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15 living room furniture ideas

By Ellie Reeves | 17th September 2024 | 7 min read

When choosing living room furniture, it’s all about balancing comfort and practicality. Think cosy seating for unwinding after a long day, and clever storage solutions to keep your space clutter-free. Whether you’re picking furniture for a small living room or seeking tips on styling your space – keep on reading for plenty of inspiration. Explore these living room furniture ideas to transform your lounge into a stylish retreat.

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What’s your style?

Your living room is a blank canvas for your personal style. Are you a minimalist like Marie Kondo, who only keeps items that spark joy? Or do you embrace boho chic, loving textures, tassels, and rattan accents? Maybe you’re drawn to the elegant curves of mid-century sideboards or the plush comfort of velvet sofas. Whatever your style, there’s a perfect fit for you. Check out these living room ideas for more inspiration and tips on finding your signature style.

A black living room with a white sofa dressed with cream, dark blue and yellow cushions.A black living room with a white sofa dressed with cream, dark blue and yellow cushions.A black living room with a white sofa dressed with cream, dark blue and yellow cushions.A black living room with a white sofa dressed with cream, dark blue and yellow cushions.

1. Use a light sofa to break up a dark room

If your living room has dark walls or flooring, choose a light-coloured sofa to help brighten the space. Soft grey, cream, or pastel tones create contrast, making your lounge feel bigger and more open.

A white living room with grey sofa, white armchair and a wooden coffee table.A white living room with grey sofa, white armchair and a wooden coffee table.A white living room with grey sofa, white armchair and a wooden coffee table.A white living room with grey sofa, white armchair and a wooden coffee table.

2. Create a social seating layout

Design a living room perfect for conversation by arranging your seating around a central coffee table. In this TV-free space, the sofa and armchair face each other, fostering cosy chats and creating an inviting atmosphere for guests.

A white living room with a white sofa and armchair, and a selection of wooden side tables.A white living room with a white sofa and armchair, and a selection of wooden side tables.A white living room with a white sofa and armchair, and a selection of wooden side tables.A white living room with a white sofa and armchair, and a selection of wooden side tables.

3. You can never have too many side tables

Side tables are more than just surfaces for lamps and magazines. They’re the perfect spot to place drinks, display a favourite vase, or add decorative accents. Spread them around to create balance and offer handy places for your everyday bits and bobs.

Green sofa bed in a white living room with dark wooden flooring.Green sofa bed in a white living room with dark wooden flooring.Green sofa bed in a white living room with dark wooden flooring.Green sofa bed in a white living room with dark wooden flooring.

4. Choose furniture that adapts to your needs

Make the most of multifunctional furniture for your living room. A sofa bed can come in handy when you have overnight guests, while an ottoman with storage is ideal for keeping clutter at bay. These pieces are particularly useful in small living rooms where every bit of space counts. Speaking of small living rooms, check out our article for expert advice on styling your cosy lounge!

Dark blue living room with a grey sofa and green velvet armchair.Dark blue living room with a grey sofa and green velvet armchair.Dark blue living room with a grey sofa and green velvet armchair.Dark blue living room with a grey sofa and green velvet armchair.

5. Add a pop of colour with a statement armchair

Bring some extra vibrancy to your living room with a bold statement armchair. In this luxurious space, where shades of blue and silver dominate, the green armchair introduces a contrasting pop of colour, perfectly tying the whole look together.

A black wooden coffee table decorated with books, candles and a decorative plate.A black wooden coffee table decorated with books, candles and a decorative plate.A black wooden coffee table decorated with books, candles and a decorative plate.A black wooden coffee table decorated with books, candles and a decorative plate.

6. Carefully curate your coffee table décor

Your coffee table is more than just a place for remote controls. Use it to showcase your personality! Arrange a striking centrepiece with a stack of books, a fragrant candle, or a decorative tray. Remember that coffee table book you bought ages ago? Now is its moment to shine.

A white living room with a white armchair and a grey armchair in different styles.A white living room with a white armchair and a grey armchair in different styles.A white living room with a white armchair and a grey armchair in different styles.A white living room with a white armchair and a grey armchair in different styles.

7. Get creative with mismatched seating

You don’t need to stick to a matching sofa set. Pair a plush velvet armchair with a sleek leather sofa to contrast textures, or opt for bold patterns to add visual interest to a neutral scheme. Mixing seating styles allows you to express your personal taste and makes the space more thoughtfully curated, adding a unique twist to your living room.

A mustard yellow Chesterfield style sofa in a cream living room with wooden flooring.A mustard yellow Chesterfield style sofa in a cream living room with wooden flooring.A mustard yellow Chesterfield style sofa in a cream living room with wooden flooring.A mustard yellow Chesterfield style sofa in a cream living room with wooden flooring.

