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Formal living room decor ideas


51 Formal Living Room Ideas With Tips And Accessories To Help You Design Yours

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Formal living rooms carry an air of elegance, shaped by high-end furniture, plush rugs, eye-catching fireplaces, spectacular light installations, stirring artwork, luxe decor and stylish accessories. They are the grand reception room where guests are welcomed, entertained and impressed. A formal living room design can be achieved under many different aesthetics, so we’ve gathered together 51 of our favourite ideas to inspire you on how to design yours. We've got just about every eventuality covered from traditional living rooms and neoclassical spaces to modern mansions and minimalist interiors, plus a dose of rustic romance and industrial style living in between. We’ll focus on the details that make these spaces really shine and offer tips to help you get there.

Mix colour and class. Classically tasteful in its approach yet colourfully executed, this rich, eclectic formal living room exudes character and vibrant energy from contrasting sofas and stools. A large area rug pulls the contrasting arrangement together.

Bring in a bench. Conversational seating arrangements make a welcoming, sociable layout in a formal living room. Enclose the seating area on all four sides without cutting it off from the larger space by employing a sleek modern bench design. Modern side tables flank the bench on either side adjacent to the sofas.

Soften a square space with a curved sofa. The smooth silhouette will detract the eye from the encroaching corners. Add a large ceiling rose and a spherical chandelier to complement the rounded shape theme.

Frame with a blast of botanical beauty, like this plant lover’s modern french interior design. Introduce green accent furniture to expand upon Mother Nature’s colour palette.

Two facing sofas produce a smart but rigid layout. Try softening out those edges with two curved sofa alternatives to create a more relaxed setting.

Keep sofa upholstery and scatter cushions plain and take pattern to the floor with a spectacularly bold black and white living room rug. Use coffee table adornments such as vases, bowls, and decorative trays to heighten interest nearer to eye level.

Play with light and shade. This mesmerising living room chandelier is given a contrasting black background to draw attention to its exquisite detail.

This modern crystal chandelier gleams in the sunlight from clerestory windows, whilst an imposing TV wall makes an impressive statement in bold black and gold finishes.

Sunlight and nature. If you’re the fortunate owner of a double height living room that’s flooded with natural light, then use that bright influx to feed an indoor garden, as well as your soul.

Bring balance. In this large and luxurious formal living room, the core lounge area is picked out in pale grey, whilst black drapes and black accent chairs darkly balance out the border.

A space for reflection. White marble wall panels make luxe framing for a prized piece of artwork, and all are reflected in a mirrored ceiling feature directly above. Channel tufted sofas gather around the spectacle, peacefully interspersed by indoor plants.

Take it to the top. More of an art installation than a lighting feature, these freeform mesh pendant lights float like wispy white clouds above an airy living space.

Bring the outside in with edge-to-edge picture windows and patio doors. Unique modern chairs add another point of interest.

All about the architecture. Whether it’s a fabulous sweeping staircase design or towering windows, let architectural wonders take the spotlight.

Create a palatial feel with opulent gold fixtures and fittings that ooze wealth. See more inspiration for using gold accents in interior design.

Set a scene for good times and good company with a prominent wine storage wall. Stack bottle racks all the way to the ceiling line and back with mirrors. Install a thin border of LED strips to accentuate the result.

Construct a multifaceted focal wall. With the TV taking the prime central spot on this focal wall, the modern fireplace is situated off-centre of the floating tv stand to avoid potential heat damage to the screen. Built-in bookcases balance out the opposite side of the hearth, whilst illuminated curio cabinets brighten the upper volume.

If crystal chandeliers feel too grandiloquent for your tastes, then consider filling a tall ceiling void with a structured sputnik chandelier instead.

Tackle double-banked windows with custom-made ceiling-to-floor drapes. The full-length white drapes in this wonderfully light luxury living room create a uniform march across the window wall, almost like a colonnade.

Pockets of pleasure. A plethora of furniture gives this formal living room a more lived-in look, where piles of coffee table books provide entertainment and a wet bar is on hand for refreshments.

Crisp and concrete. Linear sofas, contemporary artwork, and an elongated modern fireplace draw a crisp layout across this living room, where cool concrete rules.

Fluted and gilded, this fine interior is alive with texture, reflections, and light play.

