Living room decorating ideas

Your living room decor not only highlights your personal style but also sets the mood for how you want to use the space. For example, to entertain, relax, or play.

From your colour scheme to layout, soft furnishings, and decorative accessories, we’ll guide you through a selection of living room decorating ideas to help you create your desired look.

4 popular living room decorating ideas

First, we’ll outline some of the most sought-after living room design ideas with our top tips on how to achieve them in your home.

1. Neutral living room ideas

Neutral living room decor creates a relaxed yet versatile space.

• Choose a monochromatic colour scheme. In simple terms, using various tones and shades of the same colour. Shades of white, beige, or grey create a serene space. Add different textures to add depth and to avoid the space feeling bland
• Natural materials. Adding furniture, accessories, and features made from natural materials will bring warmth to this scheme. Examples include wood, rattan, linen, brick, and concrete
• A pop of colour. Liven up a neutral living room with a splash of colour for visual interest. A bold accent within some artwork or soft furnishings is the perfect way to achieve this

2. Simple living room ideas

For many people, the ideal living room is one free from distractions and clutter. Here’s how to get the look:

• Minimalist. Opt for clean lines, a neutral colour palette, and only essential furniture and decor
• Textiles. To avoid the space feeling clinical, layer a simple living room with soft furnishings: rugs, throws, and cushions
• Plants. Low-maintenance, indoor plants are a great finishing touch, adding a pop of greenery to the space

3. Boho living room decor

Boho living layers natural and organic elements with multicultural artwork, textiles, and decorative accessories. But how do you achieve this laid-back but considered style?

• An eclectic mix. To nail this look you need the perfect blend of vibrant colours, bold patterns, and a variety of textures. Macrame, rattan, and woven fabrics are popular choices
• Go global. Showcase the trinkets from your travels, for example, rugs, artwork, decorative accessories and wall decor to create a true bohemian vibe
• Take it to floor level. Floor cushions, pouffes, and a low-profile sofa offer casual seating synonymous with boho style

4. Rustic living room ideas

Rustic living rooms have a natural, organic feel to them. Achieving the look is easier than you might think.

• Exposed wood. Wood is a key feature in a rustic living room. Incorporate exposed beams, wood flooring, and reclaimed wood furniture to create an inviting and charming space. Keep the walls neutral to allow the furniture to take centre stage
• Vintage gems. Add character and interest by introducing some antique elements. Clocks, distressed furniture, and vintage-inspired lighting all complement this scheme well
• Gather by the fire. A rustic living room is not complete without a feature fireplace. Fake or real, a fireplace creates a cosy focal point

Living room design ideas

In this section, we look at the four key things to consider when planning your living room design ideas to ensure a stunning, cohesive space.

1. Layout

When planning the layout for your living room, there are a few considerations to make:

• Focal point. Identify the focal point (e.g. a fireplace, large window, or a TV) and arrange your furniture around this
• Furniture placement. Your furniture should be proportionate to the size of the room. Place larger items, for example, the softa, against the wall to maximise floor space, leaving enough space for traffic flow
• Functionality. Consider how you’ll use your living room and include appropriate furniture. Do you need side tables, storage, or a media unit? Do you have ample seating?

Avoid a cluttered living room by evaluating your storage needs and incorporating relevant pieces. For example, a coffee table with hidden compartments, built-in bookshelves, and storage baskets.

2. Lighting

Lighting will play a number of important roles in your living room. Choose a combination of the following to create a layered, well-balanced lighting scheme:

• Ambient lighting. This is your main lighting that illuminates the entire room, achieved with ceiling lights, for example, spotlights or a dazzling chandelier
• Task lighting. As the name suggests, the aim of this lighting is to help with specific tasks. Consider where you might need a floor or table lamp to make it easier to read, do activities, or play games
• Accent lighting. Highlight architectural features, artwork, or decorative objects with spotlights, track lighting, or wall-mounted fixtures

Where possible, opt for dimmer switches or smart lighting controls to adjust the intensity of the light as needed.

3. Colours

The colours you choose for your living room will set the tone for the space. Whether you want to relax, socialise, or play in your lounge room, here’s a selection of popular living room colour schemes to inspire you:

• Neutrals. Neutrals create a timeless and versatile backdrop to easily coordinate with other elements in your living room. White and beige, grey and taupe, and greige are perfect for this scheme
• Earthy tones. For a warm and calm atmosphere, choose earthy tones. Lighter neutrals paired with warm browns work well, as do terracotta, burnt orange, and sandy tones for a rustic feel
• Cool colours. Opt for classic combinations of blue and white or green and grey for a calming, soothing atmosphere popular with a coastal or nautical scheme
• Bold and vibrant. Inject vibrant pops of colour such as yellow, orange, or pink against a neutral backdrop for a playful, energetic scheme. Or choose jewel tones for a dramatic, opulent feel

4. Artwork

Artwork not only adds visual interest to your living room but is a great way to show your personality too. To help you select artwork that will complement your living room decor, follow these tips:

• Style. Choose artwork that will harmonise with your chosen living room style, for example, minimalist, traditional, or eclectic
• Size and scale. Consider the available wall space and surrounding furniture. A large piece of art will be a focal point, while a smaller collection creates a gallery wall.
• Subject. The subject matter can enhance the theme of your living room. For example, landscapes and nature will bring tranquillity while abstract art can offer vibrancy and energy
• Colour palette. Do you want to complement, or contrast with, your living room colour scheme? Refer to the all-important colour wheel to learn how to do this effectively
• Medium. The artwork you choose will help to put your personal stamp on your living room. Whether you prefer paintings, prints, or photographs, select pieces that resonate with you

Wall decor ideas for a living room

Staring at a blank wall and not sure what to adorn it with? Don’t worry, it’s a conundrum faced by many homeowners.

Wall decor provides the opportunity to add your personality to the space. But aim for elements that complement each other for a harmonious, cohesive design throughout your living room.

We share some of the best wall decor ideas for living rooms, below.

1. Mirrors

Mirrors are a great option for a living room wall for a number of reasons.

Placed correctly, mirrors can create the illusion of a larger space, enhance natural light, and reflect beautiful views.

They can also create a focal point, and of course, serve a practical function too.

2. Decorative accessories

Decorative accessories on living room walls are becoming a more popular choice.

Items such as hanging plants, clocks, decorative plates, woven accessories, and macrame add texture and visual interest.

3. Shelving

Floating shelves or built-in options are a fantastic way to showcase smaller decorative objects such as vases, books, indoor plants, and personal momentoes.

Arrange these items in a balanced way with varying heights, textures, and colours.

4. Wallpaper

Wallpaper can create a feature wall in your living room, adding charm and character.

Geometric patterns, botanical prints, or textured wallpaper; there’s something for every style.

Apartment living room ideas

If you’re planning the living room decor in your apartment, we have three top tips for you.

1. Multifunctional furniture

Look for furniture with a dual purpose to maximise available space.

• Seating. A sofa bed or modular sofa are perfect for apartment living
• Tables. Nesting tables or a coffee table with storage are ideal
• Storage. An ottoman looks great, provides extra seating, and additional storage space

2. Take it vertical

If floor space is limited, utilise the vertical space instead.

Floating shelves, picture ledges, ladder bookshelves, or wall mounted hooks and racks can be used to display books, plants, artwork, and personal items.

3. Let there be light

As well as using a selection of lighting to create the right ambience (scroll up for our tips on this), maximise the available natural light too.

Hang sheer curtains or voiles rather than heavy drapes or blinds to enhance the natural daylight entering your living room.

Find a qualified interior designer to bring your living room decorating ideas to life.

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