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Designing living room space


How to design a living room: plan and decorate a sitting room

(Image credit: Creative Tonic Design. Photograph Julie Soefer)

Knowing how to design a living room is important. After all, living rooms are spaces at the center of our homes – metaphorically if not literally. They’re rooms used daily by every member of the household, but they’re also the spaces into which we welcome friends and family. 

While living rooms may not be as exacting as kitchens when it comes to their design, their twin uses as both family and entertaining area, plus the hours we spend in them, mean they demand thoughtful and informed design. 

Layout, furniture, flooring, and decoration must all be factored in when considering living room ideas to create comfort, intimacy, welcome, practicality and durablity.

(Image credit: Emily June Designs)

A successful living room layout should take into account where the furniture is – the space in between that permits traffic flow within and through the room, but also avoids a cluttered atmosphere – the negative space, and focal points.

‘In small living rooms it might be tempting to move the furniture to its corners and have free space in the middle, but make sure that layout works for you,’ says London-based interior designer Louise Bradley .

Emily June of Houston-based Emily June Designs agrees. ‘When designing a living room, a lot of homeowners automatically push their living room furniture to the perimeter of the room to make the space look bigger, instead of creating a furniture grouping. In most homes, floating furniture around focal points like a fireplace or a window can actually make a space look bigger.’

Rooms that have multiple functions demand a particular approach, and while this has been particularly crucial in the past year, it can apply in many homes in normal circumstances.

‘If you are sharing your space with the whole family, it might be better to create smaller pockets of space, which can have multiple uses, ensuring that everybody in the household can have a little space to relax or work in, that the children can do their learning and that you can have a little peace and quiet at the end of the day too,’ Louise says.

‘Start with inspiration,’ says Stephanie Lindsey of Austin-based Etch Design Group . ‘With any project, do your research on the best functional solutions and the aesthetic options that are the perfect fit for you. 

'Whether it’s a functional requirement or inspiration taken from living room pictures you have seen in a magazine, we always start the design with initial inspiration images. Discuss budget and get technical with numbers, and have a lot of fun viewing and analyzing inspiration images to really hone in on what your goals are.’

(Image credit: Etch Design Group)

Unless you’ve just moved to a new home, consider also how your living room is working right now. Think about how the space is used, and whether it accommodates all the different occupants of the room comfortably in all the activities that take place there.

Take into account circulation around the room and through it, and assess whether this is easy or involves awkward passages around furniture or interference with each other’s activities.

Then write a wishlist for the living room, whether you’re remodeling an existing space or you’ve just moved into a new home. Remember to plan for the future as well as thinking about the whole household’s current needs, as these may well change. 

Choose the best color palette

(Image credit: Future / Jody Stewart)

The color palette you select for your living room should reflect your personal taste, but the benefits created by different living room paint ideas and schemes should also be assessed. 

‘If your space is quite dark, now is the time to introduce new wall colours,’ says Louise Bradley. ‘I’d recommend very light off-white hues, such as Little Greene’s slaked lime.’

As well as boosting light by reflecting it rather than absorbing it, very light colors also have the advantage of making a small room feel bigger. They’ll visually recede from the eye to make walls look further away.

But don’t discount the power of dark paint colors. Ideal if you are after cozy living room ideas , as they can make a space feel more intimate and are an on-trend option.

Texas-based Courtnay Tartt Elias, of Creative Tonic Design , urges confident use of color. ‘A lot of homeowners, especially first-time ones, are scared to use color in their living rooms,’ she says. ‘My advice is this – don't be afraid to have a little fun. 

'So many people hesitate to embrace bold or moody palettes in the common areas of their home, worrying that they might end up feeling dated. I like to remind clients that the world is a vibrant and colorful place, and that people love when homes reflect the beauty we see outside our windows. 

'Layer up on saturated hues, playful patterns and rich textures, and find elements for a living room that feel chic and inviting.’

Remember that living room color schemes don’t just apply to the walls. They extend to furniture and soft furnishings, and the shades you select for flooring, rugs, the ceiling and accessories. So pick a palette keeping in mind that it will be used across all these areas.

In the main, you might want to select between monochromatic schemes that employ different shades of the same color; analogous schemes made up of colors that are next to one another on the color wheel; complementary schemes that use colors from opposite sides of the wheel; and triadic schemes that use three equidistant shades from the wheel.

Pay attention to walls

(Image credit: Studio Peake/Alexander James)

The walls are a major part of any living room scheme and have a major influence on the appearance of the room. Therefore, as well as considering painting them, you might want to weigh up using wallpaper all round the room, on one wall, or in a limited area such as an alcove. 

Living room wallpaper ideas are an easy way to bring personality to a room, which may be particularly valuable in spaces that lack architectural features.

Bear in mind that as well as having the potential to add pattern to the room, wallpaper might introduce texture, bringing another dimension to the room scheme. This can be particularly useful in adding another layer to a monochromatic scheme.

If the room lacks a natural focal point, wallpaper can fulfill this role equally well. You might want to hang it on the wall facing the entrance to the room to draw the eye. 

Alternatives to wallpaper to dress living room walls include tile, exposed brick, or even living walls of plants.

Decide on flooring

(Image credit: Rebecca Hay Designs)

Living room flooring can be an understated presence or an eye-catching feature. Solid wood flooring is a favorite choice – it will stand up to the foot traffic of a busy living room and it ages beautifully. It can also be sanded and refinished if necessary.

Engineered wood flooring, which is still made of solid wood but has a layered structure that keeps it stable in response to changes in temperature and humidity, is an alternative. 

If warmth underfoot is important, carpet is also a sound choice for living room flooring, and can be a good option for homes with young kids as it is a more forgiving surface. With both plain colors and patterns on offer, it can be subtle or more striking as you prefer. 

Natural stone can be an attractive option and, depending on the stone chosen, can have a more rustic and timeworn appearance, or grandeur if you opt for marble, for example. Terracotta tiles, meanwhile, evoke the style of south-western regions beautifully.

