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Contents
The best thing that any living room can provide is comfort. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on utility.
And with the right kind of planning, you can have the best of both worlds! The living room is the heart of your home; the first thing that people see when they visit you. So, you need to take proper care to ensure that it looks appealing and has all the right furniture.
When moving to a new apartment for the first time, you might be a little confused about what all you need to place in the living room. And we are here to your rescue. We have designed this guide with everything you need to know about decorating your living room most effectively.
So, without any more delay, let’s dive right in!
35 Essential Types Of Furniture In The Living Room
1. Sofa Couch
When you have visitors in the house, you’d generally prefer seating them in the living room. So, you understand how crucial it is to keep this space up to the mark to ensure that they have a good impression.
And the best piece of furniture that will serve this purpose is a sofa couch. So, make sure that you get one that can easily accommodate your guests. But when you finally bring it home, make sure you maintain it well to keep it in pristine condition and prevent any damage from regular use.
2. Sectional Sofa
There’s nothing worse than planning a movie night with friends, only to see that there is a shortage of sitting space. And the lack of space may force some of your guests on the floor, which is less than ideal. But not when you have a sectional sofa.
It is typically an L-shaped sofa and users can customize its size according to their requirements. And the best thing is that you can arrange it in any shape you like.
Unlike standard sofas, sectional sofas are actually a combination of multiple small sofas joined together. Hence, you don’t have to follow a particular pattern or arrangement while placing them.
3. Reclining Sofa
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when we say sofa? We bet it’s comfort. Yes, when you are adding a sofa in the living room, you would want it to be as comfortable as possible.
And honestly, reclining sofas are extremely suitable for this purpose, as they are a combination of a sofa and a recliner, bringing the best of both worlds.
Furthermore, we would suggest that you look for reclining sofas that come with add-ons such as a footstool, headrest, and even lumbar support. As a result, you can recline back and raise your foot, which gives the feeling of lying down partially.
4. Sleeper Sofa
Why buy just a sofa when you can also get a bed with it? Yes, you heard us right. When you buy a sleeper sofa, you just need to pull the sofa to convert it into a bed. It will come in handy when you are short on sleeping space and have a number of guests to accommodate.
Sleeper sofas come in different sizes, depending on whether you want a king-size or a queen-size bed (when you extend the sofa). Most sleeper sofas are pretty compact, meaning they won’t take up a lot of space when not being used for sleeping.
5. Futon
Do you know that the word “futon” derives from an ancient Japanese word, which means “a round cushion filled with leaves?” It can make a great addition to your living room for the sheer amount of versatility that it brings to the table.
If sleeping on your old mattress tires you, it is time to give futons a try. In fact, they are so flexible that you can use them both as a sofa and a bed according to your requirements. You can completely replace any old mattress with a futon of your choice. And when you get up in the morning, you can easily fold them into a neat pile.
6. Loveseat
If you are moving in with your partner or starting a new family together, definitely consider including a loveseat in the living room decor. It is simply a two-person couch that comes with two upholstered seats.
The major benefit of a loveseat is that you get an adequate amount of seating space without occupying too much of the floor. You can even add cushions to enhance the comfort, but remember that doing so may decrease the seating space.
However, make sure that you do not lie down on a loveseat as that may damage the foam and the frames.
7. Settee Bench
Settee benches are best suited for the living room if you have utility on your mind. Imagine coming home after a long day at work and having to rush directly to the shower- not a good idea, right?
But when there’s a settee bench, you can sit on it and relax for some time before heading to the bathroom. Moreover, it is an excellent addition that accentuates the decor in your room.
Settee benches are available in a range of designs, and you can choose the one that matches your preferred aesthetics. But keep in mind that they are good for relaxing for a bit and not really suitable for laying or sleeping.
8. Recliner Chair
Recliner chairs are very similar to reclining sofas, the major difference being that they are more suitable for one-person use. It gives you the option to recline the headrest, as that will enable you to sit with the back properly aligned.
Most of the reclining chairs come with a lever on their side that allows you to adjust the alignment according to your needs. On top of that, you also get the footrest, which can extend the moment you align the chair. These are great features when it comes to health benefits as it provides the maximum amount of relaxation.
9. Chaise Longue Chair
Time to say hello to the half-sister of a sofa and a chair- the chaise lounge chair! It derives from the French term that essentially means an “extended chair.” People prefer these for the chic and exemplary aesthetic that they add to the room.
Moreover, it is a designer’s favorite, mainly because it offers the right blend of style and utility. Chaise lounge chairs usually come with a backrest and an armrest, thereby providing great comfort along with the aesthetics.
But keep in mind that they are better for one-person use and excellent for taking small naps or leisurely reading, so plan their placement accordingly.
10. Wingback Chair
If luxury and high-fashion are what you are looking for, a wingback chair is a perfect option for your living room. This chair reeks elegance and royalty, as it comes with wings on both ends that almost stretch to the armrest. But it’s actually the foam that provides optimum comfort when you’re sitting on the chair.
