Have you ever walked into a living room and felt underwhelmed? Maybe the space was small and cluttered or was just bland, and the design seemed more like a collage than a curated space. If you’re struggling to decorate your living room to make a functional yet stylish space, we have some incredible tips to help you tackle this project, no matter your design style. Here are our do’s and don’ts on how to decorate a living room to make it feel luxe and intentional.
Living room do’s: How to decorate your space
To properly nail your living room design, here are some incredible tips for decorating your space.
Do make sure you have enough seating
Your sofa or couch will be one of the biggest investments in your living room design and is often the focal point of the room. You want to ensure your couch or sectional fills the space and provides ample seating for all household members and guests. As a general rule, a typical household will likely need six to eight seats.
To make sure you have enough seating, invest in one or two sofas or a larger sectional that can take up the majority of the space in the room. Adding some side chairs, loveseats, or chaise lounges can also be a great way to provide more seating and fill dead space.
Do make sure you have a properly sized coffee table
The coffee table not only centers your design but provides a handy spot for drinks, snacks, and remotes. Your coffee table should be about one-third to half the size of your couch or sofa. Any bigger and your coffee table can overshadow your space, making the room feel claustrophobic.
Alternatively, small coffee tables lack enough room for drinks and decor and can make your space feel empty or incomplete. The shape and style of your coffee table is entirely up to you. Just make sure it suits your design and properly fills the room.
Do incorporate hidden storage
From kids to pets, there are a lot of items that make their way into the living space that don’t always appear visually appealing. Whether you’re hiding toys, cables, or pet supplies, you’ll want to have some closed storage solutions that prevent your space from looking cluttered. Console cabinets, oversized baskets, multipurpose furniture, and storage ottomans are fantastic investments.
Do consider walkways
As you create your living room layout, be mindful of the walkways. People will take the most straightforward path across the room, so don’t block the way with furniture or create a zigzag pathway. Instead, consider the doors and archways in the room and cross them to get an idea of what space should be left furniture free. A turn or two won’t impede the design, but anything more can make the room feel dysfunctional.
Do purchase a big rug
Another important piece you don’t want to neglect in your living room is the rug. Even if you have a carpeted space, a rug can create a visual distinction within the room. For hardwood owners, rugs create a softer, more relaxing environment. Pick an area room rug that can extend beyond either side of your sofa. Oversized rugs nearly always look good. Be sure to leave at least 6 inches of space from the walls, and your rug will help expand the look of your room.
Living room don’ts: What to avoid
We’ve covered some of the most important tips for decorating your living space, but here are some things you’ll want to avoid.
Don’t make your pillows match the couch
Some sofas come with matching pillows. While this can serve a practical purpose, they aren’t very design friendly. Replace these pillows with plush alternatives in a different color than your couch. You’ll also want to add a few varieties of pillows in various sizes and possibly in different shapes as well. Stick to your color palette, but use your pillows as accent pieces.
Don’t use matching sets
Matching furniture sets were trendy in the past, but today, they are tacky and outdated. From matching console and side tables to matching sofas, these sets leave a design feeling flat, bland, and downright uninviting. We recommend purchasing mismatched furniture pieces. It’s OK to match two sofas or two similar side chairs if they mirror each other. But try not to match the side chairs to the couch. Additionally, don’t match your console or TV stand with your coffee table. Your space should feel curated rather than a cheap and quick afterthought.
Don’t neglect the power of side tables
One furniture feature many homeowners often neglect is the side table. While side tables are an easy pick for bedrooms, some people are unaware of how vital they are in the living space. Side tables offer a quick, within-reach spot for guests and homeowners to place drinks, phones, and remotes. Rather than leaning forward to snag something off the coffee table, side tables provide a hassle-free space. Invest in side tables for either side of the sofa and for any chairs that may be in your room.
Following these do’s and don’ts can help you navigate decorating your living space. Try not to sacrifice design or function as you decorate your room, remaining mindful of walkways and storage while also creating a visually intriguing space with proper furniture and effective textiles.
