Living room ideas - how to decorate and furnish your space beautifully

Throughout our collection of living room ideas, we've included elegant classic and contemporary schemes to suit every home's style - and we've thrown in a lot of extra design tips, too.

There are looks to suit every living room design, whether it's a spacious open-plan area or a shared office setting. 

Furthermore, we have catered to a wide variety of styles, color preferences, and budgets, and, as always, there are ideas that you can adopt quickly - and whole-renovation inspiration.

LIVING ROOM IDEAS

Our favorite living room ideas are here, along with tips from well-known designers and our own team of experts so that you can design a living room with panache.

1. BE SYMPATHETIC TO THE AGE OF YOUR PROPERTY

Create a design that is both timeless and stylish based on the age of your home. The walls were painted traditional grey to reflect the age of the property, while pale-green doors and woodwork added a contemporary touch. 

With the green Kaare Klint Safari chairs and cushions in sea blue tones, a calm but edgy look was achieved. A decade ago, this space was stripped of its Victorian details, says designer Ebba Thott. In celebration of the ceiling height, we brought back cornicing and deep skirting boards.

2. EMBRACE THE TREND FOR REIMAGINED DITSY FLORALS

Bringing traditional chintz to life with a vibrant twist is one of H&G's decorating shoots - perfect for country living room ideas. 

Bright, colorful textile pattern stands out against the neutral backdrop. This glorious Spring Garden fabric design complements the simple lines of the elegant, contemporary sofa. A pink kilim, artwork, and matching cushions pull the scheme together for a modern twist on a classic look. 

3. LAYER COLOR ON COLOR FOR A WARM, WELCOMING SPACE

As the focal point of the scheme, the rug's colors have been used to create a harmonious and joyous living room. The muted pink walls set off the crisp whites in a terrific way, which offer breathing space amid all the color. 

A classic sofa in chalky white linen is paired with shapely furniture in warm hues, punctuated by jewel-toned accessories.

4. MIX AND MATCH GREEN AND WHITE FOR A FRESH LIVING ROOM SCHEME

The use of a few two-tone prints in a similar palette makes a scheme feel cohesive. So despite the many patterns, the colors allow all the diverse elements to sit together harmoniously. Anna French lampshade fabric, Schumacher curtains, and plump Rapture & Wright seat cushions make up the pattern mix here. 

The botanical artworks complement the textiles and add to the country feel. A clean white wall and white pieces such as the lamp and side table make the room feel modern, light and airy - perfect if you are looking for small living room ideas. 

As seen here with the wood console and woven rattan chair, natural materials are an essential part of any modern country look, and contribute warmth and a sense of organic softness. 

5. CHOOSE A BOLD WALLPAPER FOR AN IMPACTFUL SPACE

You can create an eclectic space that feels lively, lively, and fun with bold wallpaper ideas, such as the one in this living room by John Lewis. For a living space, choosing a pale green or blue for a maximalist design is a good option - it will tone down the effect of the pattern, creating an overall calmer atmosphere. 

6. CHOOSE EARTHY TONES FOR AN ENVELOPING FEEL

A Zinc Textile x Martin Hulbert Design collaboration created this living room in terracotta tones. An appealing desert-home feel is created with plaster-effect walls and dark wood. Low-slung sofas are clever tricks designers use to make rooms seem larger. 

7. WARM UP A MONOTONE SCHEME WITH WOOD

Cortney Bishop is an interior designer based in South Carolina who runs the gamut between style and structure, balancing comfort and creativity. 

By combining neutrals with a ton of wood textures, she creates living rooms that feel easy to live in, bright, airy, and comfortable. Warm tones in the furnishings and soft furnishings complement the wooden ceiling, which takes center stage.

8. PLAN THE LAYOUT TO THE LAST INCH

Living rooms are the center of our homes, according to Tiffany Duggan of Studio Duggan, so careful planning is essential to design.

Before you start decorating or ordering, take measurements and plan where you are going to put each piece of furniture, and make sure you have sockets at the right places.

9 . DIVIDE A LIVING ROOM TO SUIT YOUR DAILY ROUTINES

Once used for watching TV, living rooms are now invariably used as sitting rooms, homework areas for kids, home offices for adults, and movie rooms - which is why searches for broken plan living rooms are increasing sharply.

How can we squeeze all of this into one space? If you have a long living room, you can divide it semi-permanently without closing off an area entirely. It is smartest and most permanent to do this with a wall of glass, as shown above, which can include doors – allowing family members to pursue different activities while maintaining an open, spacious feeling.

