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
Try a Two-Tone Wall
Rather than limiting yourself to one color, paint your walls two contrasting hues. To accentuate the tall ceilings, designer Meredith Owen uses a light creamy color on top and darker blue shade on the bottom.
2
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
3
Embrace a Moody Hue
Create a warm retreat using dark shades for walls, furniture and decor. Here, Anastasia Casey of The Interior Collective goes for a monochrome moment by matching the couch to the wall, but lightens the space with a neutral area rug.
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4
Pull Off Maximalism
Green fringe ottomans, geometric wallpaper, wood wall paneling, zebra arm chairs and irregular shape ottomans — somehow all of these elements tie together in this maximalist room from Blueberry Jones Design.
5
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.
6
Mix Blue With Mustard Yellow
Shades of yellow, like mustard, pair beautifully with dark blue tones, which is evident in this striking space from Bethany Adams Interiors.
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7
Build a Window Seat
Add extra seating with a cute window seat — perfect for soaking up natural light or curling up with a good book. To ensure the space ties together, design firm Collected Interiors uses similar throw pillows on nearby couches.
RELATED: Stylish Reading Nooks That Are Designed for Getting Cozy
8
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
9
Upgrade an Original Fireplace
To give the room's focal point more presence, designer Candace Shure replaced stone with decorative tiling in this 1930's Spanish revival home in Los Angeles.
RELATED: 36 Stunning Fireplace Decor Ideas That'll Make Your Home Chic and Cozy
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10
Play Up Natural Stone
Add a warm, rustic feel to your living room with a large stone fireplace. Here, Forge & Bow opts for a cut-out to store extra fire wood.
11
Celebrate Curves
Make the most of the curved furniture trend, which continues to show up in 2024, with curved sofas, arm chairs and coffee tables. In this case, Design West adds a unique wall display made up of tiny round bowls.
RELATED: Best Curved Sofas to Ensure a Chic Living Room Design
12
Add Shelving Around the TV
One of the best ways to decorate around the TV is with open shelving, and we're loving how designer Meredith Owen settles on light wood shelves for a touch of warmth.
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13
Go for a Round Coffee Table
Round coffee tables, like this two-tier wooden design, work well with sectional sofas, making it easier to maneuver around the space. Whether it's books, vases or bowls, draw styling inspiration from The Residency Bureau.
14
Paint a Striped Ceiling
Revamp the "fifth wall" by painting perfect stripes — or consider a striped wallpaper. Either way, bring in a few striped throw pillows to tie it all together.
RELATED: Ceiling Design Ideas to Add Style and Character to Your Space
15
Choose Tufted Leather Sofas
Leather sofas — like this one with rolled arms, button tufting and an antique, Chesterfield-inspired silhouette — give this living room by Maggie Griffin Design a vintage feel.
RELATED: Best Leather Couches and Sofas to Upgrade Your Living Room
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16
Install Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving
A wall of bookshelves creates instant drama, and it's the perfect place to display cherished items. Here, Regan Baker showcases books, art and dishes.
17
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.
18
Buy a Coffee Table With Storage
This large, square coffee table offers a ton of storage, including built-in cubbies — which designer Caitlin Kah uses to display maritime books to maintain the nautical design.
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19
Blend Indoor and Outdoor Living
Designer Katie Davis turns this sunroom into a second living room, decorating with a spacious sectional, a pair of Palecek chairs and a large ottoman.
RELATED: To Her Surprise, This Designer Was Asked to Renovate Her Childhood Home in Houston
20
Add Wood Slats to the Fireplace
Cover a dated brick fireplace with slatted wood to give it a modern upgrade. Here, The Residency Bureau also builds adjacent bookshelves with the same wood.
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.
