A living room goes by many names: the family room, an entertainment center, maybe even an insidious remote-controlled war zone. What space means to you probably depends on whether you have kids, enjoy entertainment, or believe that books are best friends.
But regardless of your lifestyle, one thing remains the same: the living room in your home should be inviting and comfortable. After all, it’s where you live and where you spend most of your time (we exclude the bedroom for technical reasons since those eight hours are usually spent sleeping). The living room should be where you and your loved ones want to be: friends, family, distracted kids, busy teenagers, fur babies, and book lovers included.
It should be warm and inviting, not cold or severe, full of conversation, laughter, and comfort within reach. Essentially, your goal is to create a space that people are happy to sit and park in, but of course that’s easier said than done. If you want everyone to spend more time in the center of your private life, here’s how.
1. Start with the seat
The fact is, nobody wants to stay in the living room if: A) the sofas are subpar; B) insufficient space; or C) the seat is spread out so far that it feels very empty and you can almost hear your echo around the room.
Arrange the furniture in a way that encourages connection but is not too close together to make it more convenient. If you’re working with a small living room, this can be a challenge but don’t give up hope because of the square footage. A semi-circular layout works well, as does a section for people to sit face-to-face.
But it’s important to consider the furniture you choose. Many housewives treat their living room as a large foyer – the space is beautiful, but a minimalist design doesn’t exactly invite you to sit down and stay for a while. If that’s the aesthetic you’re after, leave the hard, cold metal at the entrance; Instead, choose warmer pieces like those from Universal Furniture, which can achieve a modern look without being too intimidating.
The sofa should be comfortable and have plenty of pillows to encourage storytelling, binge-watching, and gaming. However, be careful that the padding is not too soft and forces people to tip over. Before you know it, they’ll be staring at their phones even when they’re glued to the couch.
2. Establish a focus
In most cases, the TV will be the focal point of a living room, but it doesn’t have to be! A strategically placed coffee table can help bring everyone together, whether it’s for a drink or a board game. Keep it low so your view is unobstructed and everything you need is within reach. Cup holders can help guests feel at home, and hidden drawers come in handy for tight spaces.
3. Set the right accents
What are you comfortable with? Perhaps it’s a calming blend of essential oils or soft ambient lighting that sets the mood. Sofa queens might be all about fleece throws, while others need an ottoman to give their feet some much-needed rest.
There is no right answer to how to decorate a living room, but it is important to remember that each accessory you choose can create a different atmosphere. From man caves to overrun arcades, space-filling objects make people feel out of place or welcome.
4. Call Backup
Keep a few tricks up your sleeve that can make your living room more livable. For example, a universal remote can dim the lights and turn up the volume for movie night so people don’t get lost flipping the light switch. Whether you regularly occupy the space with an unkempt furry friend or creepy kids tend to take over, a Roomba can effortlessly keep your floors clean and allergy-free. Even an extension to charge phones can make people stay a little longer.
5. Have fun!
Tell the family its game night, invite the neighbors to a watch party, ask Bae to come on Netflix and chill, or call Kitty to snuggle up next to you. Regardless of your version of the business, you’re sure to see the worthwhile redesign pay off.
