How to design a living room?

The living room serves as the home’s social hub, where friends and family congregate for get-togethers and movie marathons. Every member of the family spends time in these rooms on a regular basis, and they are also utilised to host guests.

No matter the size, shape, or orientation of your living room, it covers all the bases to help you make the best decisions, from furniture to paint to layout to flooring. While designing a living room, you should prioritise comfort, closeness, welcome, practicality, and durability in the planning of the space’s layout, furniture, flooring, and decorating. This article will assist you in creating a comfortable and inviting living space.

See also: Corner sofa design ideas for your living room

 

Designing a living room: Planning 

Do your homework to find practical solutions and aesthetic alternatives for your project. Have fun looking at and dissecting inspirational photographs while discussing the financials and technicalities of your project. Thinking about how you want your living room laid out doesn’t need you to be an interior designer or architect. If you spend some time drawing out the dimensions of your space, you’ll have a much better notion of what pieces of furniture you’ll need to fill it.

Think about how people will be moving throughout the space, and evaluate whether or not this will be a problem due to obstacles like furniture or other people. Keep in mind that it is important to consider the long-term goals of the family as well as the short-term demands of each member.

know about: analogous color scheme interior design

Living room design: Steps to follow

Designing a living room can seem like a daunting task, but breaking it down into steps can make it more manageable. Here are some steps to follow to design a living room:

• Determine the purpose of the space: Before you start choosing furniture or decor, consider how you want to use the living room. Will it be a formal space for entertaining guests, a cozy spot for family movie nights, or a multi-functional space for both?

• Measure the room: Take accurate measurements of the room, including the dimensions of the walls, windows, and doorways. This will help you determine what furniture will fit in the space and how to arrange it.

• Set a budget: Decide on a budget for the living room design and stick to it. This will help you prioritize expenses and make sure you don’t overspend.

• Determine the layout: Experiment with different furniture arrangements until you find the best layout for the space. Consider the flow of traffic in the room and make sure there is adequate space for movement.

• Choose a style: Select a design style that reflects your personal taste and complements the rest of your home. This could be modern, traditional, minimalist, or something in between.

• Choose materials: Select materials for furniture, flooring, and décor that are durable, functional, and match your design style. Consider factors such as maintenance, comfort, and cost when making material choices.

By following these steps, you can design a living room that is both functional and stylish, and reflects your personal taste and lifestyle.

 

10 things to consider while designing a living room

Colours

The living room colour ideas and schemes you choose should reflect your personality, but you should also weigh the advantages they provide.

 

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Rug

Not knowing what you want might make shopping for an area rug a difficult experience. A living room needs a rug large enough to accommodate all of the furniture.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Walls

When designing a living space, the walls are an essential component. As a result, you may want to think about wallpapering the whole room, just one wall, or just a small section of the room in addition to painting.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Flooring

The flooring in a living room may be a subtle design element or a show stopper. Solid wood flooring is a common option since it looks great as it ages and can withstand the heavy foot activity of a busy living room. If required, it may be sanded down and refinished. Keeping in mind that the living room serves as a gathering place for friends and family, it is important to choose a tile floor that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Sofa and furniture

Beginning with the couch is an excellent place to start when designing living room furniture since it is so often the focal point of the space.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Storage

It is crucial to include enough storage space in your living room layout. Think about what will look well on display and what has to be hidden, then plan storage accordingly.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Lighting

Lighting for the living room should have three distinct sources of illumination: ambient, task, and accent lighting.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Windows

As much as the window coverings in a living room should complement the area’s aesthetic, they must also serve a practical purpose.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Focal point

The living room is anchored by the focal point, which also serves to pull the eye throughout the area. Although the hearth and home they represent make the fireplace a natural focal point, in most modern homes, the television has taken its place as the primary object of interest.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Artwork

Displaying treasured artwork or collectables brings a living room to life. Arrange things for maximum effect, and hang them at eye level so they can connect to the furniture and architecture around them.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Vastu for living room: Tips to keep in mind while designing

Making sure that your living room complies with the rules of Vastu Shastra can go a long way in bringing positivity, peace, and prosperity into your home. Here are some important Vastu tips for the living room to keep in mind. 

