13 Easy Steps to Decorating a Living Room

Let these living room ideas inspire your next decorating project

Article by Kate Wilson

Kate Wilson

    

Kate Wilson is a writer and fact checker for home decor and furnishings at Chosen Furniture. She enjoys splitting her findings with others.

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| Updated on March 16, 2025

Many homeowners struggle with effectively decorating their living rooms. They may feel overwhelmed by the endless options and unsure of where to start or how to create a cohesive look.

The frustration of bringing new furniture, colors, and décor elements together can lead to a living room that feels disjointed and uninviting. People may be stuck in a trial-and-error cycle without a clear plan or design direction.

Decorating a living room provides a simple and comprehensive guide with 13 easy steps to help homeowners transform their living spaces effortlessly. By following these steps, you can create a beautifully decorated space that reflects your style and personality.

Purpose of Living Room

One of the first things to consider when decorating a living room is its purpose. Do you want it to be a relaxing oasis or a space for entertaining guests? Once you know the room’s purpose, you can start planning its design. Whatever your purpose, keep it in mind when planning the design of your living room.

Image credit: RealHomes

It’s essential to choose a style that reflects your taste. Do you prefer a modern look? Or are you more traditional? Whatever your style, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, choose comfortable and stylish furniture. Second, select colors and patterns that you love. And third, don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements to create a look that is uniquely yours.

The color scheme you choose for your living room can set the tone for the entire space. Consider using soothing colors like blues and greens to create a relaxing oasis. A formal living room can be done in richer colors like burgundy or gold, which may be more appropriate. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder colors. Once you’ve chosen a color scheme, you can start selecting furniture and decor that complements it.

In a recent article, Hebe Hatton, a lifestyle and interior journalist from RealHomes, comes with a great tip: “If you have the space, and particularly in through living rooms, arrange furniture to create purposeful zones.” She elaborates more: “… but also create a defined reading space by putting an armchair next to a window or table lamp; assign a dedicated workspace to a corner with a console table, desk, or home office hidden in a cupboard; or separate a children’s play space from the rest of the room with open shelving.“

Measure Your Space

Before shopping for furniture, measure your living room and create a floor plan. It will help you determine how much furniture you need and what will fit in the space. When measuring, be sure to account for doorways and windows. You’ll also want to leave enough space for people to move around comfortably.

Once you have your measurements, sketch the room’s layout and create a floor plan. Then, start placing furniture in the space to understand how it will all fit together. With some planning and effort, you can easily design a stylish and functional living room. So, take the time to measure your space and create a floor plan before you start shopping for furniture.

Determine Your Budget

Deciding on your budget is one of the first steps in decorating your living room. This will help you narrow your design options and prevent you from spending more than you can afford. If you have a limited budget, think creatively about your design choices to make the most of your available options.

For example, you could refinish some pieces you already have instead of buying new furniture or paint the walls instead of wallpaper (or take advantage of the below furniture deals).

Make a list of everything you want to buy first. Furniture, accessories, and painting of the walls are all included. The next step is determining how much everything on both lists costs. You might be shocked when you start pricing and jotting down the numbers. Most furniture brands allow you to purchase an entire living room set, but that doesn’t mean you should do it.

It is critical to establish your priorities. Because your budget may not enable you to purchase everything immediately, determine what you require urgently and go from there. Oversized products should be acquired initially since decorating around them is more accessible than selecting a sofa that fits the rest of your décor.

Choose Furniture Wisely

The living room is unquestionably the most significant in your home. This is where you spend most of your time, and it is your favorite location whether you are entertaining visitors or spending time with your family. As a result, your living room furniture must be the best and most durable. Trendy furniture does not necessarily age well, so consider whether it would be a worthwhile investment to replace it in a few years. Classic furniture types are appealing because they complement any décor.

“When selecting furniture for a living room, it’s important to choose stylish and functional pieces. For example, a coffee table should be both attractive and sturdy. And, an end table should be the right height for resting a drink or a book.” says Sarah Wilson, the home decoration expert and editorialist at Chosen Furniture. She continues: “It’s also important to consider the size of the furniture in relation to the size of the room. You don’t want your living room to feel cramped, so be sure to choose pieces that are the right scale for the space.”

With some planning, you can easily find stylish and functional furniture. So, take the time to shop around and find pieces that will work well in your living room.

Find the Sofa First

A sofa or couch is one of the most significant pieces of furniture in a living room. It’s typically the most prominent piece and sets the tone for the rest of the space. The sofa is a component in the living room for relaxing, reading, dining, entertaining, watching TV, and even napping, so it makes sense to invest in one that will serve for years. So, when choosing a sofa, it’s important to consider both style and comfort.

First, decide what type of sofa you want. Many different types of sofas are available, from traditional to modern. Then, think about what material would be best suited for your needs. Do you have pets or children? If so, you may want to choose a durable fabric like leather or microfiber.

Once you’ve selected a sofa, you can choose the rest of the furniture for your living room. But remember that the sofa should be the focal point of the space. So, ensure it’s in a position that allows for easy conversation and has a commanding view of the room.

