How to Style Your Living Room
One of the most important rooms in any home is the living room. It is where people spend a good part of their time at home, whether it be relaxing in front of the television, curling up with a good book, or simply spending time with friends and family.
Given the importance of this space, it stands to reason that you want it to be impeccably styled and designed. However, it can be challenging to figure out where to get started. If you’re looking to start styling your living room but are feeling blocked and unsure, here are some tips you should keep in mind.
Keep Your Measurements in Mind
Regardless of what part of the room you’re working on – from the curtains and rugs to the furniture choices – it is crucial that you keep the space's measurements in mind.
This will help you avoid buying pieces that are too large for a space or investing in furniture that you can’t transport into the room. It will also help you make sure that the room is balanced and proportionate and that each section in the room works in harmony with the rest of the space.
Don’t Fall Into the Showroom Trap
Many people look at the display setups in shops and catalogs and fall in love. However, if you try to replicate them in your living room, you risk the final result resembling a showroom more than a lived-in, personalised space.
One way to sidestep this possibility is to shop for your furniture and art pieces in various shops and retailers. In this way, you can mix and match each brand’s style to create a living room that is both welcoming and truly unique to your home. You can also mix and match new pieces with vintage or thrifted pieces or any items that you have from your childhood. This allows you to create a cozy space that is not only welcoming to your guests but also has a touch of your own individuality.
Consider Lighting
One of the most overlooked parts of any design project is the lighting. The way you use both natural and artificial lights can help completely change the atmosphere of a space.
Most living rooms are situated in a part of the home that gets ample natural light. This means figuring out how to position artificial lighting is not as important in this space as it would be in a study or bedroom. However, you cannot ignore it completely. Make sure that you include each of the three main types of lighting: ambient, accent, and task. Also, make sure that each part of the room receives enough light and that no corners are forgotten.
One way to ensure that there is enough light in your living room is to place light sources at different levels around the room. You can start with overhead chandeliers, add wall sconces, and accentuate with floor and table lamps and recessed lighting. Lighting fixtures can also serve as conversation pieces in your room, allowing you to emphasise your theme or add a point of contrast.
Mix Lights and Darks
It can be tempting to go for all-white or light shades when it comes to decorating your living room. For one, this colour scheme poses a lot of challenges when it comes to cleaning. Furthermore, you also run the risk of creating a space that looks too “clean” and unapproachable. Going all dark, on the other hand, creates a room that is gloomy and uninviting.
When decorating your living room, it is essential to balance both light and dark shades. This will help you create a dynamic look and impart depth and balance into the space. Also, make sure that you have a little white and a little black to balance out your colours.
Keep in mind that these are just suggestions. While rules of thumb can serve as a good guide, each living room is ultimately different and unique. What works in one space may not work in another, and you should always work according to what suits your room and home the best.