Hang a mid-century vibe with a ceiling-mounted fireplace. These shapely fireplaces can tuck neatly into corners to produce a cosy glow where there is no chimney breast present. The wooden coffee table and mid century modern chairs drive home the look.

The icing on the cake. Intricate cornice and ceiling embellishments introduce elegant scrolls around the border of this neoclassical living space, like elaborate icing on a wedding cake.

Encased in boiserie panels and bestowed with classical statues, this traditional living room is a picture of grand taste.

Arched windows give this aesthetic living room a graceful backdrop against which to layer bold modern furniture.

Just one hero. Let a single colourful accent piece sing out by setting the rest of the room under shaded tones of grey and black.

Nature and neutrals. With panoramic nature views to colour your space, keep furnishings peacefully neutral and understated.

Cool blue meets earthy brown accents here, fashioning a tonally balanced decor scheme that feels fresh and cosy.

Style that transcends the ages. Shape a mid century modern living room with iconic furniture designs and bold lighting.

Grey grandeur. Beautiful furniture pieces are spaced widely throughout this large living room to create a chic and airy aesthetic. A fluted chimney breast threads attractive texture around a grand modern fireplace.

Speaking of grand fireplace walls, a stunning stone arrangement is the star of the show in this luxury rustic living room.

This mesmerising fireplace wall makes a darkly reflective vertical plane for double-height windows and a superb modern chandelier.

All about the arches. From chic arched windows to an inverted fluted ceiling, this fresh living room has curves in all the right places.

This arch festooned interior is accompanied with equally curvaceous lounge furniture and floor lamps. See more ideas for using arches in interiors.

The knowledgeable library look. Think floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcases and atmospheric mood lighting.

Natural rugs and exposed wooden rafters team up to make a cosy scene with a rustic touch.

Play to your best features. An impossibly tall TV wall is given due diligence with stupendous wood panel treatment.

High and mighty. Draw the eye upward in a high-ceilinged living room with large artwork, tall panel moulding, and large lighting fixtures.

Take the rawness off industrial living spaces by introducing a formal area rug, large scale wall art, and a healthy peppering of indoor plants.

Be inspired by a favourite piece of art. This wall art inspires a sophisticated colour palette of deep blue, beige, grey, and gold. Gallery white expanses provide breathing space between.

Ravishing red accents. Whether it’s a single red accent sofa or lounge chair, a red side table of bright area rug, red is a colour that is sure to boost and energise any room that it graces.

Well rounded and botanically inspired. Botanics are all about curves and segmentation, so why not complement a lush garden view with furniture and stucco treatments that draw upon nature’s deep beauty. With its sculptural base, the living room table lamp is a point of interest as well.

Rich colour contrast. Burnt umber accent chairs, scatter cushions and a unique modern chandelier add colour and bold character to a formal living room with classic wainscotting and cool stone details.

Another burnt umber singed home interior, this time with the artistic undertones of modern 3D wall art and classical sculpture.

Old elegance meets new ideals. Twin tufted wingback chairs instate a traditional, stately feel into this living room layout, which gracefully counteract the harder lines of a modern gray sofa. LED circle chandeliers brightly mirror the simple rounded outline of a luxe marble coffee table.

Floating features. Wall panels float in front of arched windows, a classical ceiling dips from the edges of the room to reveal perimeter lighting, and gold disc pendants appear to levitate over this unique formal lounge.

Another fabulous floating feature, this golden sculptural chandelier commands the stage.

Purple perfection. This tailored formal living room design features a made-to-measure bookcase wall and a smart serving hatch. However, it’s the snazzy purple accent furniture that really packs a punch.

Black and gold glamour stands striking and timeless.

Opposites attract. Blue and orange might be opposite to each other on the colour wheel, but they come together to make glorious impact in a modern living room decor scheme. Orange adds warmth whilst blue brings feelings of calm. See more ideas for ​​blue living rooms.

1. Wingback chair 2. Curvy sofa 3. Modern sputnik chandelier 4. Statement chandelier 5. Oluce Atollo table lamp 6. Serge Mouille floor lamp 7. Ornate fireplace mantel 8. Nesting coffee tables 9. Arco floor lamp


Recommended Reading: 
51 Luxury Living Rooms And Tips You Could Use From Them
51 Living Room Design Ideas That Are Set To Impress

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10 tips for elegant sitting rooms |

(Image credit: K&H Design )

Getting your formal living room ideas right is essential to making your guests feel not only welcome, but special. 