More unusual choices include sleek contemporary polished concrete, while porcelain tiles or vinyl can create the look of surfaces such as wood or stone without the same care requirements. Laminate flooring is also a less expensive way to get the look of wood.

Consider adding an area rug to your living room. ‘I like to choose a Second Life rug, or something that has lots of patterns and textures visually,’ says Rebecca Hay of Toronto-based Rebecca Hay Designs . ‘This will not only add appeal to the room, but also easily hide any little spills or messes that may come with kids, pets, etc.’

Select living room furniture

(Image credit: Creative Tonic Design. Photograph Julie Soefer)

The sofa is likely to be the principal feature of a living room, so it’s a good idea to start planning living room furniture with this item. Bear in mind that it needs to allow room for circulation as well as feeling proportionate to the room and its features – plus provide enough seating space.  

Using the two-thirds rule, one of design experts' sofa scaling secrets , and choosing a sofa design that’s around two thirds of the length of the wall in front of which it is positioned is a useful size guide.

Plan additional seating, whether that’s armchairs or a second sofa facing or at right angles to the first in a larger space, and perhaps benches or window seats.

‘When it comes to large living rooms, I love creating multiple seating areas,’ says Courtnay Tartt Elias. ‘It makes the room feel cozy, dynamic and inviting, while offering guests tons of room to gather and raise a toast.’

A coffee table or upholstered ottoman is both functional and decorative, but consider side tables alongside seating as well.

If you have kids and/or pets, it’s worth investing in good upholstered pieces, recommends Kylie Bodiya of Bee’s Knees Interior Design Studio in Massachusetts. ‘Those are the higher budget items, but that’s where you should put your invested dollars.  

'We use a lot of indoor/outdoor fabrics, or fabrics with a high “double rub” rating. Double rubs are what designers use to compare durability – it measures the abrasion resistance of everyday use. Of course, we also want to consider the stain resistance and light fastness as well.’

Factor in living room storage

(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)

Planning in sufficient storage for a living room is essential. Many pieces look handsome in their own right as well as providing stash space: think cabinets, armoires, desks, console tables or larger console cabinets and dressers. 

Look out, too, for multi-tasking pieces that boost storage while performing another function, particularly when searching for small living room storage ideas – perhaps a coffee table with shelves or drawers, a bench that provides extra seating along with storage inside, or a storage ottoman.

Storage will be necessary for any TV that isn’t wall mounted and for other tech that goes along with it. Shelving for books and decorative objects may be freestanding or built in; the latter can be a more space-efficient option as it can be sized to your library and your room.

Plan both open and closed storage, to create space for items that look good on show and those that are best concealed.  

In homes with young kids, storage that permits toys and games to be swiftly tidied away at the end of the day makes transforming the room into a relaxing adult space a swifter process. 

‘Kids come with a lot of stuff: there’s always a Lego or Play-Doh or a crayon laying around in my living room,’ says Rebecca Hay. ‘I find that having bins or dedicated built-in units for storage is always a bonus and helps keep a living room clutter-free.’

Layer up lighting

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Good living room lighting ideas require three lighting types – ambient, task and accent – to create different moods and fulfill all the functions they need to.  

Ambient lighting is the general lighting for the room, and is often in the form of a statement pendant or chandelier. 

Task lighting allows for reading and close working of any sort. Floor and table lamps often provide this. 

Accent lighting can highlight the room’s best features and contribute to the atmosphere of the space. Think interior cabinet lighting and picture lights, for example.

Dress the windows

(Image credit: Bees Knees Interior Design Studio)

The window treatments in a living room need to enhance the decorative scheme, but it’s crucial that they’re functional, too. They might need to create privacy, darken the room for watching movies and boxsets, and reduce glare from the sun.

Consider drapes – both lined and lighter sheer versions – and shades, including both Roman and solar designs.

What is the best way to decorate a living room?

The best way to decorate a living room is to have in mind your personal taste – whether that’s for the more contemporary or traditional – along with comfort for yourself, your family and your friends.

‘Consider use when selecting furniture and pay attention to scale and dimensions,’ advises Kristin Bartone of Chapel Hill-based Bartone Interiors . ‘Seat height, arms and a shallower seat depth are critical for aging grandparents who may come to visit. Alternately you may want a deeper, lower seat for lounging and watching movies. 

'Also look at seat and back cushion options and pair with how the furniture will be used. A more upright sit requires a shallower seat depth and often firmer cushion, the opposite for lounging. Look for chairs with loose back pillows that have fill options or add a pillow with the appropriate fill to a tight back chair.’

The height of members of your household is important, too, she says. ‘A taller person will need a taller seat height and a deeper seat to be comfortable while a person of shorter stature doesn’t want to feel like they are swimming in furniture that is too large in proportion to their body. It’s better to add more furniture than larger furniture if the client has a smaller frame. ’

(Image credit: Bartone Interiors)

Don’t neglect the element of texture to promote comfort and coziness, too. Think about how materials will feel, and contrast softer and harder elements for rich interest.

A selection of artwork for the walls will give your room personality and interest, as well as smaller accessories that make your home your own.

It’s also worth ensuring that the decorating scheme is flexible so you can adapt to changing living room trends . 

‘Select pillow fabrics and other soft furnishings (such as blankets) that can be moved around and look good even if your mother-in-law puts the pillow on a different chair than you intended,’ says Kristin. ‘Creating double-sided pillows can be a fun way to alternate seasonal color accents or just add more variety. 

‘Selecting additional pillow covers and blankets is another great trick so you can have one spring/summer set and another fall/winter set. You can change the pillow covers, wash and store flat (because you are reusing the same inserts) for the next change in color scheme. ’

To design your living room with no money, it’s a question of re-working what you already own. Start from the beginning (see ‘How do I start designing my living room’, above) and consider what works and what doesn’t. Repositioning furniture doesn’t involve any spending, but can improve the way a living room both looks and works. 

