Times have changed, and so has the importance and need for formal living rooms. These precious rooms were often used for entertaining, providing spaces for homeowners to showcase their chic furniture and prized knickknacks. Usually these rooms were furnished with a sofa, chair, end tables and lamps -- today's common entertainment furniture and devices would not have a place there. The furniture was typically very elegant but not known for its comfort. Over time, these picture-perfect, and often useless, rooms have evolved into more usable spaces. Although many people still love the idea of a formal sitting area for entertaining, here are some more modern and exciting ideas we think you'll like!

A Family Room

A family room is a good substitute for the formal living room, because it maintains the formal space's intent but is more livable and better meets today's needs. Family rooms can be the hub of your home and the main gathering place for family and guests. With our lives busier than ever before, a family room is the perfect place to gather to talk, play or simply relax. The key to an amazing family room is comfortable seating and plenty of it! Make sure you have a sofa and loveseat equipped to handle family and friends who drop by on the weekends to say hello.

Personally, I think a sectional is the must-have furniture choice for a family room. These larger furniture pieces are perfect because they have plenty of seating and can easily adjust to most room plans. Also, they blend with other pieces of furniture and add openness to the room without sacrificing the space’s functionality. The pieces can be split into different sections so you can easily change around the entire design of the room. And because sectionals are becoming more and more popular, there are many different designs, fabric and colors to choose from! If you have a smaller living room, you can still enjoy the benefits of a sectional as there are many smaller scale designs available, too.

The Media Room

Turning your formal living room into a media room is our favorite option. Media rooms are great for watching the big game or for movie night with with family and firends. Whether your space is large or small, picking out the perfect entertainment center is key. In a media room, it is OK for the console area to be the focal point. Keep this in mind when choosing an entertainment center and pick a design that blends nicely with the theme or decor of the room. Plenty of cabinets and storage space for DVDs, sound systems, remotes and any other miscellaneous items will keep things looking neat. Another crucial furniture piece is seating and plenty of it! Choose a sofa, sectional or recliners that can fit multiple viewers comfortably. In a large media room, motion furniture is the best choice. Often reclining furniture comes equipped with storage or cup holders for food and drink, adding to the overall movie theatre feel. A home media room is an ideal spot for you and your family to sit, relax and enjoy the show!

Home Office

Another good use for that now spare room is an office. These days, almost everyone has an office or desk, and whether you use it for paying bills, working from home or doing homework, it is an essential part of everyday living. You can easily design a home office to fit in a small area as long as you pick the correct furniture. If you choose a smaller desk, make sure it still has plenty of storage and drawers so your office does not get consumed by clutter. And even if you choose a desk that is more streamlined, shelving on the walls or a small file cabinet will ensure everything has a spot. Home offices can quickly turn into a storage or supply room where all your miscellaneous items end up. Keep the room's integrity by staying organized  with file cabinets, closet storage and desk caddies. We all need a quiet space where we can work or where our children can concentrate on their studies, making this room an essential part of a modern day home!

So if you're thinking of updating your formal living room, consider one of our ideas -- you'll love the modern touch! 

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Categories: Living Room Furniture, Design Tips