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If you’re looking for some new living room ideas you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need a little refresh I have some ideas for you. In this post I’ll show you ideas to design your living room so that it works for your lifestyle and also looks fabulous. Plus, I’ll show you where to get the very best finds to create a gorgeous living room in your home.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase using my link, I make a small commission –at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.
One of the first things you’ll want to think about for your living room design is the placement of the furniture. This will depend on your space, the main activity of the room and how many focal points the room has.
The living room focal point is usually a fireplace, a TV, or a view. Take out a piece of paper and sketch out a floor plan idea and make sure the function makes sense. Then start experimenting with your favorite layouts. Check out some of the best living room ideas below for furniture placement inspiration.
IMAGES SOURCE | LILYPADCOTTAGE
A tip from this living room is to not put your furniture against the walls. Bring it close enough for people sitting in all of your furniture to have a conversation without shouting at each other.
IMAGES SOURCE | DIYFRENCHFARMHOUSE
Consider what the focal point of your room is. Here it is the TV and fireplace. Then make sure every seat has a great view of it.
IMAGES SOURCE | WESTWINGFR
One of the keys to consider with your layout is what will you be doing in the space. This arrangement creates the perfect space to have conversations and enjoy the beautiful view.
IMAGES SOURCE | SWEETHOMEINTHEBURBS
Here’s a great example of furniture placement with a variety of furniture. If you have a large area rug place your seating so that it is at the edge to the rug with the coffee table in the center.
Do you have a fireplace in your living room? If so lucky you! You have an instant focal point for your room to consider when arranging your furniture.
If you’re a little stuck on how to do that then check out these living ideas below. Plus, I have included some inspiration to style your fireplace mantel too.
IMAGES SOURCE | FULLHEARTEDHOME
If you have a TV in your room too, I love the look of adding it to the same wall as your fireplace. Here it looks seamless on the chunky mantle. Read on for more ideas of incorporating a TV into your living room design.
IMAGES SOURCE | LIFEONVIRGINIASTREET
Instead of a TV above the fireplace here they have placed a beautiful piece of art that ties in the colors and feeling of the room.
IMAGES SOURCE | ELECTRIC_GOODS
This gorgeous fireplace brings in the charm of the room with the beautiful Moroccan tiles.
IMAGES SOURCE | SBKLIVING
A dramatic floor to ceiling fireplace like this is gorgeous focal point to build a room around.
Below are the best ideas to style your fireplace mantel that I promised you. Here are a few tips. Collect personal items that you love that fit the style of your home.
Be sure to vary the heights of the items for interest. If it doesn’t look quite right try clustering items in groups of 3, this will always look amazing. Get some inspiration below.
IMAGES SOURCE | KIRA_TURNER
Here the TV blends with the other fireplace mantle décor and does not stand out in the space.
IMAGES SOURCE | KIRA_TURNER
The mantle décor blend seamlessly with the bookshelves to create an entire wall with personality and character that set the tone for the room.
For many of us the main activity in our living room is watching TV so it makes sense to design your room around it. Below are a few living room ideas to pull off your stunning design around a large TV.
IMAGE SOURCE | HOME_AND_HUFFMAN
This shows contrary to popular belief your TV can actually add to the design of the room when done right. The TV here just adds to the symmetry of this wall as well as the contrast of the light and dark objects.
IMAGES SOURCE | MAKE.MYDAY.BRIGHTER
If you can find a way to hide the wires and your cable box then hanging your TV gives a seamless finish to the room.
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Don’t be afraid to decorate above and to the sides of your TV. This helps to not make your TV standout by itself.
IMAGE SOURCE | FARMHOUSEISH
Here is another example of a TV mounted above a fireplace that blends into the design of the room.
There’s something so satisfying about a symmetrical design in your living room. Our eyes and brain appreciate symmetry. Check out some inspiration below and then copy the symmetrical design ideas in your living room.
IMAGE SOURCE | MMLIGHTING
If your room naturally has symmetric features like these bookcases and this ceiling then play this up by adding symmetry with your furniture as well.
