80 Beautiful Living Room Decorating Ideas That Are Worth Recreating
From packing style into small rooms to arranging spacious setups, we've got you covered.
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From curling up on the couch after a long day to entertaining friends and family, most of us spend a lot of time in our living rooms. Not only should a living room look stylish, but it should feel inviting, create a sense of calm and reflect your personality. If you're hunting for inspirational living room ideas, we've rounded up gorgeous layouts from interior designers that you'll want to steal.
A well-decorated living room incorporates several key elements: the right paint colors, furniture, an area rug and decorative accents like throw pillows, light fixtures and art. You might decide to experiment with trendy wallpaper (perhaps on the ceiling?), invest in a colorful sofa or hang curtains with a playful pattern. You can also upgrade your space with architectural features like wood beams, fresh light fixtures or a complete mantel makeover. From eclectic and vintage to modern living rooms, we've included simple designs for every style.
Choose a Rug With Character
Let a vintage-inspired rug be the center of attention, just as Reena Sotropa In House Design Group does with this navy and pink design. The stone fireplace mantel adds another dose of visual interest.
Photo by: Phil Crozier
Bring in Decorative Lamps
Overhead lighting can be too harsh and lack ambiance — that's why living room lamps are so important. Take note from Sarah Tract Interiors and find fixtures that double as decor.
Photo by: Reid Rolls
Go Dark on the Walls and Ceiling
Enter this moody media room that feels calm, relaxed and romantic. Designer Krystal Reinhard of Old Soul Design Studio paints the walls a dark gray, wallpapers the ceiling in a complementary tone and hangs a black-out shade perfect for movie night.
Photo by: Brian Wetzel
Give Your Walls Texture
In a simple DIY project, this blogger installs peel-and-stick fluted panels to the lower half of her walls. Then, paints everything a soothing blue-green. A tan leather couch creates some much-needed contrast.
Embrace a Wood Ceiling
This light-filled living space is ideal for enjoying morning coffee or casual conversation. The rustic wood-paneled ceiling pairs beautifully with a vintage Persian rug, oak coffee table and large white sectional, expertly chosen by Samantha Stathis-Lynch, founder of Samantha Ware Designs.
Photo by: Kirsten Francis
Entire Home: Inside a 1907 New Jersey Tudor
Create an Accent Wall
The fireplace is already a focal point, but take it a step further by decorating the wall behind it. Here, Kristen Keyes Interiors goes for a geometric wallpaper and paints the backs of the bookcases a rusty red. Colorful art above the mantel is a chic finishing touch.
Photo by: NativeHouse Photography
Draw Inspiration From Nature
When working with timber wall paneling, designer Kristine Franklin decided to embrace a nature-inspired style. Think lush greenery and natural textures, like rattan and wood. An over-size wall hanging of a forest draws the look together and takes advantage of the high ceilings.
Create Contrast With Dark Accents
This chic living space feels bright, despite its many dark accents (a velvet gray sofa, black walls and partially paneled ceiling). Designer Galey Alix strikes a balance with light flooring, textured coffee table and two large mirrors on the far wall.
Go Maximalist
We've been saying it: Minimalism is out and personality is in. That means there's room for bold patterns, bright colors and rich textures. Here, Inside Stories brings eye-catching accents (a velvet green sofa, botanical wallpaper and polka dot rug) together and the combination works.
RELATED: Designers Say Minimalism Is Out. Here's What They're Loving Instead.
Blend Boho With Modern
Don't stick to one design style. In this bright living room, Silo Studios pairs a modern sofa and a timeless checkerboard area rug with whimsical accents, like a pair of wood lounge chairs and an abstract throw.
Photo by: Marc Mauldin
Try a High-Gloss Paint
Show off your style with a versatile blue shade, like New York State of Mind by Benjamin Moore. Here, Diane Rath, principal designer of The Rath Project, paints the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf in a glossy finish, but sticks with matte for the drywall.
Photo by: Erin Kestenbaum
RELATED: See How One Designer Brought a Connecticut Colonial Home Back to Life
Weave in Organic Textures
Inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean styles, this calming living space is defined by natural textures — from the wood beam ceiling and plaster fireplace to decorative accents, like a distressed area rug, rattan armchairs and faux greenery.
Don't Stick to One Design Style
Take note from design firm Teri Pugh Studio and weave in elements from a few design styles. Contemporary armchairs are topped with vintage-inspired throw pillows, while modern, arched built-in bookshelves are decorated with antique decor.
Photo by: Sonya Sellers
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Discovering Your Interior Design Style
Hang Large Artwork Over the Sofa
Draw the eye upward by hanging large-scale art over the sofa, which works particularly well when you've got 10-foot (or taller) ceilings. An area rug with similar shades ties the room together.
Make It Warm and Moody
Complement wood ceilings and terra-cotta tile floors with warm paint colors and furniture. The walls, painted in Wildflower Honey by Dunn-Edwards, pair beautifully with a plum-colored sectional.
Wallpaper the Ceiling
This cozy media room, equipped with a hidden motorized movie screen, is defined by dark blue-green walls and a spruce forest wallpaper on the ceiling. The sunburst light fixture adds a dramatic final touch.
Let Art Flank a TV
A TV doesn't have to be an eyesore. Here, Sheffield House Design doesn't shy away from color, choosing to hang lively poster prints around the TV.
Photo by: Sonya Sellers
Make Your Own Light Fixtures
If your living room is lacking a statement light fixture, but you don't want to deal with electrical wires — here's a solution for you. This blogger hangs wicker baskets from the ceiling, and secures wireless LED lights inside.
Experiment With Touches of "Grandma Core"
"Grandma core," a style that celebrates the charm and coziness you might find in a grandma's home, is big on TikTok. Weave in touches of this trend, whether it's adding fringe to your sofa or an antique tapestry on the wall.
Play With Pattern
Lean into pattern, from drapes and throw pillows to furniture, like accent chairs and ottomans. Take note from Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms and maintain a color palette so the patterns don't clash.
Photo by: Brian Wetzel
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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