How to Decorate a Living Room
From late night movie marathons to a warm, cozy venue to entertain friends and family, your living room is one of the most used rooms in the house. But when it comes to creating a space that is both functional and represents your personality, the options can be overwhelming. Learn how to decorate a living room, the heart of your home.
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1. Measure the Room
Before shopping for sectionals or living room essentials, you need to take proper measurements of your living room to determine the furniture scope. Factor in the square footage of the room, as well as the heights and widths of all entryways, stairways, and hallways to ensure your furniture can easily maneuver through during delivery.
You may also want to take note of the perimeter of the room, as well as the length and width of any windows or windowsills so you know exactly how much space you have to work with — without blocking any views.
You may also want to take note of the perimeter of the room, as well as the length and width of any windows or windowsills so you know exactly how much space you have to work with — without blocking any views.
Read our room measurement guide
2. Focus on Function
When chosen thoughtfully, furnishings can enhance the function of your space. So first and foremost, consider what purpose this room must fulfill for your home and family.
If your living room will act primarily as a playroom or a multifunctional room, you will want plenty of floor and tabletop space for fun and games. You may want to focus on versatile and modular storage pieces, coffee tables with large surfaces, and more. Whereas if your living room will be a gathering place for nightly relaxation and movie nights, you will want to provide ample lounge seating and entertainment accommodations such as a large sectional sofa or an entertainment stand.
If your living room will act primarily as a playroom or a multifunctional room, you will want plenty of floor and tabletop space for fun and games. You may want to focus on versatile and modular storage pieces, coffee tables with large surfaces, and more. Whereas if your living room will be a gathering place for nightly relaxation and movie nights, you will want to provide ample lounge seating and entertainment accommodations such as a large sectional sofa or an entertainment stand.
3. Map Out Placement
Once you know the measurements and the focus of your space, it is time to map out a rough layout. Decide how many furniture pieces you want in your space and where your focal point may lay, such as a fireplace, television, or artwork.
At this stage, we recommend using tape to outline some of the large furniture pieces on the floor, such as a sectional, coffee table, or ottoman to ensure there is plenty of room to navigate. Try out different pairings, such as a loveseat with accent chairs and storage for a formal look, or consider a laid-back beanbag, floor poufs, and shag rug.
At this stage, we recommend using tape to outline some of the large furniture pieces on the floor, such as a sectional, coffee table, or ottoman to ensure there is plenty of room to navigate. Try out different pairings, such as a loveseat with accent chairs and storage for a formal look, or consider a laid-back beanbag, floor poufs, and shag rug.
4. Choose Your Style & Color Palette
When it comes to style, there are many different design types and aesthetics that will help you create a refreshed and beautiful space you’ll love. Consider your personal design style and how you can infuse it into your home. Your vision may look like a monochromatic modern style with brushes of chrome, white furniture, and sleek accents. Or maybe you prefer an eclectic bohemian chic that focuses on pops of colors and funky shapes. There’s no wrong answer here.
Color is also a great way to infuse energy into a space and enhance your style and the room’s aesthetic. Decide on a primary color, such as a neutral base or calming blue, and then accent it with complementary secondary colors to form your color scheme.
Color is also a great way to infuse energy into a space and enhance your style and the room’s aesthetic. Decide on a primary color, such as a neutral base or calming blue, and then accent it with complementary secondary colors to form your color scheme.
Read our guide on how to mix patterns & colors
5. Select Staple Furnishings
When furnishing your living room, we recommend you start with your foundation pieces, like the sofa, and build the rest of the room around it. This is because a sofa or sectional is generally the largest and most visible piece in a room.
However, you can also start with the piece that’s the foundation of your style and build from there. Maybe you want a bold coffee table to be the statement piece, or you have a statement wall with a beautiful built-in fireplace or entertainment system you want to highlight.
However, you can also start with the piece that’s the foundation of your style and build from there. Maybe you want a bold coffee table to be the statement piece, or you have a statement wall with a beautiful built-in fireplace or entertainment system you want to highlight.
6. Add Accent Pieces & Storage
Once you have decided on your foundational pieces, it is now time to focus on accessories, accent pieces, storage, and decor. Living rooms must be multifunctional but also showcase your unique personal style and aesthetic.
From your smaller furnishings to your lighting and decor, it’s time to add elements that create everyday joy and ease. Cozy curtains and window drapes can accent ambient lighting, while an area rug adds distinct style, warmth, and comfort to the room.
From your smaller furnishings to your lighting and decor, it’s time to add elements that create everyday joy and ease. Cozy curtains and window drapes can accent ambient lighting, while an area rug adds distinct style, warmth, and comfort to the room.
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Additional Considerations When Decorating Your Living Room
Once you have decided on your foundational pieces, it is now time to focus on accessories, accent pieces, storage, and decor. Living rooms must be multifunctional but also showcase your unique personal style and aesthetic.
From your smaller furnishings to your lighting and decor, it’s time to add elements that create everyday joy and ease. Cozy curtains and window drapes can accent ambient lighting, while an area rug adds distinct style, warmth, and comfort to the room.
From your smaller furnishings to your lighting and decor, it’s time to add elements that create everyday joy and ease. Cozy curtains and window drapes can accent ambient lighting, while an area rug adds distinct style, warmth, and comfort to the room.
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Add Texture
When decorating the living room, make sure that your furniture and accents add contrast, depth, and visual appeal to a space. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is through the addition of texture. Incorporate texture through rugs, curtains, and throws, or with tactile materials such as boucle fabrics, jute, or flannels. Consider a variety of sizes and shapes to add more dimension and depth to your home. Try layering tall items with medium-sized items, or rectangles with circle-shaped items. The more diverse your decor is in terms of size, shape, color, and texture, the richer and cozier your home will feel.
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Make Seasonal Swaps
Add cheer year-round and celebrate the changing of the season without redesigning your whole space. If you start with a neutral base design, it’s easier to switch up your style through inexpensive items, like pillows, throws, plants, curtains, and wall art.
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Choose Proper Lighting
Layering lighting, from table lamps to floor lamps, add warmth and coziness to any space. Proper ambient lighting is not only functional, but also make your room feel larger by erasing shadowy corners. Sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps are all great options for providing a soft, welcoming glow for all your living room activities.
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Be Conscious of Clutter
It can be easy to overwhelm a space when it comes to an assortment of furniture and decor. Resist the urge to furnish the whole room in one go. Instead, be intentional and take your time introducing new pieces, adding layer by layer. When decorating, start with large accessories and items, and layer in medium and smaller-sized items to create a sense of balance. Focus on functional as well as stylish pieces — but don’t be afraid of leaving some blank space too.
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Decorate Your Living Room with furniture.com
From a large multipiece sectional to a stylish rug, adding furniture and decorative accents to your living creates a fresh and polished space. If you’re still not sure where to start, browse our curated collection of living room furniture and decoration at furniture.com.