Whether you spend time in the living room reading on a weekend or host dozens of friends for movie night, this hardworking space is one of the most important in your home. And it can also be one of the most difficult to keep looking fresh and inviting, especially if you’re on a budget. Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable (and effective) ways to upgrade this space. From rearranging the furniture to painting the ceiling, these home decorating living room ideas will have you enjoying your living space in no time.
The best way to make a room feel new is to bring in an attention-grabbing element, like a bold painting or a dramatic light fixture. However, for a subtle refresher that won’t blow your renovation budget, consider using a paint color that plays well with the natural colors of your home or surrounding landscape. In this living room, a rich emerald hue draws the eye in and interacts with the colors of the sky and water outside.
If you want to keep your furniture in place, but aren’t ready to invest in a complete renovation, try adding a wall divider. This small change creates a separate seating area without making the room feel cramped.
Another great way to add texture is with fabrics. Mixing different materials, colors and textiles instantly makes a room feel more finished and polished. This is a fun option for pillows, coffee table displays and even drapery. When shopping for new sofas or chairs, look for a variety of textures to keep the overall feel of the space cohesive and refined.
No living room is complete without a cozy spot for people to lounge and relax. Whether you opt for comfy floor pillows or a plush leather sectional, the addition of extra seating will instantly brighten and refresh a space.
Every living room needs a place to rest a drink or a book. A simple side table or coffee table can work, but you can also create a more formal sitting area by installing a slender shelving system that will take up less visual space and open up floor space for the seating arrangement.
It’s always a good idea to have ample storage in a living room. Whether you opt for built in cabinets to house electronics, media and other items or use an existing piece like a bookshelf or TV stand with plenty of shelves, it’s important to have a dedicated area for everything from remotes to picture frames and knick-knacks.
If you have a tight budget for your home decorating living room project, choose to mount furniture like tables and shelves instead of buying them freestanding. This trick opens up floor space and visually makes a room feel larger.