Living Room Decorating Essentials
Know Your Measurements
- Measure your room and furniture to ensure a comfortable fit.
- Consider the “traffic lane” and leave enough space to move around.
- Take note of any obstacles, such as heating vents or electrical outlets.
Picture the Layout
- Use graph paper to sketch out your room and furniture.
- Experiment with different layouts to find the most functional and aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
- Consider the “focal point” of the room and arrange furniture accordingly.
Choose Your Style
- Decide on a style or theme for your living room, such as modern, traditional, or coastal.
- Consider your personal preferences and lifestyle when choosing a style.
- Look for inspiration online or in home decor magazines.
Furniture Selection
Find the Sofa First
- Choose a sofa that is comfortable and fits the style of your room.
- Consider the size and shape of the sofa, as well as the material and color.
- Use the sofa as a starting point for selecting other furniture pieces.
Pick the Area Rug
- Choose an area rug that complements the style and color of your sofa.
- Consider the size and shape of the rug, as well as the material and texture.
- Use the rug to define the seating area and add warmth to the room.
Choose Movable Furniture
- Select furniture pieces that are lightweight and easy to move.
- Consider using furniture with casters or wheels to make it easy to rearrange the room.
- Use movable furniture to create a flexible and functional space.
Lighting and Color
Get the Right Lighting
- Choose lighting fixtures that provide adequate lighting for the room.
- Consider using a combination of overhead lighting, table lamps, and floor lamps.
- Use lighting to create ambiance and highlight specific areas of the room.
Decide on Your Color Palette
- Choose a color palette that complements the style and theme of your room.
- Consider using a neutral color palette as a base and adding pops of color with accessories.
- Use color to create a cohesive and harmonious space.
Mix Light and Dark Colors
- Use a combination of light and dark colors to create visual interest and depth.
- Consider using light colors on walls and dark colors on furniture and accessories.
- Use color to create a balanced and harmonious space.
Texture and Pattern
Play With Texture
- Use a variety of textures to add depth and interest to the room.
- Consider using a combination of smooth, rough, and soft textures.
- Use texture to create a tactile and engaging space.
Mix Your Upholstery
- Use a combination of different upholstery materials and patterns to add visual interest.
- Consider using a mix of solid colors, patterns, and textures.
- Use upholstery to create a cohesive and harmonious space.
Add Patterns with Rugs and Throws
- Use rugs and throws to add patterns and texture to the room.
- Consider using a combination of geometric, floral, and abstract patterns.
- Use patterns to create a visually interesting and engaging space.
Wall Decor and Accessories
Add Wall Art & Accessories
- Use wall art and accessories to add visual interest and personality to the room.
- Consider using a combination of framed prints, paintings, and sculptures.
- Use wall decor to create a cohesive and harmonious space.
Hang Large Artwork Over the Sofa
- Use large artwork to create a focal point in the room.
- Consider using a piece that is at least 40 inches wide.
- Use large artwork to create a sense of drama and sophistication.
Create a Gallery Wall
- Use a gallery wall to display a collection of artwork and accessories.
- Consider using a combination of frames and frame styles.
- Use a gallery wall to create a visually interesting and engaging space.
Rugs and Flooring
Use a Large Rug
- Use a large rug to define the seating area and add warmth to the room.
- Consider using a rug that is at least 8 feet by 10 feet.
- Use a large rug to create a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Float the Furniture
- Use floating furniture to create a sense of space and flexibility.
- Consider using furniture with legs or casters to make it easy to move.
- Use floating furniture to create a functional and flexible space.
Storage and Organization
Find Creative Storage Solutions
- Use creative storage solutions to keep the room organized and clutter-free.
- Consider using baskets, bins, and shelves to store accessories and belongings.
- Use storage solutions to create a sense of calm and relaxation.
Use Double-Duty Pieces
- Use double-duty pieces to create a functional and flexible space.
- Consider using furniture with storage, such as an ottoman or storage coffee table.
- Use double-duty pieces to create a sense of efficiency and practicality.
Seating and Layout
Have Enough Seating
- Use enough seating to accommodate the number of people who will be using the room.
- Consider using a combination of sofas, chairs, and ottomans.