• Orientation: According to Vastu, the living room should face the north, east, northeast, or northwest direction for positive energy flow.

• Dining area placement: If the dining area is connected to the living room, position it to the east or southeast, close to the kitchen.

• Puja room location: In an open-plan design, place the puja room in the northeast corner of the living room to maintain spiritual harmony.

• Furniture placement: Arrange heavy furniture like sofas in the west or southwest direction of the living room for stability and support.

• Sofa positioning: Place the sofa against the north or east wall to create a sense of comfort and relaxation.

• TV unit placement: Install the TV unit in the southeast side of the living room for entertainment purposes.

• Colour choices: Opt for light, neutral colours like white, cream and beige in the living room. Consider soothing hues like blue, green, or warm yellow.

• Clutter-free space: Keep the living room clean and clutter-free by removing unnecessary furniture and non-essential items.

• Positive decor: Avoid art pieces or accessories depicting sorrow or sadness. Instead, incorporate artwork that showcases the beauty of nature.

• Natural elements: Avoid using dried flowers, bonsai, or cactus in the living room. Instead, bring a peaceful vibe with a fish aquarium placed in the north, east, or northeast side.

 

How to design a living room on a budget?

Designing a living room doesn’t have to break the bank. With some creativity and strategic planning, you can achieve a stylish and inviting space without overspending. Consider these budget-friendly design tips to make the most of your living room:

 

• Repurpose and Refresh: Look around your home for items that can be repurposed or refreshed. Give old furniture a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint or reupholstering. Rearrange existing decor items to create a new look and feel.

 

• Thrift and Second-Hand Shopping: Explore thrift stores, consignment shops and online marketplaces for unique and affordable furniture pieces, accessories and artwork. You can often find hidden gems that fit your style and budget.

 

• DIY Projects: Embrace your creativity and tackle do-it-yourself projects. Build simple shelves, create artwork or make your own throw pillows and curtains. DIY projects allow you to customise your space while saving money.

 

• Mix High and Low: Blend high-quality investment pieces with more budget-friendly options. Splurge on a statement piece, such as a sofa or accent chair, and complement it with affordable side tables, lamps and accessories.

 

• Opt for Versatility: Choose furniture that serves multiple functions. Look for storage ottomans or coffee tables with built-in shelves. This way, you can maximise space and reduce the need for additional storage solutions.

 

• Utilise Paint: A fresh coat of paint can transform a room at a minimal cost. Experiment with different colours to create the desired atmosphere. Don’t forget to paint the ceiling and trim for a polished look.

 

• Play with Lighting: Lighting can significantly impact the ambiance of a living room. Incorporate a mix of affordable lighting options, such as floor lamps, table lamps and string lights, to create layers of light and set the mood.

 

• Rearrange and Declutter: Sometimes, a simple rearrangement of furniture and decor can breathe new life into a space. Experiment with different layouts to optimise functionality and flow. Decluttering can also make a room feel more spacious and organised.

 

• Accessorise Thoughtfully: Choose accessories strategically to enhance your living room’s style. Display books, personal mementos and curated collections to add character. Shop for affordable decor items at discount stores or search for online deals.

 

 

FAQs

How would you describe the basic tenets of the living room layout?

Designing a room properly requires adhering to these seven guiding principles: balance, harmony, rhythm, proportion and scale, emphasis, contrast, and details. Any area in your house may benefit from these ideas.

How do I even begin to decorate my living room?

When designing a space, it's best to begin with the room's inherent attention-getter. In most houses, there is one central feature that grabs your attention the moment you walk in the door.

Which configuration works best for a living room?

An L-shaped arrangement is recommended for a small living area. Since you can push your furniture all the way into the corner, you can fit less furniture in the room while still making good use of the space.

 

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com