Family living rooms ideas

26 Family Room Decorating Ideas

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From small spaces to modern and traditional setups.

By Monique Valeris and Caroline Picard

Updated: Jul 1, 2021

David Tsay; Styling by Janna Lufkin

Out of every room in your home, the family room is where comfort is key. Plush sofas, kid-friendly coffee tables and accessories like throw pillows are just a few must-haves to create a relaxing atmosphere. And, there's room to express your style, whether that means arranging a gallery wall to showcase your art collection or displaying unique travel mementos on a bookshelf.

Here, we've gathered our favorite family room ideas, which are all designed for lounging in style. Steal these practical decorating tricks (there's a clever way to hide a TV!) to make your family room, or any other space your loved ones tend to use for unwinding, the best it can possibly be.

Good Housekeeping

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Touch of Vintage

Don't let the vintage trunk you snagged at a flea market collect dust in a corner. Give this double-duty piece a prime spot in your family room. Store throw blankets and pillows inside of it, then use its surface to display books, flowers and small decor accents.

Ken Hayden

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Bold Ceiling

Interior designers often talk about the "fifth wall" and for good reason. The ceiling is the perfect spot to experiment with painted stripes, graphic wallpaper, you name it.

Randy O'Rourke

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Built-in Shelves

Bring the library right to your living room with built-in shelving organized to perfection. Add a wooden ladder to make even more of a design statement.

Jessica Glynn

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Striped Accent Wall

If your space is on the neutral side, pack in some personality with a striped accent wall. Maintain a cohesive look by sticking to the same color scheme for area rugs and seating.

David Tsay

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Mix & Match Seating

To create contrast, pair a rattan armchair with upholstered seating in neutral colors. Amp up the look with an assortment of throw pillows.

David A. Land

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Gallery Wall

Create a focal point above your sofa with a gallery wall filled with your favorite photos and paintings. Plus, if you have the space, you can keep adding to your collection over time.

Dana Gallagher

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Pattern Play

Combining vibrant patterns is an easy way to bring a dose of playfulness into your family room.

Michael Partnio

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Well-Decorated Mantel

Make your mantel a major point of interest with a brass wall clock, lush plants, and decorative objects.

Helen Norman

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Textured Walls

Wall coverings, like grasscloth, can instantly bring a sense of warmth to your space. Choose an earthy hue to make even more of an impact.

David Tsay; Styling by Janna Lufkin

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All White

Go for an all-white palette with pops of greenery and natural textures, such as a woven coffee table or sofa with a wooden frame, to play up your family room's relaxed vibe.

Quentin Bacon

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Two-Tone Walls

If you're up for a fun weekend project, consider two-tone walls for your family room. A beige-and-green combination is guaranteed to make your interior more visually appealing.

Jason Hartog

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Strategic Furniture

Create a den out of nowhere by delineating an open floor plan keep the space feeling intimate instead of cold.

Mike Garten

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Styled Shelves

Lisa Romerein

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Bright Hues

Stop worrying about Cheeto fingers and spilled coffee. Sturdy surfaces like plastic, leather and lacquer mean you can indulge in white furniture anxiety-free.

Justice Darragh

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Hidden TV

Tucked into built-ins, the flat screen doesn't seem like so much of an eyesore. This Toronto homeowner enhanced the effect by using symmetrical decor to draw the eye towards the dining room.

Art Streiber

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Plush Sofa

Don't let the formal lines fool you. A comfy sofa — topped with plenty of cushions, of course — goes a long way come family movie night.

Kate Osborne

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Vertical Storage

Every family needs a stash spot for blankets and board games. Tall bookshelves outfitted with cute fabric boxes keep supplies tidy, without looking cluttered.

Casey Dunn

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Fun Extras

Keep things fresh with a batch of new accessories. A potted plant, patterned pouf or cute throw pillow will do the trick.

Mike Garten

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Quick DIY

Running out of room for that stack of magazines? Lay salvaged planks across the base of a coffee table to double up on storage space.

Getty Images

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Reading Nook

Overhead light? Check. Snug seat? Check. Just add a side table for resting that mug of tea while you flip the pages of a new suspense novel.

