Decorating items for living room
85 Beautiful Living Room Ideas with Attractive Decor Choices
Lincoln Barbour
Whether you barely have room for a loveseat or regularly host dozens for movie night, the living room is one of the hardest-working spaces in your home. It's where you sit down with family, host guests, read a book and more, so it's only natural that you'd want it to be as comfortable and inviting as possible. That's why this collection of fresh living room ideas will come in handy as you decorate.
No matter your decorating style — from midcentury to farmhouse, modern to minimal — we have you covered. After choosing the best paint colors for the space (it's okay to pick a trendy paint hue too!), you can revamp the area with a wide range of architectural features and smart decorating choices. Add exposed wood beams to high ceilings, build custom shelves for color-coded books, or make the fireplace your focal point with brick or stone. You'll also find inspiration for decorating with statement rugs, which can define areas within a room and add a pop of color to an overly neutral layout.
Overall, these living room ideas are budget-friendly and easy to recreate on your own. And since decorating is all about having fun, we've peppered in some of the top interior design trends of the year that can do wonders for a living room.
Aimée Mazzenga
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Vintage-Inspired Gallery Wall
A living room is the perfect place to show off vintage finds and unique family heirlooms that have been collected over time. Make your arrangement of paintings and curios stand out even more by going for a dark-colored backdrop. Designer Alexandra Kaehler chose a deep green shade for this basement clubhouse.
SHOP BENJAMIN MOORE'S ESSEX GREEN
Phil Crozier
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Classic Navy Blue and White
Go for a timeless blend of white and navy hues to pull a living room together. Here, Reena Sotropa In House Design Group paired elegant navy seating with crisp white walls and patterned curtains for contrast.
Bless'er House
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Picture Frame TV
What's more unique than a TV that doubles as decor? Swapping your old television for a Samsung Frame TV allows you to display stunning artwork on screen.
Plus, it's easy to replace images to keep them on theme with the room's ever-changing design.
Follow Bless'er House for more »
Brittany Ambridge/OTTO
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Tray Ceiling
Don't forget the "fifth" wall! This New York City apartment, crafted by Kati Curtis Design, features a tray ceiling that beautifully accentuates the Sputnik globe chandelier and adds depth to the layout. What's more, the mix of light and dark hues create a striking 3D effect.
SHOP CHANDELIER
Sinan Tuncay
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Color-Coded Wall Bookcase
If you have an ever-growing book collection, put it on full display! The best spot? Framing the television. Arditi Design added a navy blue custom bookcase to this inviting living room. The color-coded books and matching accessories make it the room's focal point.
Sara Essex Bradley
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Dynamic Patterns
Don't be afraid to make a living room pop with dynamic patterns and colors.
This lively setup feels like a work of art, thanks to the graphic green and yellow wallpaper, cane storage cabinet, floral upholstered chairs and that chandelier!
Benjamin Moore
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Add Comfort with a Daybed
Making the most of every inch is key for designing smaller spaces. A built-in daybed — complete with drawers — creates extra seating with a view, along with a place to read and lounge in style.
SHOP BENJAMIN MOORE'S MAN ON THE MOON
Jill Weller
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Design a Cheerful Playroom
Alice Arterberry and Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke Architecture designed this living room in an airy Pasadena, CA, pool house. The hints of yellow, alongside white tones, add a dose of cheer to the design scheme.
Laurie Kilgore Photography
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Elevate With Green
Greenery never fails to bring a room to life. Designed by Stephanie Stroud Interiors, this stylish setup features a dark grass color, which charmingly highlights the gold decor and light furniture in the room.
Troy Thies
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Rotating Bookshelf
Can't decide where to put your TV and bookshelves? Martha O'Hara Interiors designed this white space with a custom rotating cabinet that holds the screen as well as shelving for decorative finds. It's a brilliant arrangement for switching up the living room's theme from season to season.