Buy Multifunctional Pieces

Forget blowing your whole budget on a living room that looks good but offers zero practicality. As someone who’s decorating on a dime, I swear by multifunctional furniture. It’s like having a superhero sidekick in your living space.

There are so many different types of furniture on the market… but here’s the magic:

• Coffee Table Chameleon: Ditch the matchy-matchy routine! Swap that regular coffee table for one with built-in shelves. It’ll give you extra storage for magazines, board games, or even sneaky snack stashes (no judgment here!). Plus, it frees up space for a cool lamp or that giant houseplant you’ve been eyeing.
• Ottoman of Many Hats: Need an extra seat, a comfy footrest, or a surprise storage solution? Look no further than the mighty storage ottoman! This multitasker can be your coffee table sidekick, a guest seat in a pinch, and a secret hiding spot for blankets and pillows. Trust me, it’ll be your living room’s MVP.
• Modular Marvels: Living in a smaller space? Modular couches are your new best friend. They let you rearrange your furniture layout whenever the mood strikes (perfect for movie nights or impromptu dance parties!). Most have removable pieces like chaises or chairs, making them ultra-flexible. Imagine never having to fight over armrest dominance again!

These multifunctional pieces are like little space-saving transformers. They save you money (hello, one-stop shopping!) and adapt to your needs. They can even be moved to other rooms if you ever redecorate. In a smaller space, they’re essential, and in a minimalist living room, they add a touch of warmth and personality.

So ditch the bulky furniture sets and embrace the multifunctional revolution! Your wallet and your living room will thank you for it. If you need to buy new furniture, why not choose something that can be utilized in various ways?

Mix-and-Match Upholstery

According to Pooja Khanna Tyagi, interior designer and contributor to Houzz, “The method of mixing and matching various patterns, prints and colours of upholstery has become a trending decor style as it can instantly enhance the overall look and feel of the living room.“

Image credit: Houzz

Mixing up the upholstery is a great way to add interest and style to a living room. Try combining different patterns and textures instead of using only one color or fabric. For example, pair a striped couch with a floral or geometrical rug. You could also mix and match different colors and patterns for your throw blankets and pillows. One of the finest approaches is to mix leather chairs with a fabric sofa, or vice versa, so that the textures contrast unmistakably, creating a comfortable living space.

Once you’ve decided you like the mixed-up look, you must determine how much you want to mix it up. You may be bold, subtle, or somewhere in the middle. While you may be able to buy furniture sets that combine upholstery, you may also make your combinations.

Don’t overlook solid wood furniture if you want to mix and match. Combining wood textures, patterns, and tones may give your interior a distinct personality and a true sense of style. However, combining different types of woods in a space might be difficult.

Use What You Have

One of the best ways to save money when decorating a living room is to use what you have. If you have old furniture you’re no longer using, try giving it a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint or new upholstery. A particular vintage or antique piece and art will set it apart from the family room.

“The first way to decorate for free using what you already have is to purge all the things that you don’t love. I know, technically, it’s not decorating, but it makes a huge difference when you stop holding on to things just because they’re filling a decor space in your home.” That’s excellent advice from Shannon Acheson, the home décor expert and owner of HomeMadeLovely.

Utilize what you have. Decorating is simple, inexpensive, and wise! Our mentality is the most significant impediment. We must occasionally think outside the box and be prepared to take a risk or learn something new.

Keep the couch or loveseat from a matched set in the living room. Reupholster the one you intend to keep. Buy two new chairs (or borrow some from another room in your house) to replace the one you’re getting rid of. You can also look for creative ways to repurpose your interior space. For example, an old ladder can be used as a bookshelf or a set of shelves, and an old door can be used as a coffee table.

Movable Tables and Stools

Another great way to save money when decorating a living room is to buy movable tables and stools. Movable furniture is often soft and easy to move, allowing you to move it from one area to another and use different rooms for different purposes at other times of the day. Moving furniture may make your house more roomy, helpful, and pleasant.

A coffee table on wheels may be helpful, especially if your living room is tiny. You can neatly tuck it up in a corner when not in use. Futons are not only stylish but also incredibly functional. With a single futon, you can effectively convert a space into a living room during the day and a bedroom at night.

These babies are like the Swiss Army knives of furniture – versatile, adaptable, and just downright handy. Need an extra surface for snacks during movie night? Boom, pop one of these babies over. Are you hosting a gathering and running low on seating? No worries, grab a stool, and voilà – problem solved.

They’re like the chameleons of furniture, ready to transform and adapt to whatever situation you throw their way. Who needs to splurge on fancy furniture when you’ve got these trusty sidekicks?

Shop Furniture with Storage

Various pieces of furniture provide storage, such as ottomans, coffee tables, and end tables. If you choose pieces that are also stylish, you can kill two birds with one stone.

Consider a console cabinet an essential piece of storage furniture for open-plan living spaces. It’s bigger than a console table and has additional capacity behind closed doors. Hutches, pie safes, cabinets, and armoires are classic storage pieces for formal or traditional living rooms. These stylish pieces add depth to a room while giving lots of storage for arranging requirements.

