A living room is the part of a home where family members spend quality time together. Aside from that, it is used to entertain guests. For these reasons, it is essential that your living should be a comfortable place. Additionally, it should also look warm and cozy so that your guests will feel welcomed.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of living room decors, furniture, and accessories available in the market. The good news is that we can help your fill your empty living room with the right objects. To give you a better view, here is a list of essential furniture found in a living room.
Sofa/Couch
A sofa or a couch is the centerpiece of your living room because it is the first thing your guests will see. For this reason, this piece of furniture should be on top of your list when decorating your living room. Remember, the theme of your room should blend with your sofa; thus, it is best to start with this furniture if you’re planning to decorate your living room.
Aside from being the centerpiece of your living room, a sofa is also where people will sit. As such, you should always consider comfort when buying this piece of furniture. Additionally, the size of the sofa or couch is also vital. For example, if you have a large living room or family, opting for a sectional sofa is recommended because it can accommodate several people. A loveseat, on the other hand, is a good option if you’re living room is small.
Coffee Table
A coffee table is a functional piece of furniture because it offers a sturdy surface for your food and drinks. Aside from that, most coffee tables have a storage space underneath their surface where you can place magazines, books, remotes, and many more.
Aside from being functional, a coffee table also makes your living room look more appealing. To be specific, it can add texture to your room. Plus, it can also bring all the pieces in your living room together, giving the room a cohesive look.
All in all, when buying a coffee table, design and functionality are the two most important factors you need to consider. Additionally, its shape and height are also vital. For example, if you have a long sofa, opting for a rectangular or an oval-shaped coffee table is recommended. For its height, it is best to opt for one that is slightly taller than your sofa.
Accent Chair or Recliner
Accent chairs can provide additional seating for your guests; however, they must match the style of your sofa. The good news is that some accent chairs come as part of a sofa set.
Aside from providing extra seating, accent chairs can also make your living room more appealing, especially if their design matches the overall theme of your room. However, you need to place them in the right spot to avoid making your look too cramped.
Keep in mind that accent chairs are meant to enhance the appearance of your room. If you’re seeking comfort, a recliner is a better option. The reason is that recliners can be tilted backward. As such, they can provide optimum relaxation after a long day. Some recliners also come with a footrest for added comfort.
Side Table
A side table is a great addition to your living room for various reasons. For one, it can fill empty spaces beside your sofa. Additionally, it can also add extra surface area. Adding a side table is beneficial if you have a long sofa. The reason is that it can provide your guests, especially those sitting away from the coffee table, a place to put their food and drinks. Plus, a side table can also provide extra storage space, which is beneficial if you want an organized living room.
When buying a side table, it is a must that you consider its height. As much as possible, opt for one that is slightly taller or shorter than your armchair. Remember, a side table that is too tall or too short will not only look out of place but awkward to use as well.
Bookcase or Shelves
For magazine and book lovers, having a bookcase in your living room is a great way to keep your reading materials organized. Aside from a bookcase, you can also choose a shelf, like a tower shelf or wall-mounted shelf, for your chinaware, trophies, and souvenirs.
Overall, a bookshelf or any kind of shelf will not only keep your living room organized. It can also add interest to your room, especially if it contains interesting items.
Cabinet
A living room cabinet is essential because it provides storage space for various items that you want to hide when you have guests. Objects, such as toys and blankets, are unsightly; thus, it is best to store them in your cabinet if you have guests coming over.
When buying a living room cabinet, you should always consider its size. Aside from that, you can also opt for cabinets with drawers for more storage space. Of course, its design should also blend well with the other furniture and decorations of your living room.
TV and Sound System
As mentioned, a living room is a place where family members spend quality time with each other. Watching a movie is one of the most common ways to entertain yourself and your family members. For this reason, your living needs a good TV and sound system. Fortunately, there are a lot of budget-friendly TVs and sound systems with great features in the market, so you don’t have to spend a lot on these electronics.
Media Stand
A media stand is a must-have if you have a TV and sound system in your living room. Aside from that, this piece of furniture can also be a great place to store your other gadgets, like game consoles, CD or DVD players, and remote controls.
