5 Living Room Rules to Live By

Living rooms serve many purposes. Whether you have a formal living room or a space that is more geared for entertaining, game nights, or NCIS episodes, the way that you design your living room is essential for its enjoyment. The most important thing is that you and your guests feel comfortable in your living room. Learn a few living room rules to keep in mind when designing, arranging, and enjoying your space.

1. Nail The Focal Point

What is the first thing that you want your guests to see as soon as they enter your living room? That object should be your focal point. It could be a clock, a painting, a large photo collage, a piece of furniture, or just about anything else. The focal point should be obvious but not overshadowing. The furniture and other decor in the living room should accent and flow with the focal point of the room. This is the fun part! It is a time for you to be creative and to pick just the right piece that will highlight your personality and style.

2. Create A Center

Since you have decided on a focal point, it’s time to create a center of your living room. It could be a coffee table, ottoman or group of chairs, it’s important that your living room has a noticeable center. Typically the center of the living room is a table of some sort where your family or guests can place a glass of water or their purse while they are talking with you or watching TV. You can get creative here! There are multiple different table designs ranging from modern to rustic chic. Keep in mind that this piece may be used frequently and should be picked out with that in mind. Check out our selection of tables and other great center piece options in our showroom today!

3. Incorporate Adequate Lighting

One major component of your living room is adequate lighting. Without adequate lighting, the room can tend to feel smaller and darker. In order to create a lighter, crisper feel in your living room, try adding multiple kinds of lighting. Moreover, it is essential to have one main source of light. Whether that is a ceiling fan with a light built in, a regal looking fixture over your center piece, or recessed lighting throughout the living space, adequate lighting is essential. Next, you can add lamps that match the style that you are going for in your living room. You want to make sure that the lamps match well with your furniture and other decor including wall decor. Another good tip is to use LED lighting as much as possible. You will notice that your electric bill will decrease while the amount of light produced increases. Win-win!

4. Add An Area Rug

Don’t skip over an area rug when picking out the essentials for your living room. Area rugs bring color, texture, and personality to a living room. Some area rugs have textures that are for high traffic while others are primarily for design. Be careful when choosing your area rug to make sure that the colors and pattern matches your furniture, wall decor, and the overall look and feel of your living room. Another rule of thumb is that at least the front legs of your furniture should be on the rug itself and that the rug should be at least 8-12″ from the walls of the living room. The rug should not overtake the space, but it is a great opportunity to bring out accent colors and highlight different design features of your living space that you may not otherwise.

5. Think About Traffic

Speaking of traffic in your living room, it is essential to organize your furniture in a way that navigating through your living room is as easy as possible. You don’t want to block direct access points and you don’t want rugs or smaller pieces to become trip hazards. Many living rooms are the most frequented rooms of the house aside from the restroom(s), the kitchen, and the bedroom(s). Many hours of fun will be spent in your living room. Game nights, family nights, date nights, and other memory-filled moments will take place in your living room. Make the most of the moments by making your family and friends feel comfortable and not cramped or crowded by obtuse furniture or decor while they are there.

If you just purchased a home and are looking to fill your living room with new furniture or if your current living room needs a a makeover, we have you covered. We are here to help you every step of the way from envisioning and designing to delivery and set up. Drop by our show room and meet our friendly team of professionals who are ready to help make your dream living room a reality today!

If you’re still a little overwhelmed, please make an appointment with one of our designers and we’d be happy to help out!