Category: Living Rooms

There are a few things no living room can go without. But perhaps the most important aspect of any living space is adequate lighting.

How you light your living room plays a role in its functionality and atmosphere. It sets the stage for the rest of your interior decor, whether that be ultra-casual or elegant and luxurious. If your lighting solutions don’t match the room’s aesthetic as a whole, the entire design will fall flat.

Check out the living room lighting ideas below to find the perfect lighting option for your own home!

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1. Install A Statement Pendant Lamp

When it comes to lighting ideas for your living room, statement pendant lamps are a great option. Not only do they stand out and look beautiful, but they also bring a modern and stylish touch to the space. Pendant lamps can instantly elevate the mood of the room while providing much-needed illumination when you need it.

Think of them as statement pieces that will make your guests feel welcome, adding vibrancy and energy that so many otherwise dull living rooms lack. With carefully chosen statement pendant lamps, you can take your living room from average to extraordinary in an instant.

2. Choose A Standalone Lamp

If you’re looking for creative lighting ideas for your living room, there are some great alternatives to ceiling light fixtures. Standalone lamps can be an attractive addition to the room and draw attention from visitors.

Floor lamps are an understated way to bring more light into a living area and can be moved around with ease. For added flexibility, consider wall-mounted lamp fixtures that can be moved around when necessary; this type of lighting allows you to adjust the amount of natural, ambient light in any space depending on the time of day and year.

3. Go For Traditional Table Lamps

Revitalize traditional spaces with a traditional table lamp placed on either side of your favorite chair, or sides tables, and go bold with a unique standalone lamp behind your sofa. Enhance the room’s atmosphere with strategically placed accent lighting, such as wall sconces or soft downlights in strategic corners.

Layering these types of lighting solutions provides an inviting and warm environment for those moments when you just want to relax and unwind.

4. Diffuse The Light With Ceiling Beams

If you’re looking for a creative way to light up your livingroom ceiling, consider adding ceiling beams! Not only do ceiling beams create a warm, homey atmosphere, but they can also be utilized to diffuse and disperse light from overhead lighting fixtures.

A combination of ceiling lights and indirect wall silhouettes will help ensure even illumination throughout the room while still offering a cozy atmosphere– perfect for living rooms and other gathering spaces.

5. Transform A Room With A Chandelier

When it comes to living room lighting, chandeliers are the way to go. Not only are chandeliers a timeless and chic addition to the atmosphere, but they also have the capability of being either modern or traditional depending on your specific style.

Hanging an elegant chandelier in your living room brings a luxurious feel that can’t be matched. It will act as a subtle focal point, exuding sophistication and class. When it comes to lighting up your living room, chandeliers won’t lead you astray!

6. Stand Out With Contemporary Lighting

Light up your living space with contemporary lighting! Swapping out old, outdated lights with something more versatile and modern can let your living room shine in a whole new light. Whether you prefer clean lines or bold designs, contemporary lighting fixtures offer an elegant look that will bring instant sophistication to any room.

Not only does contemporary lighting add chic elegance, but it also illuminates the room to various degrees of darkness and brightness that make creating a comfortable atmosphere much easier. So go ahead and give yourself a living space transformation with contemporary lighting!

7. Be Creative With Natural Resources

If you’re looking for an effortless way to bring a rustic touch to your living room, wrap lights around a treated wood slab for creating an easy and beautiful lighting feature. This simple DIY trick will give your space a warm and cozy atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding during the evening hours.

For a more dramatic effect, add some texture by placing greenery around the base of the wooden centerpiece. Not only will you love the elegant look of this rustic setup, but it’s also budget-friendly and surprisingly easy to achieve.

8. Go For Gold Fixtures

Lighting chosen for a living room can transform the atmosphere of the room, and there is no better way to do that than with lighting fixtures that include gold. The warmth of gold lighting fixtures brings an extra element of comfort and luxury to any space it is placed in while adding modern flair with its light reflective properties.

An immaculate combination of style and practicality, lighting with gold fixtures changes the game for lighting design in a living room. Look for smart lighting solutions coupled with unique styles to maximize the potential of this eye-catching choice. Transform your living space today with gold lighting fixtures!

9. Wagon Wheel Chandelier For A Farmhouse Look

For a classic farmhouse-style living room, wagon wheel chandeliers are the perfect combination of function, style, and rustic charm. Subtle and understated wagon wheel chandelier designs create an atmosphere that is both timelessly chic and cozy.

To truly complete the look and feel of your farmhouse-style living room, pick lighting fixtures that feature elaborate designs with intricate details and plenty of charm.

Whether you’re looking for a wagon wheel chandelier with a traditional twist or something more avant-garde, there is no shortage of stylish options to light up your living space in rustic elegance.

10. Simple Recessed Lighting

Upgrading your living room with simple recessed lighting can make a huge difference. Not only will the light itself add a touch of warmth and atmosphere, but it can also help highlight other features in the room, such as artwork or rugs.

Reimagining the lighting scheme to focus on simple recessed lighting allows you to create an inviting atmosphere where you and your guests feel comfortable and welcome. It’s also possible to use dimmer switches to adjust the amount of light within the room based on the time of day or type of occasion.

With simple changes in how you manage your light, you can revolutionize how comfortable and inviting your living room is!

11. Ceiling Fan With Pendant Lighting

It’s time to shed some light on your living room! Whether you want to create a cozy ambiance or explore brighter, energizing styles, a ceiling fan with pendant lighting is the perfect choice for adding both aesthetic charm and function.