‘You might want to rearrange the furniture around in your space to face the windows, and keep that connection to nature and the outside world,’ says Louise Bradley. ‘It helps with mental clarity and balance, too.’

Consider moving items from other rooms. Pillows might find a new home in your living room and add a pop of color as well as comfort or interest. Meanwhile gathering artwork and photographs together and hanging on one wall or above furniture can ensure the group reads as one impactful piece.

You might want to take a mirror from somewhere else, too. If it’s framed, it can double as art, and it can make the space feel brighter, reflect a great view, and even create the illusion of an additional room beyond the living space.

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator. 

20 Ideas and Common Mistakes

It All Comes Down to Spacing and Sizing

DISC Interiors

Interior designers spend their lives studying the little details that make a room just perfect. Similar to a beautifully directed movie, a well-decorated living room is instantly engaging and impressive while also being functionally designed for comfort and ease of use. And, sometimes, what is slightly off in our own living rooms can be difficult to pinpoint. But you know it's there. To shed some light on the most common living room design mistakes that may be plaguing our spaces, we talked with interior designers and a residential architect.

As it turns out, there might be one little thing that makes all the difference. Or, perhaps, the issue could be quite large. From everything like choosing the wrong rug size to adding a bit more warm light, your dream living room may not be so out of reach if you consider the most common living room decorating mistakes.

Ahead, find the 20 most common mistakes people make when designing their living room and how best to avoid—or fix—them.

01 of 20

Design: Workshop APD; Photo: Donna Dotan

Designers agree: A great living room starts with a great sofa. "So often, I come into a house, and the owners have good taste, but they already have a sofa that they want to work with," explains stylist and TV host Emily Henderson. "They don't want to replace it because it's not that old and they don't mind it. I've had to break the news over and over that, with a sofa like that, they would never get the room they want."

02 of 20

DISC Interiors

Another mistake that plagues living rooms everywhere, according to New York architect Elizabeth Roberts, is going for the "showroom feel." In other words, a room that looks like it's all been purchased from the same store. "It's important to us to mix new and vintage elements in order to create an interesting, eclectic, and individualized room," she says.

03 of 20

Emily Henderson

For Henderson, one of the main offenders in living room decorating is the poorly sized rug. "America has been suffering for too long from 'small rug' syndrome," she says. "I see it virtually every day, and it pains me—especially when it can be so easily avoided. " Huge rugs can be expensive and feel like such a scary commitment, but, according to the stylist, it's one of the most important aspects of a room.

04 of 20

Design: Vanessa Alexander; Photo: Tessa Neustadt

While it may be tempting to push a sofa against a wall facing the TV and call it a day, Roberts reminds us that there is much more involved in planning a great living room layout. "It's important to consider and create conversation groupings, especially if the room is long and narrow like many townhouses and lofts," she says.

05 of 20

Studio Ashby

"Art hung the wrong way on a wall is like a character in a movie wearing a really bad wig," Henderson says. "It's just kinda hard not to see it, and you wish so bad you could just rip it off, knowing that everything would be so much better without it. It doesn't ruin your experience, but it's just terribly distracting." She adds, "If the wall were cut up vertically into four sections (going from bottom to top), think of the art being in the third quadrant (counting from the floor)," says Henderson.

06 of 20

Elizabeth Roberts

While the days of unused "sitting rooms" and plastic-wrapped furniture are long gone, Roberts still insists on paying attention to making your living room fit the conveniences of daily life. "Select textiles and rugs that can take the wear and tear of everyday living," she recommends.

07 of 20

Ben Pentreath

Sometimes, people feel limited by the architecture of their home and select furniture based on it. Try not to feel stuck. In one Georgia home, the design firm merged contemporary furniture with traditional crown molding, Moroccan antique rugs, African beaded benches, and contemporary art.

08 of 20

Design: Emily Henderson Design; Photo: Tessa Neustadt

Roberts has one indispensable trick for combining periods and styles: "When mixing new and vintage elements, pay attention to furniture heights, as traditional furniture is typically higher than modern pieces."

09 of 20

Design: Emily Henderson Design; Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp

According to Roberts, "there are some great outdoor fabrics that we're using indoors that dogs and kids cannot destroy. It's important to select rugs that will wear well. Beware of the seductive silk rug." Instead, consider a wool rug.

10 of 20

Design: Arlyn Henandez; Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp

It's very important to consider views from major seating elements. "In a large open room, it's nice to be able to sit on a favorite piece while addressing the rest of the room," Roberts says. "In a small room, it's important to consider the necessary window views." She adds: "In a room with a fireplace, it's often difficult to know where to put the TV—large TV cabinets are cumbersome and don't fool many. My favorite solution is a projector that projects onto the white wall above the mantel."

11 of 20

Design: Mandy Cheng Design; Photo: Madeline Tolle

To avoid feeling like you're in a store, Roberts also recommends leaving adequate room in the budget for lighting, textiles, and accessories after large items are selected. "The small pieces are what add personality," says Roberts. "We also prefer to light the living room with low lighting instead of overhead light. Floor lamps and table lamps are best for living rooms."

12 of 20

Mandy Cheng Design

"No one loves a simple sofa more than me because they are so easy to style," says Henderson. She recommends staying away from overly ornate details like curved legs, winged arms, tufts, and nailheads.

13 of 20

Mandy Cheng Design

There's more to choosing a coffee table than swinging over to your favorite home goods store and selecting one on a whim. Let your lifestyle and functionality (kid-friendly, storage for remotes?) guide the materials, height, length, and clearance space needed to ensure your coffee table sings in harmony with your living room.

14 of 20

Design: Mandy Cheng Design; Photo: Madeline Tolle

Designers like Bobby Berk say cheap art can really drag down a room's aesthetic. Instead of going generic, opt for a custom art service, where you can commission affordable, original art. "There are lots of cool custom art services available now, such as Minted and Leftbank Art," Berk says.

