Display in 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
1 of 86
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
2 of 86
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
3 of 86
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
5 of 86
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
6 of 86
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
8 of 86
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
9 of 86
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
11 of 86
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
15 of 86
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
16 of 86
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
22 of 86
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
23 of 86
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
24 of 86
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
25 of 86
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
26 of 86
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
28 of 86
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.
16 beautiful ways to display books and trinkets |
(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth / Kitesgrove / Albion Nord)
Living room shelving is a great way to add extra storage space to the main room, as well as wow factor.
The right freestanding shelving unit can transform a whole living room. It’s a place to store your collections as well as display your treasures. Whether you want a striking statement unit that will provide a focal point or a more discreet design that will blend in effortlessly, there’s a model out there to suit your space and style.
Below we explore our favorite living room shelving – perfect for adding impact and intrigue to living room ideas and blank walls.
16 living room shelving ideas – maximize space and add interest to a blank wall
'When it comes to designing a living room, efficient storage ideas are one of the most important factors to consider, in order to keep your living room organized and a place in which to relax and spend time with loved ones,' says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director, Kelling Designs.
'Built-in joinery in the form of shelving is ideal for making the best use of oddly shaped rooms, alcoves and recesses as not only does it use the space to its best potential, but it also gives you ample storage for everyday items, as well as decorative elements too.'
From alcove shelf ideas to bookshelf ideas, we’ve put together some stunning living room shelving ideas, and asked the experts for their advice on decorating shelves that are perfect for your here and now.
1. Pick the best materials – and color scheme
(Image credit: Future)
The materials and living room color scheme you opt to use for an open shelving unit can really make a difference to the overall scheme. Consider combining pale and dark timbers, or a using a timber and painted finish combination, or even incorporating other materials such as wallpaper or fabric, which can make interesting back panels.
2. Light your living room shelving
(Image credit: Future / Matthew Williams)
Good living room lighting ideas are also key to the success of living room shelving.
The advent of LED options has opened up new possibilities for discreet and subtle effects – especially as the fittings themselves are small and no longer run the risk of getting hot. A beautifully lit display shelf will add drama and scale.
3. Go for an open shelving display
(Image credit: Richard Powers / Future)
Open shelving can create a real statement in a neutral living room and is both practical and visually pleasing. It is also a more economical option than a fully enclosed storage unit. It is particularly suited to small recesses in areas such as either side of a chimney-breast, helping to visually correct uneven proportions.
Kitchens and bathrooms are also areas of the house where open shelving can create an appealing display. Don't be afraid to be bold, mixing fun, witty pieces with functional items that are used every day.
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)
Try mixing large statement pieces with smaller items grouped together.
When grouping, consider the shape that the objects create collectively and play with color and form to keep things interesting. Glass lidded pots will look more enticing if filled with colorful props, whether they be functional or decorative.
5. Consider size and appearance
(Image credit: Simon Bevan / Future)
Think carefully about the thickness you want each shelf in your living room to be. If you’re using wood, it pays to choose a chunky option, giving a strong, clean, confident appearance. Think too about whether you’d like shelves with adjustable heights to allow for flexibility.
6. Go for an entirely bespoke option
(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)
'Commissioning your living room shelving or built-in cabinet ideas for family rooms from a furniture maker will make the very best use of a space,' says Richard Williams, Richard Williams Furniture .
'A joiner will work around awkward shapes in walls and conceal service pipes or wall boxing.
Large pieces will be fixed and scribed to the shape of the wall and skirting, which gives a very neat finish. If shelves are to be adjustable, look for neat and unobtrusive methods of adjustability such as 5mm shelf pegs with a limited number of peg holes for each shelf.’
7. Use living room shelving to create 'zones'
(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)
Adequate living room storage is essential in an open plan living room as streamlined spaciousness is key to the look. Sleek, wall-hung shelves that appear to ‘float’ are the smart, modern option and you can also use furniture to divide the space into zones.
Proportion and balance are important considerations – you want to avoid feeling hemmed in by wall-to-wall shelving units.
8. Invest in shelving for books
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)
Notebooks and Kindles may be de rigueur for modern living rooms but most still hold a sizeable collection of good old fashioned books too.
Alcove shelving will successfully house your tomes in a small living room where narrow shelves along one wall – just a book-width deep – will not hamper space. Alternatively, look at arranging such shelves around a doorway for added intrigue.