Creating a reception room where the living room ideas are geared towards your guests wants and needs – rather than your day-to-day need to put your feet up – is a wonderful way to celebrate visitors.

It’s also a room where you can have a lot of fun with decor too. As a more occasional room, the layout and chosen furniture pieces can be more about form than function, with elegance prized over comfort. 

Formal living room ideas

From seriously stylish sofas to the importance of showing off your prized antiques, we asked the experts to share their top formal living room ideas, and found some beautiful examples to inspire your sitting space. 

1. Choose an upright sofa style 

(Image credit: Melinda Kelson O'Connor Design/Wendy Concannon)

‘Often our clients require two separate spaces in their homes for formal entertaining and relaxing with their family,’ says Louise Wicksteed, Design Director at Sims Hilditch . ‘A formal sitting room might include a beautiful sofa upholstered in velvet and a selection of smart armchairs, whereas a family room might include a deep L-shaped sofa upholstered in hard-wearing child-friendly material.’ 

A key part of making these spaces feel distinct is getting the sofa choice right. While low-rise couches with corner units that make them apt for reclining are better suited to informal spaces, sofas with a higher seat, upright backs and design-led detailing are often more appropriate for welcoming guests. This theory is evident in the living room of this home designed by Melinda Kelson O’Connor . While a family room features an L-shaped sofa ripe for sprawling, the small living room ideas include this neat pair of blue button-backed couches.

2. Mix antique furniture with contemporary styling

(Image credit: K&H Design)

‘Don't be afraid to mix old and new,’ says Martin Waller, Founder of Andrew Martin , with regards to living room furniture ideas. As the notion of the sitting room has a longstanding history, it’s a great part of the house to employ some of your favourite antique pieces and pair them with contemporary styling elements, as demonstrated in this room by K&H Design . 

‘Interior design should transcend the limits of time and geography,’ says Waller. ‘It's a form of escapism, a root of happiness and most importantly the background to your life. So cherish your grandmother's antique rocking chair or the Chinese wedding cabinet donated from your parents' living room, it is these pieces that give character to your home and tell your unique story… Vintage and collectable accessories will also add eternal quirk and give a space which might otherwise be on-trend but lifeless, a real sense of depth, personality and soul.’ 

3. Offer your guests an assortment of seating 

(Image credit: Olivia Stutz Design/Jonathan Hokklo)

A formal living room is likely to need to cater to varying levels of formality, and for guests ranging from your grandmother to your friend’s kids – so make sure your living room seating ideas are prepared for every eventuality. 

‘I like a room to feel alive whether there are 2 people or 20 people in it,’ says home decor designer Jonathan Adler . ‘Pullable-uppable ottomans, tables you can perch on, conversation cocoons – make your space work like one giant gossip bench. ’ 

In this room by designer Olivia Stutz , a grey sofa is joined by a pair of curved armchairs, a black and white accent chair from Parisian brand Liaigre, and a quirky pair of red, space age-style stools found in a Paris flea market, in a collection that balances fun and formality. 

4. Be unique

(Image credit: Liz Caan/Eric Roth)

‘Every home and design should have some sort of story attached to it,’ says Albion Nord ’s Creative Director Camilla Clarke. ‘If the design doesn’t tell a story about the homeowner, the house or the surrounding area, it can then lack depth and connection.’ 

‘Whether it be a design around an inherited piece of art or, a celebration of the classical features of a property, this will help create the soul and character of a home and make it different to any other house,’ adds Clarke. 

Interior designer Liz Caan has certainly stamped individuality all over the living room styling for her Boston home. The hand printed pink and white wallpaper by Raoul surrounds what Caan calls her ‘collection of curiosities’, an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, artwork, ornaments and books.  

5. Make the fireplace your focus 

(Image credit: Amanda Evans Interiors)

When it comes to deciding on your layout, centering the scheme around your living room fireplace ideas creates a timelessly welcoming focal point, as demonstrated in this space by designer Amanda Evans . If the fireplace is the star of the show, ensure that it is pitched perfectly design-wise between your home’s period and your contemporary tastes. 

