6 Things You Should Consider when Designing a Living Room

Did you know that we spend the bulk of our time in the living room? Just as the name suggests, the living room is one of the most versatile spaces in your home and without a doubt, the heartbeat of the home.

While the living room is a cozy place to kick back and mingle with family, it is also an entertainment hub where we receive guests when they visit. Hence, it is only natural for us to try to decorate it to the most welcoming and lovely version we possibly can.

So, whether you are staring at an empty living room in your new home trying to rack your mind on how you will design it. Or, perhaps you want to redecorate your living space to something more timeless and classy, read on further for the ultimate living room design ideas.

1. Take Measurements of Your Living Space

taking measurements

Before you can make any major decision about designing your living room, you will want to take measurements to have an accurate and clear picture of its square footage. When you familiarize yourself with the dimensions of your living room, it is easier to plan the layout and organize or shop for furniture.

With the proper measurements, you can finally decide on the perfect furniture placement as you select the right size furnishings, rug, and window treatments. 

So, whether you are remodeling or planning your living room from scratch, it is crucial that you perform this due diligence ahead of time to save you on time, money, and the hassle of getting furniture that does not fit into your space.

2. Establish Realistic Intentions 

living rooms

When you know how you want to use your living room, the decorating bit becomes a whole lot easier. Do you want somewhere you can hold conversations with friends and family? Or maybe you have always envisioned having a reading area and cocktail bar in your living space.

You must take all the intentions for your living room into account to make sure that you decorate your space to reflect your personality, tastes, and preferences. Your intentions ought to be realistic and aligned with your lifestyle. 

For instance, if you have kids, steer clear of glass coffee tables and numerous floor lamps because they pose a potential safety hazard. Instead, you can compromise hanging lights and wooden tables which are equally as good. After all, better safe than sorry, right?

3. Select a Good Living Room Layout 

Room layout

Figuring out a good living room layout for your furniture can feel like an endless puzzle. The key to a functional and stylish living room is a space that serves both your needs and lifestyle. Your layout should be spot on because no matter how spacious or small your living room might be, you are not getting the most out of it if you have awkwardly arranged your furniture. 

Create distinct separate zones throughout your living room. Consider, too, features of your living room you really need and cannot do without. At the very least, create a space for relaxing, working, reading, and conversations. 

Since your sofa is a principal feature in your living room, you might as well use it to dictate the furniture layout. Identify a focal point like a TV or fireplace and place your sofa around it to create a conversation hub and chill out zone. 

Once you have placed your sofa, you can reinforce the separate zones with additional seating. Sure, have your home office at the corner with a console desk and chair, but also set up an armed chair by the window to have a defined reading area.

4. Pick a Suitable Theme

living room theme

Once you are content with your furniture placement, you can now move onto the interesting part, choosing a suitable theme for your living room. It is easy to randomly pick a theme but for the ultimate wow effect, you will want to be more intentional to choose wisely.

From modern, minimalist, farmhouse, vintage to timeless designs, the list is endless when it comes to potential themes that would suit you. Are you a hopeless romantic? Adventurous by nature? Or, a minimalist? Choose a theme that reflects your personality and tastes.

Note too, that your style and theme should match your needs. For instance, if your house is full of kids, you may want to steer clear of a living room full of antiques. Instead, the modern or farmhouse design will make more sense.

 In a nutshell, ask yourself: Do you have kids? Do you plan on hosting parties? Do you enjoy watching TV? Then, invest in the theme that will cultivate a beautiful yet practical aesthetic. Pay Attention to the Walls

Wall décor is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to designing your living room and by no means should these walls be plain. These décor may include paintings, photos, personal portraits, and wallpapers.

Addressing your walls is the ideal opportunity to add more pizzazz to your room. Consider your overall theme when selecting the décor. It is okay to want a stunning room, but refrain from covering every inch of your living room walls with accessories.

You can either create a gallery wall, hang a large piece of art, or hang a mirror to reflect light and create the impression of a large living room. Alternatively, dress your walls with wallpapers and colored tiles to recreate a dazzling space.

5. Pay Attention to the Walls

wall art

Wall décor is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to designing your living room and by no means should these walls be plain. These décor may include paintings, photos, personal portraits, and wallpapers.

Addressing your walls is the ideal opportunity to add more pizzazz to your room. Consider your overall theme when selecting the décor. It is okay to want a stunning room, but refrain from covering every inch of your living room walls with accessories.

You can either create a gallery wall, hang a large piece of art, or hang a mirror to reflect light and create the impression of a large living room. Alternatively, dress your walls with wallpapers and colored tiles to recreate a dazzling space.

 

6. Incorporate Living Room Storage Solutions

living room storage

However hard you may try to have a flawless living room, somehow, clutter is drawn to your space. Thus, it is crucial to factor in storage solutions when designing your living room. To curb this, get rid of unnecessary extra furniture and opt for multifunctional pieces.

Set up closed and open shelves at strategic positions in your room to stash away your knick knacks, kids’ toys, and the latter to show off your most cherished attractive items. Look out, too, for versatile pieces like a console table, storage ottomans, and coffee tables with extra storage shelves.

Final Thoughts

From an entertainment hub, chilling zone to a workspace, we can all agree that the living room wears a lot of hats. And while the process of decorating may feel intimidating, with the tips listed above, you will quickly discover how you can thoughtfully design this space to appeal to you and your family. Recreate an exceptional living room today, what are you waiting for?

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