When buying a media stand, you need to consider its size and design. As much as possible, pick a model that can hold all your electronics. Plus, its design should also match the theme of your living room. If you want to hide your TV, you can also opt for a TV armoire. This piece of furniture looks like a cabinet, and it will allow you to conceal your TV when not in use.
Interior Lighting
Interior lighting is a vital aspect of any room for various reasons. For one, it illuminates your room, allowing you to do various tasks at night. Plus, it can change the mood of a room. For example, accent lighting can add drama to your living room by creating visual interest.
When selecting a light fixture, it is imperative to consider the height of your room. For instance, a chandelier with four to five bulbs is best for rooms with high ceilings. A flush mount, on the other hand, is recommended for those with low ceilings. Aside from that, you can also place table lamps at the side of your sofa or chair for additional lighting if you want to read a book.
Bench
Typically, a bench is placed in your patio or bedroom. But, you can also put a bench in your living room. This piece of furniture can fulfill the role of an accent chair. The difference is that it provides more seating space for your guests.
When picking a living room bench, opt for a unit that complements your room’s design. You can also pick a style that is eye-catching, so it will add interest to your room. Of course, you should also consider comfort; thus, a cushioned bench is better for your living room than a hardwood bench.
Ottoman
An ottoman is a great addition to your living room for various reasons. For one, it can provide additional seating for your guests. Aside from that, it can also be used as a footstool. Plus, you can also use it as a table by placing a hard surface, like a tray, on top of it. Best of all, most ottomans have a storage space where you can store objects you want to conceal from your guests.
Like other items on this list, your ottoman should match your living room’s design. The good news is that some sofa sets come with an ottoman.
Area Rug
An area rug is a great accessory for a living room because it can make the room inviting. Plus, the soft texture you’ll feel under your toes is quite comforting. Also, it can give your room a cozy ambiance, which is perfect if you’re aiming to create a relaxing atmosphere. Lastly, a large area rug can also make your room appear bigger or more spacious.
Curtains
Curtains are necessary because they help control the amount of light that enters your living room. Aside from being functional, they are also excellent decorations. In fact, placing curtains on your window frames is a great way to add life to your living room. Of course, your curtain’s color or design should blend well with your other decorations so that your room will look cohesive.
Accent Pillows
Keep in mind that accent pillows are not only meant for decorative purposes. Aside from adding comfort to any seating situation, they are also beneficial for those with back problems. So, if your goal is to create a comfortable space for your family members, throw pillows are a must. Plus, a sofa without accent pillows will look dull; thus, these accent pieces can also add a vibrant flair to your room’s overall look.
Throw Blankets
Aside from accent pillows, a throw blanket is also an essential accessory for your living room. The reason is that it adds coziness to the room. Plus, it can also make your sofa look vibrant, especially if its design complements the overall theme of your living room. Best of all, watching movies will be more comfortable if you have a blanket that will keep you warm during a cold or rainy night.
Wall Decorations and Other Artworks
A naked wall looks dull and boring. For this reason, wall decorations are imperative to add life to your walls. Remember, you don’t have to opt for expensive paintings. Framed photographs, a wall clock, or even wallpaper can make your walls look more appealing. However, you have to make sure that your wall decors are organized, so they will look presentable.
Plants
Placing indoor plants in your living room is not only aesthetically pleasing. Plants can also be beneficial for your health because they can purify the air and get rid of harmful compounds. Plus, they can also reduce stress and tension, so they are essential in creating a relaxing environment.
Keep in mind that plants need a sufficient amount of light, so they should be placed near a window. Aside from that, you also need to know the care guidelines for the plant you’re going to buy to ensure that they will flourish.
Candles
Candles are great accessories for your living room because they can add warmth and coziness to your room for an affordable price. Additionally, scented candles can also change the mood of your room, making it more comfortable and relaxing.
Candles can be placed on your coffee table, side table, shelf, or mantel. However, you need to buy appropriate candle holders to avoid damaging your furniture.
Something Personal
Always remember that an excellent home or living room design should reflect the owner’s personality. For this reason, it is essential to put something personal in your living room. For example, you can hang some family pictures on the wall. By doing this, you are not only adding a personal touch to the room. You are also making it more inviting.
Aside from family photos, there are other ways to add a personal touch to your living room. You can also display your favorite books, DIY projects, and other belongings in the room. However, you have to make sure that your things are organized for a pleasant view.
