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 ChosenFurniture. She enjoys splitting her finds with others.

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| Updated on June 29, 2023

If you visit this page, I assume you want some tips and tricks on how to decorate a living room. With these tips, you can transform your living room into a beautiful and inviting space.

Depending on your style and budget, you’ll need to decide what you plan on adding to your living room space to create the ideal look you’re going for. There are millions of living room design ideas you can source for inspiration. But, the vast number of living room trends can make the design process a bit less fun and more overwhelming.

Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing oasis or a space for entertaining guests, we research and consult with interior designer and home decor professionals who detailed the 13 most important stages to consider while decorating a living room.

Here are some tips to get you started.

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 have an idea of 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.

It’s important 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 furniture that is comfortable and stylish. 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 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.” And 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 you start shopping for furniture, it’s important to measure your living room and create a floor plan. This 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, create a floor plan by sketching out the layout of the room. Then, start placing furniture in the space to get an idea of how it will all fit together. With a little planning and effort, you can easily design a living room that is both stylish and functional. So, take the time to measure your space and create a floor plan before you start shopping for furniture.

Determine Your Budget

One of the first things you’ll need to do when decorating your living room is to determine your budget. This will help you narrow your design choices and ensure you don’t overspend. If you have a limited budget, look for ways to get creative with your design. For example, instead of buying new furniture, you could try refinishing some pieces you already have. Or, you could paint the walls instead of wallpaper.

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 give you the option of purchasing 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 at once, determine what you require the most urgently and go from there. Larger items should be acquired initially since decorating around them is easier than selecting a sofa that fits the rest of your decor.

Choose Furniture Wisely

The living room is unquestionably the most significant room in your home. This is where you spend most of your time. The living room 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 greatest and most durable. Trendy furniture does not necessarily age well, so think about if it would be a worthwhile investment to replace it in a few years. Classic furniture types are appealing because they complement any decor.

“When selecting furniture for a living room, it’s important to choose pieces that are both stylish and functional. 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 decor expert and editorialist at Chosen Furniture. And 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 a little 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 largest piece and sets the tone for the rest of the space. It’s 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. There are many different types of sofas available, and styles 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 start choosing 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 Multi-Functional Pieces

One of the best ways to save money when decorating a living room is to buy multi-functional pieces of furniture. There are so many different types of furniture on the market. For example, look for a coffee table with built-in shelving instead of buying a coffee table and an end table. This will give you extra storage space and save you from buying another piece of furniture.

Another great option is an ottoman with built-in storage. This can be used as a coffee table, an end table, or extra seating for guests. And it provides a place to store blankets, pillows, or other items.

Modular couches with storage are an excellent way to conserve space in your living space. They’re also essential if you prefer to change up your furniture layout. In somewhat modest settings, a modular sofa might work nicely. Modular sofas often have a chaise or chair that can be removed or relocated.

If you need to buy new furniture, why not choose something that can be utilized in various ways? These multifunctional pieces are adaptable enough to be moved from room to room. They also save you money by consolidating your requirements into a single product. Besides, multifunctional furniture is essential for tiny places and adds warmth to a minimalist living room.

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.“

One great way to add interest and style to a living room is to mix up the upholstery. Instead of using all one color or fabric, try combining different patterns and textures. For example, you could pair a striped couch with a floral or geometrical rug. Or, you could 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 in an unmistakable way creating a comfortable living space.

Once you’ve decided you like the mixed-up look, you’ll need to 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 own combinations.

If you want to mix and match, don’t forget about solid wood furniture. 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. Having a special vintage or an 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 great advice from Shannon Acheson, the home decor 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. And 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. 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. This allows you to move it from one area to another, allowing you to use different rooms for different purposes at different times of the day. Moving furniture, in general, may make your house more roomy, useful, and pleasant.

A coffee table on wheels may be a useful piece of furniture to have, especially if your living room is tiny. When not in use, you may neatly tuck it up in a corner in this manner. 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. Isn’t it amazing?

Movable tables and stools are also great because they’re versatile. You can use them in various ways, depending on your needs. So, if you’re looking for a way to save money and still have a stylish living room, consider buying movable tables and stools.

Shop Furniture with Storage

There are a variety of pieces of furniture that provide storage, such as ottomans, coffee tables, and end tables. And, 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 give additional living room storage while also ensuring you’re ready to entertain. Trays or baskets can organize bottles, glasses, serving utensils, and other cocktail components. Include closed storage so you may quickly conceal various stuff.

Aside from cleaning your space and eliminating clutter, two big 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 – either a shelf or drawers – also provides several alternatives.

Light the Living Room

Another important aspect of decorating a living room is lighting. Light is a fundamental element of any home decoration. Finding an ideal natural and artificial lighting blend will ensure a comfortable home environment. In a living area, combine ambient lighting with task lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance.

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

There are a variety of 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 can create a softer, more intimate ambiance. Candles are also a great way to add a touch of romance or relaxation to a living room.

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, you can try to mix ambient lighting with task lighting in a living room. So, take the time to choose the right lighting for your living room. It will make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the space.

Add an Area Rug

Another great way to add style and comfort to a living room is to add an area rug. Area rugs can help define the space, add color and pattern, and protect your floor. Area rugs have several practical benefits.

It’s a superb insulator, minimizing draughts and heating expenditures. It softens footfall, absorbs noise, and reduces sound transmission to rooms below. It’s soft and nice to walk on. In terms of style, it may bring a whole new dimension to a living area.

When choosing an area rug, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider the size of the rug. It should be large enough to fit under all of your furniture, but not so large that it is over a helical essay – what is it? And second, think about the material of the rug. Wool or synthetic fibers are usually best for living rooms because they’re durable and easy to clean.

With a statement rug, the rest of your furniture may be kept simple, and you may choose to incorporate the rug’s colors into cushions, drapes, or other fittings and accessories. If you already have your furniture, consider adding a neutral rug to complete the look, possibly with an inviting texture or smooth finish for a touch of luxury. Try a traditional rug with modern furniture, or vice versa – a combination frequently works extremely well.

Get Creative

When it comes to arranging a living room, the options are virtually limitless. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different design ideas. With a little creativity, you can create a truly unique space that reflects your personal style. One of the best options to accent your living room decor is to use stylish and comfortable throw pillows. Dramatic hues can drench a large living room, like an inky wallpaper.

One way to add interest to a room is to use different textures and patterns. For example, you could pair a striped couch with a floral rug. Or, you could mix and match different colors and patterns for your throw blankets and pillows. Another way to add personality to your space is with the artwork. Hang paintings, photographs, or prints that reflect your taste and style. You could also create a gallery wall with a mix of different pieces.

“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

There’s no right or wrong way to decorating a living room. Just make sure the furnishings you choose reflect your personal style and complement the room’s overall style. With these tips, you can create a space you and your guests will love.

After reviewing these living room decor ideas, hopefully, you’ll feel equipped to embark on your own living decorating project. Whether you’re working with a small living room or a large space, these living room decor ideas will help get you on your way to making your vision come to life and creating your dream room.

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.