8. Choose a show-stopping sofa

The sofa is the heart of your living room, so why not make it a standout feature? A velvet Chesterfield brings a touch of luxury, while a mid-century modern sofa offers a minimalist vibe. Consider your colour choices too - go bold with mustard yellow or jewel blue, or keep it classic with dark grey or crisp white. Your sofa sets the tone for the room, so pick one you'll love for years to come.

A grey armchair with matching footstool in the corner of a dark blue living room.A grey armchair with matching footstool in the corner of a dark blue living room.A grey armchair with matching footstool in the corner of a dark blue living room.A grey armchair with matching footstool in the corner of a dark blue living room.

9. Relax in style with a footstool

Boost the comfort of your living room with a footstool. Positioned next to your armchair or sofa, it’s perfect for propping up your feet and unwinding after a long day. A footstool adds a cosy, inviting touch, making it easier to kick back and enjoy your space.

A whitewashed console table in a cream hallway with light wooden parquet flooring.A whitewashed console table in a cream hallway with light wooden parquet flooring.A whitewashed console table in a cream hallway with light wooden parquet flooring.A whitewashed console table in a cream hallway with light wooden parquet flooring.

10. Add a touch of Parisian chic with a whitewashed console

Elevate your living room with a console table that radiates rustic sophistication. Featuring whitewashed timber, this elegant console table embodies Parisian chic while seamlessly blending with both modern and traditional styles.

Dark blue chest of drawers in a dark blue living room.Dark blue chest of drawers in a dark blue living room.Dark blue chest of drawers in a dark blue living room.Dark blue chest of drawers in a dark blue living room.

11. Paint your furniture the same colour as the walls

For a smooth, cohesive vibe, paint your furniture the same colour as your walls. In a deep blue room, a matching chest of drawers creates a striking, colour-drenched effect. It’s a simple yet effective decorating trick for a unified space.

Black cube shelving unit in light blue living room alcove with abstract white and blue hazy mountain effect print wallpaper.Black cube shelving unit in light blue living room alcove with abstract white and blue hazy mountain effect print wallpaper.Black cube shelving unit in light blue living room alcove with abstract white and blue hazy mountain effect print wallpaper.Black cube shelving unit in light blue living room alcove with abstract white and blue hazy mountain effect print wallpaper.

12. Make sure you’ve got plenty of storage furniture

Let’s face it - clutter seems to pile up no matter what. To keep your living room tidy, you need ample storage. From sideboards and bookshelves to storage ottomans, choose pieces that help you stay organized. Explore our wide range of storage furniture to keep your space looking neat and stylish.

A gold 1920s style round drinks cart in a dark grey living space.A gold 1920s style round drinks cart in a dark grey living space.A gold 1920s style round drinks cart in a dark grey living space.A gold 1920s style round drinks cart in a dark grey living space.

13. Elevate your space with a chic bar cart

Bring a splash of glamour to your living room with a chic bar cart. It’s more than just a stylish way to store your drinks and glassware - it doubles as a mobile serving station for those impromptu gatherings. Perfect for making every occasion feel a little more special.

A modern rattan armchair with cream cushions in a white living room.A modern rattan armchair with cream cushions in a white living room.A modern rattan armchair with cream cushions in a white living room.A modern rattan armchair with cream cushions in a white living room.

14. Embrace natural elements

Invite the outdoors in with furniture made from organic materials like bamboo or rattan. These natural touches add warmth and texture, creating a relaxed, earthy vibe. Pair a rattan chair or bamboo TV stand with sleek pieces for a balanced, stylish look.

Orange living room furnished with matching wooden storage furniture.Orange living room furnished with matching wooden storage furniture.Orange living room furnished with matching wooden storage furniture.Orange living room furnished with matching wooden storage furniture.

15. Go for a matching furniture set

For a cohesive look, choose a matching furniture set. A TV unit, bookcase, and chest of drawers in the same style will tie the room together and create a sense of harmony. It’s an easy way to achieve a polished look with minimal effort!

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Our products, styled by you

Proud of your space? We love seeing your DIY transformations! Tag us on Instagram with #BandQit for a chance to feature in our gallery below (and earn some serious bragging rights while you’re at it).

  • Forest green turio armchair.

    @mywoodlandhome

  • Dark blue living room with burnt orange Turio armchair.

    @edwardian_fixer_upper1905

  • Neutral living room with cream cushion.

    @thethomashome_x

  • Light green room with cream armchair.

    @ourlittlebrocklesby

Digital Content Writer Ellie Reeves

Ellie Reeves

Digital Content Writer

Ellie is a content writer with over six years of experience in home décor and DIY. She’s on a mission to help people create a home they love. Big on dopamine décor and colourful accessories, she’s all about adding personality to every space...Read more