‘It’s important to decide whether you would prefer a restored antique fireplace, salvaged from another property, or whether you would like to create your own based on your research of the property and the kind of look and feel you aspire to for your home or room,’ says Owen Pacey, Founder of Renaissance London . ‘Restoration can be a hugely gratifying and challenging process, from sourcing to installation, but the result is a true piece of history amongst the fabric of your home.’ 

6. Swap a TV for a library

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

‘When designing a formal space for entertaining guests, we often omit a television from the design, or else devise intelligent ways to hide it from view,’ says Wicksteed. ‘Some of these include creating bespoke joinery disguised to look like a bookcase and installing a television which looks like a mirror.’ 

Providing an intellectually stimulating alternative to a TV, designing a home library as part of your formal living area is a great way to add purpose to the room, create meaningful storage for a book collection, and demonstrate your personal tastes and interests. 

7. Keep it cultural with artwork

(Image credit: Yellow London/Matt Clayton)

‘Art adds character and a sense of personality to a space that you can’t always fully achieve through materials and colours in a room,’ says Clarke. ‘A room without art is a room unfinished. Your wall should be the canvas for your art.’ 

When thinking about how to design a living room, art should never be an afterthought – if you’re a keen collector, consider putting your favourite pieces pride of place in your formal living room to be enjoyed by guests. In this Pimlico townhouse by Yellow London , the living room is filled with bold pieces of colorful art that not only ooze personality, but inspire the eclectic color scheme around the rest of the room.  

8. Finish off a look with purposeful curtains

(Image credit: Kit Kemp/Simon Brown)

For visual interest that runs from top to bottom, give some serious thought to your living room curtain ideas. ‘Curtains are the hairdo of the room, framing the space like the tresses of a groovy 60s Rock chick,’ says Jonathan Adler. ‘Think Jean Shrimpton, Marianne Faithful, Nico. Blondes do have more fun.’ 

Curtains in a purposeful pattern and color choice, and made from a luxurious fabric can really make a formal living space feel elegant and special. In this living room by interior designer Kit Kemp , a blue-led scheme is made to feel warm, playful and contemporary with the use of blush pink patterned curtains.

(Image credit: Jonathan Adler)

In a more formal space, your living room sofa ideas have licence to focus more on exciting design than they do comfort. As a space for entertaining, consider choosing pieces that are individual, interesting and ready to party.  

‘Float a unique sofa in the middle of your living room to anchor an organic furniture plan, or let it own that corner you haven't figured out what to do with yet,’ says Adler. In this room put together by Adler, a pair of highly contemporary curved sofas wrap around a circular coffee table, creating a cocooned seating area that is as stylish as it is welcoming. 

10. Swap cozy carpet for a large scale rug

(Image credit: Davide Lovati)

Coziness may be of paramount importance in a family room or TV snug, but too much in the way of soft furnishings can feel a little overwhelming in a more formal setting. To balance the need for comfort with a touch of restraint, consider swapping a carpet for a large living room rug. Not only will it bring focus to the center of the room, but it will prevent the atmosphere from feeling too cosseting, and mean neither you nor your guests worry too much about them keeping their shoes on in the room, with rugs often easier to clean than carpets.  

What furniture should you put in a formal living room? 

Seating is the most important aspect of any formal living space – and it’s important to have as much of it as you can manage. Offering your guests a variety of seating options allows them to choose which are most comfortable for them – a squashy ottoman might be great for kids but not so great for grandma. A sofa is a must-have, while armchairs are a more adaptable addition that provides similar comfort. 

Placing a coffee table – or upholstered bench with a tray – at the center of the seating area serves as a focal point and a perch for food, drinks and games. Storage may be necessary for books, games and ornaments, but the priority for these pieces is for them to be aesthetically pleasing first: antique dressers and ottomans that can function as both seating and storage are helpful for a room that needs to stay neat and tidy. 

How do you make a formal living room feel elegant?

Providing you have a more relaxed space for kicking back and watching the TV, the formal living room should channel beauty over comfort every time. Leave the squashy sofas elsewhere and choose leaner silhouettes with thoughtful design details. Invest in statement curtains or a rug for some softness that still carries some aesthetic weight, and always leave the television out, or be sure to disguise its presence. 

In terms of decor, this is the place for putting the best on show. Incorporate some open shelving to display prized ornaments, artwork and books – leave the family photos to the more relaxed spaces. 