Stephen Karlisch
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Green and White Stripes
Unsure of how to spruce up your living room walls? Give them a cool yet eye-catching contrast with green and white stripes. Tori Rubinson Interiors amped up the coastal vibe by choosing framed nautical art, paired with woven lighting and storage baskets.
One Kings Lane
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Shades of Red
If you love the color red, but you can't choose which design will suit the walls, rug or overall look, don't stick to one pattern. Pick a red-and-white striped rug and use red-flowered wallpaper to complement the look.
Justin Krug
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Luxe Aesthetic
This beautiful living room features hardwood floors, a luxurious fireplace and a large set of windows with views of lush greenery.
Implement some of these style elements to give your area a timeless feel.
Paul Versluis
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Entertainment Section
Similar to how designer Tamara Day styled this sitting area, you can add bean bags instead of regular seating to turn the space into the perfect game room or entertainment setting for kids and guests.
SHOP BEAN BAGS
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
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Rattan Hanging Chair
Adding a rattan hanging chair is a functional, unexpected addition to an interior. Hang one in any corner of the room where you or guests can casually lounge or read.
SHOP HANGING RATTAN CHAIR
Hulya Kolabas
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Rustic-Modern
Transform your area with a rustic-modern appeal using wood beam ceilings, a stone fireplace and crisp white slipcovered furniture.
Eric Piasecki/Otto
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Match Walls to Furniture
Whether you want to create a moody, bright or minimalist feel in your living room, match the color of the walls to your furniture.
This will pull the room together in a seamless and unique way.
Rachel Whiting
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Green Couch
When in doubt, choose the color you love the most and use it everywhere, from your furniture to your window treatments.
Silke Zander Getty Images/Picture Press RM
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Pretty in Pink
Pink is said to symbolize love. Bring a light and loving atmosphere that your guests will enjoy with pink furniture and walls. Use a lighter shade for the walls and a darker hue for the couches, stools and tables.
Mike Garten
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Statement Fireplace
Make the fireplace your focal point by opting for one made of stone or brick. Keep the walls white and choose brown leather furniture to complement the room's semi-rustic feel.
Rikki Snyder
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3D Wall Design
Designer Maryline Damour of Damour Drake collaborated with fiber artist Sienna Martz to give this living room a calm and forest-green atmosphere using a 3D leaf installation.
Recreate the sense of greenery or design an installation that would better match your personality or room's aesthetic.
Peter Molick
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Cool Gray
Thanks to designer Maureen Stevens, the airy living room in this 1920s Victorian home is full of style. The space features Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl, which balances the century-old bright white trim and coffered ceiling.
Beatriz da Costa
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Versatile End Tables
Searching for a way to boost your living room's functionality? Not only can end tables be easily moved around the space, but you can also use them as a work surface or spot for kids to tackle homework. When they're not in use, place books or flowers on top as you would with traditional coffee tables.
SHOP END TABLES
Randy O'Rourke
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Built-in Bookshelves
If you don't have a dedicated library, installing built-in bookshelves right in your living room is the next best thing. Keep a rolling ladder handy to make it easy to access the higher shelves.
Michele Lee Willson
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Multipurpose Space
When it came to designing this living room, interior designer Heather Hilliard opted for a multipurpose approach. This space is suitable for tackling work, eating, lounging, you name it.
SHOP OTTOMANS
August Oliver
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Classic Black-and-White
Lifestyle influencer Anna Mae Groves' Cincinnati home leaned into a timeless black-and-white palette for her living room, complete with DIY geometric wall art.
Jessica Delaney
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Graphic Walls
Speckled wallpaper, paired with an emerald velvet sofa, enlivens this living room setup by New York City-based designer Megan Hopp.
SHOP WALLPAPER
Brie Williams
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Cool Cyan
Built-in firewood storage and deep cyan-colored walls — Sherwin-Williams' Endless Sea — adds character to this living room in a 1970s Dutch Colonial-style home.
Jessica Bordner
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California Cool
Create & Cultivate founder Jaclyn Johnson teamed up with interior designer Ginny Macdonald to arrange this stylish black-and-white outdoor living room.
