The living room is one of the most frequently used spaces within a house. It's designed for gathering and often acts as the area that warmly welcomes friends and family into your home. Additionally, it serves as a canvas for showcasing your personal style. When it comes to decorating your living room, it's essential to take into account its size and architectural style, as well as its primary practical function. Consider your lifestyle and how you typically use the space to determine the most suitable furniture and living room layout.
We've compiled our finest living room ideas and are sharing tips on how to create a functional layout, choose a color palette, integrate prints and patterns, and make your space truly feel like home. Whether your preferences gravitate toward soft neutrals or you're drawn to vibrant, rich tones, these living room ideas will undoubtedly ignite your creativity.
01
Living Room Patterns
Cottage-style contemporary living room with blue curtains
A neutral color palette, warm materials, and an array of patterns combine to create a cozy atmosphere in this contemporary living room. A generously sized sectional with plush cushions and layers of textured throw pillows sets the tone for the room's modern style and comfortable ambiance. A rustic wooden coffee table introduces relaxed warmth, while a pair of retro-style armchairs upholstered in bold black and white stripes add color contrast and extra seating.
02
Layered Textures
Living room with a white textured rug
Layering is a clever design technique that makes a space more visually intriguing and imparts a comfortable, lived-in feel. In this case, a textured cream area rug (similar to this Better Homes & Gardens Araches Hi Low Area Rug, $90, Walmart) placed atop a natural jute rug creates a soft foundation for the modern living room. A cognac leather sectional, woven window shades, wicker baskets, and rattan chairs offer a blend of materials and textural elements. Although the majority of the living room is dominated by warm-toned neutrals, a wall of moss-green built-in shelves behind the seating area introduces color contrast and depth, infusing life into the space.
03
White Living Room
White living room with natural and blue coastal accents
An all-white color scheme enhanced by cool blues and shiny brass details presents a modern take on the coastal-style living room. Abundant natural light streams in through large windows, accentuating the bright and airy aesthetic. This contemporary living space accommodates various types of seating, providing ample room for hosting friends and family. The even distribution of seating elements throughout the room, coupled with their contrasting materials, lends a sense of intentionality and balance.
04
Fireplace Focal Point
White sitting room with blue, green, and yellow accents
A fireplace serves as a natural focal point in this transitional living room. To make an even bolder statement, consider painting your fireplace an unexpected color, such as this deep moss-green. It's an elegant way to draw attention to this architectural feature and infuse color into an otherwise neutral space. Here, the traditional fireplace surround is juxtaposed with more modern furniture and textiles, resulting in a fresh and updated look.
05
Modern Farmhouse Living Room
White living room with a white couch
To create a practical and visually appealing living room layout, consider the size, shape, and style of the space, as well as its primary function. In this case, white walls, bright curtains, and a creamy area rug provide a neutral backdrop for the larger decorative elements. This includes the plush couch with patterned throw pillows (similar to this Better Homes & Gardens Reversible Stripe Decorative Square Pillow, $16, Walmart), a wall filled with wood accents, and floating shelves. This light and uncluttered foundation allows the few simple decor pieces to shine in this farmhouse-inspired space.
06
Dark Living Room Paint Color
Living room with black built-in shelves
Set a moody ambiance in your living room by painting the walls and built-ins black. While the dark color choice may be bold, it creates a timeless look and a cozy atmosphere when complemented by lighter accents. Light wood floors, a cowhide rug, and a plush tufted sofa soften and brighten the space. Stylishly arranged built-ins can help you establish visual breaks in the dark paint color through stacked books, layered picture frames, or decorative accents.
07
Picture Display
Living room with gallery shelves and an L-shaped couch
Picture ledges offer an easy alternative to built-in shelves when creating an accent wall. Layer frames of various sizes and colors to add height and dimension, and mix photographs, paintings, and drawings for a collected and visually engaging display. In this modern living room, a collection of layered black frames helps the TV seamlessly blend into the decor. A pair of black square frames positioned between the windows appears as an extension of the picture ledge decor, ensuring continuity and cohesiveness in the room.
08
Jewel Tone Space
Dark teal living room
A deep teal wall color saturates this midcentury modern-inspired living room with a rich hue and unexpected warmth. When working with a highly saturated paint color like a dark jewel tone, balance it with more neutral room elements, such as the walnut coffee table, gray tufted sofa, and white curtain panels used here. A brass curtain rod stands out against the colorful walls and imparts a sense of height, visually expanding the space.
09
Monochromatic Living Space
Striking living room with a black gallery wall and a white couch
A black and white color palette exudes sophistication in this open living room. To prevent a limited color scheme from feeling monotonous, repeat the colors through different shapes, textures, and decorative elements. Instead of introducing an additional color, consider incorporating a metallic accent, like this brass-based coffee table. A wall of black built-ins offers ample functional hidden storage and display surfaces. Crisp white walls, marble table tops, and a linen sectional introduce stark contrast and timeless elegance.
10
Living Room Accent Color
White living room remodel with a black fireplace
Artwork, accessories, and textiles provide an easy means to introduce a splash of color in small doses. If you're hesitant to commit to a dark wall color (or if you simply desire the flexibility to change your color palette seasonally), integrate an accent color sparingly. In this contemporary-style living room, a cool shade of blue strategically appears through a hanging canvas and various pillows and blankets on the sectional. By consistently using this icy-blue color throughout the entire space, it feels fully integrated and intentional.
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