IMAGE SOURCE | BLESSEDHOUSEOFTHREE
Adding matching accent chairs and ottomans are an easy way to add symmetry to your room.
IMAGE SOURCE | KIRA_TURNER
When we think about creating a symmetrical design in our living room, we often think about the furniture only. But you can create this symmetrical feel with your home décor as well like they did here.
One of the most important decisions you will face when designing your living room is what couch to pick. You’ll want to pick something that works for your lifestyle and your family. Think about comfort, style, couch shape, and materials.
I always start by browsing the furniture stores and taking dimensions and pics of all my favorites. Then I go home and see how it would fit in my living room. Check out some inspiration below of living rooms centered around their beautiful couches.
IMAGE SOURCE | THEBEAUTYREVIVAL
Here is a great example of proper furniture selection for your space. They are working with a small space but have maximized seating with this sectional. I love sectionals because they instantly create a cozy feeling in your living room.
IMAGE SOURCE | ALINAPIRKEBNER
Color is an important choice when deciding on your furniture selection. Even if you love that all white look if you have small kids and dogs that might not be the best pick. Instead try something darker like grey, brown or green.
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If you want more seating options then a couch but don’t have room for a large sectional, a couch with a chaise lounge is a great option.
IMAGE SOURCE | SBKLIVING
One of the benefits of having two couches as opposed to a sectional is you can place a side table between the couches for a lamp, books and your morning coffee.
Below are some of my favorite couches that you can get online.
COUCHES | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | MID CENTURY SOFA | CHOOSE YOUR FABRIC
TWO | GREY SOFA WITH CHAISE LOUNGE
THREE | L-SHAPED COUCH
FOUR | BROWN MODERN LEATHER SOFA
Ask my husband, I’m kind of obsessed with throw pillows. That is why I dedicated an entire section to them. Do you love them too?
What I love about them is that it’s the cheapest way that I found to make a huge design impact on your living room. You can change them up with the seasons, the new styles or just on a whim when you want a new look.
Below I have gathered living rooms that make a style statement with their accent pillows.
IMAGE SOURCE | LIVINGONVIRGINIASTREET
These throw pillows add just the right amount of color and personality to this light and bright space. My tip is to purchase comfy pillow inserts and just change the pillow covers with the new season.
IMAGE SOURCE | BENUTA
These colorful pillows add to the boho charm of this living room. If you stick to the same style you can mix patterns and colors.
IMAGE SOURCE | BRIDGEWAYDESIGNS
The leopard pillow covers add an unexpected chic touch to this traditional living room. Mixing solids, stripes and patterned pillows is a great way to add interest to your room.
IMAGE SOURCE | NEST_NUMBER_9
Here the colors, patterns, and texture of these pillow add another layer of depth to this living room.
Looking for a quick and cheap update to your living room? Then check out my favorite pillow covers below.
PILLOW COVERS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | 4 YELLOW & GREY GEOMETRIC PILLOW COVERS
TWO | LEOPARD PRINT PILLOW COVERS
THREE | FAUX LEATHER LUMBAR PILLOW
FOUR | BOHO PILLOW COVER SET
FIVE | SET OF 4 BLACK & WHITE PILLOW COVERS
SIX | STRIPES WITH FAUX LEATHER PILLOW COVERS
Often times the light fixture in our living room is an afterthought. Most of us have the celling light that came with the house and that is fine.
But if you really want to make an impact on your living room style then you’ll want to step it up with your light fixture. I’m talking a dramatic chandelier, modern fixture, or even a boho shade.
Check out some living room ideas below to create a focal point with your light fixture.
IMAGE SOURCE | ACOZYBLESSEDNEST
When picking your fixture, you’ll want to choose a finish that works well with the room. Here the natural wood brings out the beautiful wood tones throughout this room.
IMAGE SOURCE | JESS.GIFFIN1221
If you really want to add drama, then a round vintage chandelier like this is a great option. It fits perfect with the farmhouse style of this living room.
IMAGE SOURCE | OURRUSTICPARADISE
This one is similar to the chandelier I just showed you but with a little more French country flair. It adds that wow factor to this room.