15 of 20

Design: Mandy Cheng Design; Photo: Madeline Tolle for Home Polish

Hanging curtain rods just above the window can close in a space. Instead, hang the rod half a foot above the window frame. This will give the room a feeling of added height and openness.

16 of 20

Brad Knipstein

"Updating lighting fixtures can be an inexpensive way to really help improve the overall aesthetic of any space as well as give a sense of sophisticated elegance and comfort," says Suzanne Donegan, a designer and creative director. It's also one of the most often-overlooked design features yet most versatile—light fixtures can move with you.

17 of 20

Fantastic Frank

Too many accessories, no matter how expensive, are considered décor overkill. For a less-is-more vibe, "accessories should be grouped together to create a pleasing vignette, whether it's on the cocktail table, buffet, or bookcase," says interior designer Marlaina Teich.

18 of 20

Design: Mandy Cheng Designs; Photo: Madeline Tolle

When designing your living room, the floor isn't the only option to place furniture and décor—think vertically. Mandy Cheng, a Los Angeles interior designer, said to consider using floating shelves and hanging plants. "We're so used to furniture that sits on the floor that, once things stop fitting on the floor, we give up."

19 of 20

Sarah Jaye Weiss

“A common layout mistake I see people making with their living room is having all the furniture pushed up against the walls,” Elite Decorist designer Mikayla Keating says. Try floating your sofa or accent chairs closer to the center of the room to balance out the layout.

20 of 20

Katherine Carter 

Though counterintuitive at first, investing in one statement accent is a financially better move than spending on multiple inexpensive pieces. Homepolish designer Ashlie Mastony says: "In the end, the little things cost just as much, and the space feels cluttered rather than cohesive. ”

Sorry, These 5 Design Mistakes Are Making Your Living Room Look Cheap

best design ideas and professional advice

The living room is an important place where many relax after a hard day, spend time with family and friends. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to the interior. The design of the living room is aimed at embodying the atmosphere of coziness and comfort. The area, layout, nuances of the room affect the final result. Therefore, you should take into account the existing pros and cons of the room to create a suitable design.

The living room space can be designed in one direction or a mix of different styles. All methods are good, the main thing is to find the best option

Contents

How to arrange a living room in an apartment

Thinking about how to arrange a living room, you should carefully approach this issue. It is important to organize everything so that every member of the family is comfortable. Consider available space. It is important not to create the appearance of clutter, piling up. First you need to decide on the style. This will help to narrow down the range of suitable color palette, accessories, furniture arrangement.

Stylish looking living room decorated in two or three colors

See alsoCorner sofas in the interior of the living room: advantages, photo

There are several rules

There are certain rules when decorating a living room. Observing them, it will turn out to create a harmonious look.

To mark certain areas in the living room, directional lamps are used in addition to the main lighting

See alsoInterior tricks: DIY living room decor

Choosing a style for decorating a living room

An important stage on which further design depends. It is recommended to make a choice based on the dimensions of the room, the level of natural light. Some styles are not suitable for small spaces. There is a design that maximizes and frees up space. In the first case, it is recommended to consider minimalism, high-tech. They are distinguished by the presence of mirror, metal, glass surfaces. It does not require the use of a large amount of furniture. A few multifunctional items are enough. A minimum of accessories allow the living room to look spacious, free. Suitable for lovers of modern design is a loft. It involves the exclusion of the use of excess furniture, decorations. Only the necessary elements, and the lines are strict, clear.

Simple high-tech living room

You can use retro design when decorating the living room. Unpredictable combinations of shades should be used, including black and pink, yellow and green. It is necessary to organize high-quality lighting by adding fringed lamps, lampshades, retro-style floor lamps. To enhance the effect of antiquity, it is worth installing a gramophone, hanging black and white photos, a rocking chair. Accessories should favorably emphasize the overall interior.

Retro style must include antiques or furniture in the style of past decades

For the embodiment of modernity, the maximum amount of free space is needed. Therefore, it should be equipped only with the necessary, multifunctional furniture, minimizing accessories. The palette is predominantly light with the addition of gold, red, brown tones. It is worth using mainly wooden, glass parts. The decor should look simple, natural and cozy.

Art Nouveau - these are rich bright colors, but without too much aggressiveness

For a small room, an ethnic style, such as African, is suitable. Minimalism does not overload the space with unnecessary details. Differs in ease, an abundance of light. Classic is great for large rooms, especially if the living room is connected to the dining room. Inherent luxury, expensive, natural materials, sophistication.

Eco-style is rarely implemented in apartments. Suitable is a cottage, characterized by spaciousness and the presence of large window openings. Eco combines nature and living space.

When creating an eco style, natural materials are used, including live plants

You can make the design of the living room more original by choosing one of the listed styles and adding your own details. This will make your room stand out and give it a touch of uniqueness.

See alsoDesign of the living room: forget about the boring interior!

Living room layout

To organize a rational and functional space, it is important to think over the layout correctly. If you plan to connect to the dining room, it is recommended that you carefully consider the location of the table. It should be determined how to visually mark the boundaries between the soft zone and the dining area. It is recommended to divide the area visually across, which will create several square segments. When delimiting along, only a narrow pencil case will appear.

Furniture, color scheme or carpet can be used to zone the living room

Before decorating a living room in a modern way, it is worth considering whether the organization of the working area is supposed to be. An excellent place for him will be the area near the window, where there is a lot of natural light. Or you need to organize high-quality lighting. If you want to allocate an area for children to play, it is worth insulating the floor and placing a lot of developing elements. You can organize a segment with karaoke by making a podium. There are many different layout options. First you need to determine what exactly is planned to equip.

See alsoDesign of the living room in the style of minimalism

Moderation should be kept in mind when choosing decor. If you overdo it with decoration, then there will be a feeling of clutter, tastelessness. For a large area, you can pick up various decorative elements. They must be designed in the same style and combined with the overall interior. The decor includes paintings, figurines, photographs on the walls and chests of drawers, and sculptures.

