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Comfy cozy living rooms


20 warm and restful schemes |

(Image credit: David Fazier / Brent Darby / Kasia Fiszer)

Cozy living room ideas are all about creating spaces which are comfortable, functional, warm and welcoming. In our fast-paced modern world, having restful spaces to retreat to where we can relax and recuperate have never been so important.

From the wall colors and flooring materials, to seating and window treatments, there are so many elements to consider when designing a soothing cozy room, not to mention fabrics and finishing touches. To create the ultimate soothing space it’s important to consider how these elements work together, not just in terms of how they make the room look, but how it feels, too.

‘Making a living room feel cozy is about the whole persona of the space and the energy it offers in the form of scent, touch, light, and sound, making a living room feel cozy,’ explains interior designer Julia Dempster.

Whether you’re looking to redesign your living room ideas or make a few updates to an existing space, these cozy spaces and expert tips will help get you inspired.

Cozy living room ideas

When thinking about cozy living room ideas, it's important not to strip out all of the things in your living room that make it unique – it's those pieces that add individuality to a space and make it real and inviting. 

'Flexibility is key – eclectic furniture and keynote accessories not only make your home more welcoming, they're a great way to express your personality,' Sam Baldry, head of design at Swoon .

So, if you're looking for living room ideas that will make your space more inviting, more cocooning and more cosseting, you've come to the right place. You can also draw on these ideas when learning how to decorate a den.

1. Try decorating in dark colors

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

Many people shy away from using dark living room color ideas, but they can be a great way to create a cozy atmosphere.

'Using deep, dark shades in living spaces creates a dramatic, intimate and cocooning feel,' explains Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene . Dark steely greys and blues are particularly popular and work well with warm accent colors such as mustard and terracotta. Alternatively, warmer shades such as brown are beginning to find favor amongst those looking to decorate with the soothing earthy hues.

'Dark colors like ‘Chocolate Color’ can make a real statement when used all-over, as they have an innate warmth that makes a space inviting and enveloping without feeling heavy and imposing,' adds Ruth Mottershead.

2. Think about layout 

(Image credit: Aspen & Ivy / Nat Kay photography)

For interior designer Catherine Staples, lead designer of Aspen & Ivy, the key to a successful cozy living room is to make it comfortable and functional, which all starts with a well-thought out living room layout.

‘Ground the room with a large area rug and incorporate as much seating as possible; the rule of thumb is the conversation circle should not exceed 10 feet (3m) in diameter, all seating should sit within, otherwise, if outside the circle, no one feels connected,’ she explains.

'Adding a fireplace, bookcase, throws and toss pillows in a mix of textures also contributes to the coziness creating ambiance.'

3. Create a layered lighting schemes

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

Living room lighting can instantly change the look and feel of a room, so should be considered carefully at the beginning of any living room design. To create a cozy yet functional space be sure to include plenty of ambient lighting as well as task lighting as part of a layered scheme.

'Always remember that ceiling lighting (such as pendants, spotlights, and recessed lighting) are a great general light source but are not enough on their own,' says Emma Deterding, founder of Kelling Designs . 'Floor and wall lamps are a great alternative to having the main lighting switched on as they often add a warming glow that's ideal for those cosy evenings.'

4. Choose the right sofa

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

The sofa is one of the largest and most important pieces of furniture in a cozy living room, so it's important to get it right. For the ultimate in comfort you can't go wrong with a deep, loose-cushioned design perfect for sinking into, not forgetting plenty of scatter cushions. If space allows, a corner sofa offers plenty of room to accommodate guests when entertaining, as well as space to cozy-up in the corner with your feet up for some me time. 

This chunky corner living room sofa was made bespoke by Dunning & Everard and is covered in a soft, textured GP&J Baker fabric. If you're thinking of a large, chunky design think about opting for a light color upholstery to keep the space feeling bright, dark colors could be heavy and dominating.  

