The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the living room is the center of it. It’s there that families gather for movie nights and couples cuddle by the fireplace.
Living rooms are meant to be cozy, comfortable spaces.
There is no one right way to design a living room. There are, however, plenty of wrong ways that might leave you feeling less than pleased with the end result.
Here are five common mistakes to avoid when designing a living room.
Too Much Color
We all know how important aesthetics are when it comes to home decorating, and the living room is no exception.
One of the first mistakes homeowners make when designing their living rooms is choosing colors that don’t go well together or using too many colors.
If you aren’t sure what colors work well together, try looking through some color palettes. You can find many options, ranging from nature-inspired palettes to bold, vibrant palettes.
A room decorated with contrasting colors can look chaotic and unappealing. An online color wheel to help you determine which colors complement each other.
Poorly Placed Decor
When decorating your living room, it’s essential to find a balance between too little and too much. A minimalist approach of one painting per wall can make a room look bare.
On the other hand, covering every available wall space can feel claustrophobic. Avoid hanging everything above the fireplace. Instead, evenly distribute home accessories throughout the room.
There are plenty of ways to create an inviting atmosphere and cozy feel without overfilling the space.
Wrong Furniture
When you’re picking out furniture, there are several missteps that can happen. The size of the furniture can be too big or too small for the room.
Contrary to popular belief, positioning all the furniture against the wall won’t make the room look bigger. Rather, it could make the room look disproportionate.
Another mistake is centering the room around the television. 75% of Americans have a television in their living room. Putting the focus on the TV hinders conversation. No one wants to shout over the television.
Is your style furniture in matching colors or mix and match colors? Many people prefer to have their coffee tables in the same or similar color as their couches.
Incorrect Lighting
The amount and type of lighting you decide to use in the room can completely change the atmosphere. One common mistake homeowners make is using too much overhead lighting.
The problem with this type of lighting is that it can sometimes create shadows in the room that make it appear smaller. If you want your living room to feel warm, inviting, and spacious, there are better solutions than overhead lighting.
Instead, try using a mix of pendant lights for the center of the room and table lamps for each end table.
This kind of lighting is warm and bright. It illuminates each part of the room without washing it out or making it feel cramped.
Lack of Cohesion
When designing your living room, you want to go for a look that is consistent throughout the room.
When choosing furniture and decor, you want to keep your overall design in mind.
Whether it’s because of your budget or personal taste, it’s important to think through your living room design ideas before diving in headfirst.
The right design will make you feel at ease and help you unwind after a stressful day.