Various accessories add warmth and comfort to the interior

A lamp of an original shape and unique design can act as a decoration. Sometimes chandeliers are not enough for high-quality lighting. Therefore, they place floor lamps, sconces that match the style of the room. You should not turn a place for relaxation and recreation into a museum. It is important to create a cozy atmosphere.

Cushions, blankets, baskets, paintings, etc. are used as decorative items

How to design an interior to achieve a harmonious combination of kitchen and living areas? There are different options for how to harmoniously connect the dining area with the main room.

  1. Bar counter. The most common option. It can act as a semi-partition, be framed as part of a wall. To organize a bar counter, it is recommended to use natural wood panels, mosaics, decorative stone or plaster.
  2. Wall at floor level. To realize such an idea, you should raise the level of the floor covering by 10-15 cm. As a result, a podium is formed. The advantage lies in the ability to hide pipes, wires, communications that pass through.
  3. Lighting and false ceiling. Properly chosen lighting will help to distinguish between several areas unobtrusively.
  4. Decoration of the ceiling, walls. The color palette perfectly delimits segments for different purposes. Transitions should be smooth. Follow a single palette, without sharp contrasts.
  5. Use of furniture. It will act as a demarcation. Shelving made of plastic, wood or glass up to the ceiling, a sofa will do.
  6. Combined floor covering. The way is to use a different floor design for each zone. For the dining segment, tiles are suitable, and for the recreation area, you should choose carpet, laminate, parquet. In the first case, it is important to purchase a special coating that does not slip.
  7. Island. It can be a dining table located on the border of several zones. Allows you to achieve the effect of order.
  8. Special parts for demarcation. You can use niches, columns, if there is a large space. There are special partitions that become part of the interior as a decor. There are different types of them, including completely deaf, partially, without holes and with openings for windows and doors.

Niches perfectly hide wall imperfections, correct layout flaws and make the living room more practical and functional

See alsoInterior design of a living room with a fireplace

The fireplace will become a key element in the room. Therefore, you should think over every detail and the overall style in advance. A suitable place for a fireplace will be a niche in the walls or a loggia. Refrain from placing a TV nearby. He gets a lot of attention. Therefore, connecting several key items together is not recommended. It is better to leave some distance between them.

Living room with fireplace looks more original and attractive

To create a stylish, spectacular atmosphere, you should use only thematic design. This will allow all elements to present a single picture and not turn the room into a collection of inconsistent details. Take care of quality lighting. It shouldn't be dark. Against a light background, the fireplace looks more spectacular and visually makes the space wider.

The fireplace can either be the central element of the living room, or "appear" when directly turned on

Do not over-decorate the space around the fireplace. Otherwise, it will simply be lost against the background of the decor. Add detail stands to the mantelpiece. Follow the overall style so that it does not look like a separate element. Placement of frames with photos, souvenirs is suitable. On the wall where the hearth is located, it is worth hanging a stylish picture. It will look appropriate and beautiful.

See alsoWe think over the design of a small living room to the smallest detail

What kind of wallpaper will look best in the living room interior?

To make the right choice, it is recommended to study all existing types of wallpaper. This will help to understand the positive and negative qualities of each type. Standard wallpaper has a paper base. They can be used for short-term decoration. If you follow the rules of operation and handle them carefully, they will last for several years, while maintaining an attractive appearance. Not suitable for areas with high humidity and where there is an open fire. Differ in low cost.

Wallpaper with a geometric pattern will give the room dynamism, visually change the configuration of the room and even be able to hide some imperfections

Wallpapers with non-woven backing are more durable. They endure mechanical stress, including scratches, dirt. Suitable for rooms with high humidity, can be long in direct sunlight.

Vinyl wallpapers may have a paper or non-woven backing. They are a good alternative to the types already listed. High strength, wear resistant, long service life. It is easy to care for, you can use detergents, the quality of the product does not deteriorate. Perfect for wall decoration due to the absence of noticeable joints when gluing.

Striped wallpapers are suitable for classic, modern and avant-garde interiors, the main thing is to choose the right combination of colors and pattern width

Glass wall papers are of one tone and have a light embossed pattern. They perfectly play the role of a background in space. Differ in fire resistance, durability, elasticity and high quality. Some models can be washed, repainted.

Bamboo wallpaper allows you to emphasize the naturalness, naturalness of the finish. Suitable for a certain interior. Not capricious in care.

Floral print creates an atmosphere of coziness, warmth and comfort

Textile wallpapers are environmentally friendly, do not contain toxic substances, they are easy to glue, easy to care for. The original appearance allows you to create a sophisticated atmosphere. Differ in high cost. Often they are pasted over an accent wall or used for inserts. They are harmoniously combined with furniture upholstery, curtains, creating a finished look.

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Determine the center of the room

The center of the room must be determined in order to correctly position all objects. The choice depends on the size of the room. Do not place upholstered furniture around the perimeter. The modern interior is categorically against such placement. Such a distribution clutters up the space with only objects for recreation, there is no free space or the ability to install other functional elements is reduced.

The center of the living room is the place where guests most often gather

Therefore, it is worth choosing a center around which the rest of the parts will be formed. Often, the area where upholstered furniture and a TV is located becomes the central part. A fireplace can be chosen as a key area, if one is expected. Living room standard elements:

The low table can become the center of the living room. It is convenient to have a conversation behind it, and when there are no guests, the table can be decorated with fresh flowers or other decor

If the dimensions allow, the listed list can be extended. When dividing into functional areas, it is worth placing cabinets, a table with a laptop or computer, bookshelves.

If the room is small, choose transformer models that allow you to combine several functions and get rid of unimportant elements.

See alsoDesign of the hall: interior ideas in the apartment and in the house

What kind of furniture to use in the interior?

A few decades ago, furniture walls were popular, which could be found in almost every home. Designers do not recommend abandoning such an item. There are many modern models that have an attractive, diverse appearance. This allows you to choose a wall for any interior. One of its advantages is functionality, spaciousness. The right model allows you to occupy a minimum of furniture, but place a maximum of things.

