I was once told that the living room is the heart of the home because it is where the whole family gathers. It may have been true at the time when people primarily consumed media through television. Family members would gather at a specific time to watch films, news, and sporting events. Technology has evolved immensely since then and altered the dynamics of the home.
THEN AND NOW
The living room, as we know it today, didn’t begin to take shape until the 17th century. This development was largely due to the emergence of the middle class, who could afford to have separate rooms dedicated to relaxation and entertainment. The living room became a space for socializing and entertaining guests.
A reflection of changing lifestyles and social values, the living room has evolved again in the 20th century. With the rise of technology and the importance of family, living rooms have become more casual and functional with a focus on comfort and practicality.
OUR LIVING ROOM
We’re barely hanging out in the living room at home. We’ve got our own devices, and we’re consuming content that we like, and we’re not fighting over a remote control. Our living room is empty unless someone wants to watch something on a bigger screen. Even in these circumstances, we keep the living area clean and interesting.
I’ve known people who are still hanging out with their loved ones in the living room, even though they’ve got their own thing going on. Some people often entertain guests and want the living room to be the most presentable as this is where they would stay the most. According to House Beautiful, an inviting living room is one of the interior design trends in 2024.
Living rooms vary due to individual lifestyles, design identity, and phases in life. No living room will look or function the same. With that said, the following considerations are derived from my experiences as an interior designer and are based on the common idea of what constitutes a living room.
DECORATING LIVING ROOM CONSIDERATIONS
Firstly, it is ideal to internalize the following before making any plans or a simple refresh:
1. What is working in your current setup?
2. Is there anything that no longer serves a purpose?
3. Is there anything that can be added now or in the future to help you with what you need?
These questions will give you a clear vision of how you will approach your redecorating. It’s also a good time to get rid of things that no longer work for your lifestyle and bring in fresh energy.
FUNCTION
All items listed after this will ultimately depend on this.
Is it solely for lounging? Do you regularly entertain guests? Do you have children or older people who use this space? These are some questions that you need to ask yourself. The living area might be a place to lounge. People might also take a nap or wind down on the sofa before going to bed. But that could be where children do their homework. It could also be a space where people work out.
SIZE OF THE SPACE
Do you have a compact area or a large room? Will the furniture fit the door? For a smaller area, multifunctional furniture and innovative storage may be optimal. A larger space can fit more furniture and have generous clearances, but it doesn’t mean every inch needs to be filled.
FURNITURE PIECES
It’s furniture you should spend a little more on because it’s the main element of the room. Pieces should be proportionate to the space where people can move and function. Select upholstery and finishes that are easy to maintain and could take a lot of beating.
Here are some furniture pointers when decorating living rooms:
Sofa and Chairs. This is a traditional grouping of furniture for the living room. The sofa can be used as the focal point while the chairs may be set up to create a conversation area. For a large living area, the sectional sofa is an ideal choice, and loveseats or settees are good for small rooms. Slipcovers are great for prolonging the life of sofas and chairs.
Coffee Table. A coffee table is an essential piece and can anchor the seating area. It is suitable for holding beverages, snacks, and decor. For a small space, a round coffee table is ideal. A rectangular coffee table would be suitable for larger spaces.
Accent Chairs. These are a great way to add color and texture to a living room. They can be adapted to create a comfortable reading nook or to accommodate additional seating.
Ottoman. Depending on the size and material, it is a flexible piece of furniture that can be adapted for use as a footrest, additional seating, or even a coffee table.
Side Tables. You can place these furniture next to the chairs and sofas. Side tables can hold table lamps and decor. I’ve seen a table lamp, which is also a side table, with a built-in outlet. Great for compact spaces!
Media Console. This furniture is where TVs, speakers, game consoles, and other electronics are stored. But it doesn’t have to be just functional; it can also be a stylish addition to your living room by adding accessories to it.
DECORATING LIVING ROOMS WITH LIGHT
In any living room, lighting is a vital component. It can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, highlight the architectural features, and set the mood for various activities. Multiple artificial light sources with different functions will allow flexibility in how the room can be used.
1. General Lighting. This is the primary source of light. These are the pin lights that are usually installed flush in the ceiling.
2. Chandeliers and Pendant Lights. These lamps are usually decorative and illuminate the room. A sculptural lamp can be a focal point of the whole room.
3. Table and Floor Lamps. These versatile lamps can be helpful when people read in the living room or when kids do their homework. It can provide extra light in dark corners and provide ambient lighting.
4. Mood Lighting. These are the cove lights installed in the ceiling. It’s usually in a warm white temperature, which indirectly illuminates the entire space. This type of lighting is ideal for intimate get-togethers and when winding down.
ACCESSORIES, DECORATIONS, AND PERSONAL THINGS
I’ve found that decorating living rooms with personal objects work best. Framed family photos, books, vinyl players, or anything that reflects lifestyle and hobbies make the living room special. A collage of family and graduation photos is the most common setup I’ve seen. Although some people like a clean, bright room, it’s okay to live in a room that looks like it’s lived in as long as it doesn’t interfere with your everyday life.
Pillows are an opportunity to add more colors and textures to the living room. For a more dynamic look, mix and match various types and sizes. Throw blankets can also add warmth and softness.
Plants are an excellent addition to the living space as well. Large potted plants can add a touch of nature and can be used to fill empty corners. If you’re not a green thumb like me, or if the space has limited windows, faux plants can work as well. Faux plants look like real ones now!
An area rug can tie up all the furniture pieces in the living room and create zoning for open-plan spaces. There are standard shapes and sizes to choose from but there are now more asymmetrical options. You can check online resources for choosing the right size for your layout.
A different approach in decorating living rooms is to select a few statement pieces that will have an impact, rather than displaying small items. Wall art or a statement vase can add visual interest without taking up valuable space. Artwork or a series of it, sculptural wall art can add a big personality to a bare wall.
WINDOW TREATMENTS
1. For window treatments in the living room, curtains are a classic choice. They come in a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns. Curtains can add a pop of color or create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. There are readily available ones in depots and malls but make sure to inspect the size and material first.
2. A more formal option is drapes. They’re usually made of heavier fabrics, such as velvet or silk, and they can add a touch of elegance to the room. Layering sheer curtains with thick fabrics would be a good idea. Natural light is softened by sheer curtains, while heavier drapes provide privacy.
3. Another popular option is the Roman shades. They are available in a variety of materials, including fabrics, bamboo, and wood, which can be tailored to suit any size or shape of window.
4. Blinds are a practical choice. They are available in different materials such as wood, vinyl, or aluminum and can be customized according to the window size and shape.
5. Valances, which are not common in today’s homes, can conceal window treatment hardware. These are usually made of fabric and can add a touch of color or pattern to the room.
DECORATING LIVING ROOMS WITH A FOCAL POINT
Where you’re living or what you do will determine the focal point of the living room. This is usually an entertainment setup for most people, a fireplace, or an art.
AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS
A space can be dedicated to hobbies, exercise, and other activities. Ours has a reading nook near a window that has a bookshelf, loveseat, and a table lamp. Someone I know who has kids has a small corner dedicated to children’s activities and toy storage. A friend of mine has their gaming console set up. Find out what other functions you want your living room to have.
Whichever ideas apply to you, we can agree that an organized and well-decorated living area is essential for a home whatever the size.