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Not only does a well-decorated living room look great, but it can have an impact on both relaxation and productivity. Whether you're hosting friends, watching TV with family or taking an afternoon nap, the living room is meant to feel inviting and comfortable. And, a cluttered or stark design will quickly get in the way. Here, we've rounded up gorgeous — yet attainable — living room ideas to pair with every home aesthetic.
From packing style in small living rooms to arranging spacious setups, we have you covered with inspiration for every kind of room. If you prefer modern living rooms, we've included a mix of casual and formal living room designs (think sleek sofas, natural materials and open shelving). Or, embrace your favorite interior design style, whether it's farmhouse, boho, eclectic or strays a bit maximalist.
As you browse, you'll find plenty of advice pertaining to living room paint colors (we're loving green living rooms, but you can't go wrong with timeless white living rooms). You may decide to experiment with a trendy wallpaper, invest in a comfortable sofa, hang fresh curtains or arrange a gallery wall — which are clever, renter-friendly design ideas. You can also upgrade your space with architectural features like wood wall slats, upgraded light fixtures or a fireplace mantel makeover. So, if you're hunting for a simple solution or considering a full renovation, this stylish roundup is sure to inspire your next home project.
1
Make the Mantel a Focal Point
In this relaxed living room, star patterned ceramic tiles installed around the fireplace are the center of attention. For a subtle coastal feel, designer Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home weaves in natural elements and striped drapery.
RELATED: Step Inside This Playful "California Cool" Abode
2
Play With Pattern and Color
If you've got a bold personality, design a living space that reflects that. Take note from Reena Sotropa of In House Design Group and don't fear more than one statement piece. Think a wallpapered ceiling, moody wall color, statement lighting and trendy furniture, like a green couch.
3
Create a Collected Look
Accumulate furniture and accessories that bring you joy, even if that means mixing design styles. Designer Caitlin Higgins invested in a few pieces, like swivel chairs and a classic area rug, but the majority of the room is filled with vintage furniture, thrifted finds and hand-me-downs.
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4
Use Bold Fixtures to Make a Statement
Large-scale or sculptural lighting can completely alter the look and feel of an interior, as evidenced by this tassel chandelier. To finalize the space, Cortney Bishop of Cortney Bishop Design layers in other accents, like abstract artwork, colorful lamps and patterned throw pillows.
RELATED: Interior Design Trends That Will Be Everywhere in 2024
5
Install Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving
Maximizing every inch of a soaring ceiling, design-firm JAM builds a two-story bookshelf that doubles as an eclectic accent wall. It's filled with a vast array of books, pottery and art, leaving some negative space to highlight stand-out pieces.
6
Embrace a Coastal Design
To achieve a relaxed, beach-like style, designer Christina Kim weaves in natural materials (think light woods and wicker) and sticks with a nature-inspired color palette (like bright whites, sandy beige and calming blues).
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7
Decorate With Greenery
Hard-to-kill houseplants are an affordable way to breathe life into your living spaces. Here, designer Anjie Cho decorates with a mix of small, medium and large potted plants.
8
Find Accents That Double as Art
Hunt for furniture and accessories that tell a story, whether it's with new purchases or thrifted finds. For a pop of color, designer Sarah Stacey paints built-in bookshelves a teal green.
9
Infuse Japandi Style
Defined by neutral color palettes, raw materials, clean lines and minimalism, Japandi style is a great way to create a tranquil living room, like this one from OWIU Design.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Japandi Style, According to Design Pros
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10
Layer in Loads of Texture
The living room is meant to feel cozy, so don't skimp on plush fabrics. Here, blogger Amanda West brings in neutral textures and subtle patterns with throw pillows, blankets, ottomans and curtains.
RELATED: The 30 Best Throw Pillows to Cozy up Your Space
11
Paint the Walls Mustard Yellow
Studio Indigo doesn't shy away from color. This living room's walls are painted mustard yellow in a glossy finish for another level of charm.
12
Don't Forget the Fifth Wall
This New York City apartment, crafted by Kati Curtis Design, features a tray ceiling that beautifully accentuates the Sputnik globe chandelier and adds depth to the layout. What's more, the mix of light and dark hues create a striking 3D effect.
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13
Invest in a Cloud-Like Couch
That low profile and oversized cushion look remains a popular living room couch style. For ultimate comfort, layer on the throw pillows, just as design build firm Cedar & Oak does here.
RELATED: Best Cloud Couch Dupes That Will Save You Serious Money
14
Hang Curtains High
Create the illusion of a larger room by hanging sheer drapes at least six inches higher than the top of your window frames. We love that designer Kristin Harrison of Bungalow 10 Interiors chose a plum brown shade.
15
Paint Open Shelving a Dark Hue
A wall of black bookshelves creates instant drama, and it's the perfect place to display cherished items. Here, designer Regan Baker showcases books, art and dishes, plus a rolling ladder that blends seamlessly with the backdrop.
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16
Pair Crisp Whites With Wood Accents
Warm woods and fresh whites make a cozy, refined combination. In this dreamy interior, designer Cortney Bishop adds wood elements (namely, the coffee table) that complement the wood ceiling.
17
Mix Complementary Colors
Opposites on the color wheel, shades of yellow — like mustard — pair beautifully with light and dark blue tones. The power of opposing color combinations is evident in this striking space from Bethany Adams Interiors.
18
Bring in Warm Whites
White interiors are timeless, but there are so many shades to consider. Here, designer Jessica Nelson leans toward warm and creamy tones for a more inviting space.
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19
Play Up Natural Stone
Add a warm, rustic feel to your living room with a large stone fireplace. Forge & Bow opts for a cut-out to store extra fire wood and open shelving on each side.
20
Blend Modern With Vintage
Kelsey McGregor of Kelsey Leigh Design Co. loves to pair modern with vintage. The arched bookcase and oversized ottoman exude a clean, modern aesthetic, while the round brass chandelier, ceramic decor and landscape art add a vintage take.
RELATED: Inside a Modern Oklahoma Abode With a Collected, Vintage Feel
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director
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
Associate Lifestyle Editor
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.