For the living room, you should select functional furniture that does not clutter up the space. It is better to abandon blind cabinets, replacing them with open shelves or racks

Avoid bulkiness by choosing a modular wall. It allows you to independently compose a design by choosing the necessary elements. Periodically rearranging them, you can update the look of space. Among the furniture may be a sofa, armchairs, a table. Other items can be added depending on the size of the room, its functionality.

See alsoChoosing the interior of the living room

The final choice of curtains depends on the overall style. For the classics, products of a dark or light range with painting and ornamentation are suitable. Length to the floor and the entire width of the opening. Additionally, it is worth hanging lambrequins with special hooks.

Light curtains allow sunlight to pass through well, thereby adding a good mood

The classic design of curtains involves straight curtains, collected in vertical folds

For a modern interior, choose laconic models of curtains, including Roman, roller blinds. To add coziness, purchase light, almost transparent curtains. Choose the color to match the shade of decorative elements or wallpaper.

Country involves the use of cotton products with an unobtrusive floral print. It is better to combine them with decor.

Linen curtains are better suited for living rooms in Provence and country styles

Do not combine cold and warm tones in the same space. It is better to choose several tones in a single range, without contrast.

See also Living room interior decoration in beige shades

Modern living room decoration

To decorate the living room, you need to choose a style. The modern interior offers a variety of design options. They are reflected in the table.

Modern styles Description
Loft It is recommended to refuse additional finishing. Part of the room should look like renovations are going on. The wall can be left with brickwork. Wallpaper should be discarded. Requires space and lots of light.
Hi-tech Works great in any size room. It is distinguished by the clarity of lines, the presence of parts made of glass, metal, mirror surfaces. Decor should be kept to a minimum.
Minimalism Allows you to free up space as much as possible, make the house more spacious, freer. A minimum of details, rigor and the exclusion of decorations in the form of ornaments, drawings. For decoration, natural materials are used, the use of wallpaper is excluded.

Industrial Loft Living Room Interior

Minimalism involves interior design without unnecessary details

Hi-tech is similar to minimalism, but with a lot more artificial materials and shiny surfaces

Modern style involves the release of a large amount of space, which is relevant for small rooms. The house will look bright, visually more spacious.

See alsoKitchen-living room design features: kitchen-living room interior ideas, examples and tips

Video: living room interior in oriental style

Photos of successful living room interiors

tips for choosing style, decoration and furniture - INMYROOM

The living room in the house is the place where, as the name suggests, guests are received. However, the owners themselves relax here, spending time in front of the TV or a book, with drinks, pleasant conversation and other activities. Therefore, the living room should be the most comfortable place in your home.

If your family consists of several people, it is important to consider the interests of everyone. It is quite possible that for one of the family members, when designing the interior of a living room in an apartment, they will have to give space for working at a computer, doing creative work, even sports. All these points must be planned at the stage of designing the premises.

Determine the center of the living room

Living room design is inseparable from a competent layout. After looking at examples of photos of the living room in the apartment, you can see various space planning options. Of course, the choice depends on your preferences, as well as on the size and functionality of the room.

Place sofas and armchairs around the perimeter of the room in no case is worth it. Firstly, this is the last century, and the modern design of the living room categorically does not accept such a layout. In addition, you will clutter up the space with only recreational items, leaving no free space for other functional areas.

The best option for the interior of the living room is to highlight the central group, around which the rest of the furniture will be grouped. As a rule, a recreation area with a TV and a sofa is chosen as the center of the composition.

A fireplace can also be a central element, next to which chairs, rocking chairs or even luxurious skins for relaxation will comfortably fit.

Standard set of furniture for designing a living room in an apartment:

If the room is large, or it has to take on a diverse functional load, of course, you should not limit yourself to this. The living room may well have a desktop for a computer, chests of drawers and cabinets, a bar counter.

In order not to clutter up a cramped room too much, give preference to the transformer models that are popular today. Such furniture is very functional and allows you to perfectly save scarce space.

Choice of colors

If your living room is located on the sunny side, then you are practically unlimited in the choice of colors for finishing and furnishing it. The contrasting interior design of the living room will look very interesting. For example, walls and floors can be decorated in cold colors, while furniture, in contrast, in warm colors.

Many modern interior styles welcome the clean slate living room design. This technique involves decorating the walls and ceiling with plain white plaster or paint. And furniture and decor elements can be selected in a variety of colors: bright or rich dark - to create a spectacular and stylish interior, delicate and pastel - for a light, cozy and elegant design.

For north-facing living rooms with little to no daylight, choose warm-coloured finishes. Such an interior design of the living room compensates for the lack of sun, makes the room cozy and conducive to relaxation no matter what.

And, of course, if the room is a bit dark, you should take care of good artificial lighting. Well-placed spotlights are best suited to illuminate every corner of your living room.

Of course, the choice of colors for decorating a room should also depend on what visual and emotional effect you want to achieve.

If the living room is intended for stormy parties and active pastime, then it makes sense to decorate it in bright, saturated colors.

If the owners want to indulge in a calm and relaxing holiday, then the interior of the living room should be to match. In this case, you should give preference to soft light tones or, conversely, deep and calm, but in no case flashy.

Finishing materials

The choice of finishing materials should largely depend on the style in which you would like to maintain the design of the living room in the apartment. So, paper wallpapers with romantic flowers are definitely not suitable for laconic hi-tech or minimalism. And Provence or country-style interiors will not be combined with bright carpets with psychedelic prints and ultra-modern wall coverings with fur or leather texture.

In addition, the shape and size of the room is of great importance. Properly selected finishes will perfectly smooth out the flaws of the room and focus on its merits. While a thoughtlessly chosen design can spoil even a spacious and bright room.

Walls

The classic rule is that for small rooms it is better to choose light shades. It always works flawlessly. However, if this solution seems too boring for you, you can try all sorts of interesting wall designs. Spectacular examples of wall design in the living room, photos of which are presented in our article, will help you navigate and choose the most attractive options for yourself.