This popular ceiling accent combines a ceiling fan with an eye-catching chandelier featuring various amounts of hanging lights that are connected by slender metal arms. If you’re looking to inject layers of style and purpose, a ceiling fan with pendant lighting offers it all – subtle but effective!

12. Wrap Around Lights For An Industrial Edge

Add an edgier, more industrial look to your living room with hanging wrap-around lights. This type of raw, rugged lighting is great for creating a modern and sophisticated industrial interior. Not only does it provide you with quality illumination, but it also lends a unique charm and personality to the space.

Whether hanging from a single ripple or in combination with other hanging light fixtures, these hanging wrap-around lights are sure to add the perfect finishing touches to any industrial living room.

13. Drop Lights For A Dramatic Flair

Looking for a way to add a touch of drama to your living room? Try drop lights! Lighting from above adds an element of seriousness and sophistication – perfect for more formal gatherings. Plus, drop lights are also a great way to highlight your favorite pieces of art or furniture in the room, adding plenty of character and charm.

For a maximum dramatic flair, consider different colored drop lights; they can create visual contrast and interest that will pull the entire look together. With drop lights, you can enjoy not just the ideal amount of light but also the perfect amount of drama!

14. Oversized Statement Lighting

Boasting oversized statement lighting is a creative way to light up a large living room. Make sure your chosen oversized lighting coordinates with any existing decorations in the room. To make the oversized statement fixture stand out more, pair it with white walls and neutral furniture.

Playing with oversized statement lighting will act as an accent piece that makes a bold impression in any large room.

15. Sculptural & Artistic Lighting

When it comes to living room lighting, the options are vast. From sculptural floor lamps to eclectic overhead clusters of oversized artistic pendant lighting, your creative vision will be sure to come alive.

Consider adding shades of blues and greens throughout the room as a background color or incorporating bulbs in multiple colors for an interesting visual effect.

When selecting a ceiling fixture, consider making a statement with something sculptural yet out of scale – many modern pieces will do the trick! With so many choices on the market, it’s easy to find the perfect piece for your living room.

16. LED Strips To Diffuse Light

Achieving the perfect lighting in your living room doesn’t have to be a complicated ordeal. LED strips can provide both direct and diffuse light sources while bringing an interesting aesthetic to your living space—without sprawling, unsightly wires.

Aim to fill your rooms with natural light first before considering LED strips, as LED lighting can cause cold glare if used too much. When placing LED lighting, opt for discreet placement spots such as behind furniture or in the corners of a ceiling.

With softer LED lights mixed with stronger natural light sources, you can create a cozy atmosphere that shows off all its features perfectly.

12. Glass Pendant Light For Small Spaces

When it comes to lighting your living room, glass pendant lighting can be an excellent choice. Not only does this look stylish and chic, but it has the added bonus of helping to open up the room while providing a great and adjustable ambiance.

This is especially ideal for small spaces; glass pendant lighting requires less overhead area compared to bulky overhead fixtures and casts light in a way that helps de-clutter the space. Add glass pendant lighting to your living room for not only a designer look but more space too!

13. Clerestory Windows For Added Natural Light

Living room lighting can be tricky to get right–you want to ensure that the space is inviting and well-illuminated throughout the day. One great way to add natural light is to incorporate clerestory windows into the design plan.

Not only do clerestory windows look beautiful and add a sense of grandeur, but they also provide added natural light, creating a brighter space during the day. Whether you opt for clerestory windows or another source of brightening up your living space, making sure your lighting contributes to an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation should be a top priority.

14. Crystal Chandelier Light For A Sophisticated Look

A crystal chandelier can make any living area feel sophisticated and special. Going for opacity in the crystal gives off a nice warm vibe, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests, or the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. When playing around with light fixtures, think about adding accents that create shadow play on the walls — wall sconces or adjustable spots are ideal here. This kind of layering creates scope for dynamic atmosphere changes throughout the day and will add warmth and personality to your living room.

15. Old-Style Light Fixtures For A Nostalgic Ambiance

Turn your living room into a dreamy oasis with old-style lighting fixtures! If you want to give your home an old-world charm, it’s hard to beat the effect of an old-fashioned candle chandelier. The rise in popularity of upright bulbs has made it easier than ever to update old showpieces and find the perfect pieces for any size room.

Depending on how you choose to arrange them and what type of lighting you prefer, they can help create a subtle yet stylish atmosphere in your living space!

16. Wall Sconces For Added Accent

Lighting is an important part of any living room experience. Whether you opt for bright, overhead light or soft accent lighting, a good strategy for achieving the desired ambiance is to layer your wall sconces with lamps and table lighting. Wall sconces can provide an added level of sophistication and elegance when carefully placed around a room.

They not only provide extra illumination but their visual impact provides added texture and accent to your wall décor. Sconces come in a variety of looks that are sure to integrate seamlessly into the overall theme of your living room.

So if you are looking to transition from overhead lighting to wall illumination, wall sconces will be the perfect piece to spin up your style quotient!

Does a great room sound like something you’d find in a mansion or castle? Believe it or not, most contemporary family rooms fall under this definition!

A great room is a central living area that combines several functions within a single space.

Great rooms have become increasingly common with the popularity of open floor plans. Areas included in or adjacent to a great room can include the living room, study, dining room, kitchen, and more.

Because great rooms take on so many different roles, you can’t approach one like you would a traditional living room. Instead, check out these great room ideas to learn how to make the most of this versatile space!

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1. Ceiling Features and Styles for Great Rooms

Does your home’s great room need to have a high ceiling? No. But it’s a great way to give the room a sense of grandness and really emphasize an open floor plan.