5. Create warmth underfoot with a carpet

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

When it comes to living room flooring, nothing beats fitted carpet or a deep pile rug for adding coziness. As well as offering a luxurious, soft layer to sink your feet into after a long day, carpets also help insulate rooms and deaden sound, too, bringing a sense of calm and tranquility.  

As living rooms are busy spaces with high footfall it's important to choose a carpet material that's hardwearing. 'Wool-rich carpets are known for their quality because they are highly durable, which helps maintain their appearance,' explains Jodie Hatton, residential design manager at Brintons . 

'Not only is wool on trend right now, it's also a sustainable flooring choice. It insulates your home, is easily recyclable and biodegradable. Thanks to wool’s hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties, using it on the floor helps to make the air we breathe cleaner. The natural oils in the sheep fleece also make them extremely easy to maintain as it prevents direct dirt from sticking to the fibre,' adds Jodie Hatton.

6. Create a cozy corner for reading

(Image credit: Albion Nord)

No cozy living room is complete without an enveloping armchair to curl up in and enjoy a good book. With its high back, exaggerated curves and fleecy fabric, this armchair offers the ultimate in comfort while the dark wood, deep green walls and drapes and metallic touches all add to the warmth and intimacy of the space.  

'The high impact texture of this boucle armchair sets off the sleek walnut shelving and the contemporary striped rug in this quiet reading nook,' say the team at Albion Nord. 

7. Layer up patterned fabrics

(Image credit: Brent Darby / Styling Pippa Blenkinsop)

Decorating with an assortment of delicately patterned fabrics in a mix of scales and colors is a wonderful way to create a relaxed atmosphere in a living room. 

In this cozy space, fabric designer Vanessa Arbuthnott has furnished with an array of seating styles in a warm mix of orange Shibori and Lime Pretty Maids fabrics to create a space full of color and character, while the ottoman is covered in a hand woven Welsh textile brings additional texture.

8. Fill your space with cherished possessions

(Image credit: Interior by David Frazier / photograph Gieves Anderson )

In this black living room by interior designer David Frazier has achieved maximum coziness by painting the walls, ceiling and millwork in a warm black and furnishing with velvet club chairs, however it's the finishing touches that make all the difference, he explains.  

'While the space itself is cozy and comfortable, the meaning of each of the items we curated to assemble this space give the greatest coziness possible.'

'The oil painting is by Mike Rachlis and is a modern interpretation of a portrait of the client’s great, great grandfather. The curated collection of pottery and photography are layered on the shelves to tell a story of travel and family – the pieces themselves all have meaning and bring comfort to our clients and the photography is all from my client’s father.'

'By painting all surfaces the same color – it makes the room feel larger and the dark color gives a richness to the space,' adds David Frazier .

9. Style-up the space with warm colors

(Image credit: Oka)

There's no need to redesign a room to create a cozy space, simply adding in a few carefully chosen homewares and accessories in warm spice tones are all you need to style it up ready for the colder months. In this room, the mustard lampshade and votives with candles, both from Oka, bring a warm glow, while the rich ochre velvet cushion brings texture and fall color.

In order to re-style your living room from season to season it's important to think carefully about your wall color. This warm, almost neutral pink provides a great backdrop for a living space as it can be styled-up to be fresh and spring like or warm and cozy depending on the accent colors you choose.

10. Add dimmer switches

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Living room lighting ideas can make or break the atmosphere in your space. Design experts love a layered approach that can be dialled up, or down, as required. 

Interior designer Nicky Dobree recommends using plenty of lamps to cast a soft, warm light across the room at a lower level. Instead of a lone central pendant, she prefers indirect spotlights, on dimmers if possible. ‘They’re more discreet and can be hidden in the beams,’ she says.

11. Choose natural shades

(Image credit: Loaf)

‘We’re seeing a lot more terracotta, clay and rust colors coming through,’ says Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf , which has introduced ten new fabrics in edible shades, such as Caramel, Pinky Peanut and Praline.  

These tones are ideally suited in a country setting, and can be softened with neutral off-white living room paint ideas as a backdrop.

