You know, I could totally overwhelm your brain with the thousands of decorating ideas and tips that I have stashed away in my complex little brain – but I won’t. What I will do though, is provide you with some great little tidbits that just might enlighten you, inspire you and encourage you to make some little tweaks to your own home!
Living Room Decorating Tips
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 cup of coffee on it while sitting on your couch!
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 could use 2 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.
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.
Your area rug should sit the same distance under or in front of at least 2 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.
Read more: Rug Rules and Guidelines
Every seat should have 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 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.
Read more: How Much Light Does a Room Need
If you have an entertainment unit with glass doors, consider frosting the glass or using frosted mactac (drawer liner essentially) to camouflage the guts and glory of your entertainment pieces.
Read more: Decorating Around a TV
While the standard toss cushion is approx 14 x 14, consider trying a rectangle shaped cushion (approx 10 x 18) on your accent chairs or an oversized cushion (approx 18×18).
The rectangle shaped cushion would sit nice and snug in your lower back and lower the profile of your chair while the large cushion would cover your entire back and add impact to the space!
Chat soon,
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