Vaulted ceilings are a hot commodity in the current housing market. Exposed beams can add visual interest to your great room’s overhead space. The same is true for large light fixtures and ceiling fans.

For a great room with a traditional ceiling height, try using a contrasting paint color or applying a wood overlay. A dark ceiling can actually make a room seem taller. Tray-style ceilings are another excellent option for creating the illusion of height.

2. Contemporary Decor in Spacious Great Rooms

Don’t let the lofty connotations of a great room steer you away from contemporary decor. In fact, the vast openness of this type of space pairs perfectly with the newest interior design trends.

Neutral colors should make up the bulk of your great room palette. Stick to light-colored walls to maintain the room’s bright and airy atmosphere.

Metallic accents can be used throughout the space for a luxurious finish. Pick out your great room wall art and other decor carefully — too many items will lead to both visual and physical clutter.

3. Strategic Design Techniques for Multi-Functional Great Rooms

Designing a great room can be extremely overwhelming, even compared to your home’s other primary living spaces. Because this room serves so many different functions (and often connects to areas like the dining room or kitchen) it’s important to look at the big picture.

Your design ideas should focus on logically dividing the space. Use furniture, an area rug, and other items to section your great room into distinct areas.

One of the best favors you can do for yourself is to opt for a simple, neutral color palette. Rather than committing to loud paint or a bold sectional sofa, add vibrancy to your great room with smaller accents.

4. Farmhouse Chic: Blending Rustic with Modern in Great Rooms

If an open floor plan and vaulted ceiling remind you of a rustic barn, you’re not alone. Farmhouse decor is one of the most popular trends in great room design, and for good reason!

It’s important to balance out the vast openness with some warmth. Wood, leather, brick, and other natural materials will bring the space back down to Earth while creating a cozy living room atmosphere.

You can borrow ideas from the farmhouse decor trend without adopting an all-around rustic aesthetic. Try incorporating glass-paned sliding barn doors or exposed wooden rafters in your great room design along with more modern elements.

5. Creating a Focal Point with Great Room Fireplaces

It’s only natural to build your primary living space around something warm and welcoming. Placing a fireplace at the center of your great room can help anchor the rest of your design.

The fireplace isn’t just a visual focal point for the room. It also plays a role in the best way to arrange furniture and utilize the available floor space. Your great room’s main seating area should always face the fireplace.

Use your fireplace surround to emphasize the height of your great room. A decorative overlay extended all the way to the ceiling will draw the eye up and make the walls seem taller.

6. Furniture Arrangement Ideas for Spacious and Open Great Rooms

Because great rooms are so open, the furniture inside is largely responsible for defining the space. Being strategic about where you place each anchor piece — your sofa, dining table, entertainment center, etc. — will ensure your great room has a good flow.

Your great room furniture shouldn’t perfectly match. With how diverse the space is, it’s important to add variety with accent colors and textiles.

Most of your great room will likely be taken up by a traditional seating arrangement. Use an L-shaped sofa or multiple loveseats to frame the living room portion of your great room. Place a coffee table or another piece of furniture in the very center of your seating area.

7. Seamless Integration of Kitchens in Open-Concept Great Rooms

Open-concept kitchens are incredibly popular. And if you have a large family or love to entertain, having a kitchen that flows into a great room could be the ideal layout.

No matter how open your home’s floor plan is, the kitchen is rarely a part of the great room itself. There may be a kitchen island, partial wall, or large doorway between your kitchen and the rest of your living area.

This isn’t a bad thing — the natural division makes it easier to decorate each space independently. Plus, a kitchen that transitions straight into a living room or study can feel abrupt. If necessary, soften the transition by placing a small dining area in between.

8. Living Room Elements in Great Room Design

It might seem that “living room” and “great room” are synonymous with each other. But the differences between these two spaces are key when choosing furniture and decor.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when setting up your great room is to accidentally cut off the space from the rest of your home. Arrange your furniture in a way that connects the living room area with the adjacent dining room, kitchen, or study.

You can maintain an inviting atmosphere within your great room by opting for seating that faces multiple directions. Also, leave enough space between furniture pieces and nearby walls to allow for easy movement throughout the room.

9. Elevating Great Rooms with Luxurious Touches

On the one hand, great rooms can be incredibly comfortable, welcoming, and down to Earth. On the other hand, there’s nothing wrong with wanting your home’s great room to have a luxurious look and feel.

A tall ceiling will instantly give the room an elegant air. Don’t let the space overhead sit empty, though. Statement light fixtures, exposed ceiling beams, and dramatic artwork can all make good use of the vertical space.

Pay close attention to the finishes used throughout your great room. Texture can be just as impactful as color — opt for furniture upholstered with velvet, suede, or leather. If you lack the privilege of a large window in your great room, hang an oversized mirror instead.

10. Modern Aesthetics in Great Room Decor

It can be hard to picture such a classic living space decorated in a modern style. Believe it or not, though, a great room is a perfect canvas for all of your favorite modern-inspired trends.

A great room offers tons of opportunities to incorporate things like statement lighting, accent walls, and built-in shelving without the worry of clutter. You can experiment with scale in your design while maintaining the space’s functionality.

When designing your modern great room, resist the urge to do “too much.” Despite the sheer amount of space at your disposal, it’s important to limit yourself to just one or two standout pieces of decor.

11. Rustic Charm: Infusing Warmth into Great Rooms

The biggest challenge in creating a rustic great room is imbuing the space with warmth and coziness. Don’t be afraid of imperfection in your furniture and decor — it can add much-needed character.

Include organic materials like wood or stone throughout to give the final product a natural appearance. Neutral colors should make up the bulk of your design.