The design is an extension of her California home's interiors.
Spacecrafting
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Striking Monochrome
If you love a monochrome look, you're sure to find inspiration in this living room that features Benjamin Moore's Knoxville Gray on the walls and fireplace.
21 Living Room Accessories That Upgrade Your Space
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 08/20/22
Design by The Lifestyled Home / Photo by Jenny Siegwart
Decorating your living room is a multi-step process that involves a lot of big decisions about everything from selecting paint or wallpaper to adding rugs and window treatments, deciding on the best furniture placement and layout, and choosing lighting.
But interior designers and home makeover show enthusiasts alike know that it's the small details that make a space come to life.
Check out these 21 tips for styling your living room with accessories—everything from candles to dried flowers to textiles and decorative objects—that will elevate your decor and transform your living room into the most comfortable, inviting, beautiful and lived in room in the house.
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Tree
Design by Alvin Wayne
In this living room from interior designer Alvin Wayne, a palette of white and wood tones is given a boost by the addition of a tall tree that brings in a natural element, a bit of color, and a feel-good effect that never gets old.
Choosing one large potted tree or plant instead of lots of small ones is easier to maintain and creates a bold visual impact. If your living room is light challenged or your thumb is less than green, there's no shame in considering a quality fake tree. Be sure to regularly dust or gently wipe leaves clean with a damp cloth to keep real and fake trees looking their best. -
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Amber Glass
A Beautiful Mess
Blogger Mandi Johnson from A Beautiful Mess lifted her neutral-toned living room with an amber blown glass vase on her live edge wood coffee table that catches the light and glows like the sun. Depending on your color preferences, you can also opt for a green glass Dame Jeanne or a cobalt blue vase.
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Dried Plants and Flowers
Design by Velinda Hellen Design for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Along with the craze for houseplants, dried plants and flowers have become newly trendy in recent years.
Dried flowers and plants like the popular pampas grass seen in this living room from interior designer and Emily Henderson Design contributor Velinda Hellen are inexpensive, low maintenance, more eco-friendly alternatives to living plants. Be sure to dust them regularly to keep them looking good, and recycle them properly when their time has come. Best Flower Delivery Services
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Wall Baskets
Design by The Lifestyled Home / Photo by Jenny Siegwart
Hanging lightweight and inexpensive woven baskets on the wall of a living room is an easy way to add interest and warmth without spending a lot of money or making the sometimes daunting commitment of buying a piece of framed art. In this casually chic living room from interior designer Ashley Peterson of The Lifestyled Home, a trio of baskets coordinates well with the wood tones, throw pillows, and leafy green fiddle-leaf fig tree.
Tip
Remember when displaying decorative objects that odd numbers work best, such as groups of 3, 5, 7, and 9.
The same rule applies to flower arrangements. -
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Coffee Table Books
Design and Photo by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design
Coffee table books are classic living room accessories for a reason. They are beautiful, escapist, and give you something to browse while you are relaxing on the couch, or a way to occupy guests waiting for their drinks. In this living room from interior designer and Emily Henderson Design contributor Ajai Guyot, a small stack of coffee table books matches the sepia tones of the living room design. But you can also use coffee table books to add a random dose of color to a neutral room.
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Candles
Design by Ryann Miller for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Candlelight has a primitive appeal that adds instant ambiance to the living room, whether you are partial to scented candles in glass jars, votive candles, hurricane lamp candles, LED flame pillar candles, or old school candlesticks with taper candles as seen in this retro-inspired living room design from Emily Henderson Design contributor Ryann Miller.
When using LED candles, use rechargeable batteries to save money and prevent waste, and look for eco-friendly ingredients and natural scents when buying conventional candles. The 11 Best Flameless Candles of 2022
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Textural Throw Pillows
Design by Jenn Pablo Studio
A pile of fluffy Moroccan handira wedding blanket throw pillows makes this living room from interior designer Jenn Pablo of Jenn Pablo Studio more visually interesting, comfortable, and cozy. When choosing throw pillows, think about adding varying fabrics, patterns, and shapes to add texture to the room design.