Ailis started out at British GQ, where a month of work experience turned into 18 months of working on all sorts of projects, writing about everything from motorsport to interiors, and helping to put together the GQ Food & Drink Awards. She then spent three years at the London Evening Standard, covering restaurants and bars. After a period of freelancing, writing about food, drink and homes for publications including Conde Nast Traveller, Luxury London and Departures, she started at Homes & Gardens as a Digital Writer, allowing her to fully indulge her love of good interior design. She is now a fully fledged food PR but still writes for Homes & Gardens as a contributing editor.

fashion trends, living room interior design

11/13/2019

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The living room is the centerpiece of every home. Most of the time is spent in the living room, guests are received in it, warm evenings are held with the family. Therefore, the choice of the design of a large living room must be approached very responsibly, taking into account many nuances. In addition, the design interior of the living room may require significant financial investments.

The selection of interior elements (carpets, furniture, appliances, etc.) is a very important and meticulous stage in creating a living room design. The interior of the living room consists of many different details, the harmonious combination of which will create a single picture. Design is a collection of interior items. Interacting with each other, the elements of the room should fit well into the overall style.

The main elements of the interior include:

It should be noted that in addition to the main elements in the interior of the room, there are additional elements.


Living room TULSA

Living room insolation

The living room must be de-energized with good insolation. Since the ingress of sunlight into the room has a good effect on human health. Natural sunlight gives a person cheerfulness for the whole day. In order to provide a comfortable level of natural light, the following are installed:

Furniture selection

The subject content of the living room, as a rule, depends on its size, the number of residents and their needs. By tradition, the basic basis of subject content includes:

  1. One or two chairs.
  2. Wall.
  3. Sofa.
  4. Coffee table.

These pieces of furniture form the main spatial composition of the interior, which can be supplemented at will. For example, bookshelves can be installed in a room to form a home library.


Living room Magnum

Interior design

The design of specific objects should be selected depending on the chosen interior style. So, for example, a good solution for a classic style would be: choosing a cabinet with a glass facade, choosing a soft sofa with curved legs. But with minimalism, preference should be given to more mundane furniture with a smooth facade.

Particular attention should be paid to the arrangement of furniture, which depends on the geometry of the room. So, if the room is square, then the main furniture is displayed in the center. If the room has a rectangular shape, then it is preferable to place furniture along the walls, thereby freeing up space.

Main piece of furniture

The sofa is the main piece of furniture in the living room. Choosing a sofa should be based on the chosen interior style. It is better to purchase sofas with armrests, as they can serve as pillows and armrests. When choosing upholstery and sofa filler, it is recommended to take into account possible allergic reactions in family members.

To create comfort, the sofa can be placed in front of a fireplace or a TV. Sofas look harmoniously with armchairs and pouffes. An excellent, modern option would be the arrangement of upholstered furniture in the form of a circle of communication.

Living room table

There is no need to have a very large table in the living room. There are two main options:

Regardless of which option is chosen, do not forget that the table must match the overall style of the living room. In addition, the table should not take up most of the space of the room. A coffee table is best placed next to upholstered furniture, and a dining table will look better in the center of the room.


Living room style

When choosing a classic style for the interior of a living room, it should be borne in mind that it requires large-scale elements that do not correspond to the level of comfort. A comfortable atmosphere can be created thanks to modern trends in the design of large living rooms. Thanks to the classic style, the living room can be given a solemn look. However, today the main trend in the interior is practicality.

A practical version of the interior of the room can be obtained by choosing the style of minimalism. Minimalism involves the use in the interior of only important decorative elements that are hidden from the human eye. In the minimalist interior of the room, freedom and order are felt.

It is worth noting that eclecticism is also in fashion today. Do not be afraid to experiment, mix styles: combine wood furniture with metal shelving, add details from the loft style, install light sources that are made in a classic style. Do not pursue any particular style, create your own unique interior that will delight you.

Colors

When choosing a color scheme for the living room, it is better to give preference to shallow warm tones that will help create an atmosphere of coziness and comfort. When choosing white or gray, there is a risk of making the atmosphere in the room very cold.

The cold atmosphere causes unpleasant, uncomfortable sensations in most people. If in doubt when choosing a warm tone, then it is better to give preference to neutral shades. For example, a beige color that can be used as a background for various decor elements.