10. CREATE A WELCOMING SPACE WITH A TON OF TEXTURE

This long living room will make your cold and disunited spaces feel more cohesive and inviting if you are looking for long living room ideas. By using textures in furnishings, furniture, and even walls and flooring, the space can be made to feel more cohesive and comfortable. 

This picture of the living room exhibits the rug as the dominant textural feature of the room, echoed by the material of the blinds and the wooden or wicker furniture. By using textures on the wall panels, the effect is heightened.

11. USE FURNITURE SCALING TO EXAGGERATE A LIVING ROOM'S PROPORTIONS

Low-slung sofas are a great solution for rooms with low ceilings - or if you just want to make a room seem taller. 

A room with low furniture will create a much more relaxed atmosphere, while a room with taller furniture or high-backed seats will feel more formal.

12. ENLIVEN A PLAIN SCHEME WITH BOLD ARTWORK

Artwork is an excellent choice if you're looking to create a focal point in your living room or updating a quick living room. 

'Knowing what ambiance you want to create in your living room helps,' advises Federica Barretta, Director of the Opera Gallery London. When selecting a piece of art, consider the architectural features of the room you are buying it for, including the height of the ceiling, the color scheme, and the lighting. The living room is where the family comes together and where guests are entertained, making it the ideal place to display the diversity and elegance of one's art collection.

13. RELY ON METALLICS FOR LIVING ROOM GLAMOR

Adding metallics to a living room isn't limited to hard surfaces, such as light fixtures and furniture - upholstery or curtains with a shimmering finish can also add glitz to an otherwise neutral space.

Homes & Gardens Editor in Chief Lucy Searle says velvet is a very durable fabric. My parents bought a sofa in the 1970s and I inherited it. This velvet piece has a strong, sculptural frame, and the fabric is as good as it was when it was purchased. If you are looking for living room seating ideas, know that a well-maintained velvet sofa will still look stylish decades from now.

14. MIX MOTIFS BUT KEEP THE SCHEME SIMPLE

A monochromatic color scheme is very relaxing. Keeping walls and floors plain and choosing motifs in one hue brings depth to a scheme without it feeling too busy. The wave design on the sofa in this room contrasts with the more subtle prints elsewhere.

15. CREATE AN ACCENT WALL WITH ART

Are you looking for accent wall ideas for your living room? You can really maximize the impact of a display of artwork in a living room by painting the wall behind it a color that contrasts with the colors in the paintings or pictures. 

In this series of foliage prints against an emerald-green wall, the botanical theme is given a very modern twist. Sparse accessories and clean furniture lines add to the contemporary feel of the space.

16. HIGHLIGHT ORIGINAL FEATURES WITH PAINT

You can transform a neutral room into something quite special with a few simple living room paint ideas.

In this case, the black-painted window frames and shutters create a frame for the deep emerald green sofa and serve as a contrast to the walls of the room.  

A calm background of cool greys also complements the lustre of brass elements. 

17. PICK A SUBTLE MURAL TO ADD DEFINITION TO A PLAIN ROOM

It adds a lighter decorative touch to this scheme of neutral, muted furnishings while being intriguing and subtle. The print's horizontal lines are echoed on a rustic wood ledge that holds elegant accessories. 

18. MAKE A DARK LIVING ROOM FEEL INSTANTLY SUMMERY

Decor can change the mood of a living room dramatically if it faces north, east, or has little natural light. 

Green is a color that can transform a room, connecting it to the outdoors and brightening it up, even when the tones are delicate or elegant. Summer days spent in the garden are the inspiration for this trellis wallpaper. Geometric motifs lend the finished look a modern edge.

19. LAYER NATURAL TONES ON NATURAL TONES FOR A CALM APPEAL

A calming interior is created by mixing contemporary pieces with a soothing palette of natural materials and hues. 

With the neutral elements in place, you can easily adjust your palette as the seasons change. A timeless living room colour scheme offers respite from the whirlwind of modern life.

20. ENLIVEN AN ALL WHITE SCHEME WITH CLEVER ACCESSORIZING

Black cane sofas arranged with palm leaf-patterned cushions on ochre linen lend an exotic feel to a classic scheme - and it's a look that can be changed by simply switching out the cushions. 

A table of leafy plants and dark wood flooring complete the look.

21. PICK MISMATCHED CHAIRS FOR A RELAXED LOOK

There is no need to match everything - in fact, a mismatch can be charming if the colors you use compliment one another. 