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Stacked Mirrors and Framed Art
Design by Kate Marker Interiors / Photo by Stoffer Photography
The living room mantel is an endless blank canvas that can be styled for the holidays or changed with the seasons. If you enjoy an effortlessly layered look, try stacking an assortment of framed art against a leaning mirror and add some greenery for good measure, like this design from interior designer Kate Marker of Kate Marker Interiors.
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Blanket Ladder
Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
One of the coziest accessories you can add to the living room is a throw blanket. While one throw blanket can add softness to a couch or armchair, like the chunky knitted wool blanket seen in this living room from interior designer Emily Henderson of Emily Henderson Design, adding enough blankets for everyone in the house can look messy and cluttered. You can solve that problem by leaning a lightweight blanket ladder against the wall where you can store extra folded blankets when not in use. And in warm weather months, you can leave the ladder empty or use it as a place to store magazines or decorate it with LED fairy lights or dried flowers.
The 9 Best Blanket Storage Solutions of 2022
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Vintage Wall Sculpture
Erin Williamson Design
In this living room from interior designer Erin Williamson of Erin Williamson Design, a striking Curtis Jere wall sculpture adds retro charm that glows against the bright turquoise wall.
You can source original vintage midcentury wall sculptures as well as more affordable reproductions online or with local shops that specialize in midcentury design. -
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Glass Cloche
Design by Becca Interiors
In this living room from interior designer Becca Casey of Becca Interiors, a glass cloche holds a luxurious Cire Trudon candle to keep dust at bay and scents under wraps until lit. But you can make anything look more elegant and special by placing it under a glass cloche, from dried flowers to figurines to a string of LED lights to Christmas ball decorations to any other tchotchkes that make your heart sing.
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Wall Hanging
Design by Alvin Wayne
The wall above the sofa is prized living room real estate that demands a statement piece. Hanging a colorful or textural wall hanging over the couch is an effortless way to add character to the living room, whether it's a trendy macrame or woven wall hanging, a vintage quilt, or a colorful fabric wall hanging like this one from interior designer Alvin Wayne.
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Natural Wood
Design by Carol Estes / Photo by Jenny Siegwart
It's no surprise that in an increasingly digital, virtual, tech-driven world, our interiors have become more focused on natural materials and sensual, organic forms that make us feel calm, grounded, and connected to nature. In this sophisticated but down-to-earth living room from interior designer Carol Estes, textured walls, leather, and wood tones create a soothing natural vibe. A polished wood stump occasional table adds a nod to nature that puts a smile on everyone's face and will never go out of style.
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A Colorful Throw
Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
In a neutral room, color is an accessory that you can add in small, powerful doses in the guise of bold throw pillows or brightly colored throw blankets like this mustard number from interior designer Emily Henderson of Emily Henderson Design.
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Geometric Tray
Design by Kate Marker Interiors / Photo by Stoffer Photography
In this living room from interior designer Kate Marker of Kate Marker Interiors, a hexagonal wood tray perched on the leather ottoman allows it to function as a coffee table and house small decorative objects that help dress the space while keeping it from looking too cluttered. Adding a variety of geometric shapes to your decor scheme adds dynamism and a graphic touch, seen here as well on a patterned throw pillow and diamond-patterned rug.
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Covered Storage Baskets
Design by Desiree Burns Interiors
Interior designer Desiree Burns of Desiree Burns Interiors added woven covered storage baskets beneath a console table placed behind the sofa in this living room that functions as a divider in the open space. The baskets help fill the empty space while providing a place to store throw blankets, toys, or anything else that will help keep the living room clutter free.
The natural tones of the baskets work with the neutral tones of the room. -
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Chess Set
Erin Williamson Design
In this living room from interior designer Erin Williamson of Erin Williamson Design, a sculptural chess set functions both as decor and as a practical leisure time activity waiting to happen.
