Where to Start When Decorating a Living Room
Decorating a living room feels like a big project because it is the room everyone sees. The key is to work in layers rather than trying to do everything at once. Start with the big foundational pieces, then add lighting, then textiles, then accessories. Each layer builds on the last, and you can stop at any point and have a room that looks complete.
Step 1: Choose a Focal Point
Every well-designed living room has a focal point: the first thing your eye lands on when you enter. This could be a fireplace, a large window with a view, a media wall or a striking piece of art. If your room does not have a natural focal point, create one with a gallery wall, a bold piece of furniture or a statement light fixture.
Arrange the seating to face the focal point. This gives the room a sense of purpose and direction.
Step 2: Plan Your Seating Layout
The sofa is the largest piece in the room, so get this right first. In a standard rectangular room, the sofa typically faces the focal point with accent chairs angled on either side. In open-plan spaces, the sofa can float in the middle of the room with its back defining the living area.
- Leave 45 to 60 cm of walking space between furniture pieces
- Place a coffee table 40 to 50 cm from the sofa (within arm's reach)
- Add at least one side table within reach of every seat for drinks and phones
- If the room is small, skip the coffee table and use nesting tables instead
Step 3: Layer Your Lighting
Lighting is the most impactful decorating tool. A living room needs three layers:
- Ambient: A ceiling fixture or pendant light for overall brightness
- Task: A table lamp beside a reading chair or on a side table
- Accent: Wall sconces flanking a mirror, artwork or fireplace
Each layer should be on a separate switch or dimmer so you can control the mood. In the evening, turn off the overhead light and rely on table lamps and sconces for a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Browse our full lighting collection for options.
Step 4: Add a Rug
A rug grounds the seating area and ties the furniture together visually. The rug should be large enough that the front legs of all major seating pieces sit on it. A too-small rug makes the room feel disjointed. For a standard sofa and two chairs, a 240x300 cm rug is usually right.
Step 5: Bring in Textiles
Throw pillows, blankets and curtains add color, texture and warmth. Aim for 3 to 5 throw pillows on a sofa in a mix of sizes and textures but a cohesive color palette. A draped throw blanket on the arm of the sofa or over a chair invites people to get comfortable. Curtains should hang from just below the ceiling to the floor to make the room feel taller.
Step 6: Accessorize
This is where personality comes in. Use the rule of odd numbers: groups of 3 or 5 objects look more natural than even numbers. Vary the height of items on a shelf or coffee table. Mix materials (ceramic, wood, glass, metal) for visual interest.
Good accessories include: a stack of books, a candle, a small plant, a decorative bowl or tray, a vase and a few personal objects. Browse our home decor collection for curated accent pieces.
Step 7: Add Plants
A living room without plants feels incomplete. Start with one large floor plant (fiddle leaf fig, monstera, snake plant) in a corner or beside the sofa. Add one or two smaller plants on shelves, side tables or the windowsill. Plants add life, color and air quality to any space.
Common Living Room Mistakes
- Pushing all furniture against the walls. Floating the sofa in the room creates a more intimate seating arrangement
- Using only overhead lighting. Layer with table lamps and sconces for warmth
- Choosing a rug that is too small. All front legs of seating should be on the rug
- Over-decorating. Edit ruthlessly. A few well-chosen pieces are better than a crowded shelf
- Ignoring scale. Match the size of art, lamps and accessories to the scale of the furniture and room