Below check out my favorite light fixtures that would make a statement in your living room.
ONE | ROUND METAL 12 LIGHT CHANDELIER
TWO | 5 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL FIXTURE
THREE | WOOD CHANDELIER WITH CANDLE LIGHTS
FOUR | INDUSTRIAL 3 LIGHT PENDANT
FIVE | WOOD 4 LIGHT PENDANT
SIX | MODERN SPUTNIK PENDANT LIGHT
I love to create an accent wall in a living room. It creates that wow factor, that we all want, when you first walk into the room. There are tons of ways to do this.
You can use brick, wood, wall decals, wallpaper, or the easiest option is to paint one wall a different color. If you’re thinking of adding an accent wall to your living room read on to get some ideas of how to pull it off with a wow.
IMAGE SOURCE | PROSTO.W.SZAROSCI
Brick is a great option for an accent wall and if you want to keep it neutral go for a white brick like they did here. For most of us adding brick to a wall seems a little daunting. Don’t worry they also have brick wallpaper that looks amazing.
Here is one similar to the picture above.
IMAGE SOURCE | PILLIPJEFFRIESLTD
If you don’t mind a little project wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to add a ton of drama to a space.
IMAGE SOURCE | QUEENSTANGLEDESIRES
Be sure to choose a wallpaper that adds to the space. Some tips to do this are incorporate the colors that you already have in your room or choose a neutral wallpaper.
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The right wallpaper can take you to another place and set the mood for the entire room.
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If you don’t mind taking on a little DIY wood project, this would be a showstopper. Painting this wall, a different color draws even more attention to the beautiful design.
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Wood wallpaper looks great with farmhouse décor. If you love the look, you can find some here.
IMAGE SOURCE | TILVACUUMDOUSPART
If you aren’t afraid of a little DIY, you can get really original with creating an accent wall in your home. This one is a one-of-a-kind jaw-dropper for sure!
IMAGE SOURCE | HUIZEDOP
The most bang for your buck when doing an accent wall is to paint one wall a different color. If you want to make a statement, choose a dark color and then contrast it with light furniture and accessories.
IMAGE SOURCE | OURBOHOCONDO
Wall decals are a fun way to create an accent wall with less commitment than the other methods that I showed you. If you find simple shapes and plan your spacing it can look just like wallpaper.
Below check out my favorite finds to create an accent wall in your home.
ONE | GREY HERRINGBONE WALLPAPER
TWO | WOOD WALLPAPER
THREE | TEAL MOUNTAIN MURAL WALLPAPER
FOUR | WHITE BRICK WALLPAPER
FIVE | BLUE GEOMETRIC WALLPAPER
SIX | HAND PAINTED FOREST WALLPAPER
SEVEN | RECLAIMED WOOD PLANKS
Another great living room idea to create that wow factor is with art as your focal point. I love this idea because it allows you to add your personality to the space and that’s what home is all about!
Take your time to pick out the pieces that really speak to you and your sense of style. This works great with one huge masterpiece, or a few smaller pieces clustered together. Get some ideas to pull of this look below.
IMAGE SOURCE | THE_WEST_TEAM_ATX
Framed artwork makes a statement and gives this room an instant focal point.
IMAGE SOURCE | LIFEONVIRGINIASTREET
It’s all about the display. The right frames can make your black and white photos look like art pieces.
IMAGE SOURCE | JENNIFER.PARO
Art is an opportunity to show off your style and bring out the feeling you want to evoke in your home.
Below is my favorite collection of jaw-dropping art.
ONE | FOGGY MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPE
TWO | BLACK WHITE & YELLOW ABSTRACT CANVAS
THREE | NORDIC STYLE WOOD FRAMED CANVAS
FOUR | BLACK & GOLD MARBLE WALL DECOR
FIVE | ABSTRACT MOUNTAIN 3 PIECE CANVAS
SIX | FOREST PRINT SET OF 3
SEVEN | BLACK & WHITE ABSTRACT CANVAS
This next idea is similar to the one above but this time you are creating an entire photo collage wall. These are so fun to make! First, you’ll want to start gathering your favorite art and photos. They can be all different sizes.