The 12 Best Chess Sets of 2022 for Pros & Beginners
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Table Necklace
Design by Kate Marker Interiors / Photo by Emily Kennedy Photography
Accessories can be functional, beautiful, or just a bit of fun. In this living room from interior designer Kate Marker of Kate Marker Interiors, the coffee table is accessorized with books, flowers, natural elements like a wood tray and sea urchin, and finished off with a necklace made of wooden beads.
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Something Unexpected
Erin Williamson Design
Sometimes you don't know you need a life-size baby giraffe sculpture in your living room until you see it.
In this whimsical midcentury-inspired living room from interior designer Erin Williamson of Erin Williamson Design, a baby giraffe statuette stands tall in a corner in front of glass doors, illustrating that the best living room accessory is the one that strikes your fancy or warms your heart. Don't be afraid to go big if it fits your budget and personality. -
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Neon Signage
Design by Alvin Wayne
Interior designer Alvin Wayne lit up a blank wall across from the main living room seating area in an NYC apartment with black paint, a sculptural love seat with rounded corners, a collection of plants, and a neon sign with an expansive message. Neon not your thing? Try a vintage advertising sign or an old French shop sign sourced online or brought back from a trip to Paris.
12 Spaces That Prove Neon Signs Aren’t Just for Bars
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A Silent Message
Design by Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by Erin Little
Interior designer Tyler Karu of Tyler Karu Design + Interiors added personality and a silent message of peace to this living room end table vignette with a shiny gold-toned decorative object that perks up the space and demonstrates that there is nothing like an element of surprise to make your decor shine.
Decor in the living room - 80 photos of unusual design ideas in the interior
The living room is the main room in any home. It is this room that guests see as soon as they cross the threshold of your home, and your friends and acquaintances judge the interior of other rooms by this room.
The living room is a kind of visiting card of the owners, their own creation. The strongest energy is concentrated here, because many people gather in this room every day, family members arrange evening gatherings here, share the difficulties of the working day, and also report good news. nine0003
The walls of this room, having heard and seen so much, deserve a stylish design finish. In addition, the room should be not only elegant, but also ergonomic.
Zoning a room will help to separate such an important part of relaxation and comfort from a more practical, working area.
The issue of decorating a modern living room should be approached with special responsibility - from this article you will learn about all the nuances and small secrets of this matter.
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Contents:
Living room wall decoration - ideas and variations
Today, there are countless ideas for turning a room into a real piece of design art.
The latest technology and fashion innovations will become your indispensable assistants in choosing the style for your living room and embodying your wildest fantasies.
To correctly determine the color scheme, you should consider the following points: nine0003
- The windows of the living room “look” at the north or south side;
- What is the area of the premises;
- Your wishes for the style of the room.
If the living room windows face north, the walls should be finished in warm soft colors: orange, yellow, milky beige, olive.
In this way, you can compensate for the lack of sun and heat in the room. If the windows face south, then you can “cool” the room a little with the help of light cold shades: sky blue, pale pink, turquoise.
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You always want to make a small living room bigger, at least visually. The effect of increasing the space can be obtained by using light colors when decorating the walls.
If the area of the living room is large, then you can not limit yourself in choosing colors - both light and dark shades will look good. For a living room that is divided into zones (as, for example, in studio apartments), you can use several colors for wall decoration. nine0003
They can either harmonize with each other or create a contrast. It all depends on your tastes and preferences.
As for your wishes for the design of the living room - first of all, you should decide on the style direction of the room.
In order not to get lost in the variety of options, you can look at several thematic sites, they have excellent photos and videos on the decor of the living room interior - you will definitely have something to your liking.
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It is also important to take into account the preferences of the rest of the people living in the house, so that the living room becomes a comfortable place for all family members.
It is important to decide what will be emphasized in the interior. If you have luxurious new furniture in your living room, then it would be more expedient to focus the attention of guests on it.
To do this, the walls should be of a contrasting color with the furniture.