A well-stocked bar cart may provide additional living room storage while ensuring you’re ready to entertain. Trays or baskets can organize bottles, glasses, serving utensils, and other cocktail components. Include closed storage so you can quickly conceal various items.

Aside from cleaning your space and eliminating clutter, two ample hidden storage cabinets on the sides of a coffee table are ideal for storing a wide range of stuff due to their large size. A coffee table with built-in storage – a shelf or drawers – also provides several alternatives.

Light the Living Room

Another important aspect of decorating a living room is lighting. Finding an ideal natural and artificial lighting blend will ensure a comfortable home environment. Combine ambient lighting with task lighting in a living area to create a warm and inviting ambiance.

You can control natural light through windows with drapes and blinds. Choose heavy fabric curtains such as velvet or brocade for a more traditional space. Try using blinds or shades of light fabric such as linen or cotton for a more modern space. Opaque glass windows give privacy, while sheer curtains let natural light enter the room.

There are various ways to light a living room. We recommend adding overhead Sputnik chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps, or elegantly styled pendant lighting to give your living room a contemporary yet relaxing ambiance. Overhead lighting can provide general illumination, while lamps create a softer, more intimate atmosphere.

A floor lamp, often known as a standing lamp, has a dual purpose: they may be beautiful items in their own right, and the light they provide can influence the overall ambiance of the space. Choosing the ideal floor light needs some thinking. Wall sconces add a comfortable and beautiful touch to any environment. Sconces effectively distribute light across the room, making it feel warmer and more welcoming.

Lastly, mixing ambient lighting with task lighting in a living room is possible. So, take the time to choose the proper lighting for your living room.

Add an Area Rug

Let me share a little secret to level up your living room game: throwing down an area rug. It’s like giving your space a personality makeover while keeping things cozy.

Picture this: you lay down a rug, and suddenly, boom – your room has structure, color, and a lot of character. It’s like the finishing touch that ties everything together.

But here’s where it gets even better. That rug isn’t just there to look pretty – it’s a multitasking marvel. Have you ever walked into a room and felt an icy draft creeping up from the floor? Well, say goodbye to that chill because an area rug is like a warm blanket for your feet, keeping your feet toasty and your heating bills in check.

Let’s talk about comfort. There’s something magical about sinking your toes into a soft, plush rug – it’s like therapy for your feet. Plus, it’s a ninja when it comes to absorbing noise. Whether it’s the pitter-patter of little feet or the rumble of the TV, that rug’s got your back, keeping things quiet and peaceful.

Perhaps my favorite thing about rugs is that they’re like a style cheat code. Seriously, throw one down, and suddenly, your room goes from meh to magnificent. Whether you go for bold patterns, rich colors, or something a little more understated, a rug can transform the vibe of your space.

So, if you want to inject style and comfort into your living room, don’t sleep on the power of an area rug. Trust me, once you’ve got one, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Get Creative

Forget cookie-cutter living rooms – yours is a blank canvas waiting for your masterpiece! Don’t be afraid to ditch the design “shoulds” and experiment like a mad scientist. Here’s how to unleash your inner rockstar decorator:

• Pillow Power: These fluffy friends are the living room’s ultimate chameleons. Swap out colors and patterns to match your mood. Are you feeling fiery? Throw in some bold reds or oranges. Are you craving a calming vibe? Soft blues and greens will do the trick. Plus, comfy pillows are essential for movie marathons and epic nap sessions.
• Texture Tango:  Who says everything has to match perfectly? Mix and match textures for a space that’s anything but boring. Imagine a plush velvet sofa paired with a chunky knit throw blanket – pure cozy heaven! Don’t be afraid to play with patterns, too. Stripes and florals can be best friends, or try a patchwork quilt on your armchair for bohemian flair.
• Art Attack: Showcase your personality with artwork that speaks to you. Hang that childhood photo that always makes you smile, or display a collection of vintage travel posters that fuel your wanderlust—feeling fancy? Create a gallery wall with paintings, prints, and even souvenirs from your adventures. It’s your story, so tell it through your walls!

So, unleash your creativity, embrace the unique, and get ready to love the living room of your dreams!

“If you love color and pattern, celebrate them both! When you get tired of a particular hue or design, you can rotate out the decor for a fresh start (then rotate it back in when you’re feeling bold again)“, says Kate Simmons, interior designer and blogger from Decoist.

Conclusion

Unleash your inner decorator – there is no living room police here! The key is to choose furniture that feels like “you” and fits the overall vibe. Think of a cozy armchair that begs for movie marathons or a statement rug that reflects your adventurous spirit.

So go wild – display that travel poster that fuels your wanderlust or hang a gallery wall filled with quirky souvenirs from your adventures. With creativity, you’ll be well on your way to a living room you and your guests will love.

Kate Wilson

Kate Wilson is a writer and editor at Chosen Furniture. She has deeply loved home decor and furniture for as long as she can remember (and a newfound love for cappuccino) and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When not working, she loves listening to music, hanging out with his family, and exercising her creative side through oil painting.