Architectural features like structural supports and ceiling beams can play a big role in how your rustic-style great room turns out. These elements can also offset the vast openness of many great rooms for a more intimate atmosphere.

12. Two-Story Great Room Design Ideas

Many great rooms take open-concept living to a new level by connecting to a part of the home’s second story. Whether just a small portion of your second floor overlooks the great room or the two spaces are nearly one and the same, it’s important to account for each in your interior design.

Take full advantage of your great room’s height — nothing should stop halfway up the walls. Even if the space features traditionally sized windows, opt for drapery that reaches up to the ceiling.

Hang statement artwork near the top of your great room walls. Not only will these items add intrigue to the main living room. They’ll also be a part of the second floor’s decor.

13. Maximizing Natural Light with Great Room Windows

You can’t get any luckier than finding a home with larger-than-life windows. And if these windows are located in your abode’s great room, even better!

Many great rooms feature several windows stacked atop each other. You can leave the topmost windows bare or extra-long curtains to cover their entirety. Floor-to-ceiling window treatments offer a clean look while also creating the illusion of taller windows.

Windows are priceless real estate, even if a room has many. Keep large pieces of furniture or decor away from your great room windows. If you must place something in front of a window, leave a few feet of space between the item and the wall.

If you’re like most people, the living room is probably where you spend the vast majority of your time. The only close contender is the bedroom (after all, we spend one-third of our lives sleeping!).

So why are stylish yet functional small living room ideas seemingly so hard to come by? One reason could be that the right design can make you overlook the fact that the room is small in the first place. It’s all an illusion.

Keep reading for tiny living room styling tips that will leave guests (and yourself) in awe of the space as a whole — not its physical size.

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1. Maximize Your Apartment Living Room’s Space

Search the home design world for advice about any small space and you’re sure to find suggestions like “knock down a wall” or “install floor-to-ceiling windows.” But these suggestions are of little use to renters (and anyone on a tight budget).

Not only do many apartments feature tiny living rooms but it’s also quite common for the space to double as a dining room, entryway, or even a master bedroom.

Do whatever you can to keep your small living room as bright and airy as possible. Most apartments feature white walls — if your apartment doesn’t, check your lease for painting guidelines. Use a light color palette throughout your decor.

2. Create a Cozy, Boho-Chic Small Living Room

Boho decor boasts a super-casual aesthetic that is surprisingly well suited to a small living room. And the bright, neutral color palette most common in Bohemian design is ideal for making any space feel larger.

There’s no need to worry about balancing a formal layout with the limited square footage. Bohemian living room furniture can take the form of a sofa, floor pouf, hammock, or daybed.

Try to adopt a strategy of controlled chaos in your Boho decor. While this style features a loose, maximalist approach to room design, you don’t want to crowd your tiny living area with too much clutter.

3. Stylish Contemporary Designs for Compact Spaces

Contemporary interior design tends to favor open-concept floor plans. But don’t let that scare you away from including some of the latest trends in your small living room.

Materials like polished stone and metal are very trendy in contemporary decor. These materials might overwhelm a tiny space in large quantities but work extremely well when used as accent decor.

Take advantage of the room’s vertical space with sleek window treatments, accent walls, and interesting light fixtures. These elements will add visual intrigue without taking up any extra floor space.

4. Charming Country and Cottage Decor

Minimal floor space and low ceilings aren’t a problem in cottage decor as long as you know how to give the room a warm and inviting atmosphere. In fact, this architectural style is largely defined by its use of tight, closed-off spaces.

White wall paint will make your small living room appear brighter and more spacious than it really is. Rather than plain drywall, though, consider covering your living room walls with shiplap, stucco, or a brick overlay.

A touch of clutter here and there won’t interfere with the cottage aesthetic. But it’s important to ensure everything in your living room has a place to call home (in other words, clutter with a purpose).

5. Farmhouse Style Ideas for Tiny Living Areas

Farmhouse decor is one of the largest design movements in recent memory. Yet we tend to see this trend adapted to open-concept spaces rather than the tight quarters typically found in historic farmhouses.

Neutral colors are integral to the farmhouse look. Be sure to add texture to the space with natural materials like reclaimed wood, wicker, burlap, and cast iron.

We can definitely learn a thing or two from the modern farmhouse aesthetic. In particular, taking a minimalist approach to wall decor and accent furniture will prevent your tiny living room from becoming overcrowded.

6. Industrial Vibes in Limited Living Room Space

Since industrial decor is inspired by 20th-century warehouses and factories, it’s hard to separate the trend from wide-open architecture. But what if you could use the industrial aesthetic to trick people into thinking your living room is bigger than it is?

The structured furniture and decor often seen in industrial design are perfect for bringing dimension to a room that doesn’t have much space to offer. Be sure to select pieces that are both angular and extremely simple.

You can also borrow industrial decor’s emphasis on decoration that serves a purpose. Swap out your existing ceiling fixture for a unique pendant light. Or invest in a coffee table that converts into a dining table or work desk.

7. Sleek Minimalist Designs

Don’t be ashamed if your solution to decorating a small living room is to keep things as minimal as possible. Yet what we often define as minimalist decor is instead just boring.

Yes, minimalist decor is simple. It is not, however, dull or uninspired. The secret to minimalist design is to curate items that have the greatest impact while taking up the least amount of visual and physical space.

Your living room should be made up (almost) entirely of functional items. The more useful the better — for example, select furniture with built-in storage compartments. If you can remove an item without impacting the space as a whole, you don’t need it!