It looks fabulous if you find something that ties them all together. For example, the same color frame, all black and white photos, or all modern art pieces.
When you have it all together you will want to experiment with the layout before you place it on the wall. One way to do this is to use paper the same sizes as the frames and tape it on the wall to see how it looks before you start nailing.
Check out some inspiration below to get you started.
IMAGE SOURCE | LOFTWHITE
Choose photos of the same theme or colors to create a cohesive feeling with your photo wall.
IMAGE SOURCE | WEWNETRZA
Don’t want tons of holes in your wall? You could use command strips for a little less commitment!
Amazon has a selection of gallery perfect frames. They have a ton of different options you can browse through photos and then pick out the one that you like best and get all the frames in one kit.
I was surprised with all that you get for the price. Below are some examples. You can check it out for yourself here.
I wanted to give you a fun out of the box living room idea so here it is. Have you thought about some unique seating ideas for your living room?
I’m talking the kind of seating that people are instantly attracted to when they walk in the room. The kind of seating that makes a statement on its own. Still not sure what I’m talking about, check out the rooms below and you will get what I mean.
IMAGE SOURCE | MARZEN.MARIDEKO
I mean…what person does not want to sit there?
IMAGE SOURCE | THEINSIDE
This couch makes a statement all on its own. If you choose a bold couch like this to really make it pop you can keep the rest of the room neutral with black, white and grey. This couch can be found here. Use this link for $50 off!
IMAGE SOURCE | CANDYCOLOREDHOME
These leopard print ottomans add a chic touch to this gorgeous room and give a couple more seating options. Do you love them too? These ottomans can be found here.
IMAGE SOURCE | THEINSIDE
You could start small with a statement chair to add a little pop of color to your room.
IMAGE SOURCE | MY_LITTLE_NEST
Under the stairs is a great place to hang a hanging chair.
IMAGE SOURCE | THEINSIDE
Choosing a couch in a bold pattern is a fun way to make your living room really stand out. I love The Inside because you get to pick from over 30 different fabric choices so you can go as bold as you want to!
Check out where to score my favorite unique seating options.
UNIQUE SEATING | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | LEOPARD OTTOMAN
TWO | WICKER HANGING CHAIR
THREE | YELLOW ZEBRA COUCH | MORE FABRIC CHOICES
FOUR | LEOPARD CHAIR | MORE CHOICES
FIVE | PANTHER CHAIR | MORE FABRIC CHOICES
My final living room tip is the idea that will bring the entire room together. This is your living room area rug. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring style, color, personality and interest to your living room.
Check out how a rug can really change the entire feel of the room below.
IMAGE SOURCE | DESIGNS.BY.BROOKE
Choose a rug with a pattern to instantly add character to your living room.
IMAGE SOURCE | FARMHOUSEISMYSTYLE
The rich reds in this area rug add a beautiful contrast to the rustic wood throughout this space.
IMAGE SOURCE | COTTONSTEM
A versatile vintage rug like this looks great with a farmhouse, boho, classic or a minimalist style.
IMAGE SOURCE | FLEUR_AT_HOME
The blue vintage rug adds another layer of depth and beauty to this stunning room.
IMAGE SOURCE | SIMPLYPAINTEDWHITE
An area rug with a bold design can add a ton of personality to your living room.
Check out my absolute favorite area rugs below all from Amazon!
LIVING ROOM AREA RUGS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | BLUE VINTAGE RUG
TWO | GREY AND WHITE MOROCCAN RUG
THREE | MULTICOLORED BOHEMIAN RUG
FOUR | BLACK AND WHITE AREA RUG
FIVE | BLUE VINTAGE BOHEMIAN
SIX | DARK GREY MOROCCAN RUG
In this post you've seen some gorgeous living room ideas and tips to create that Pinterest worthy living room in your own home. I hope that I’ve inspired you to try something new in your living home. Feel free to save your favorite idea to your Pinterest boards by clicking on the picture and then clicking on the P on the upper left.
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