Decorating Ideas and Tips for the Living Room

The numbers you NEED to know!

When it comes to decorating, it’s EASY to become overwhelmed with the thousands of decorating ideas you see on Pinterest and Houzz. Sometimes, all we need are some guidelines to follow just to get the ball rolling; ideas to enlighten, inspire and encourage you to make some little tweaks to your own home!

COFFEE TABLE OR OTTOMAN PLACEMENT

Your coffee table or ottoman should be approx 12-18″ away from the front of your main piece of furniture. This works so that you can still walk around it when you’re up and about and leaves it accessible when you want to place a glass of wine on it while sitting on your couch!

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Your coffee table/ottoman should be proportional to the size of your largest piece of furniture – meaning approx 3/4 the width of it. You can use two small tables or ottomans together to achieve this look as well.

Your coffee table should be no more than 2″ higher or lower than the seat of your couch/chair (when it’s not being sat on….) If it’s higher or lower than that, it will be awkward for you or your guests to put their drinks down.

Your side tables should be no more than 2″ higher or lower than the arm of your couch/chair. If the distance is more/less than 2″ it’s just awkward for everyday use.

THE RIGHT DISTANCE BETWEEN FURNITURE PIECES & FOCAL POINTS

You should have approx 8′-10′ between your main pieces of furniture and your focal point (tv/fireplace/etc….) While some large rooms can accommodate more space, at some point there will be a bit of a psychological disconnect between the seat and the focal point as there is too much space in between.

AREA RUG PLACEMENT

Your area rug should sit the same distance under or in front of at least two main pieces of furniture. My fave layout is where the rug sits 1/3 underneath the couch and the loveseat and is perfectly centered on both – this creates a nicely balanced layout.

Rug Rules and Guidelines

EVERY SEAT NEEDS…

A table or surface within 18″ that you could place a glass on. You don’t want your guests to have to get up to put their drink down…

TABLE LAMP PLACEMENT

Table lamps/floor lamps in your room should form a triangle if you were to draw a line from one to another. Lamps should be placed where the main pieces of furniture/seating areas are. While others may argue, there is such a thing as too many lights. This lighting triangle ensures that every seat has adequate lighting, dead corners are warmed up and the room feels balanced and inviting.

How Much Light Does a Room Need

How to Choose the Best KELVINS for Your Light Fixtures

If you have an entertainment unit with glass doors, consider frosting the glass or using frosted mac tac (drawer liner essentially) to camouflage the guts and glory of your entertainment pieces.

Decorating Around a TV

The Right Height to Hang Artwork and Mirrors

How to Update Your Home Without LEAVING it!

Chat soon,