For example, even smooth, light-colored walls can be made a spectacular interior detail by adding bright or simply contrasting color accents to them. See such unusual living room interior ideas in the photo below.

All kinds of plasterboard niches look very stylish. They not only diversify the interior, but also become its very functional detail. After all, they can accommodate both decorative elements and items needed in the household. And if such a niche is beautifully illuminated from the inside, this will create an interesting effect of depth.

The traditional option for decorating the living room walls is wallpaper. Fortunately, today there is a great variety of them: both classic paper, and modern non-woven, and washable, and glass, and even innovative liquid wallpaper. If you are a lover of change, then you can pay attention to the wallpaper for painting. With such a finish, you can easily change the look of the room, at least several times a year. However, please note that, as a rule, such wallpapers are designed for a limited number of repaints.

Smoothly plastered or painted walls look great in modern interiors. At the same time, if you are a fan of the original design, you can pick up plaster with all sorts of beautiful and unusual textures. With its help, you can add a twist to your design and create a truly beautiful living room interior.

One of the fashion trends in modern design is the combination of materials. It is very important to use combinations of several finishes in one room: different types and shades of plaster, paint plus wallpaper, or even a combination of two types of wallpaper with different patterns and textures. See examples of such a living room design in the photo below.

Using this technique, you will not only be able to make your interior bright, stylish and original, but will also successfully cope with the zoning of the room. As you know, for proper zoning, it is not enough to collect several diverse groups of furniture in one room. So that all this does not look like a "hodgepodge", it is necessary to highlight each of the functional areas with its own design elements. And here, the design of wall sections in different colors and even different textures is the best fit.

Ceiling

When choosing the design of the ceiling in the living room, first of all, start from the size of the room. No matter how much you like spectacular multi-tiered structures, in a small room, packed full of necessary furniture, they will look simply ridiculous. In no case do not overload the design of the room.

If the room is small, then the best option is a simple ceiling in light colors with built-in ceiling lights. A good design move would be a small cornice around the perimeter, it will add a sense of depth.

Another interesting solution for visually increasing the space is the so-called "floating" suspended ceilings. This is a two-tier structure with a small height difference and built-in lights mounted inside the "upper" tier in such a way that they themselves are not visible. This technique creates soft diffused light and an interesting depth effect. As a result, the room seems visually higher and more spacious.

However, remember that the design tricks you have listed are inappropriate for small rooms with high ceilings. If in such a room you try to “distance” the ceiling even more due to visual techniques, then you will feel in it like at the bottom of a bottomless well.

In narrow rooms with high ceilings, it makes sense, on the contrary, to reduce the height - through visual means or with the help of suspended structures. Then the living room will immediately seem more comfortable and suitable for a comfortable stay.

If you are lucky and your living room is spacious and has high enough ceilings, then feel free to experiment with their design.

Here, multi-level suspended structures, both laconic and intricate forms, stucco, columns, scallops, and complex lighting systems can be used.

The main thing is not to overdo it and stick to the intended design of the room. If the room is decorated in a ceremonial classical style, in the spirit of Baroque or Empire, then without a doubt, both bas-reliefs and columns will be appropriate. But for more concise modern styles, you should choose a simpler and more rigorous ceiling design.

If your living room will have several functional areas, then the zoning can be "supported" with an appropriately designed ceiling.

For example, a central seating area with a sofa group and a TV set can be highlighted with a second tier of false ceiling. Depending on the general style of the room, both strict rectangular shapes and soft rounded lines may be appropriate.

The ceiling does not have to be white. Delicate, warm pastel shades will look perfect in almost any room.

Fans of more extravagant options can experiment with bright shades. It is not necessary to decorate the entire ceiling in saturated colors. However, if you highlight only part of it or one of the tiers with a spectacular shade, you will get a chic look.

As far as materials are concerned, it is best to avoid whitewashing and painting. After all, this will take a long time and carefully level the surface. An excellent modern solution is plasterboard suspended ceilings or stylish stretch models. They are quick to install, provide perfectly flat surfaces, and in addition, allow you to create a wide variety of design options.

Lighting

Just a few years ago, when choosing lighting, the issue was always decided in favor of a large ceiling chandelier. Of course, today there are many lovers of such lighting fixtures, including those decorated with numerous "crystal" pendants. However, you should not get hung up on this option, because modern manufacturers offer many interesting, stylish and comfortable options.

If you - due to adherence to traditions or in order to create a certain style of interior - have opted for a massive chandelier, you do not need to limit yourself to this. In any living room, additional sources of lighting will be appropriate: wall sconces, floor lamps and portable standing lamps.

Additional light sources perform several functions at once:

If you are a fan of minimalistic design, recessed ceiling lights are the best choice. They also allow you to create separate lighting in different functional areas of the living room. And besides, with their help you can always adjust the brightness and level of illumination of the room. And with all this, they remain almost invisible, do not overload the design and fit almost all interior styles.

It's safe to say that recessed ceiling lights are the best choice for a small room with low ceilings. But, at the same time, they will also be appropriate in a spacious hall.

Style Selection

Choose a style based on the tastes of the whole family. Look at photo examples of living room designs in a magazine, on the Internet, explore the various styles that are in abundance today.

Of course, the dimensions of the room must also be taken into account. In a small room in Khrushchev, a lush baroque or any other “palace” interior will look out of place. For small living rooms, it is best to choose a laconic design in the Scandinavian style, elegant classics or strict hi-tech or minimalism. Country and Provence are perfect, as these styles suggest comfort and emphatically home furnishings.

If your living room is large, then there is room to roam. In principle, a spacious room can be decorated in almost any style that you and your family like.

When choosing the style of the living room, be sure to take into account the features of the interior of the other rooms. Maintain style and harmony.

Classic

The classic style of the interior involves the use of the most natural materials. The whole environment should breathe quality and good taste. As part of this style, traditional furniture made of solid wood or at least high-quality MDF will be appropriate.