Mike Garten

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Hidden Bar

Getty Images

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Soft Throws

Getty Images

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Saturated Hues

Oceany blues are trending right now, so don't shy away from a color with depth. A statement-making shade could be the key to creating that cozy cocoon feeling.

David Tsay

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Curated Collection

Forget the ubiquitous gallery wall. Baskets can take the place of paintings or prints – and they're a whole lot cheaper.

Lisa Romerein

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Muted Patterns

Prints calm instead of clash when they're in same color family. This beach house indulges in a sea of soothing blues and beiges.

Hulya Kolabas

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Garage Sale Finds

Two repurposed columns separate the kitchen from the family room in a Connecticut cottage. Another genius transformation? A dining-turned-coffee table stands at the right height thanks to sawn-off legs.

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Monique Valeris Senior Home Editor Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital.

Caroline Picard Contributing Writer Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience.

35 Stylish Family Room Design Ideas

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Let the bonding begin.

By Hadley Mendelsohn

Jan 25, 2021

Simon Watson

The family room plays an important role in any home. It's where you go to relax and bond with friends and family in a casual, welcoming setting. But just because it's casual doesn't mean it can't look as stylish and elevated as the most formal living room. Keep reading for 35 family room ideas straight from designers and learn how to recreate them in your own home.

Eric Piasecki

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Build a Reading Nook

Designed by David Mann, this family room really packs it all in, from the desk to the built-in reading nook—the definition of cozy. If your living room doubles as the family room, a reading nook will make it feel homier without counteracting the formal feel.

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

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Upgrade Your Gallery Wall

Instead of a classic gallery wall of photos and artwork, put something quirky on display. This gallery of hats in a family room designed by Tamsin Johnson, for example, spruces up the walls while also making the room feel more personalized and unique.

Joshua McHugh

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Display Pop Art

The best way to merge family-friendly and grownup style with one piece? Display pop art. The bright colors and cheeky streak inherent in these works will speak to both audiences. For some inspiration, look no further than this family room by Raji RM.

Fran Perente

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Layer Throws

What's cozier than sheepskin throws? Throw them over your armchairs, layer them with your area rug, or drape them over an ottoman. The warm tones in this family room designed by Benjamin Vandiver add an extra dose of approachability.

Francesco Lagnese

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Upholster Everything

Okay, well, you don't have to upholster literally everything, but if you have little kids running around, the softer your anchor items the better. A fabric-covered ottoman with a tray on top, for example, is much more family-friendly than a glass coffee table (and did you know? You can even upholster walls!). It can be kid-proof and upscale if you use a mix of classic and playful prints, traditional pieces, and unexpected colors. This polished space by Nick Olsen is a great example.

Robert McKinley Studio

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Incorporate Laid-Back Materials

This simple family room designed by Robert McKinley Studio incorporates tons of texture, from the rug to the shades and the sofa. These casual materials make it feel family-friendly while still be fresh and stylish.

LAURE JOLIET

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Install a Home Bar

Add a home bar in the family room to make it equal parts kid- and adult-friendly. It'll be the perfect place to entertain guests but won't overtake the space if you tuck it off to the side or elevate it. This family room by Reath Design also makes us want to mix paint for walls and ceilings mint green for a fresh feel.

Simon Brown

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Slide in a Bar Cart

No room for an actual full home bar? That's okay! Just deck out a bar cart instead, as Beata Heuman did in this eclectic parlor.

Brigette Romanek Studio

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Add a Game Zone

If your space is large enough, think beyond the basic sofa plus coffee table plus television design formula for the family room. In this Malibu home by Romanek Design Studio, the many windows create a modern canvas for the kid-friendly ping pong table and adult-friendly stools that separate the game zone from the sitting area.

Eric Piasecki

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Have Fun With Color

Too outrageous? No such thing. With a gold statement ceiling, tangerine walls, floral motifs, and pops of color everywhere, this family room designed by Katie Ridder isn't afraid to have fun.