Room lighting

The living room should be well lit not only by natural, sunlight, but also by artificial light. You can turn a festive, bright living room into a warm and cozy family room with the help of several sconces and floor lamps, which are installed in addition to the main chandelier. For good lighting control, it is better to install such lamps in several parts of the room.

Materials

A variety of materials are used for the production and upholstery of furniture. The budget materials that are the basis for the production of furniture include:

Preference should still be given to MDF, its price is slightly higher than that of chipboard. However, the material is quite durable and environmentally friendly. Glass can also be used in the production of tables, resulting in beautiful coffee tables.

One of the most expensive materials used in the manufacture of furniture is natural wood. Decorating the living room with natural wood elements is the most elegant. Thanks to this material, an atmosphere of comfort and warmth is created in the room.

Often in the interior of the living room, the main material is metal. This material finds its application, as a rule, in modern styles.


Decor and textiles

It is difficult to give any specific recommendations on decor, as they directly depend on the interior style you have chosen. However, the best decorative features are such elements as:

By following the above recommendations, you can make any living room stylish and comfortable. You need to approach the arrangement of the room with all responsibility and imagination. Having familiarized yourself with the main design elements, you can say with confidence that the interior of the living room is completely up to you.

15 options with photos, designers' comments

RBC-Nedvizhimost talks about the basic rules and mistakes when arranging a room for relaxing and receiving guests

Photo: JRP Studio\shutterstock

not only a place to receive friends. Here they dine, work, read books and watch movies. To create a welcoming environment for any type of activity, you need to take into account many design nuances.

We tell you how to equip a cozy and stylish living room.

Style

www.adv.rbc.ru

The design of the living room can be done in a variety of styles. The most common are classic, modern, Scandinavian, minimalism, country and Provence.

Design of a living room in a classic style

“In the interior of a living room, the type of furniture, decor, details, and overall color scheme are important. Often, a person may like elements from completely different styles - for example, classic decor and modern furniture. In such cases, there is a risk of making the interior absurd, even though today few people follow exclusively one design style,” said Anna Budnikova, architect-designer, co-founder of the M-A SPACE studio.

Hi-tech living room design

There are also visually similar styles that combine with each other. For example, modern, Scandinavian, minimalism. “Our customers prefer modern style in living room design or Provence style. The first one is multifunctional, universal, practical. It is characterized by color contrasts, the principle of "nothing more" applies. For Provence, details that are usually characteristic of country houses play a key role. Due to them, the overall comfort and “warmth” of the space is created, ”summed up Budnikova.

Minimal living room design

Tips

Zones

Zoning plays one of the most important roles in living room design. “You can separate the zones with glass sliding partitions or low pieces of furniture so as not to overload or reduce the space. Furniture should not be dark in color. Bright colors are acceptable - for example, for the children's area, but only if they support the overall range of the living room and do not hurt the eyes, - said Anna Budnikova.

“You can create a themed living room with places of interest - for board games, a musical group (piano is better than a piano) with a place for singing; large table for activities with children and work. In a separate area, you can place a fireplace group with firewood around. The dining area will be decorated with a transparent glass cabinet with porcelain and faience,” advised Irina Dymova, interior designer, board member of the Association of Interior Designers and Decorators (ADDI).

Divide your living room into themed areas

Light

Ambient Light

The living room is the perfect place to watch movies and TV shows in the evening. “With the help of a background lighting system that synchronizes with music or the image on the TV so that the viewer is completely immersed in what is happening on the screen, you can enhance the experience of your favorite films,” said Natalia Neverskaya, head of corporate communications at Signify in Russia and the CIS.

Don't forget about background lighting

Local lighting

We all like to read comfortably on the sofa, so the seating area should be equipped with local lighting. “Floor lamps are suitable for this, as well as table or portable lamps that do not require connection to an outlet - thanks to the built-in battery, they can be placed anywhere in the room. By the way, the presence of a variety of lighting effects will allow you to choose the right shade for your mood,” Neverskaya advises.

Portable lights can be placed anywhere in the room

LED strip

An excellent lighting design tool is the LED strip, which can emphasize the graphic character of individual elements of the living room. It can be placed along the contour of the ceiling, along the shelves with books or around the TV, creating the effect of floating in the air, advises an expert from Signify. According to Neverska, so that your original living room design details do not go unnoticed, you should use the accent lighting technique.