8. Modern Living Room Ideas for Small Spaces

No, modern and minimalist are not synonyms. While these two trends do overlap, modern design ideas offer more room for creativity and self-expression.

Every modern room design starts off with the same base. Pick out a simple color scheme that offers opportunities for contrast. White, black, and grey are extremely popular wall colors in modern design.

Despite the nondescript name, modern decor is actually well-defined by history. If you need inspiration when picking out new living room furniture or artwork, reference examples of mid-century modern designers and their most famous work!

9. RV Living: Compact and Functional Room Designs

Designing a small living room is one thing. Adapting those same principles to an RV or trailer camper is another challenge altogether.

Even more so than in a traditional home, creating a thoughtful RV living room is largely about defining the space without interior walls. Seemingly simple details like an area rug or the direction your sofa faces can play a huge role in this task.

Multi-purpose furniture is an excellent investment. Keep an eye out for a stylish sleeper sofa or convertible coffee table for your RV living space. Avoid blocking the windows of your RV with oversized living room furniture — you need all of the natural light you can get!

10. Rustic Touches for Cozy Small Living Rooms

When you think of rustic design, what comes to mind? Is it a Northwoods cabin? A midwest farmhouse? Or maybe a French Country estate? Well, all of these answers are correct!

The sheer breadth of rustic decor means that nearly anyone can find inspiration in the trend. But it’s important to narrow down your goal aesthetic before jumping into the design process.

Invest in compact versions of your favorite rustic furniture to outfit your tiny living room. As long as you account for the scale of your living room design, you can still incorporate classic pieces like a live-edge coffee table or fur rug without taking up too much floor space.

11. Scandinavian Style: Bright and Airy Small Spaces

It’s easy to recognize the modern influence within the Scandinavian design movement. But Scandinavian decor’s emphasis on organic shapes and textures can add charm to even the smallest living rooms.

Along with elements made of materials like wood, stone, and dried grass, Scandinavian decor is mostly defined by its use of very bright light. Natural lighting is always best but you can also supplement your tiny living room design with various fixtures.

Although Scandinavian spaces are very practical, they achieve this quality without sacrificing comfort. Your finished living room design should not be cold and sterile but warm and inviting.

12. Fitting a Christmas Tree in a Small Living Room

To place a Christmas tree in a small living room, choose a slim or half-tree design to save space.

Position the tree in a corner or beside furniture where it won’t obstruct movement. If floor space is minimal, consider a tabletop tree or a wall-mounted flat tree.

Opt for a tree with a smaller base or use a tree skirt to conceal a larger base, making the tree appear less bulky.

Finally, rearrange furniture temporarily if necessary to accommodate the tree while maintaining a comfortable and accessible living area.

13. Create a Multi-Purpose Small Space Living Room

When your entire house is tight on space, how do you design a living room that meets its full potential without impeding the rest of your home’s interior?

Multi-use spaces are incredibly common in modern-day homes. There’s a good chance your living room also doubles as an office, playroom, or family dining area.

Rather than treat all of these functions as separate elements, it’s important to choose furniture and decor that meets your entire list of needs.

If your small living room connects to other areas in your home, be sure to step back and look at the big picture. Using a single color palette throughout your home’s adjoining rooms will give the illusion of greater square footage.

14. Choose the Right Sofa for Small Spaces

No matter the room, shoving the largest furniture possible into a small space is never the best approach. And when it comes to small living room ideas, the sofa is the most frequent culprit.

Few households need as much seating as an extra-long sofa or sectional provides. In many cases, a loveseat offers the perfect amount of room to kick back and relax without eating up a ton of floor space.

Of course, many furniture pieces bring more to the table than meets the eye. Look for a compact sofa featuring a chaise lounge extension or reclining seats for maximum comfort.

15. Studio Apartment Living Room

Empty studio apartments can look and feel deceptively large. Once you get some furniture inside, however, it quickly becomes clear how challenging designing — not to mention living in — such a small space can be.

Studio apartments are, by their nature, one undivided space. But you can use furniture in place of an interior wall to differentiate your living area from the rest of your apartment.

Speaking of creating a dedicated living area, you’ll need to decide if your apartment will have one at all. If not, you’ll want to invest in furniture and decor suitable for a bedroom, dining, or office as well (such as a daybed instead of a traditional sofa).

For almost a century, open floor plans were the be-all-end-all of contemporary homeownership. While much of society is returning to smaller, more private living spaces, these vast layouts certainly aren’t going anywhere!

Home design magazines and HGTV can make an open-concept space seem like the secret to decorating on “easy mode.” Once you actually begin curating your home’s furniture and decor, however, it becomes clear that the opposite is true.

Before you take a sledgehammer to your interior walls, check out these open floor plan ideas to ensure you’re setting out on the right track.

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1. Maximizing Space and Style in Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans are incredibly popular in newer apartment buildings. After all, there’s no better way to make limited square footage appear bright and roomy.

Decor like room-dividing curtains or screens can split up an open-concept floor plan. But this can have the unintended effect of making your apartment feel smaller than it is.

Maintain a similar color scheme throughout your apartment for visual harmony. Arrange furniture in clumps — as if there are interior walls — to create separate living areas. You can also use area rugs to define sections of your apartment.

2. Optimizing Open Floor Plans for Basements

Open floor plans are the standard for contemporary finished basements. This is especially true if your basement serves as a casual family room, rec room, or home bar area.

There tends to be little issue with using fewer walls in a basement remodel and letting the entire space flow together as one. Using an open layout in a basement tends to reap all of the benefits with few (if any) of the drawbacks.

