Your living room can easily qualify as your “second bedroom.” The oversized couch next to your cozy fireplace could be your crash-after-work relaxation spot, or you might like watching Netflix in your living room instead of your bedroom. You might even have a desk set up for your WFH days, which means you practically live there!
If it’s been a while since you revamped your living room, you might be getting the design itch again. However, breathing life back into your living room doesn’t have to be a full-blown remodel. You could get creative with the leftover paint cans, shuffle around some furniture, or add some new wall art.
If you are feeling “meh” about your living room and looking to spruce things up without dropping a ton of cash, read on for some ideas.
Tidy Up
Living rooms can get messy too soon. Old magazines caked with dust under the age-old Oak wood center table, last year’s holiday card still propped up against the wall, half-read books on the coffee table, it sounds like your living room needs a Marie Kondo intervention.
Before throwing things away, ask yourself if it “sparks joy.” If not, get rid of it. Once you’ve decluttered, it’ll be easier to move things around and get a sense of the available space.
We understand that it’s not easy to “let go.” It’s okay. If you want to keep all your old things and move them out of sight, consider moving them to a storage unit. It will help you keep the living room tidy while still allowing you to keep your memories.
Rearrange the Furniture
Before looking for new entryway consoles and recliners because you are bored with your living room, consider rearranging the furniture. It’ll give the space a new look and feel without you having to spend a dime. For example, you could move the couch to a different wall, switch out the armchair for a floor lamp, or even put the TV on a different stand.
The good part about rearranging is that you can do it once, and again, and again until you hit the jackpot layout for your living room. Just be careful with dragging things on your pristine hardwood floors – you might leave scratches!
Add Some New Art
Adding some new art is an easy way to inject personality into your living room without going overboard. Of course, you don’t have to shell out on a Pablo Picasso original. There are many affordable options, like local art fairs, thrift stores, and even online art prints. You could also get creative and design your own wall art. Just pick up a few supplies from the craft store, and you’re good to go!
We have a cool trick if you know your way with scissors and old fabric. Cut out some interesting shapes from an old shirt or tablecloth, and frame them! It’ll add texture and color to your living room without being “too much.”
Paint a Feature Wall
Studies reveal that colors have a psychological effect on our moods. So if your living room feels a little drab, consider painting one wall with a bolder, brighter color. It’ll make the space feel more vibrant and add some character.
Not sure which color to choose? We recommend going with a classic like navy blue, hunter green, or black. Or you could always play it safe and go with a white accent wall. The room will feel bigger and brighter. You could also change colors with seasons (if you’ve got enough time on your hands). A light, airy blue in spring, a sunny yellow in summer, a rich burgundy in fall, and a cozy gray in winter.
Get New Window Treatments
Window treatments are like the icing on the cake. They can make or break a space. So if you’ve got bare windows, consider adding some curtains; it’ll make the room more finished and put together. But please avoid large, billowing curtains if your living room is on the smaller side. They’ll make the space feel even smaller!
If you’re wondering what’s trending in curtains currently, think about going with a classic striped pattern or a geometric print. You could also go for something more unique, like bamboo shades or sheer curtains.
If you’re not a fan of curtains, you could always go with shutters or blinds. Just make sure they’re in a color that compliments the walls and furniture in the room. Window treatments also have an energy-saving benefit. In the winter, they’ll help keep the heat in, and in the summer, they’ll keep the heat out.
Lighting is Key
Gone are the days of thinking that all-white everything is the way to go in home design. Instead, layering different types and intensities of light is key to creating a warm and inviting space. And it doesn’t have to be expensive, either.
Tall floor lamps and minimalist table lamps are great options. Just make sure to place them in strategic positions around the room. Some homeowners like creating a mood by lighting candles around the room. It’s a romantic gesture, but blow them out before leaving the house. As a safer option, you could get hold of some of Primark’s string lights. They are available in multiple shapes like the flamingo, palm tree, pineapple, and cactus. So, you can add a touch of summer to your living room all year round!
Add Some Greenery
Nothing breathes life into a room quite like plants! They add color, texture, and a touch of nature. If you don’t know how to care for plants, start with something easy. Succulents and snake plants are very low-maintenance and almost impossible to kill.
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, orchids are an attractive option. They come in many colors and can last for months with the proper care. Since you’re dealing with nature’s delicate beings, we recommend doing your research. You’d want to know how much watering, sunlight, and fertilizing they need before bringing them home.
Wrapping Up
Living rooms are supposed to tell a story about the people who live in the house. They are also the one place the whole family gets together on holidays or someone spends time to unwind after a long day. So, make sure your living space is the comfy space you would feel happy in. With these ideas, you can easily transform your living room into a stylish, cozy oasis with a few simple changes.
