The living room is one of the most used rooms in your home, it should be stylish, comfortable and deserves a lot of attention. And while it might feel daunting to create a space that appeals to your family, it’s not as difficult as you might think. Determining how you will live in the space is rule #1, as your intentions will drive the choices you make. And while there’s no true one-size fits all design, we’ve pulled together a few ideas to keep in mind when planning the perfect living room.
Design by BANDD/DESIGN Photography by Molly Culver
Design by Right-size Rug
Don’t make the rookie mistake of choosing a rug that is too small. This is the foundation of your room and probably needs to be larger than you’re thinking. In a large room, the rug should contain all pieces. If your sofa is up against a wall, ensure that at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs rest on top of it.
Design by BANDD/DESIGN Photography by Molly Culver
Design by Seating + Storage
Make sure you have enough seating for your guests! Adding a chair or two can make the space much more conversation-friendly. Often times there is enough room to add a comfy chair or two that sits across from the sofa or main seating area. You’ll also want to contain clutter by adding storage where you can store extra accessories, toys, books, blankets, etc.
Design by BANDD/DESIGN Photography by Molly Culver
Design by Tables + Side Chairs
Bring on the cocktails! The coffee table is the center of it all, so make sure you choose the right size and scale for your space. A good rule of thumb is to have your table 1/2 the length of your sofa, and then within 4″ higher or lower than the height of your sofa. You also want to consider all the shapes in the room, maybe choose a round table to break up straight lines. And don’t forget those side tables, you want to have room for a lamp (or drink!) just make sure the table isn’t deeper than your sofa.
Design by BANDD/DESIGN Photography by Molly Culver
Design by Lighting, Art + Accessories
The right lighting is a must – you can add table or floor lamps for a soft, inviting glow. If you’re adding table lamps, make sure the bottom of the lampshade is eye level when you’re sitting on the couch. Once you’ve added the right lighting, choose your art and accessories carefully. We often see art that is too small or shelves that are too short narrow. Finding the right piece to go over a sofa can be tricky. Art should be 1/2 – 1/3 the size of the furniture and hung about 2-3 inches above the back.