As mentioned earlier, the choice of technologies and materials for wall decoration today is simply huge. The texture of the material should fit well into the environment and be in harmony with the decorative elements. nine0003
Surely you have already watched some training videos on living room decor, photos and master classes - in them, professional designers talk about various variations of textures and materials for decorating walls.
We will also look at some of them:
Wallpaper is the most affordable and primitive option. However, do not underestimate their role in the interior. The construction market offers many original options: from ordinary paper to 3D and photo wallpapers.
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Natural materials such as wood or stone are great for decorating any area or wall in your living room. For example, with their help, you can finish the wall behind the TV or above the fireplace.
For fans of minimalism in the interior, drywall is perfect. In addition, with its help you can make niches in the wall that are so popular in our time.
No worse than the above options, decorative plaster. It covers the wall with a thin layer, can have a different texture and color. Another undoubted advantage of this material is its ability to hide irregularities on the wall due to its rough texture. nine0003
Decorating the walls of the living room
Not only the appearance of the whole room, but also the mood of the owners and guests of the house depends on the decor of the walls in the living room.
We bring to your attention the most common areas that can be implemented in the living room, as well as wall decor in these styles:
Provence style implies the naturalness of materials and unity with nature. Its other name is "French Country". Wall decoration in a similar style is the use of wood materials or wallpaper with impressive patterns or horizontal wide stripes. You can decorate the room with the help of decorative dishes with floral patterns. nine0003
For a room in a classic style, the use of precious woods or wall panels with an original pattern is typical. Stucco decorations for walls will look good. To equip the living room in the spirit of past centuries, you can install luxurious sconces made of precious metals or mirrors in antique frames on the wall.
Do you love retro style? - then feel free to use photos taken in the style of the past for wall decor in the living room. It can be both real black and white photos, and bright staged photos.
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All lovers of the exotic should look at examples of Japanese-style living room decoration. This direction in design is a solid minimalism. There should not be any unnecessary elements on the walls - only Japanese ornaments and engravings.
Summing up, we can say that decorating a living room is a real creative process, which should be approached armed with bright and original ideas. In this article, we have analyzed the main decor options and style solutions for the center of the whole house - the living room. nine0003
By taking them into account, and also connecting your own imagination, you will get a result that will literally stun all the residents and guests of your fortress.
Photo of living room decor ideas
What interior items are relevant in the living room? Wood, metal and ethnic motifs
The interior of the living room consists of many elements.
Small furniture, lighting, accessories and textiles will help create a lot of design ideas. We will tell you about the current items of this season, which you cannot do without in the living room.
Carpet in ethnic style
In a modern interior, the carpet is treated as an art object, being responsible for a bright accent in the interior. Therefore, when choosing a model, give preference to catchy patterns: ethnic embroidery, geometric prints, voluminous tassels. Lay it on the floor or hang it on the wall - it's up to you. nine0003
Ethnic print cotton rug, Tkano
Decorative covers and cushions
This is a classic technique that will be appropriate not only in the living room, but also in the bedroom and kitchen. There is only one choice rule here: the more pillows, the brighter and more comfortable. The rest depends on your mood. You can combine several styles and prints at once, but a pair of pillows and covers should overlap in color or style with the carpet.
Decorative covers, Tkano
Metal floor lamp
Adding metal to the interior not only as cutlery - designers have been using this current trend in interior design for more than a season. The ideal option is a small floor lamp in golden rose shade.
Floor lamp, Zuiver
Wooden table reminiscent of a stool
Wooden coffee table is an important functional element in any living room. Prints and colors change from season to season, but this piece will always be relevant. And thanks to the neutral wood texture and compact size, the model will look harmoniously with any catchy novelties and bright prints. nine0003
Coffee table, Zuiver
Scented candle for the home
Interior fragrances will not only create an atmosphere of fragrance in the house, but also visually decorate the interior. Pay attention to the candles in the Scandinavian style, enclosed in laconic glass forms.
Scented candle, SKANDINAVISK
Large glass vase
Bringing your interior to life is easy with a fresh bouquet or an arrangement of dried flowers.