An open-concept basement can help distract from common concerns like low ceilings or lack of natural light. Still, it doesn’t hurt to set aside one or two small spaces for a closed laundry room or private office.

3. Balancing Scale and Style in Open Floor Design

One of the key factors in interior design is scale. Open floor plans tend to need larger, more dramatic decor elements to balance out the sheer size of the space. This applies to furniture as well as details like light fixtures, artwork, and window treatments.

You can still break up the space without walls. Something as simple as the direction your sofa faces can differentiate the living area from your dining room. Area rugs can also trick the mind into seeing separate rooms when there are none.

Color scheme can be a limiting factor in open floor plan design. While the entire space should share a common palette, don’t be afraid to add coordinating accent hues throughout.

4. Modern Farmhouse Flair in Open Floor Plans

Farmhouse decor largely defined the past decade. And one strategy countless homeowners have used — and continue to use — to make their farmhouse-inspired homes feel more contemporary is to pair the trend with an open floor plan.

It might seem counterintuitive but farmhouse design often benefits from making the room feel smaller than it is. By starting with a wide-open space, you can achieve this look without sacrificing physical square footage.

Take advantage of all vertical space. Hanging light fixtures or exposed rafters are great options. A floor-to-ceiling fireplace surround can also help draw the eye up.

5. Strategic Furniture Arrangement in Open Concept Living

Without the presence of interior walls, furniture arrangement is incredibly important. How you place your furniture throughout the space will define the space as a whole.

Most open-concept homes place the living room directly adjacent to the kitchen or dining area. Yet you should still face your sofa away from the kitchen to maintain some distinction between the two spaces.

If you’re struggling to put together a plan, look for “anchor” furniture within each space to build around. Such pieces could include an entertainment center, coffee table, kitchen island, or dining table.

6. Illuminating Open Concept Homes with Smart Lighting

Open-concept homes are popular in part because they are so bright and airy. But choosing the wrong lighting solution could leave your home feeling dim.

To light any large space, one fixture will rarely suffice. Select a single fixture to serve as the primary light source for each living area. Supplement the rest of the space with subtle recessed lighting or wall sconces.

You don’t need to install the same lighting fixtures throughout your entire open floor plan. But each fixture should feature the same general style and finish. This will ensure the space looks cohesive without forcing you to use the same fixtures for your kitchen and family room.

7. Contemporary Styling for Open Floor Plans

The open floor plan was gaining popularity throughout much of the modern design era. It’s common to see mid-century modern furniture or Scandinavian-inspired decor in an open-concept space.

Because these elements fit together so well, much of the planning is already done for you! Select furniture that is proportional to the space as a whole. A sofa that is too large or a dining room table that is too small will stick out like sore thumbs.

Also, don’t let all of that extra elbow room tempt you. Modern interior design is closely related to minimalism. Avoid filling the space with decor that adds nothing but visual (or physical) clutter. Everything should serve a purpose.

8. Rustic Charm in Open-Concept Interiors

Despite being outshone by the farmhouse trend in recent years, rustic interior design is a versatile style for any living space. It also pairs well with open-concept homes, as the materials used in rustic decor can make the average space feel cramped.

Many homeowners evoke a cabin aesthetic using taxidermy or live-edge wood furniture. Others turn to the French Country design movement for a more feminine aesthetic.

You can pull inspiration for your rustic living room or kitchen from a number of sources. But they all share common elements like neutral colors, natural materials (i.e., wood, fur, stone, and leather), and a warm atmosphere.

9. Creating Warmth with Wood in Open-Concept Spaces

While open-concept homes offer plenty of benefits, there are some inherent challenges to designing such a vast space. If you find yourself struggling to breathe warmth into your open floor plan, you’re certainly not alone.

Wooden elements like built-in furniture, support beams, hardwood flooring, rafters, and wall trim are all excellent additions to a large open space. They can even be used strategically to visually break up your floor plan without physical walls.

For a clean appearance, avoid using a variety of wood finishes in your home design. This can be a challenge when it comes to matching furniture pieces to existing wood elements in your home — select a finish that is easy to replicate.

Do you feel like your home never has enough space to meet your needs? Nearly everyone knows the importance of having adequate storage to free up extra space. But you shouldn’t overlook the versatility of multi-purpose furniture either.

A daybed is the ideal blending of a casual sofa and a guest bed.

It can be an easy way to supplement the existing seating in a spare room or common area. And you’ll always have an extra bed ready to accommodate guests (or two, if you invest in a trundle frame!).

Check out the daybed ideas below to learn how to bring this classic piece of furniture into the modern design era.

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1. Maximize Space with Built-In Daybeds

Nothing says “thoughtful, multi-purpose design” like built-in furniture. While built-in bookcases have seen a resurgence in contemporary design, let’s not ignore the stylish practicality of a built-in daybed.

A built-in daybed is a perfect addition to any home office, guest room, playroom, or space-conscious living space. During the day, it serves as a reading nook or loveseat. At night, it instantly transforms into a functional sleeping surface.

This style of daybed tends to have a vintage aesthetic, especially when installed in front of a large window or bookshelf. Take this into account when choosing the finishing touches for your new furniture (such as bolsters or decorative throw pillows).

2. Create Your Own DIY Daybed

Building a traditional bed from scratch isn’t easy. If you’re looking to practice your woodworking skills on a piece of furniture, try starting with a DIY daybed instead.

The lovely thing about building a DIY daybed frame is that the entire thing is extremely simple. For example, you can construct a basic daybed out of nothing more than a wooden pallet and a mattress. Even beginner DIYers can tackle this project with confidence.