9. Curate a display that dazzles
(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)
Floor-to-ceiling shelving makes an arresting focal point, particularly on a blank living room accent wall. It can be used to enhance the sense of height in the room and create the illusion of space. Painting cabinetry a bold shade can have a dramatic effect, whilst white or off-black are effective backdrops for display.
Create a focal point by ordering items for impact: color-code novels; showcase oversized books and vinyl records front-on to draw the eye; and cluster collections of similar items – ceramics, glassware or trinkets – for a carefully curated look.
10. Consider freestanding shelving
(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)
Create instant shelving with lean-to or freestanding shelving units, perfect for adding storage to a free wall space in your living room.
A design more suited to contemporary homes – with an easy living feel to them – it’s an ideal solution for those who like to change the layout and décor of their room frequently – and it’s easy to take with you should you move home.
11. Create a focal point behind a sofa
(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)
The wall space behind the sofa is a natural place to display a large artwork in a living room – but rather than hang a traditional painting, why not decorate shelves with shapely vessels for a beautiful, alternative focal point? For best results be sure to choose a mix of heights, sculptural shapes and surface textures.
When it comes to styling a shelf, 'it is important to consider the spaces you leave empty just as much as the spaces you fill,' explains Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune . 'Try to avoid lots of small objects and instead concentrate on more considered items that have presence and form.'
12. Mix closed storage with open storage
(Image credit: Albion Nord)
When planning living room shelving made-to-measure, bespoke joinery is often the best way to make the most of your space, plus consider a mix of closed and open shelving as this will help balance practical storage with space for decorative displays.
‘It’s important to make a space feel relaxed and not sterile or unliveable. Try to create storage for the pieces that don’t need to be on show but make sure to celebrate and show off the things that bring you joy,’ says Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord . ‘We like to mix high level open shelving with concealed storage. Open shelving to display books, art, photos and concealed storage to hide things that don’t need to be on show.’
If you have a large expanse of shelving hanging a graphic artwork is a great way to conceal eyesores like cables whilst also creating a visual break.
13. Decorate shelving with plants
(Image credit: Future / Mary Wadsworth)
Ask any interior designer or stylist for their tips for styling shelves and plants would be near the top of the list. Not only do they bring numerous benefits for health and wellbeing, plants and greenery brings interiors to life and can look beautifully decorative too.
'Plants will bring an element of softness and freshness to any shelf, especially those that trail,' says Simon Temprell.
'Succulents have architectural style and demand very little attention, so they can be useful for filling the gaps where objects feel a little too rigid.'
Of course when it comes to choosing house plants for shelves it all depends on their specific light needs, but adding them to a living room partition, even if it's just faux plants, can be a really handy tool for helping to soften harsh angles and bring color and interest while keeping the space feeling open and airy.
14. Choose floating shelves
(Image credit: Kitesgrove)
If you're looking to create a minimalist living room or have a small living room then consider floating shelves.
Fixed to the wall with hidden brackets, floating shelves are perfect for creating an airy, streamlined look as demonstrated in this space by Kitesgrove , and will help create the illusion of space.
15. Opt for a display cabinet with shelves
(Image credit: Future/Jon Day)
Fixed shelves can limit living room layout options, so if you're looking for a more flexible storage solution consider a glazed cabinet, not only are they easy to reposition, they help protect collectibles and prevent the need for constant dusting, too.
'A glass fronted cabinet is far more versatile than built-in storage – it can be easily moved between rooms and taken with you if you move home,' says Dani Taylor, product and creative director at Cox & Cox. 'A combination of glass fronts and solid doors is often most desirable, so you can really get the most of it.'
If you're using your cabinet to display china, consider a using vibrant paint idea on the interior to make the pieces really pop.
16. Add alcove shelving
(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)
Fitting floating shelves into alcoves is a brilliant way to create additional storage or display space without encroaching on valuable floor space, plus, it can be a lovely way to highlight an architectural feature within a room.
Alternatively, recessed shelving can be fitted retrospectively into a room. While this will reduce the overall footprint, the result will be a streamlined space which feels airy and spacious.
Made from solid timber, these alcove shelves help bring texture and warmth to this white living room design by Kitesgrove, as do the metallic wall lights and marbled fireplace.
Where should shelving be placed in the living room?
