A fireplace serves as a focal point for your living room.
In many homes, the living room is the first area that visitors see and the main spot for entertaining and social activities. Creating a warm, inviting look for this room helps family, friends and other guests feel comfortable and establishes a mood for the rest of your home. If you are having trouble coming up with a living room design that maximizes its potential, keeping a few tips in mind as you decorate will help you to wind up with a room that you and your family will enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?
Size Matters
When choosing furniture and decorative elements for your living room, let the size of the space help guide your design decisions. A large living room can support larger, heavier pieces of furniture, such as a floor-to-ceiling bookcase or an intricately carved coffee table. You can also use patterned wallpaper in a larger space without worrying about the room looking too busy. If your living room is on the smaller side, opt for furnishings with clean, simple lines that do not overwhelm the room. Avoid large patterns for the wall and instead choose a light color such as yellow, pale blue or peach. Lighter colors help make a small living room feel larger so the space feels brighter and more airy.
Go Bold With a Print
Many homeowners choose neutral colors for their living room because it takes the guess work out of matching shades and patterns. However, a completely neutral palette may make your living room feel bland and drab. To add visual interest and drama to the room, incorporate a bold, colorful pattern in smaller doses. Funky zebra print pillows can spice up a boring gray couch, while a blue-and-white striped area rug can help draw attention to a tan sofa with interesting details like quilting or tufting. You can also use a bold-patterned wallpaper to create an accent wall behind a fireplace or a large piece of furniture that you wish to highlight.
Find a Focal Point
It can sometimes be difficult to figure out the best way to arrange furniture in your living room, particularly if it is a large space. If you are unsure set up your sofa and chairs, settle on a focal point for the room. Your focal point can be a fireplace, large picture window or your television set. You can also use an accent wall that features a special piece of artwork. Position the seating so guests have a prime view of your chosen focal point. This type of furniture arrangement usually helps balance the look of the room as well.
Mix Up the Lighting
When selecting lighting for your living room, do not rely on one main light source for the entire room. In most cases, the light from a central fixture must be quite harsh if it is to light all of the room. Instead, combine several light sources with softer light. A pendant light or chandelier is an ideal option for the center of the room, while tabletop lamps near your sofa can add light at seating level. Floor lamps work well in corners that need lighting or beside console tables.
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