At our last meeting, I thanked whoever suggested this idea for a blog post title. Before, we called it “How to Make Your Living Room Look Better,” and everyone laughed it off (even the person jokingly said it). But then we looked at each other and said, “wait, is this kinda an awesome post title/idea??” It was as if a single lightbulb had suddenly gone above our heads. Even though we’ve shared all of these hints on the blog before, it’s still helpful to have them compiled in one place, like a simple and non-intimidating living room design checklist. In the style of “Living Room Design for Dummies,” despite the insults.
Tips To Make Your Living Room Look Better
Most of us can relate to staring at our living room and wondering why something feels off. Now that you have this simple, straightforward guide, you can end all (well, most) of your living room design woes once and for all.
Do Not Own A “Too Small Rug.”
Large rugs are not typically inexpensive, which is an understandable reason for not being able to “go big or (don’t) go home because your rug is still too small.” However, if you do some research, keep an eye out for sales (don’t forget that Black Friday is in just a few days! ), or put in a little extra time and effort, you can find options that are within your budget.
Do Not Overcrowd Your Space With Stuff.
Indulging in the wanton acquisition of quaint trinkets is a serious vice of mine. My current view from my desk chair is of not one, but three candelabras. A constant uphill battle, but I’m making progress.
This advice may infuriate maximalists, but hear me out. If you’re content with your setup, you don’t need to adhere to every rule. It’s easy for things to get “bitsy” and “visually busy,” though. Maintaining a maximalist aesthetic can be as simple as incorporating a range of sizes into your furnishings. You won’t have a wall of “the same,” where nothing stands out, and your eye will be able to bounce around more easily as a result.
But this is for the moderates and minimalists among us who aren’t looking to go all the way. If you want to relax a little, give the things you care about some space to flourish. Having an excessive amount of belongings in a given area is a mild source of stress for me. I’m not making any of this up. Yes, I do believe that the way your home looks has an effect on you, both positively and negatively, depending on how happy you are with it.
Do Add Some Black
I would recommend immediately fixing this problem if your living room doesn’t feature some deep, rich blacks. Adding a few black accent pieces here and there to your living room will give it great visual weight and perhaps some much-needed contrast. Just add something light and airy, like a small vase, an accent in a pillow, or a piece of art, if you really, really love a neutral space. We guarantee that the finished product will give your space a more elegant, well-proportioned look.
Not every piece of black decor in the living room is heavy. Instead, they serve to perfectly anchor the design. It can be incorporated into wall decor, lighting, vases, bookcase embellishments, and more. You can give your eyes a break from tracking multiple objects at once thanks to how evenly spaced they all are. I think everyone can agree that a design that strikes a good balance will make everyone happy.
Don’t be afraid to take some risks, though. For visual balance, you should complement it with other strong pieces.
Do Create Unique Blanket Style
Something so elementary and yet so easily forgotten. A well-styled throw can make even the most sloppy living room look put together. But there are many ways to accomplish this, and I’ve outlined some of our favorites.
This is the sartorial equivalent of a flawless top bun worn casually while lounging on the couch. Even if it takes you 15 tries to get it right, the end result will look easy. For this, we have a fun trick: we grab the throw slightly off-center, pick it up, and then toss it softly onto the couch. At least that’s how we justify it, and it makes sense!
Do Add A Tray To Your Coffee Table
A tray can serve as a decorative accent, a place to display your belongings, or a functional container for your items. It is possible to find useful furniture or ornamentation. Obviously there are other options, but this one has won our hearts. In addition, it is often very cheap. There is a tray on the market for nearly any budget.
Our go-to coffee table is a rectangular table with a tray in a contrasting shape. It adds a nice aesthetic touch. They’re just the right size for a bowl of chips, some coasters, and a few books (mandatory in my opinion). Alternately, you could use a candle, a small plant (if there wasn’t already foliage on the table), and/or your TV remotes in place of the bowl.
Oh, and you can create a makeshift bar on your credenzas with the help of some trays. It’s adorable, thoughtful, and clearly entertaining.
Do Add Table And Standing Lamps.
In a word: lighting. There’s no point in wasting the light you need to actually use your living room if you don’t. We recommend getting at least one table lamp in addition to a floor lamp (depending on your room size). Having multiple lamps at different heights will create visual interest and ensure that the entire room receives an appropriate amount of illumination. And if you have enough lamps, you can turn off the main lights and relax before bed.
The combination of a tall and short lamp causes visual stimulation. They complement each other stylistically and chromatically, but in very different ways. Indeed, that’s another crucial point to remember. Don’t have two tripod lamps in the same room, or else it will look too matchy-matchy.
Do Use Furniture To Make A Conversation Area
The primary function of a living room, in my opinion, is to provide a comfortable gathering spot for friends and family to gather and enjoy one another’s company. In that case, please be quiet; the movie has started. No matter what you’re doing, your living room should be set up in a way that promotes conversation, even on movie night. There is no denying the importance of size. Put simply, a sofa, two chairs, and a bench seat won’t fit into a small living room. However, if you’re able to have more than one sofa, try not to place them in a straight line along one wall.
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