LED strip highlights individual living room elements

Furniture

Easy chair

Easy chairs are a fundamental part of the interior, they look good in pairs, side by side, at an angle or straight, it’s good to place a small coffee table between the chairs — it’s convenient to put a glass or a mug on it, the manager noted " Design Bureau No. 1" Sergey Petrov. According to him, the chair should be as comfortable, cozy and spacious as possible. In the living room, chairs with a tilted back or even with a recliner look great - a footrest that comes out from under the bottom, which makes the chair a couch, the designer believes.

Upholstered armchairs look cozy side by side (Photo: jafara)

Straight-back hard chair

Older people and guests with mobility issues love hard chairs because they are easier to get up from. “Yes, and often you need to sit down for a short time - not to fall into a chair, but to sit up straight. In addition, the suit wrinkles less on hard chairs. Such armchairs bring great variety to the interior,” Petrov explained.

Hard chairs suitable for older family members (Photo: Hofpils)

Sofa

Probably the most influential and significant element of the living room interior is the sofa. “Do not be stingy, carefully choose soft filling and upholstery, try to sit on it when choosing,” advises Petrov. “The sofa should give you incredible pleasure and comfort, wrap you up and look perfect.”

Choose a quality sofa - it is the main element in the design of the living room (Photo: Hofpils)

Small sofa, canape

The small sofa has an aesthetic function. It brings even more variety and layering to the interior of the living room, creates additional comfort, the head of Design Bureau No. 1 believes. According to him, this is a good way to fill the voids of a large living room.

Canape will help fill the gaps (Photo: jafara)

Stools and banquettes

Stools, banquettes and armchairs are good to use in pairs near a sofa or coffee table, Petrov noted. According to him, you can put them under a table, a console or a shelf on the wall. Banquets are easily used as tables, they are mobile, multifunctional and perfect for a party.

Banquettes can be used as party tables (Photo: Followtheflow)

Spare chair

Spare chair is usually waiting in the wings away from the main furniture or in the back of the living room. “The main thing in it is its light weight and ease of movement. Such chairs are needed when you suddenly have a lot of guests, and you do not want your dining group to look like a densely stocked collection of chairs every day. Spare chairs can often be in the image as an interesting object or artifact - that is, even defiant and contrasting, ”Petrov summed up.

Make sure you have a spare chair (Photo: Photographee.eu Related)

Mistakes

Illiterate zoning

Incorrect zoning is one of the most common mistakes in living room design. When it is inevitable to fit an office or a nursery into the living room, it is important not to block the passages and not allow “transit” zones, said Anna Budnikova from the M-A SPACE studio. According to her, the zones - recreation, kitchen, work, children - need to be isolated, but there should be a direct connection between them.

Do not block passages in the living room (Photo: New Africa)

TV against the light

A common mistake is placing the TV screen in front of a window or against the light. “You need to place it perpendicular to the window to avoid glare. For example, it is placed along the long wall of the living room, opposite the sofa. In the combined kitchen-living room, you can provide a monitor with a swivel screen so that it can be viewed from the kitchen. In rooms with elongated proportions, we sometimes recommend placing a cabinet with a TV in the middle of the room, thereby zoning the “long” space,” Budnikova specified.

However, in this case, you need to think about the direction of people's movement, so as not to block it, the designer emphasized. According to her, one-room apartments and studios are quite popular today, so the issue of proper space zoning is important.

The TV should be placed perpendicular to the window (Photo: MAX 3D Design)

Wrong climate

Another global mistake in the design of the living room is the incompatibility of interior design with the climate, Sergey Petrov is convinced. “In cold climates, for example in our latitude, wood, wool, velvet and suede have historically been used. In a warm climate, for example, in Sochi, wicker furniture, stone flooring, and cotton look more appropriate,” the designer believes.

It is better to give up wicker furniture if the climate is cold

Monotonous furniture

The mistake that most living room interiors have is the lack of variety of seating furniture and its dull arrangement, Petrov clarified. According to him, upholstered furniture, chairs, banquettes and a bar area should be selected and arranged in such a way as to contribute to the maximum and varied pastime - from intimate conversations to lively conversations at a noisy party.

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