How to furnish your living room the right way

How to furnish your living room the right way

Living rooms are spaces that should be inviting and comfortable for all who enter them. They’re a place to relax and spend time with family and friends. Therefore, when you furnish your living room, it’s essential to keep in mind the different activities that will take place there. In addition, you want to create a space that’s both functional and stylish.

#1 Begin by assessing the space with which you have to work

The first step to furnishing your living room is to take accurate space measurements. This will give you a better idea of what furniture pieces will fit and where they can be placed. It’s also essential to consider doorways, windows and any other obstacles that may limit your furniture choices. Once you have your measurements, you can start planning the layout of your room.

You may want to create separate areas for different activities if you have a large living room. For example, you could have a seating area for watching TV and a separate conversation area with comfortable chairs and a coffee table. If your living room is on the smaller side, you’ll want to choose versatile furniture that can be used for multiple purposes. Ottomans with storage, for example, can be used as both a place to put your feet up and as extra seating when guests come over.

Another important consideration when assessing your space is the traffic flow. You’ll want to leave enough room for people to move around comfortably without having to move furniture out of the way. Creating a clear path from the door to the main seating area is usually a good idea. You also want to avoid putting furniture too close to windows, as the sunlight can damage upholstery over time.

#2 Choose a focal point

After you have a good idea of the layout of your living room, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to use as a focal point. This could be anything from a fireplace to a large window or even a piece of artwork. Once you have chosen your focal point, everything else in the room should be arranged around it.

For example, if you have a fireplace, you might want to arrange your furniture so that everyone is facing it. If you have a large window, you might want to put your sofa in front of it to enjoy the view. Whatever you choose as your focal point, ensure that the rest of the room is arranged in a way that makes sense and looks good.

Choosing a focal point is a great way to make your living room look and feel more cohesive and put together. It will also help you to figure out the best way to arrange your furniture and make the most of your space.

#3 Select the right furniture

After you have chosen your focal point and planned the layout of your room, it’s time to start picking out furniture. The type of furniture you select will depend on the overall style of your living room. Opt for classic pieces such as a Chesterfield sofa or an upholstered armchair if you want a more traditional look. Try a sleek leather curved sofa or a glass coffee table for a more contemporary space.

When selecting furniture, keep in mind both form and function are essential. Make sure that the pieces you choose are not only stylish but also comfortable and practical. For example, if you have young children, choosing a white sofa that’s easily stained might not be wise. Likewise, if you often entertain, ensure enough seating for everyone.

#4 Add the final touches

After you have everything in place and arranged the way you want it, it is now time to add the final touches. This would include items such as throw pillows, blankets, candles, and anything else that you feel would make your living room complete. Again, take your time with this step, and don’t rush it. You want your living room to be a space that you love and feel comfortable in.

Take some time to browse through home décor magazines or even Pinterest for inspiration. There are endless possibilities when it comes to adding the final touches to your living room. Just have fun with it and let your personality shine through!

Furnishing your living room doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Take your time, plan ahead, and choose pieces you love. With a little effort, you can easily create a space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

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Get their look: French Country rustic interior

French country rustic interiorcredit

Sometimes it’s quite easy to do one of our Get their look features. Often the furniture and accessories in our highlighted homes are brand new and available from the likes of IKEA, Dunelm and John Lewis. With this stunning French country rustic interior, everything is vintage, antique or one-of-a-kind.

There are a range of natural materials in evidence; bamboo chairs, linen curtains, raffia lampshades and terracotta tiles. I particularly love the collection of rattan mirrors, helping to bounce even more light around the dual-aspect sitting room.

The colour scheme that owner, Nathalie Rives has chosen for her country home in Centre is neutral and calm and the furniture is placed in such a way as to (rightly) make the open fire the focal point of the room.