'Velvet decor is a relatively new trend that’s gaining traction on sofas, and a great way to fast track a bit of luxury into your living room. For stress-free entertaining, go for modern "smart" or "clever" velvet, which is designed to be stain resistant.'

12. Play with texture

(Image credit: Amara)

As well being a great way to keep up with the latest living room trends , a biannual cushion update can also be all it takes to adapt your cozy living room ideas to the changing seasons. Cottons and linens work well in summer, while more cosseting fabrics are perfect in winter.

‘Texture is an important aspect of choosing winter textiles. Look for the softest wool throws in chunky and rib knits and faux fur cushions,’ says Sam Hood, creative director of Amara . ‘Neutral colors are great for developing a warm look that will resonate well in a country home. ’

13. Center your layout around a fireplace

(Image credit: Neptune)

When it comes to designing a living room layout, while most under the age of 20 would wager that the TV should be the room's focal point, an attractive fireplace is the far more stylish option.

If you use your fireplace, make sure you don’t position living room seating too near and risk cooking your guests! You’ll also need enough space to store fuel – at least 20 inches (50cm) clearance is recommended. 

A centrally located coffee table is ideal for hosting drinks and reading material, but it shouldn’t be an obstacle or make sofa access tricky. Aim for about 12-16 inches (30-40cm) clearance all around. 

Pull sofas away from the walls if possible, too.

14. Add a coffee table

(Image credit: Future/Jan Baldwin)

‘When choosing a coffee table, it’s important to think about how it will be positioned in the room, as well as how it will work with the existing aesthetic,' advises Emma Sims Hilditch, founder and creative director of Sims Hilditch .

'Avoid anything too on-trend, as you may find that you tire of it quickly and it will need to be replaced,' – like the classic furniture choices in this gray living room . 

‘We love to push two identical coffee tables together,' Emma adds.

15. Aim for a sophisticated look

(Image credit: George Spencer Designs)

For a more adult entertaining space, pick shapely furniture with elegance and grace. Symmetry in interior design is key, but don’t over-play the coordination or it may appear stiff and unwelcoming. 

‘To create a sophisticated look, it’s important to choose things you really like or cherish. Avoid anything too gimmicky and don’t try to match everything,’ says Tim Walters, managing director of George Spencer Designs . 

‘The most relaxing homes should be a reflection of who we are, evolving and growing with us over time to create a natural form of layering in design and color,’ adds Tim.

16. Dress your windows well

(Image credit: Sanderson)

Never underestimate the cosseting capabilities of country-style drapes . Adding comfort in a way blinds never can, drapes can be used to dress even the smallest of windows, and will help keep the heat inside in the process. 

Even if your window is small or awkwardly placed, as in this country cottage, a thickly lined curtain can add color and warmth. Here, Sanderson has used a single outsized curtain to make the small offset window appear bigger. 

‘Generous curtains in earthy tones create the perfect backdrop for cozy nights by the fireplace,’ says Rebecca Craig, lead designer at Sanderson.

17. Consider installing a woodburning stove

(Image credit: Border Oak)

It's not just the heat that makes an indoor fire so enticing, it’s the whole package: the smell, the sound, the soft light. 

‘The ambience a woodburning stove creates is unbeatable,’ says Emma Sims-Hilditch. ‘They also emit a delicious woody aroma. In addition, a statement mantelpiece surround can create a focus in a room.’ 

Woodburning stoves also come with the ability to regulate the heat and can be left (provided they are well maintained) without constant supervision, making it a relatively low maintenance option, too.  

‘The other bonus is that they are much more flexible when it comes to installation,’ adds Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors.

18. Don't shy away from pattern

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

An abundance of pattern can make a large open space appear a lot more intimate. From patterned living room wallpaper ideas to cushions, pillows, upholstery and flooring, patterns can be implemented pretty much anywhere in a space that feels too cold or open, to give it a cozy feel.

'Pattern need not always be partnered with plain,' says Susie Watson, director of Susie Watson Designs. 'Learn how to mix patterns for a more eclectic look, which is easier to live with than you might think.'

