10 Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating Your Living Room

I would suggest that a formal living room doesn’t require a television at all. If you do want the option of watching TV, then make sure the furniture doesn’t revolve around the screen. Sometimes a space can be unconsciously laid out to focus on the TV, therefore taking away from the other more relaxing elements of the space.

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Shallow couches were often the choice for a formal living space, suggesting they weren’t actually places to relax. That isn’t the case anymore. While living rooms can be different from family rooms, they should still be places to unwind while reading a book or listening to music. Opt for deeper couches that allow you to get cozy and stay awhile.

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When thinking about lighting, ensure you have plugs for floor and table lamps. If you don’t, it might be worth adding them. This way you won’t have leads and cables everywhere, and you can incorporate soft lighting into your space to improve the room’s ambiance.

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It’s instinctive to place sofas and other furniture against walls, but I recommend floating furniture to make for a more intimate space. By pulling seating away from the walls, and therefore closer together, it creates a more inviting atmosphere designed for entertaining and good conversation.

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Fireplaces can be excellent focal points, but don’t try to fit one in if there isn’t an obvious spot for it. Adding an electric fireplace can be a nice feature, but nothing beats a natural flame. Electric might be your only option though, and if you’re unsure, it may be worth considering alternatives as your statement piece, such as built-ins or eye-catching artwork.

This is a common decorating error, and one that can make a room look awkward. Position art at eye-level so it can be seen in all its glory. Test the positioning as many times as necessary until it looks just right.

Since a living room is often used to entertain, don’t forget to add occasional seating and tables. Poufs are an affordable (and stylish!) option, which can act as footrests or double as seating when entertaining guests.

A rug can be an excellent way to warm up a living space, but mastering the size is key. This will obviously depend on the square footage of the space, but the general rule of thumb is to place the front two feet of your floating couch on the rug. Also think about the fireplace and other walls that it should line up with to ensure the room looks symmetrical.

Adorning shelving with stylish accents can add character to a space, but overdoing it can make it feel too formal or cluttered. Avoid filling shelving with random objects that don’t suit your decorating scheme, and be strategic with placement. Choose a few of your favourite pieces and place them a comfortable distance from each other.

Although living rooms are often frequented by guests, it’s important to inject an element of yourself into the space. Adding family photos or heirlooms lends personality and a sense of coziness. Including these items can also make for great conversation starters and serve as reminders for your family’s storied past.