Get their look

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Reclaimed French terracotta floor tiles
Reclaimed French terracotta floor tiles
Woven storage basket
Woven storage basket
Low stool with woven seat
Low stool with woven seat
Vintage cane chair
Vintage cane chair
Raffia lampshade
Raffia lampshade
Linen curtain
Linen curtain
Reclaimed French terracotta floor tiles
Reclaimed French terracotta floor tiles
Woven storage basket
Woven storage basket
Low stool with woven seat
Low stool with woven seat
Vintage cane chair
Vintage cane chair
Raffia lampshade
Raffia lampshade
Linen curtain
Linen curtain
Reclaimed French terracotta floor tiles
Reclaimed French terracotta floor tiles
Woven storage basket
Woven storage basket
Low stool with woven seat
Low stool with woven seat
Vintage cane chair
Vintage cane chair
Raffia lampshade
Raffia lampshade
Linen curtain
Linen curtain

Get their look: Artist’s colourful home

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Sarah Stieber (@sarahstieber)

This colourful home belongs to Sarah Stieber. She’s a painter, jewellery designer and tape artist – go take a look – her work is really impressive stuff!

The interior of her home is an extension of her practice – it’s a 3D work of art. The way she works with colour is amazing; as she explained in an interview with Apartment Therapy:

Many people suggest choosing a palette of two colors and sticking with it throughout the space. I agree that having a palette can keep the space cohesive, but you don’t need to limit yourself to just two colors! Rather than choosing just orange and turquoise for my living room, I selected secondary colors that jive with those two main hues.

It’s not just colour, it’s pattern too. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a floor designed to look like the bottom of a swimming pool!

Get their look

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Jonathan Adler Biba blue green rug
Jonathan Adler Biba blue green rug
£299.00
Buffet table
Buffet table
Hoop coffee table
Hoop coffee table
Amit velvet barrel chair by Willa Arlo™ Interiors
Amit velvet barrel chair by Willa Arlo™ Interiors
$355.99
Modern velvet sofa, orange
Modern velvet sofa, orange
£1,299.99
Sara Stieber painting
Sara Stieber painting
Dunn Edwards paints
Dunn Edwards paints
Jonathan Adler Biba blue green rug
Jonathan Adler Biba blue green rug
£299.00
Buffet table
Buffet table
Hoop coffee table
Hoop coffee table
Amit velvet barrel chair by Willa Arlo™ Interiors
Amit velvet barrel chair by Willa Arlo™ Interiors
$355.99
Modern velvet sofa, orange
Modern velvet sofa, orange
£1,299.99
Sara Stieber painting
Sara Stieber painting
Dunn Edwards paints
Dunn Edwards paints

Get their look: Too much leopard print?

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by ⚫️ Eclectic & Bold Interiors⚫️ (@browsecottage)

There are certain patterns with which you can’t be timid. So, when the owner of Browse Cottage asked, “How much leopard print is too much leopard print?”, the correct answer will always be, “No such thing!”. Just ask Bet Lynch!

Her ‘Lady Muck’ sofa, which takes pride of place in the lounge, is upholstered in leopard print and there are a couple of throw cushions too. The stairs are carpeted in it and there’s a matching rug at the bottom. Leopard print vinyl covers the glass panels in the door. There’s a wall hung leopard head planter, a beaker, vase and a few art prints. She even has a big ceramic leopard figure that she’s named Larry!

Get their look

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Apollo the leopard
Apollo the leopard
Tallulah floor lamp
Tallulah floor lamp
Drippy Mona Lisa gold graffiti print
Drippy Mona Lisa gold graffiti print
from £13.00
Elle Decoration / Crown paint: ‘Pigment’
Elle Decoration / Crown paint: ‘Pigment’
Thug Life neon cushion
Thug Life neon cushion
from £32.00
Leopard print ‘Lady Muck’ 2-seater sofa
Leopard print ‘Lady Muck’ 2-seater sofa
24k gold leaf booklet (25 sheets)
24k gold leaf booklet (25 sheets)
Apollo the leopard
Apollo the leopard
Tallulah floor lamp
Tallulah floor lamp
Drippy Mona Lisa gold graffiti print
Drippy Mona Lisa gold graffiti print
from £13.00
Elle Decoration / Crown paint: ‘Pigment’
Elle Decoration / Crown paint: ‘Pigment’
Thug Life neon cushion
Thug Life neon cushion
from £32.00
Leopard print ‘Lady Muck’ 2-seater sofa
Leopard print ‘Lady Muck’ 2-seater sofa
24k gold leaf booklet (25 sheets)
24k gold leaf booklet (25 sheets)