process, Nepacena notes that you can look for furniture pieces that do the work for you, rather than investing in multiple items.
“For example, a coffee table with a wooden base and a stone top. That way, you’re investing in a furniture piece that provides both visual interest and functionality,” says Nepacena.
Measure everything
In the living room, there are so many large pieces and pathways to consider. So measuring your space is essential.
“Measure before you buy to ensure that items not only fit your space but also fit through doors and staircases,” says Saintilus.
Planning ahead will also make it easier to position your pieces.
“In addition to measuring doors and staircases, use painter’s tape to map out where furniture will go to help you visualize how it will look in your home,” suggests Saintilus.
Source: The Spruce. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