19. Choose wraparound furniture

(Image credit: Ray Main)

Echoing the direction of the walls, a sectional, corner, modular or curved sofa that is configured to wrap around a room will will add a cosseting feel to a living space.

They're a useful small living rooms , as they allow you to use every inch of your space, keeping it relaxed and intimate. Also an excellent choice for larger spaces, you can place the sofa into the centre of the room, breaking up the open area and making the room feel instantly cozier.

How can I make my living room feel cozy?

There are plenty of cozy living room ideas to choose from, but as a rule, it's best to focus on areas such as lighting, furniture and texture, particularly if you want to make a large living room feel cozy.  

With lighting, you should switch off the bright overhead light (use this only whenever you're cleaning or doing something practical) and introduce a variety of light sources around the room. 

Furniture should fill the room without overcrowding – sectional sofas, footstools and so on. The right furniture will instantly add a cocooning effect to even the largest of spaces.

Soft texture should be included all around the space - the look needs to be cozy and inviting. Introduce an ottoman instead of a coffee table, drapes and curtains instead of shutters, and rugs and carpet instead of hard flooring. Add cushions and throws to soften up a contemporary shaped sofa, too.

What colors make a living room cozy?

Don't necessarily assume that the color white will make a room feel cold. A similar assumption about dark walls making a small room feel smaller is also incorrect. 

White, teamed with plenty of texture and natural fabrics and surfaces, can look instantly appealing, like in this cozy bohemian living room idea above – while dark shades on walls will make a room feel cozy, not small.

'While white shutters will always appeal,' says Mark Lucas, designer at Hillarys , 'we're seeing an increasing trend towards colored and stained wood'. 

Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.

44 Cozy Living Room Ideas You'll Love

By

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 04/16/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Cozy isn't a style but a feeling, the homey ambiance of a room that makes us want to curl up, relax and cocoon ourselves from the world. A living room might feel cozy because of its architecture and proportions, like a snug Victorian sitting room or cottage interior. Or it might feel cozy because it's furnished with plenty of comfy seating options for friends and family; decorated with warm colors; layered with sensual textures like fluffy pillows and soft throws; crammed with books and personal objects; warmly lit or possessed of a real or faux fireplace. There is no single recipe for what makes a space feel cozy—that depends on individual tastes and sensibilities. Just remember that it doesn't take a big budget to create a cozy living room, just a little bit of heart.

Here are some examples of various ways to create a cozy living room no matter your budget or style.

Cozy living room - how to arrange it? 100 photos of examples of amazing design

How wonderful to see a pleasant atmosphere, stylish design, beautiful interior items from the doorstep of your home.

Together, this makes the room cozy and comfortable to stay in.

For each person, comfort means something different, someone likes a loft-style room, most prefer the classics, creative people are characterized by chaos in the room, they feel comfortable among carelessly scattered objects.

Color scheme in the living room

It is believed that if a room is dominated by white, it is considered light, cozy, clean, filled with air. Walls in white, creamy tone, greatly expand the space.

It is welcome to combine light wallpaper with a variety of textures, for example, brickwork, wall panels. If the walls are made in a dark color, it is recommended to combine them with a light shade.

The floor in the living room can be of different shades, both light and dark, it does not play a special role in the organization of space.

The ceiling in the living room should remain light so as not to create a feeling of squeezed space. Often the ceiling is made of stretch, glossy or matte texture.

To make the room cozy, you should not overload it with dark-colored objects, designers welcome the opposite side - more light, minimum dark.

Choosing the right items in the living room

To make the living room look really cozy, you need to choose the right items.

You can't make a room interesting with just a bright vase or a picture on the wall.

Even the most expensive sofa or wardrobe in an inept combination of color or shape can spoil the look of the room.

In order to make a room cozy, you need a TV, a soft sofa, a rug on the floor, curtains on the windows.

Upholstered furniture must be in every living room, the main attribute is a sofa, no matter what color or texture it will be.