In schemes that embody relaxed charm, practicality is given a fresh dimension with horticulturally themed decorations and cheerfully mismatched pattern.

22. USE CHECKS FOR A SMART UPDATE

This chic living room scheme features different-sized checks on furniture, blinds and cushions in a dashing black, white and yellow color scheme that gives traditional gingham a modern twist.

23. FOCUS ON FLOORING 

Living room design starts with the floor, so it is an important element of the design. Sean Cochran, creative director at Cochrane Design, says he usually begins thinking about the floor of the hall. 

If I use straight wooden boards in the hall, I might use parquet in the living room in the same color and finish. We have seen a resurgence in interest in wood flooring, so there are now a wide variety of parquet styles, extra-wide boards, and finishes.

24. DESIGN A PICTURE PERFECT LIVING ROOM

Yellow living room ideas can be really elegant when paired with antiques and traditional furniture arranged thoughtfully around a central coffee table. Adding both personality and color to the scheme, the series of prints are hung symmetrically across one entire wall, emphasizing the room's grand proportions.

25. INSTIL PURITY IN YOUR SPACE

Bring your living room back to basics with neutral furniture. Amidst all the clamor of color, pattern, and shape, there's a quieter story about considered, understated forms and textures. 

Bring an elegance and timelessness to interiors with simple linen, silk, sleek metal, rich wood and polished stone. Polished concrete floors complement organically shaped furnishings while a grasscloth wall covering allows dramatic art to take center stage.

26. ADD AN ELEMENT OF LIGHT ELEGANCE

The seating areas of this living room are defined by an antique Persian rug. Colorful rugs and traditional armchairs add warmth to the room; their formality is offset by natural linen couches to create a lighter atmosphere. 

In this cozy living room, the furniture is arranged symmetrically to create a balanced look, while the focal point fireplace draws the eye.

27. CREATE INTEREST THROUGH SCALE AND TEXTURE

Turner Pocock's interior designer Bunny Turner says patterns are an excellent way to add character to a room. Space can be defined and areas can be toned differently by using it. Consider, for example, a bolder pattern in an adjacent snug and a constant pattern in a formal living area. 

It is important to choose a fabric with a pattern containing more than three colors. Then select a combination of designs in those colors, such as a stripe, a geometric, a floral, and a textural option such as a coarse linen or herringbone.

28. CREATE A WALL FEATURE

The space above the couch can often be overlooked, but it requires just as much attention as other areas. Hang prints with matching frames that complement the overall scheme of the room. Try grouping in odd numbers to create harmony and visual interest, or try symmetrical arrangements to create balance.

29. MAKE A STATEMENT

Add color and texture to your outfit with a mix of prints and textures. A striking blue couch, dressed with contrasting cushions, looks stunning against a plain backdrop. Do not neglect the area under your feet - anchor the space with a patterned rug.

30. INVEST IN A RUG UNDERFOOT

Over a wood floor, a tactile rug adds interest and comfort. If you choose a large rug, you can arrange all the furniture on it instead of half-on, half-off, which is distracting. 

A rug can define a seating area in a large open-plan room. If you have a signature piece of furniture, such as a blue chair, pick a rug with a blue accent to make the chair pop.

31. LET THE LIGHT IN

Its bright, uncluttered feel is attributed to a refined palette of soft colors and paredback styling. The light tone of the design is enhanced by Scandinavian furniture. 

There is a lot of color in this room thanks to accessories and wall art, as well as a patterned rug that adds interest and warmth. Scandinavian design aims at improving our lives. So, furniture is not only about style and elegance, but also about functionality - it should serve a purpose and endure.

32. USE LIGHTING FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT

Pendants and chandeliers are popular living room lighting ideas for dramatic effect, but they don't have to be the focal point of a room. If you have a desk or table, hang a pendant over it, or hang three blown-glass spheres at different heights in the corner. Lighting schemes can be made more fun by using pendants in an unusual way.

33. PICK A STAND-OUT PIECE OF FURNITURE

A single piece of furniture can make a huge difference in the look of a room. As with the sideboard above, it doesn't have to be as bold - it can be shapely, from a different period (mid-century in a country-style space) or it could simply be its proportions. 

Another alternative would be to add a single, boldly colored piece that contrasts utterly with your living room paint ideas. To accomplish this, you will need to show some bravery, experiment, and be willing to admit when you are wrong.