Another great option is to convert an existing piece of furniture into a DIY daybed. You can do this with a repurposed bench, storage crates, or stacks of pallet wood. As long as the finished piece can safely support its intended user, nearly any material will do.

3. Elegant Metal Daybed Designs

Unlike wooden and upholstered daybed ideas, metal frames tend to come with a more traditional shape and overall styling. These pieces work great in any bedroom with a farmhouse or cottage aesthetic.

Left bare, a metal bed frame may look cold and uninviting. Soften your daybed with plush pillows and cozy blankets. You can also use your bedding’s color palette to convey some much-needed warmth.

One thing to consider is that metal daybeds are not as comfortable or supportive as other styles (at least when used for seating). If you want to use your daybed as an everyday sofa in your living room, be sure to arrange plenty of dense cushions for back support.

4. Stylish Modern Daybeds for Contemporary Spaces

Many homeowners overlook the versatility of this furniture because they believe all daybeds are out of fashion. On the contrary, modern-style daybeds are incredibly trendy and available from many popular retailers.

Modern daybed frames do not feature ornate metalwork or frilly bed skirts. Instead, they’re sleek and easy to fit into nearly any existing room design.

Look for an upholstered daybed frame with simple legs and a neutral color scheme. You can also create a DIY mid-century modern daybed with a cloth-covered bench or roomy sofa. Don’t overpower your contemporary design with too many accessories — all you need is a bolster pillow and a coordinating throw blanket.

5. Versatile Daybeds for Multipurpose Rooms

Outside of dorms or studio apartments, relatively few households use a daybed as everyday furniture. However, a daybed is a great option for adding a guest bed to a spare room or home office.

Need somewhere to sit while working on your laptop? Use the daybed as a comfy sofa. Have a guest staying the night? Quickly convert the daybed to a fully functional sleeping surface.

The beauty of using a daybed in place of a regular double bed is that it can adapt to meet the needs of the room at any given moment. Extra features like storage drawers or a pull-out trundle can make your multipurpose room even more versatile.

6. Enhance Outdoor Areas with Daybeds

There really is no better way to cozy up an outdoor space than with a daybed. You can set up a daybed under a backyard pergola, inside a covered porch, or alongside a swimming pool.

An outdoor bed is the perfect place to curl up with a book, chat with friends, or cool off after a long day in the garden. Some outdoor bed frames even feature built-in shade coverage to protect sleepy sunbathers from overexposure.

Be sure to invest in a daybed design specifically built for outdoor use. You’ll also want to select outdoor-safe bedding to adorn your new patio furniture.

7. Bohemian Charm: Rattan and Bamboo Daybeds

There’s nothing wrong with leaning into the vintage look of many daybed ideas. If your home decor borrows inspiration from boho or 1970s design, we suggest finding yourself a nice rattan daybed frame.

You can purchase a brand new rattan-style daybed or refurbish a used frame. While newer bed frames tend to be more durable, nothing can replace the charm of authentic, lived-on furniture!

Rattan furniture looks right at home on a patio or terrace. You can give your backyard some Bohemian flair with a rattan daybed or wicker chaise lounge. (Remember to invest in synthetic furniture — natural rattan and bamboo won’t stand up to the elements!)

8. Daybeds with Storage Solutions

One of the greatest benefits of including a daybed in your home design is the sheer versatility. But you can make your guest room even more functional by investing in a bed frame with built-in storage (or a second mattress!).

A trundle bed is a hidden mattress built into another piece of furniture like a regular bed, daybed, or sofa. While a trundle fits perfectly underneath when not in use, it easily pulls out to accommodate guests at a moment’s notice.

Even if you have no need for a trundle, consider buying a daybed with a storage compartment or pull-out drawer hidden underneath. You can always cover the extra storage with a bed skirt for a more polished look.

9. Relaxing Swing Daybeds for Your Home

What if you could combine the charm of a porch swing with the warmth of a bed? Swinging daybeds are ideal for any outdoor space where practicality and comfort are equal priorities.

Just like a traditional daybed you’d find in a living room or spare bedroom, this furniture can be used in several ways. There’s no need to choose between having an outdoor space built exclusively for entertaining or for relaxing!

Fill your swing daybed with a variety of bolsters and pillows for maximum comfort. As always, choose a mattress cover and cushions that can stand up to both rain and shine.

10. Luxurious Upholstered Daybeds

We tend to associate dual-purpose furniture with cheap or transient design. But that doesn’t need to be the case.

If you want your guest room to have a luxurious aesthetic, consider investing in an upholstered daybed or trundle. While many upholstered daybeds have a feminine appearance, you can also choose from textiles like suede or leather for a more masculine look.

On top of looking stylish, an upholstered twin daybed is about as close to a “real” sofa as one can get. There’s zero need to pile tons of pillows on top to hide the frame underneath. Guests won’t even notice that your living room seating doubles as a bed.

11. Vintage Daybeds for a Classic Touch

Daybeds pair well with vintage decor. Whether your home is inspired by the Victorian Era or mid-century modern design, skip the double bed and go with a stylish daybed instead.

Are you struggling to find a daybed that fits your vintage aesthetic? With a little DIY handiwork, you can easily convert an antique sofa into a fully functional daybed frame.

Ideally, you should look for a vintage sofa that will fit a traditional twin mattress. But you can always order a custom mattress pad in a pinch. Either way, just swap out the original cushions for your mattress and you’re good to go!

12. Sturdy and Chic Wood Daybeds

Contemporary furniture designers are catching on to the demand for highly functional yet stylish pieces. You won’t have to go far to find a classy wood daybed that suits your spare bedroom or home office space.