In Russia, it is customary to put a sofa against the wall in front of the TV, lay a soft rug next to it, there can be more chairs with the sofa. They can be the same color as the sofa, or they can be different in color, texture, or shape.

You can often see rocking chairs in the living room for comfort.

The sofa in the living room can serve as an extra bed, even if its design does not imply this, the sofa does not unfold, it must be comfortable.

The perfect addition to the sofa, soft poufs can also be used.

When choosing furniture for the living room, it is important to pay attention not only to the appearance of the items, but also to their quality.

A cozy room looks even if it has a fireplace. In modern apartments, an artificial fireplace is often used, in appearance it is not much different from a natural one, a natural fireplace is usually placed in private homes.

How wonderful it is to sit around a warm place with friends on a cold evening and dream about the future.

The presence of a TV in the living room is obligatory, it is impossible to imagine its absence in the house. To save space in the room, it is hung on the wall, often right on top of the fireplace.

Modern technology in the interior significantly improves its appearance, makes the interior complete.

Textiles in the living room

A cozy room will not be without the use of fabrics, pillows, carpets. Imagine bare floors, empty windows, the room becomes uncomfortable, the interior is not complete.

It is quite another thing if a beautiful veil with thick curtains hangs on the windows, a soft, beautiful rug lies on the floor, comfortable pillows will always be waiting for you on the sofas.

From all this, staying in the living room will become comfortable, you can really relax there, enjoy the beautiful interior.

Textiles in the living room should be of such shades that objects do not overload the room, do not make it heavy.

If the living room has light furniture, light floors and ceilings, designers recommend using curtains in soft shades, such as mint, peach, gold. The overall picture of the room depends on how correctly you choose the color of textiles.

For each person, the concept of comfort is ambiguous. Someone loves minimalism, without soft interior items, while feeling great in such an environment, most still like the presence of carpets and curtains on the windows.

Cozy living room: 10 simple ideas

In autumn, you especially want to surround yourself with warmth and comfort. This is the time of quiet evenings that we spend at home. So, it's time to start updating the interior.

Here are simple ideas for a stylish and cozy living room.

1. Dimmed light

The atmosphere in a room is directly affected by lighting. Bright main light makes the room solemn and suitable for receiving guests.

Add local lighting to create an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. The soft subdued light of floor lamps and local lamps in the recreation area will make communication pleasant and relaxed. A table lamp is suitable for working or reading. Switches with a dimmer function will add intimacy.

2. More upholstered furniture

Elegant comfortable sofa is without a doubt the main piece of furniture in the living room. This is an undeniable emphasis.

Add some upholstered chairs, arrange pouffes around the coffee table. The space will become more comfortable, and additional seats will appear for guests.

Do you want warmth and comfort? Divan.ru furniture in the softest upholstery with discounts up to 40% will warm you up in the cold.

3. Wooden surfaces

In a room where wood plays the main role, it is always incredibly warm and pleasant. A room with wooden surfaces will become a real place for relaxation, stress relief, because wood has a positive effect on the psyche. Environmental friendliness of the interior is one of the main advantages of this design.

4. Corner for two

The living room is usually intended for receiving guests and communicating with a large number of people. But guests don't come every day. Organize a separate corner for personal leisure, reading or evening tea. Put a coffee table, a pair of chairs or armchairs , mark a private seating area with special lighting.

5.

Accent wall

It's easy to update the interior and make it more comfortable by painting one of the walls in a warm natural or rich color. Natural shades will fill the interior with light and positive, bright ones will add individuality and mood.

6. Wall decor

Decorate your indoor walls with paintings and posters. When it’s gloomy and rainy outside, funny prints, ironic tricks, even empty frames will help make a real antidepressant out of the living room. Experiment!

7. Bright furniture and accessories

Any gray day will become a holiday if you add bright colors and decor to the interior. Pieces of furniture in unusual colors, colored dishes or textiles are ideal for cold evenings. Remember: comfort is in the details. Saturated warm colors will turn the apartment into a corner of calm and serenity.

8. Warm textiles

When it's cold outside, you want more soft and fluffy.

Learn more