If you are planning open shelving, work to the full proportions of the living room to create maximum impact. A floor-to-ceiling unit, with sturdy, adjustable shelves and minimal fixtures will offer a strong, enticing look and act as an excellent anchor and display.
In smaller rooms, including living areas, shelving can be an effective way of creating storage without appearing to eat too much space. Consider the look you are opting for, whether traditional, featuring detailed joinery, or sleek and unfussy with a contemporary edge. And think carefully about what you are displaying – this will ensure each shelf is made to allow sufficient depth and to carry weight without warping.
How do I organize my living room shelves?
'Keeping your living room shelves organized is vital,' says Anne Haimes, Anne Haimes Interiors . 'Items placed in groups or in lines of threes, fours or fives will prevent the shelves looking untidy.
When choosing the overall look, decide if you want the shelves to be made in a material which is a statement in itself, or if you want them to have a less prominent role, allowing your display to do all the talking.’
‘More and more, we’re seeing shelving used as a feature in a room,’ says Ian Weddell, USM Modular Furniture . ‘In loft apartments, it can be used as a room divider idea to 'zone' a large space; and shelving can be used to display not only books, but also vases of flowers, sculptures or artwork.’
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
TV display on modern console
Do you want to display your TV proudly instead of hiding it behind closed cabinet doors? Then, of course, you picked up something modern. Something simple but with a flat screen that allows you to relax while watching in style.
There are many options. Below you will see several images that clearly demonstrate media consoles in modern rooms.
Once you've decided on the style you want, you can look at specific elements to help answer your design questions. nine0003
Media consoles
Before choosing this type of furniture, try to imagine it visually. What length will it be? What kind? Perhaps it will be a slatted console that harmoniously fits into the interior of a fairly spacious living room.
Of course, besides the slatted ones, which are more suitable for country houses, there are many other types to choose from. There are also modern consoles in the Scandinavian version in white and with wooden tops.
Low models with a smooth and glossy surface are very popular today. nine0003
The buyer is not limited in the choice of shades. Products are made in bright and fresh colors, as well as in natural wood tones. They can be bold and colorful, or made from a dark material that looks very rich.
There are options for those who love mid-century design with clean lines, for use in interiors not only living rooms but also dining rooms. Let's say this console fits perfectly into the style of the fifties.
Well, someone prefers wall structures, such furniture also looks very stylish, as it creates a kind of floating effect, adding a little intrigue to the home. nine0003
It is possible that your TV will be placed on a wide wall, in which case it is worth considering options with a long console to fill the space.
It is not necessary to place the display in the center, it is better to move it a little to the side, and fill the free space with some kind of sculptural composition, using the surface of the console as a stand.
Looks great when the interior design includes basic light colors, including elements of technology. But in doing so, you need to add some colorful accents to your space. nine0003
Love bold, modern colors? Then it's worth stopping for some colorful choices like this bright blue console. She will definitely be the center of attention in your room.
Or yellow tones. There are many golden hues ranging from bright yellow, lemony or calmer mustard, which can also be accentuated with the right accessories.
Purchasing the console
And now I want to dwell on those instances that are most popular today, please with a variety of styles and are available for sale. nine0003
For example, this console, designed by Mark Daniil, is two cozy open spaces and two closed drawers, very harmonious and comfortable to use.
And it is not necessary to take console tables if you need a bedside table. Most of these products have special cut out holes for placing wires.
Take this interesting piece of furniture, decorated in the style of the sixties. It is made in the color scheme of acorn, is very compact and provides the necessary space for various reading materials or other possible accessories. nine0003
If you need a very long console, and you just can’t find something suitable, then you can consider the technique of combining two of the same. Here is a variant of such a combination with a lot of open space for things and additional fairly large closed drawers.
And another chic copy in a simple design. Sliding doors, smooth fittings look very advantageous in any interior, especially since they are made in two colors.
And this cabinet is for hunters of bright colors. It contains a large space for built-in storage of audio or video equipment, and has convenient wheels for easy movement around the room.
Lovers of turquoise can opt for this compact piece of furniture made of powder-coated steel.
Second variant available in dark grey.
Or such an uncomplicated, but in its own way intriguing cabinet on metal legs, made of identical pieces 60 by 40 and draped in two tones. nine0003
We hope that the presented consoles will help you, dear readers of the Design Museum, make your choice and provide the necessary comfort in the space.
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