- Use seating to create a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Face Seating Toward Each Other
- Use seating that faces each other to create a sense of conversation and community.
- Consider using a circular or U-shaped seating arrangement.
- Use seating to create a sense of connection and intimacy.
Create a Cozy Seating Space
- Use a cozy seating space to create a sense of comfort and relaxation.
- Consider using a combination of pillows, blankets, and throws.
- Use a cozy seating space to create a sense of warmth and hospitality.
Style and Theme
Don’t Stick to One Design Style
- Use a combination of different design styles to create a unique and interesting space.
- Consider using a mix of modern, traditional, and eclectic elements.
- Use a combination of styles to create a sense of personality and flair.
Embrace a Coastal Design
- Use a coastal design to create a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Consider using a combination of blues, whites, and sandy neutrals.
- Use a coastal design to create a sense of serenity and tranquility.
Bring in Touches of “Grandma Core”
- Use touches of “grandma core” to create a sense of warmth and hospitality.
- Consider using a combination of vintage and antique elements.
- Use “grandma core” to create a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
Accent Walls and Ceilings
Create a Standout Accent Wall
- Use a standout accent wall to create a sense of drama and sophistication.
- Consider using a bold color or pattern.
- Use an accent wall to create a sense of visual interest and depth.
Wallpaper the Ceiling
- Use wallpaper on the ceiling to create a sense of drama and sophistication.
- Consider using a bold pattern or design.
- Use wallpaper on the ceiling to create a sense of visual interest and depth.
Small Space Solutions
Embrace the Small Size
- Use the small size of the room to create a sense of coziness and intimacy.
- Consider using a combination of compact furniture and clever storage solutions.
- Use the small size to create a sense of warmth and hospitality.
Wall-Mount Your TV
- Use a wall-mounted TV to create a sense of space and flexibility.
- Consider using a TV mount with a swivel or tilt feature.
- Use a wall-mounted TV to create a sense of modernity and sleekness.
Budget-Friendly Ideas
Shop Second-Hand
- Use second-hand shopping to find unique and affordable decor.
- Consider using thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces.
- Use second-hand shopping to create a sense of sustainability and eco-friendliness.
DIY Decor
- Use DIY decor to create a sense of personality and flair.
- Consider using a combination of handmade and repurposed elements.
- Use DIY decor to create a sense of creativity and self-expression.
Personal Touches
Add Personal Pieces
- Use personal pieces to create a sense of warmth and hospitality.
- Consider using a combination of family photos, heirlooms, and sentimental objects.
- Use personal pieces to create a sense of connection and intimacy.
Make it Kid Friendly
- Use kid-friendly decor to create a sense of fun and playfulness.
- Consider using a combination of bright colors, playful patterns, and whimsical elements.
- Use kid-friendly decor to create a sense of energy and excitement.
Final Touches
Add Plants
- Use plants to create a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Consider using a combination of low-maintenance plants and greenery.
- Use plants to create a sense of natural beauty and serenity.
Bring in Natural Elements
- Use natural elements to create a sense of warmth and hospitality.
- Consider using a combination of wood, stone, and natural fibers.
- Use natural elements to create a sense of coziness and comfort.
Have Fun with Decor
- Use decor to create a sense of personality and flair.
- Consider using a combination of bold colors, playful patterns, and whimsical elements.
- Use decor to create a sense of fun and playfulness.
Contrast Neutral Colors
- Use contrasting neutral colors to create a sense of visual interest and depth.
- Consider using a combination of light and dark neutrals.
- Use contrasting neutral colors to create a sense of balance and harmony.
Find Unique Storage Solutions
- Use unique storage solutions to create a sense of functionality and practicality.
- Consider using a combination of baskets, bins, and shelves.
- Use unique storage solutions to create a sense of calm and relaxation.
Buy a Large Rug
- Use a large rug to create a sense of comfort and relaxation.
- Consider using a rug that is at least 8 feet by 10 feet.
- Use a large rug to create a sense of warmth and hospitality.
Ditch the Coffee Table
- Use a coffee table alternative to create a sense of flexibility and functionality.
- Consider using a combination of ottomans, stools, and side tables.
- Use a coffee table alternative to create a sense of modernity and sleekness.
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