7 Essential Things to Consider When Decorating and Furnishing Your Living Room

The living room is the heart of everyone's home. It’s a place where you relax after long and exhausting days. It's a place where you will entertain your guests. Most importantly, it's a place where you will spend time with your family. So, its decor should be perfect. But let’s be honest, it's not easy to decorate anything these days. There are tons of ideas and inspiration available online, and even if you have an idea of what you want today, you can find something amazing the next day. Where do you even start? Don’t worry, we're here for you. Here are seven essential things to consider when decorating and furnishing your living room. If you follow these steps, you'll create a perfect, functional space.

Create a Plan

Found a perfect sofa or decoration? Great! But before that, let's take a step back. How do you want to feel in your living room? Do you want a cozy and inviting atmosphere? As an interior design consultant in Brisbane states, light-toned woods and minimalist accessories can create a very relaxing and uncluttered space. Or do you want something modern? Or something rustic? It's very important to have a vision and a plan for your future living room. How do you create your vision? Inspiration can be found anywhere these days. For example, you can read decor magazines or scroll Pinterest. You can also create a mood board that will have all the colors, styles, and textures that you love. Once you have it, most decisions on furniture and decoration are automatically made. If you have a lot of ideas and are not sure which will be the best, you can also get professional help. Professionals will listen to you and define your exact style and plan for a perfect living room. Also, you will avoid some common mistakes people make. For example, you won’t buy furniture that is too large or some colors that are tiring for the eyes.

Choose a Good Layout

Do you know how you will arrange your furniture? If you do, great! If you don't, it's time to consider this, because it will be a very important factor. First, consider the room’s size and shape. If you have a small space, avoid large furniture. It will only make the room feel cramped. In this case, go and buy practical furniture like a sofa bed or coffee table that also has hidden storage space. 

If you have a large space, you should buy sofas and chairs that face each other. It creates a cozy conversation space. Don’t forget about flow! People should walk through the room easily and not trip on the furniture every second. One good rule is to leave about 3 feet of walking space between pieces. And always add a rug. It will tie the space together. If you are still not sure about the layout, what should you do? You can use painter’s tape and mark exactly where the furniture will go before you move any heavy pieces around.

Get the Right Colors 

Colors are everything! They will set the mood for your living room - choose wisely! If you want a calm, relaxing space, we would recommend soft colors. Use beige or gray, for example. They create a really peaceful atmosphere and make your room feel large. If you want something more energetic, use bold colors. Don’t be afraid to mix as well (but remember, balance is important). How do you mix properly? There is one good rule that says that 60% of the room should be your main color, 30% a secondary color, and 10% an accent color. This creates a perfect harmony and avoids the matchy-matchy effect. If you’re not sure about this step, don’t worry. You can add some accessories in different colors first. They can easily be removed if you see that the matching is not for you.

It's All About the Lights 

People usually don't pay much attention to lighting. That is a huge mistake here because it can completely transform your living room. Natural light is always best, so try to bring as much natural light as possible with your windows and light, airy curtains, or blinds. If you have a lot of privacy already, it’s best to use sheer fabrics. They will let a lot of sunlight into your living room. If this is not possible and you need your privacy, you can use artificial lighting. Layer it up! Use a mix of overhead lights, floor lamps, and table lamps. They create depth and warmth. Dimmer switches are also a great addition because they let you adjust the mood depending on the time of day or occasion. And don’t forget about statement lighting! Use some chic chandeliers, as they will steal the show. If you have a small budget, there are other options. For example, you can just swap out old light fixtures and add more modern ones. It’s not an expensive replacement, but it will make a huge difference for your space.

Don’t Skimp on Comfort

Okay, you have followed all the steps above. Your living room now looks like one from a magazine. But is it comfortable? If not, what's the point? Remember, you will live there. You should never skimp on comfort - it should be present as much as style is. Always sit on sofas and chairs before you buy them and make sure they’re cozy. Take a look at the depth of the seats and other details. Remember that the things that look and feel perfect in the store may not be so perfect after an hour or two of relaxing. 

Add soft textures as well. Add blankets, rugs, cushions - whatever comes to your mind. These details are very interesting visually, besides being very inviting. And if you have kids or pets, choose durable fabrics that you can clean easily and that can stand up to everyday wear and tear. For example, leather and microfiber are great choices. They are very practical but stylish at the same time. Always remember that your living room is a place where you and your family will relax. Never skimp on comfort just for aesthetics.

Add Your Personality With Accessories and Art

Accessories and art are what make your living room feel uniquely yours. Add details that will show your personality. Add family photos, travel books, souvenirs, and vintage books. These small details will tell your story. The space will really feel like home. If you want to add art, remember that its size should match the room. Why? If you hang a small piece on a large wall, it will look out of place. Try to find and buy art that is proportional to the size of your living room. We would also recommend gallery walls if you have enough space. It is a perfect decoration for a big wall, and you won't need to choose only one art. You can use one style, or you can mix different frames and styles if that’s your type. And don’t forget about plants! They add life and freshness to any room. You can add a few small cactuses or anthuriums or even some large plants. They will instantly light up your space. 

Think About the Storage

Last but not least - storage. No one likes clutter, and it's especially not welcome in modern design. In fact, it is design's biggest enemy. If you want to keep your living room tidy, use small storage solutions. What are these? Coffee tables with drawers, ottomans that open up, stylish baskets... You can hide all the small clutter here - remote controls, magazines, keys, and other items that you need to use every day. You can also use open shelving if you have a lot of books or decorative details. It's very practical and can also be used as a design detail. However, watch how you use it. You need to mix books with decorative details but still leave some empty space between them if you don't want them to look cluttered. If you don’t have much space for these, there are vertical ideas. For example, tall bookcases are great for small rooms, and wall-mounted cabinets are as well. There is always a solution, you just need to be creative!

We know that there are tons of articles and recommendations regarding these topics. However, always remember that each living room is different, and what works for one person can make your living room look awful. It's very important that you create a clear vision and plan and stick to it. So, take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and start implementing these tips one by one. Whether you want a modern style or a cozy space, these seven tips will be a great starting point for you. Your dream living room is just a few steps away! After all, it is a real reflection of you, so make sure it is a space you are truly proud of! We wish you a happy decorating!