Designing a living room that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing can be a daunting task. The living room is often the heart of the home, where family and friends gather to relax and spend time together. However, making even a small mistake in decorating can throw off the entire space.
To help you create the perfect living room, we’ve gathered advice from top interior designers on what not to do. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can ensure that your living room is a comfortable and inviting space that reflects your personal style.
Choosing Matching Furniture Sets
When it comes to selecting furniture, it’s essential to create balance, beauty, and excitement in the design. While it may be tempting to go for a sofa, loveseat, and accent chair all made of the same exact materials, it’s crucial to avoid entire matching sets. Instead, you should look for pieces that coordinate and complement one another to create a space that has variety and visual interest.
For instance, it’s better to opt for a coffee table, side tables, and credenza from different collections. This way, you can mix and match different styles, colors, and textures to create a cohesive and stylish look. By choosing furniture sets that complement each other, you can create a harmonious and visually appealing space that reflects your personal style and taste.
Settling for Uncomfortable Furniture
When it comes to furnishing your living room, it’s important to prioritize comfort over aesthetics. While a piece may look great in the space, if it’s uncomfortable, it’s not worth it. Your living room should be warm, inviting, and cozy above all else. This is especially important since this is where you will likely spend the most time and entertain guests. Avoid choosing furniture that’s just for show and instead opt for pieces that promote conversation and togetherness. Remember, settling for uncomfortable furniture will only lead to discomfort and dissatisfaction in the long run.
Sacrificing Style for Kids and Dogs
When you have kids or dogs, it can be challenging to maintain a stylish living space without sacrificing durability. However, there are ways to achieve both.
Selecting the right materials and fabrics for your furniture and accessories is key. Soft, comfortable performance fabrics can make a significant difference in the durability of your space. Velvet performance fabrics can also add a luxurious touch to your living area.
In addition, there are now rug lines available that offer both style and durability. However, if you want a fail-safe option, a machine-washable slipcover sofa is the way to go. Not only is it cheaper to replace a slipcover than an entire sofa, but it also offers the convenience of easy cleaning.
By choosing the right materials and fabrics, you can have a stylish living space that can withstand the wear and tear of kids and pets.
Not Having Enough Seating
One common mistake that people make in their living room is not having enough seating. It’s important to have enough seating for guests, even in a smaller living room. One couch and one coffee table may not be enough. Consider adding stools . They can serve as extra seating and can also be stored under the coffee table when not in use.
Another great solution is to use a storage ottoman. These versatile pieces can be used to store extra throw blankets, pillows, or other essentials that guests may need. Plus, they can double as extra seating when needed. By adding additional seating options to your living room, you can ensure that your guests feel comfortable and welcome in your home.
Ignoring Scale
When selecting furnishings, many people fail to recognize the importance of scale and proportion. A room with pieces that are too big, too small, or not spaced appropriately in relation to one another can feel imbalanced and awkward, affecting the functionality and efficiency of the space. For instance, a seating arrangement with a coffee table that is too small requires a person to lean far out of their seat to reach it. On the other hand, a coffee table that is too large and too close to the sofa can cause difficult circulation and bruised shins.
To avoid such issues, it is important to consider the size and height of each piece of furniture before purchasing it. If you are unsure of how a particular piece of furniture will work in your living room, try outlining it with blue painter’s tape. This way, you can get a better idea of the size before making a purchase. Don’t forget to consider height as well, especially for bookcases and credenzas. By paying attention to scale and proportion, you can create a balanced and functional space that is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
