The living room is, as the name suggests, the part of your house where your family lives and relaxes together. If you have guests over, then the living room is where you welcome them into your home.

However, despite how important the living room is, it’s often one of the least appreciated rooms when it comes to furnishing and decorating. Here are some tips to help with furnishing your living room and give the space the love and attention it deserves.

Avoid the show home look

One trap a lot of people fall into when furnishing their living space is trying to make it look like a show home. While some people like this look, it can come across as sterile and impersonal.

The most important aspect of your living room is that it’s comfortable and feels like home. It should also be personal to you and your family, which means that every living room should feel lived in.

One of the best way to make your living room more homely is to get framed artwork. Artwork is a fantastic way to personalise your home as you can focus on choosing art that you like and that speaks to you.

You should also make use of other smaller accessories to make your living room feel more homely. Each item tells a story and says something about you, so put some thought and care into it.

Soft furnishings

Your larger pieces of furniture have both form and function. Your living room needs comfortable seating to accommodate your family and your guests. Sofas and easy chairs are by far the most popular options, and it’s always best to ensure that you have more seating than you need rather than less. Nobody likes to be the one that’s relegated to sitting on the floor!

However, you also want your sofa and seating to look attractive. Check out the top sofa trends in 2022 for some style ideas. Another good option to style your larger furniture is to invest in plenty of soft furnishings like throws, cushions, and blankets. Sofa covers are another good way to both style your sofa and protect it from dogs or children.

Soft furnishings, in general, are a great way to make your living room more homely. For example, the perfect rug can tie your room together and break up large expanses of bare flooring. Rugs are an especially good choice if you have hardwood floors or laminate, as they make the room look and feel warmer and softer. They also protect more delicate flooring and can be easier to clean.

Lighting

The lighting in your living room has a huge impact on how it looks. A brighter room seems larger and airier. You can use mirrors to enhance this effect and make it seem even more light-filled. However, you may prefer a darker environment for relaxing in your living room. As such, dimmer lighting is warmer and cosier.

Natural light is the gold standard, as it can improve your mood and health. You can control how much natural light is in your room by making good use of blinds and curtains.

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