BRITTANY AMBRIDGE

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Spotlight Instruments

A game room isn't complete without instruments. Take notes from this space designed by Peti Lau for one half of musical duo The Chainsmokers. The Yamaha grand piano anchors the room and sets the stage for the other instruments and music memorabilia lining the shelves.

Shade Degges

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Use Club Chairs

If you don't have room for both a sofa and club chairs, forgo the sofa and opt for two cozy armchairs like designer Jae Joo did in this sitting room. If there's a fireplace, angle them towards it to encourage cozy hangs and conversation while also drawing the eye to it.

PHOTO: Felix Forest; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke

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Set Up a Snack Nook

Consider making a spacious family room multi-purpose by adding a table with a banquet for snacking and casual dining. This will keep the crumbs from accumulating on the sofa, too. A build-in bench like this stylish one designed by Arent & Pyke will help save space.

Simon Watson

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Balance Trends With Timelessness

With plenty of comfortable seating, built-in wall storage, a traditional rug, and playful yet neutral upholstery (including the printed tented ceiling, not just the blue velvet blue sofa!), this family room designed by Jeannette Whitson strikes the perfect balance between on-trend and timeless. The sliding glass barn doors walls also help make it feel extra intimate.

Romanek Design Studio

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Hang a Chair

Nothing ramps up the fun like a playful touch in the family room. This hanging chair in a media room designed by Romanek Design Studio proves our point—but the handsome leather upholstery also ensures a more sophisticated look. It's the perfect blend of cozy and cool (particularly for the color-averse).

Eric Piasecki

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Take It Outside

If you don't a spare room to use as the designated family hangout space, bring it outside or to a screened-in porch. In this one designed by Corey Damen Jenkins, the outdoor fireplace, throws, and carpet make sure it's cozy and warm enough for people to hang out in.

Studio DB

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Choose Seating Wisely

A super soft and comfy sectional with plenty of space to spread out on movie night is a must in the family room. We're digging the whimsical pendant light and colorful throw pillows in this Studio DB-designed room.

Paul Raeside

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Make It Intimate

Paint the walls a darker shade to make the family room feel intimate and cozy. Then opt for brighter furniture, like an orange sofa and green armchair, to introduce some cheer, as decorator Andrew Flesher did here.

Leanne Ford Interiors

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Go Tonal

Up the cozy factor in your family room in a major way by layering materials and textures. Keep them a neutral color so they look elevated. If you want to dabble in the art of all-white decorating, take note from this space designed by Leanne Ford Interiors.

Nicole Franzen

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Set The Scene

This fireplace in a GRT Architects-designed room is made for family gatherings. To make it even more inviting, lean some instruments against the wall and ensure there's plenty of seating space. The floating shelves give it a more lived-in feel while also increasing storage.

Studio Razavi

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Maintain the Flow

If your home is super modern and monochrome, you don't need to switch gears in the family room. In fact, maintaining a consistent flow will is a good call. As design and architecture firm Studio Razavi did in this apartment, have fun with shapes. It's playful, but also modern and will age gracefully as the kids grow up.

Nicole Franzen

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Go Neutral

Whoever said minimalism can't be cozy will definitely rethink things when they see this living room by Space Exploration Design. Mix neutrals to add some character and use ultra plush materials, like floor cushions. Add a pop of color with your coffee table books and wall art.

Leanne Ford Interiors

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Serve Double Duty

If your family room is also your living room, choose furniture that's super comfortable and cozy while also looking streamlined and formal. Then, when you have guests over, add florals to make it feel more special and party-ready. Let this space by Leanne Ford Interiors guide you.

Paul Raeside

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Up the Throw Pillow Factor

The colorful throw pillows are the focal point of this room designed by Andrew Flesher. For a similar look and feel, paint your walls and ceilings bright white so all the fun decor can really pop. The best part? You can always swap in new pillows for an instant room refresh.

Fantastic Frank

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Slide Up a Rocking Chair

When decorating a family room that feels functional and stylish, stick to the basics with investment pieces (like the sofa and coffee table). Then bring in personal style with accent seating. A rocking chair will be both eye-catching and on-theme for a family-friendly space.

