How to Decorate a Living Room 

Have you ever found yourself in a decorating dilemma, wondering how to arrange living room furniture to achieve that perfect, cosy, and stylish vibe? Maybe you’ve pondered the ideal size for an area rug in your living room and found yourself scratching your head. Well, fret not, because you’re in the right place, and I’ve got your back! In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the art of living room design, unraveling the mysteries and turning your space into a haven of comfort and style. So, join me on this exciting journey as we embark on the quest to master how to decorate a living room!

Measure

Measure Twice, Decorate Once

Before you dive headfirst into the world of living room design, there’s one critical step you should tackle first – measuring. You see, no matter how dazzling your design ideas might be, they’ll fall flat if they don’t quite fit the space. From window treatments to furniture and rugs, accurate measurements are your trusty navigational tool through the maze of decorating choices.

Don’t leave a single nook or cranny unmeasured! It’s all in the details, after all. Make sure to give special attention to those walls adorned with windows, doors, or any intriguing insets. These architectural features can be both charming and challenging when it comes to planning your room layout. But fear not, with precise measurements, you can conquer even the trickiest of spaces.

Once you’ve armed yourself with your trusty tape measure and gathered your data, consider creating a handy sketch of your living room’s layout. It’s like having a visual map of your space’s dimensions. And guess what? This sketch isn’t just for your artistic satisfaction; it’s your secret weapon while shopping. Armed with this sketch, you can confidently stride through stores, knowing you won’t accidentally fall in love with a piece of furniture that won’t fit or order something that’s the wrong size. 

Picture the layout

Picturing the layout is vital when designing your living room. Sure, there’s the classic ‘everything points at the TV’ setup – perfect for those Netflix binges and chill sessions. But guess what? The world of living room design is a playground, and there are tons of exciting options beyond the TV-centric approach.

These days, the ‘everything faces the TV’ concept is getting a run for its money. More and more folks are opting for classic arrangements or arranging their furniture to showcase a stunning feature wall or artwork.

Don’t forget about the unsung heroes of your living room layout – plugs! They might not be the stars of the show, but they play a crucial role in powering your entertainment setup, lighting, and gadgets. So, when you’re planning your layout, take those electrical outlets into account. 

Ask yourself some questions that’ll help shape your living room’s personality:

What will I be doing in my living room? Are you a board game enthusiast, a bookworm, or maybe even a yoga guru in the making?

How many people will usually be spending their time there? Is it just you and your pet goldfish, or do you frequently host a lively crew of friends and family?

Am I planning on hosting parties? Will your living room be the go-to party central, or are you more of an intimate gathering type?

Do I enjoy watching TV in the living room? Because let’s face it, there’s nothing wrong with a little ‘Netflix and chill’ now and then!

These may seem like random queries, but they’re needed to understanding the type of furniture and layout that’ll make your living room truly yours!

Choose your style

Imagine your living room as a big, blank canvas, just waiting for your artistic touch. It’s like choosing the perfect outfit for a fabulous party – your space deserves to shine in style! Do you lean towards modern, contemporary, relaxed, formal, warm, farmhouse, or inviting vibes? 

But here’s the fun part – it’s not just about looks; your chosen style becomes your living room’s guiding star, helping you select the right furniture and decor. Your living room will transform into a unique, personality-packed space. And if you’re hungry for more design inspiration, check out my blog on “7 Types of Interior Design Styles.” 

Choose your sofa

Ah, the sofa – the heart and soul of your living room! Selecting the perfect sofa is like finding the missing puzzle piece that ties your whole living space together. Unless, of course, you’re blessed with a vast expanse of room to play with, in which case, lucky you! But for the rest of us, finding the right sofa is a make-or-break moment in living room decoration. 

Make it the Focal Point

Your sofa will likely become the star of the show in your living room, so choose wisely. While comfort is key, remember to leave enough room to move about without constantly stumbling over the edges of your sofa or coffee table. After all, you don’t want your guests doing a sofa-into-coffee-table dance routine!

Style Matters

Sofas these days come in a dazzling array of styles and colours. Remember the style you’ve already established in your living room? Well, that’s going to help narrow down your options a tad. Here are a few tips to get you started:

For an Industrial Look: Go for classic Chesterfield sofas or maybe even consider up-cycled car-style sofas to add that rugged, industrial edge.