Back in the days, people used it as a fireside chair with its high backrest providing protection from the direct heat. These chairs are extremely cozy, and you can wrap up like a cocoon and sit by the fire to soak in some heat.
11. Tub Armchair
Tub armchairs will be a great addition for people who like hosting drinking parties at home. They come with a semi-circular back and are quite similar to barrel chairs and are quite popular for the comfort that they provide.
You can even add a cushion and sink as low as you wish with the help of the supportive back. Hence, a tub armchair is perfect for unwinding after a long day at the office. You can also place one in front of the vanity while doing your makeup or hair.
12. Club Accent Chair
Club accent chairs have a long history in English gentleman’s clubs dating back to the early 19th century. In the past, it was only made of leather, but today it comes in a wide range of fabrics.
When you want a sleek but luxurious look, it is best that you consider adding a club accent chair to the living room decor. These chairs are usually leather-made and come with thick padding for providing extra comfort. They are popular for providing an excellent amount of seating space despite having a low back.
13. Slipper Chair
Slipper chairs are ideal for people who don’t like introducing bulk furniture to the living room. These are pretty minimalist and lack an armrest, giving the chairs a sleek look. However, remember that people with arthritis might face a problem when using them as they sit pretty low.
Apart from that, you can even decorate it as you desire. For example,you can consider putting some ornate detailing to add some extra flair to the overall look. It is true that these chairs are no longer in vogue, but if you have a liking for traditional designs, you’ll surely love them.
14. Rolled Arm Chair
For people who prefer relaxation over everything when it comes to chilling in their living room, rolled armchairs can be their best bet. These oversized chairs provide you with the ultimate comfort. The seating space is pretty big, and the armrests are fluffy and rolled up, thereby enabling you to rest your head on them.
Like some of our other recommendations, you can choose the size depending on the space you have in the living room. Not only that, but you can even buy one with soft leather or any fabric of your choice.
15. Occasional Chair
As the name suggests, these chairs are best for occasional use. Occasional chairs are popular for their elegant look and exposed wooden frames, making them quite a conversation starter.
When you want to put a statement piece that stands out and also binds the decor of the entire living room together, an occasional chair will fit the purpose just right.
In case you are not sure where to put them, then let us help you out. They are ideal for placement in the corners of rooms, where they may draw a significant amount of attention. Other than that, you may even add them to an existing group of chairs.
16. Floor Chair
Some people complain of not having enough cozy seating space in their living room. And if you are one of them, don’t worry anymore. Just introduce some floor chairs, and you’ll be good to go. But when buying a floor chair, be careful and cautious about the kind of back and bottom support it provides.
Naturally, you won’t enjoy sitting on it if the support is not adequate. And if you have a back injury or experience frequent back pains, stay away from floor chairs, as they can increase your pain manifold.
17. Bean Bag Chair
Think of an option that both adults and kids would like. Yes, you got that right: it’s a bean bag chair that we are talking about. It’s a great option when you have long working hours or want to relax after a tiring day at work.
Bean bag chairs usually have a memory foam build and offer just the right amount of comfort and support that they provide to your back and shoulders.
If you plan on working for long hours, sitting on a bean bag chair can be of great help for effective pain reduction. It’s especially beneficial if you are suffering from muscle and joint pains, as it is instrumental in realigning your back.
18. Saucer Chair
When you go hunting for a saucer chair in the market, you will also come across dish chairs and bowl chairs, which are all the same thing. All of them draw their heritage from the traditional Papasan chair. As a result, they have a moon-like shape and are popular because of their cozy and soft texture.
Depending on how soft or stiff you want the saucer chair to be, you can put a cushion accordingly. And don’t worry if the chairs look a little flimsy to you before purchasing; most of them can easily carry a minimum weight of 300lbs.
19. Ottoman
Do you have a very comfortable sofa, but your living room decor feels incomplete without a footrest? Then an ottoman is what you need.
Simply put, you can place it in front of a couch or chair as a footrest. However, its utility does not end there. You can even place it in front of a coffee table and use it as a stool.
Some ottomans even come with a storage facility so that you can fully utilize their design. And by now, you must have understood that it does not come with a backrest. So, if you are planning to use it as a seat, remember that it’s not a good idea to sit on them for prolonged periods.
20. Coffee Table
As the name suggests, you can use coffee tables for serving hot and cold beverages. They are mostly small and low tables that you place in front of sofas and couches. However, their usage is not just restricted to holding beverages.
You can use them for keeping newspapers, remote controls, and cellphones while you rest on the sofa. If you are feeling creative, you can even place decorative items on them to accentuate the look. And if the need be, you can incorporate drawers and other forms of storage spaces in them.
21. Nesting-Table
To enjoy the benefits of multiple tables in one fixture, you give nesting tables a try. They include a number of tables that you can nestle into one another to gradually increase its size. And the “assembly” process is pretty simple- just stack the pieces together.
Most of us have had the experience of too many guests dropping by, leading to a shortage of space for storage. And if your living room is not very spacious, then nesting tables can come to your rescue by creating sufficient storage space.