2LG Studio

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Float Your Furniture

Resist the urge to push all of your furniture up against the walls—if you create space behind the furniture, it makes the room look wider than it is. In this living room designed by 2LG Studio, the the floating sofa separates the lounge area from the kitchen and dining space.

Leanne Ford Interiors

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Hang Large-Scale Artwork

Make a simple wall a little more exciting with oversized artwork, as Leanne Ford did in this modest family room. This is also a good way to take advantage of wall space when your the room is tiny but the ceilings are high.

PHOTO: Felix Forest; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke

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Let the Light in

This contemporary family room designed by Arent & Pyke feels peaceful and cool thanks to abundant natural light and modern furniture. The crisp Light grey upholstery and blue rug are warmed up by the rattan hoop chair, brown cabinetry, and indoor citrus plant.

Fantastic Frank

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Try Alternative Seating

Nothing ramps up the fun like a playful touch—in this case, an actual swing. Now this is a family room idea we can get behind.

Roland Bello

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Go Bold With Your Sofa

A blue velvet sofa stands out in the family room of a Manhattan apartment designed by the inimitable Miles Redd. The wallpaper is hung horizontally rather than vertically for a modern look. Try a luxe fabric for something a bit more upscale and formal in the living room, but still fun thanks to the bold color.

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Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

Decorating the perfect living room for a large family: 7 worthwhile ideas

1 Place a large sofa bed

Whatever the composition of a large family, surely all household members like to relax on the sofa, doing their own thing. Therefore, choose three- or even four-seater models. If the layout of the living room allows, then you can look at corner sofas or options with at least a small chaise longue - they are quite large, but they can comfortably accommodate many people. The folding mechanism is also a must-have, but keep in mind that in this case the seat will not be super soft and enveloping. The folding sofa will be useful for both guests and children who want to change the situation for one night, and for family movie screenings. nine0005

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2 Set up a corner for everyone

The sofa will become a place of attraction for everyone, but everyone needs a little personal space. Equip several additional micro-zones in the living room: a workplace with a table and shelves, a reading corner, a music corner (if the house has musical instruments), an armchair with a floor lamp for knitting, and others. The list may change depending on the composition and hobbies of the family. The presence of such zones will also help to diversify the atmosphere in the room and avoid the linear arrangement of furniture “along the wall”. nine0005

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3 Think about safety

Large families have to think about more than just aesthetics. With young children, safety comes first. Sharp corners of tables and racks can be “smoothed out” with special overlays - there are both very soft and ordinary plastic ones, but with rounded edges. To prevent the baby from opening the boxes, use fasteners-locks. Also an important point is the fastening of furniture to the wall, do not neglect this. nine0005

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4 Add coziness with personalized decor

We want to make the family space not just beautiful, but cozy and personalized. Of course, the easiest solution is to use commemorative photographs. The main thing is to choose frames that match with each other and hang the frames in style. For example, you can make an entire gallery or choose a symmetrical layout. An additional or alternative option is to use children's drawings instead of template posters. nine0005

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5 Don't be afraid of bright colors

It's not that beige or black and white living rooms are not suitable for family apartments, but there are plenty of other equally stylish color schemes. Add some color to the room to make everyone in it feel uplifted. On bright and deep colors, by the way, children's arts are not so visible - you don’t have to constantly wash everything.

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nine0002 6 Consider technical issues

Hang the TV so that it can be seen from different angles. Especially if you decide to equip different zones, as in paragraph 2. If there are film fans in the family, then you can think about buying a projector: the investment will be justified. In addition, even at the repair stage, consider a lot of outlets to connect the TV, speakers, garlands, chargers of all family members. It makes sense to arrange a single charging station so that the wires of the chargers do not stick out all over the room. nine0005

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7 Use every corner for hidden storage

Back to practicality, because a lot of people - a lot of things. In order not to force the apartment with cabinets and not make a mess, you need to use any opportunities for hidden storage: cavities inside the sofa, well-organized drawers of chests of drawers, shelving compartments decorated with beautiful boxes and baskets, upper cabinets.

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