34. KEEP IT NEAT AND TIDY

Modern life requires the main living room of a home to fulfill a number of functions, so well-planned storage is essential when designing and planning a living room. Storage is essential in a family room, and this shelving unit offers plenty of space for displaying favorite objects, books, and photographs, while built-in cupboards and drawers house DVDs, games, and AV equipment.

35. MAKE A FEATURE OUT OF A MONOCHROME SCHEME

Black and white is a great combination for a living space, since you can really go to town with pattern, texture, and prints. Choose a couch in charcoal or pewter instead of white and layer throws and cushions in various muted blacks and whites. An eye-catching pouffe or rug and black and white prints will make a statement, and you can always soften the look with grey, beige, or creamy white.

36. LET THE FLOOR DO THE TALKING

Wood floors are an ever-popular way to introduce pattern and natural character to the home. They are also flexible and come in a variety of styles. Parquet combined with marquetry and parquet in this living room by architectural and interior design company, Point 3 Design, demonstrates the highest level of craftsmanship. 

The rest of the scheme should be neutral to focus the eyes and take a light-touch approach with other aspects of the decorating.

37. TAKE INSPIRATION FROM NATURE

The earthy palette of this scheme is inspired by nature, reveals interior designer Sophie Ashby. The seating arrangement reflects the room's grown-up character, with a pair of classic couches in sage-green velvet paired with a tan daybed. 

Sophie was inspired by Holland Park in London for the palette, which consists of greens, blues, russets, oranges and yellows. 'We began with the rug, which incorporates peacock feathers and leaf motifs as an ode to the park.'

38. UNITE CLASSIC WITH CONTEMPORARY ELEMENTS

This living room was designed by Katie Harbison of property development and design studio Banda to blend modern and mid-century styles. Keep the backdrop neutral to let the room's beautiful proportions and original mouldings shine. 

Katie describes the walls in the apartment as a subtle grey and the floor as natural oak, covered by a silky grey rug. With its rounded shape, the sofa almost embraces the angular coffee table by artist Thomas Markunpoika. Thanks to their natural colors and subtle texture, each piece in the room adds a sense of harmony to the room.

39. PICK A SINGLE STAND-OUT ACCENT FABRIC

With some bold upholstery, you can completely change the look of a plain room - here, a neutral living space has been given a touch of classic glamor by the use of broad stripes. 

Stripes like these can also change the proportions of a room - vertical stripes on upright chairs make them look taller and narrower, creating a subtle focal point.

40. GIVE FLORALS A MODERN TWIST

Incorporate foliage and floral motifs into a living room to add color and decorative interest. Give a traditional look a contemporary twist by pairing botanicals with dramatic dark walls. Brightly colored upholstery adds another layer of depth.

41. DECORATE WITH A SEA OF BLUE

Create a beach-ready look with a breezy palette of blues, ranging from soft shades of pale to denim, teal and Breton navy, all complemented by pops of vibrant red. 

With bold, block colors like azure, denim or sapphire, you can add depth with pattern to upholstery and rugs. 

Blue fabrics with ticking stripes and geometric prints provide lively accents in this living room.

42. MIX AND MATCH MATERIALS

Terracotta, brown, and duck egg blue accents add depth and dimension to this neutral scheme. To create a modern look, use accessories made from a variety of materials, such as glass, metal, ceramic, and wood. Add a touch of understated luxury to the scheme with plush upholstery fabrics.

43. INTRODUCE WOOD FOR WARMTH

Living room ideas for a cool space - perhaps one with north- or east-facing windows that only receive morning light - can benefit from adding warmth with structural materials. This can be done with a wooden floor, wood-panelled walls or wooden ceilings.

Or, you can simply add warmth by using wooden furniture and complementary colors and textures in other furniture pieces.

44. FURNISH WISELY AROUND STATEMENT LIGHTING

You should pick low-slung furniture – particularly the coffee table and seating grouped on an area rug beneath the lighting – if you're choosing statement living room lighting for a room without really high ceilings. The lighting will become a focal point without feeling crowded in the room, which will allow the room to breathe.

When it comes to statement lighting, don't be afraid to play with scale, says Natalia Miyar, an LA-based interior architect and designer who designed the room above. 'If you don't have the budget to commission something bespoke, there are some wonderful high street options available. Take this opportunity to have a little fun and don't play it too safe.

In addition to lighting dark areas, surfaces and highlighting a room's structure, architectural lighting is also used by designers to illuminate dark areas. Natalia Miyar continues, 'Think about the angles in the room and how to light them.' You want to make sure that different levels of light are emitted from different points in the room.