Wooden daybeds often borrow trends from traditional bed frames. Right now, ornately carved panels and light stains are incredibly popular. But you’ll also find many timeless styles featuring clean lines and rich hardwood.

One thing is true: You’ll have a hard time finding a sturdier material. Even basic plywood offers a supportive mattress platform that will last for years. So if you’re searching for a daybed frame that will stand up to daily use, look no further than solid wood.

“I think a coffee table is one of the most important things. It’s where everything happens.” –  Georgia Toffolo

What’s sitting in the center of your living room? Chances are, it’s a coffee table.

This short table sits proudly in the center of the room and gives you the perfect place for displaying decor, arranging books or magazines, or placing your glass. It could even give you more storage space.

If your living room doesn’t have a coffee table, then your living room is clearly missing something.

Thankfully, these coffee table ideas will help you get inspired. That way, you can find the perfect gorgeous coffee table that will complete your living room furniture design.

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1. Elevate Your Space with a Marble Table

A marble table brings an air of sophistication to any room. Its sleek, polished surface is perfect for showcasing your favorite decor, while being remarkably durable and easy to clean.

2. Embrace Elegance with a Round Table

Round tables soften the room with their curves, making them ideal for cozy gatherings. Their circular shape promotes easy conversation and flow in smaller spaces.

3. Scandinavian Style: A Minimalist’s Dream

Scandinavian tables blend functionality with simple beauty, featuring clean lines and natural wood finishes. They’re perfect for creating a serene, uncluttered environment in your living area.

4. Refresh Your Room with a White-Washed Table

White-washed tables add a rustic yet fresh vibe to any setting. Their lightly distressed finish pairs well with both bright and neutral palettes, making them versatile for various decor styles.

5. Add Texture with a Woven Table

Woven tables introduce a tactile element to your living space. Their intricate patterns and natural materials, like rattan or bamboo, infuse a cozy, handmade charm into your home.

6. Farmhouse Charm: A Rustic Touch

Embrace the warmth of a farmhouse-style table, often characterized by distressed wood and a sturdy build. These tables create a welcoming, homey feel, perfect for a family-centric living space.

7. Go Unique with an Oblong-Shaped Table

Oblong-shaped coffee tables offer a refreshing departure from traditional forms. They provide ample surface space and an artistic touch, making them a focal point in any room.

8. Industrial-Style Wooden Coffee Table

Industrial-style wooden tables mix raw materials like metal and wood, bringing an edgy yet warm vibe to your space. Their robust construction and unique design add character to a modern home.

9. Modernize with a Sleek Glass Table

Glass coffee tables give an illusion of more space while offering a modern touch. Their transparent tops are ideal for showcasing statement rugs or flooring underneath.

10. Natural Elegance: A Wooden Slab Table

A wooden slab table is a nod to nature’s beauty. Its unique grain patterns and organic edges make each piece a one-of-a-kind addition to your living space.

11. Upcycled Chic: Pallet Coffee Table

Pallet tables are a sustainable and creative way to add a rustic touch. Customize them with paint, casters, or glass tops for a personalized piece that tells a story.

12. Create Depth with a Layered Table

Layered tables offer dynamic styling options and extra space for your books, plants, or decorative items. Their multi-level design adds an architectural element to your room.

13. Driftwood and Glass: A Coastal Vibe

Combining driftwood with glass creates a serene, beachy feel in your home. The natural, weathered wood under a smooth glass surface evokes a sense of calmness and connection to the outdoors.

14. Darkwood Tables for a Sophisticated Look

Darkwood tables are all about elegance and drama. They anchor the room and make a statement, especially when paired with lighter colored furnishings and accents.

15. Classic Comfort: Wooden Coffee Tables

Wooden tables offer timeless appeal and durability. Their natural warmth and versatility make them a staple in any interior design, from rustic to contemporary.

16. Brighten Up with a White Table

A white table instantly brightens and opens up a space. It’s a blank canvas for any decorative style, from minimalistic to eclectic, and pairs beautifully with bold colors.

17. Add a Pop of Color with Dainty Blue

A dainty blue table brings a gentle splash of color to your living area. It’s perfect for creating a focal point and pairs wonderfully with neutral tones for a balanced look.

18. Bold and Beautiful: A Black Table

Black tables exude sophistication and modernity. They work as a striking centerpiece in your room, especially when contrasted with lighter hues and metallic accents.

19. Embrace the Unconventional with Freeform Tables

Freeform tables break all the rules with their irregular shapes and lines. They are perfect for adding an artistic, playful touch to any space.

20. Bring Warmth with a Barn Red Table

A barn red table adds a cozy, vibrant energy to your living area. This bold color choice can act as a stunning focal point, especially in neutral or earth-toned settings.

21. Rattan Tables: Boho Meets Elegant

Rattan tables blend bohemian charm with refined elegance. Their lightweight yet sturdy construction makes them both practical and stylish for both indoor and outdoor decor.

22. Dual-Purpose Design: Stool Tables

Stool tables offer a clever, space-saving solution. Use them as extra seating when guests are over, or as a unique, multifunctional coffee table in your daily life.

23. Express Yourself with a Printed Table

Printed tables are a fun way to express your personal style. Choose from intricate patterns or bold graphics to make a statement in your living space.

24. Transparent Acrylic Coffee Table

Acrylic tables add a futuristic touch with their sleek, transparent design. They’re perfect for minimalist interiors, giving the illusion of more space while offering functionality.

25. Keep it Low: Stylish Low Tables

Low tables create a laid-back, Zen-like atmosphere in your living area. They’re great for low-seating arrangements and add a modern, casual feel to your space.