Traditional Elegance: If you lean toward traditional decor, cozy textures and timeless designs are your friends. Think plush and inviting.

Modern and Contemporary Vibes: If your style is all about the latest trends, consider sleek corner sofas and modular options. They’re not just fashionable; they’re space-savvy too!

Think About Your Lifestyle

Remember the importance of considering your lifestyle? Well, here it comes into play again! Think about how you like to use your living room. Are you the entertainer with a large social circle? A spacious corner sofa could be your go-to. Or perhaps you prefer cosy movie nights with loved ones? In that case, a big, comfy sofa and a cuddle chair might be your ideal setup.

Try Before You Buy

One last piece of advice: always try to see a sofa in person if you can. Sitting on it, feeling the fabric, and envisioning it in your space can make all the difference. It’s like test-driving a car – you want to know if it’s the right fit for you and your home.

Choose an area rug

Selecting the ideal area rug for your living room is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. For a cohesive look, go for a rug large enough to comfortably fit all your furniture. Leave about 10-to-20 inches of bare floor space between the rug’s edges and the walls to maintain balance. Avoid small rugs as they can make your living room appear disconnected.

If you want to spice things up, consider layering different rugs. Mixing and matching various shapes and textures can add depth and character to your living room, creating a stylish and well-anchored space. Rugs aren’t just decorative; they play a key role in making your living area cosy and visually appealing.

Mood Lighting

Alright, folks, let’s talk about mood lighting – the secret to transforming your living room into a cosy haven! Now, my boyfriend always has a laugh at my expense because I’m all about the ‘big light,‘ especially when it’s Christmas puzzle time or Scrabble showdowns. But hey, that’s my vibe, and I’m not apologising for it!

However, let’s give some love to mood lighting too. It’s the superhero of relaxation and snug vibes. Picture this: subtle uplighting from strategically placed lamps behind your furniture, casting that warm, inviting glow. Add a floor lamp for those late-night reading marathons – trust me; it’s a game-changer!

Now, here’s a pro-tip  – if you’re going all-in with multiple lamps in your living room, invest in some remote control plug sockets. Yes, it’s a thing! Program that remote to turn all your lamps on at once, and suddenly, you’re the master of mood with a single click. No more fumbling around to turn them on and off individually – who’s got time for that, right? Let’s light up your living room in style and convenience! 

Choose your Colour Palette

Now that you’ve settled on your preferred style, sofa and rug, it’s time to think about your colour palette. Selecting the right paint colour is pivotal in your living room design. Opt for a palette that harmonises with your furniture choices, complements your home’s overall aesthetic, and aligns with your desired style for the space.

While you have the creative freedom to mix and match colours, patterns, and styles, it’s essential to maintain a unifying theme, whether it’s through colour, style, or subject matter. This ensures your living room remains visually appealing and doesn’t become overwhelming with disparate elements. These days, most hardware stores offer sample pots for a small price -so you can see what works well. 

Artwork and Decorative Items

Now, let’s dive into the world of artwork and decorative items. Consider adding essentials like a mirror and wall art to create a focal point. Check out my blog ‘How to Decorate Your Living Room Wall’ for some extra inspiration.

But we’re not stopping there – think plants, ornaments, candles, and cosy cushions. These are the finishing touches that’ll give your living room its unique charm. Personally, I’m all about eclectic ornaments and textured cushions, which I found at this charming Turkish shop in San Francisco. Your space should truly reflect you. If you prefer minimalism, remember that ‘less is more.’ On the flip side, if you’ve chosen a theme like Moroccan or coastal/nautical, there’s a world of decorative pieces waiting to add that final touch of flair.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks – your ultimate guide to mastering living room design! Whether you’ve been pondering area rugs for your living room, seeking fresh living room design ideas, or contemplating the perfect wall art for your space, we’ve covered it all. Remember, your living room is your blank canvas, waiting for your unique style to shine. So, don’t be afraid to mix, match, and explore. Inject personality, embrace comfort, and make it your cosy sanctuary. With the tips and tricks you’ve discovered here, your living room is ready to be your personal design masterpiece! Feel free to leave me a comment if you have any more ideas I may have missed!