Classic interior colors are soft, calm, usually light. But in principle, within the framework of this style, almost any shades (except bright and flashy) will be appropriate if they are correctly beaten.

Elegant wallpaper, paintings, vases, traditional chandeliers, beautiful curtains - all this will be an excellent frame for an interior in a classic style.

Despite certain design rules, there are different directions for decorating a living room in the spirit of the classics. Within the framework of the classical style, several variations can exist at once:

Minimalism and high-tech

High-tech and constructivism can also be combined under this general direction. All these styles imply laconic finishes, emphatically simple and modern furniture models, built-in lighting, and an abundance of technology.

Minimalism is characterized by soft colors, calm combinations, stylish and simple shapes.

For hi-tech, for all their similarities, saturated tones, metallic luster and a lot of glass are more characteristic. High-tech furniture or decor can have very unusual, but at the same time laconic and streamlined shapes.

Minimalist interior of the living room is best suited for young and energetic people who keep up with the times, who do not attach much importance to luxurious surroundings, preferring simplicity and elegance of lines.

However, do not think that the interior in the style of hi-tech or minimalism is something from the category of "cheap and cheerful". Such a design may well turn out to be much more expensive than some magnificent Empire style.

Country and Provence

These styles are perfect for lovers of home comfort, antiquity and rustic simplicity. If you want to enjoy peace as much as possible, relax and forget about the bustle of the city, then these are excellent options for the living room.

At the same time, country is deliberately rough, emphatically rural, with simple, almost unfinished furniture and themed textiles. It is characterized by natural, natural shades: soft light and dark green tones, the whole range of brown, light yellow, ocher. Of the prints, a large cage, as well as various variations of floral patterns, will be especially harmonious.

The Provence style, as it should be for a true Frenchman, is more refined, distinguished by a special chic and charm. It is characterized by lighter shades of furniture and finishes: white, cream, pale blue, turquoise, beige. Decor and textiles can be very flirtatious: with ruffles, scallops, flounces, etc.

Today, these design trends are very popular not only in the design of country cottages, but also in the decoration of city apartments. Therefore, in stores you can easily find furniture, decor and finishing materials that perfectly match these styles.

Scandinavian

This style is incredibly popular right now. The secret of its success is in the harmonious combination of minimalism, comfort and homeliness. It involves a simple and concise finish, convenient and comfortable furniture of simple shapes, stylish, but at the same time soft and not defiant decor.

The Scandinavian style is characterized by calm shades: white, beige, light gray, gray-green, pale blue, dark blue. Often in the colors of such an interior there is a certain marine theme.

Living room interior in Scandinavian style is the perfect balance of functionality, convenience, modernity and home comfort. Stylish and modern upholstered furniture for the living room is perfect here, a photo of which you can see below.

Choosing furniture

Before you start choosing furniture for your living room, carefully consider what functional areas will be allocated in the room. Beautiful furniture for the living room, the photo of which can be seen below, is not all. It is important to correctly arrange it so that all the inhabitants and guests of the apartment feel cozy and comfortable.

If it is intended exclusively for families, then a comfortable sofa, armchairs, a TV stand and a couple of shelving will be enough. If space allows, you can add a coffee table, as well as small cabinets where you can place various decor items.

If you often arrange parties, like to receive and treat guests, then you will need a bar counter. It looks stylish, modern, spectacular, can serve as a place to store all kinds of items and will allow you to organize the serving of drinks and treats for guests in a very small area. In addition, the bar counter can be an excellent dividing element if you need to zone the living room.

Choose the dimensions of the sofa and the number of chairs depending on the number of family members and the possible number of guests. It makes no sense to choose an airfield sofa and three armchairs if you live alone and rarely receive guests. In this case, it is worth limiting yourself to more compact options and leaving more free space in the room - to create a feeling of spaciousness or to accommodate other functional elements.

If you expect your guests to occasionally stay overnight, then the choice of sofa should be approached especially carefully. Choose folding models, on which, if necessary, you can fully sleep. If there can be several overnight guests, then it makes sense to consider options for transforming chairs that can fold out and turn into a bed.

Modern design solutions, as a rule, do not involve the placement of solid cabinets in the hall. It is assumed that this tradition should remain in the Soviet past. However, if you don't have a walk-in closet and don't have enough space to place storage items in other rooms, no one can force you to give up a spacious closet in the living room.

In a classic interior, it can even be a solid wall. However, if you prefer more modern design trends, then it is better to pay attention to stylish wardrobes. For a small room, models with mirrored doors are perfect, they allow you to visually expand the space, and will not weigh down the interior as much as their counterparts with solid doors.

A small room should not be cluttered with a large number of pieces of furniture. Such an "abundant" environment will overwhelm, distract, and simply interfere with free movement around the room. If you don’t have a lot of things, then you definitely shouldn’t put a massive closet in the living room, limit yourself to a light and elegant rack. If you want to create a truly light and stylish design, pay special attention to the modern style living room furniture, the photo of which can be seen below.

If you do not plan to receive guests often, it makes no sense to purchase a grand dining table in the hall. In order to drink coffee or have a snack in front of the TV, an elegant coffee table will be quite enough. To save space, you can choose a functional transforming table, which will serve as both a stand and a storage for books and magazines, and, if necessary, can be expanded into a fairly full-fledged springboard for home meals.

Fireplace in the living room interior

If you want your living room to breathe genuine comfort and hospitality, consider purchasing a fireplace. Naturally, it is almost impossible to establish a real hearth in a city apartment. But today there are a lot of magnificent imitations on sale that will emphasize the elegance of the interior, create an atmosphere of comfort in the room and even be able to heat it.

An electric fireplace is perfect for an apartment. Do not think that this is a more beautiful analogue of the heater. In fact, modern manufacturers produce incredibly realistic models that amazingly imitate real flames. There are even models with sound and aroma accompaniment. That is, in front of you there will be not only the illusion of an open fire, but also real crackles, as well as the smells of burning logs.

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