Although they came into the picture a long time ago, they have stood the test of time to adorn many modern and contemporary homes.
22. Sofa Table
Sofa tables are pretty similar to coffee tables, the only difference being that they are a little bigger in size. They serve the dual purpose of accentuating your living room’s beauty while adding a great degree of functionality.
If your living room is compact, you can add some storage with this table to better utilize the space. Now, a sofa table is not a must-have in your living space, but it does help to bind the decor of your living room. In fact, some setups may look very bland without one.
23. End & Side Table
End and side tables are best for keeping small things, and you can place them by the sofa, couch, or loveseat. Some people put their beverages on them when watching TV and then there are some who use them to store books and magazines.
One thing to remember is that both these tables should be of the same height as the seat. Likewise, they shouldn’t be too big either. End tables, in particular, should be small to fit right by the end of the sofa. They are pretty similar to nightstands and you can use them for the same purpose.
24. Storage Cabinet
Your living room would be incomplete without proper storage space, and for that, adding a storage cabinet becomes an absolute must. You can use it for storing a range of things like files, tools, extra cushions, and so on.
In comparison to open shelves, a storage cabinet provides you with a considerable amount of space. Besides, it will come in very handy for safely storing the smaller or sharper tools which you cannot be put on open shelves.
Long story short, it will aid organizing the space like nothing else. Hence, it becomes easier to find things, and you won’t have to spend hours hunting for them.
25. TV Stand Media Center
This piece of furniture has been a favorite of homeowners for a long time and because of all the right reasons. After all, it holds your TV and also provides storage space; so what’s not to like?
Media centers are a little bigger than the average TV stands and do more than simply housing the TV. They are good for storing DVDs, sound systems, and any other electronic equipment related to the TV.
A media center can be as tall as you want as long as it holds the television at a comfortable viewing height. While they are usually free-standing, you may mount it on the wall to achieve a sleek setup.
26. Fireplace
If you are not staying in the tropics, a fireplace is an excellent addition to your living room. It is a framed opening that houses a small hearth to heat your room during colder nights. A fireplace is always attached to the chimney that releases the smoke out of the house.
There are some people who do not like the hassle of getting wood every time they want to use the fireplace. If you are one of them, simply get hold of an electric fireplace that gives you the same look and feel as an original one.
27. Bookcase
For book lovers, having a bookcase in their living room space is pretty mandatory. Not only does it give you easy access to the books, but it also enables you to display the collection aesthetically.
So, every time your friends are over, the displayed books can become a good conversation starter. When you keep the books organized, it is easier to find them.
You can even be a little experimental and go beyond books, to add decorative items and photo frames to your bookcase. Some people even keep souvenirs and memorabilia too!
28. Floor Lamp
No decoration is complete without proper lighting. So, when you are setting up the living room, make sure that you add good lighting in all corners. And for this purpose, a floor lamp can be an excellent addition. If you are wondering why let us break it down for you.
As the name suggests, you should place floor lamps on the ground and reflect light on the upper portion of the room. They provide more holistic lighting as the spread is noteworthy. But keep in mind that they generally come with a base to provide stability and occupy some floor space.
29. Wall Floating Shelves
You can consider installing a floating wall shelf in your living room for decorative purposes. These shelves are quite minimalist and remain attached to the wall without their brackets being visible at all. Instead of adding other storage units that occupy floor space, you can put wall shelves.
On these units, you can easily display your photos, memorabilia, and awards. In short, it helps in maximum utilization of space.
And the best part is that they are pretty affordable and very easy to build. You can place them anywhere you like, besides the couch, or attach them to the tv unit. But make sure that they are not too high and you can easily reach the shelves.
30. Wall Art
The most trendy item of decoration now is wall art. Wall arts can come in a variety of forms, such as painting, wall plates, or murals.
They will effectively accentuate the decor in your room. In case you do not wish to spend a lot of money on expensive original artworks, go ahead and make some of your own and get them framed before putting them up on the wall.
We recommend that you make sure that the wall arts go well with the existing decor in your room and do not look odd. For this reason, try to maintain a color palette and make sure that the item does not stick out like a sore thumb.
31. Plants
The color green is always pleasing to your eye, and because of that, there’s nothing better than adding plants to your living room decor. They not only make the space look fresh and beautiful but also release a healthy dose of oxygen. Adding plants to your decor will make your living space completely stand out.
Mostly the living rooms get a lot of sunlight, so consider placing the plants right by the window. In case your room does not receive a sufficient amount of sunlight, you can always use artificial lighting for the purpose. Just ensure that the plants that you put are of the indoor variety.
32. Rug
To complete the decoration in your living room, rugs are an absolute must. Without them, the decoration is likely to seem incomplete.
You can place the rugs in front of the sofa or the couch, and it will be a great place to rest your feet. After a long day at work, you would enjoy sitting on the sofa and placing your feet on a soft rug.
When purchasing a rug, keep in mind that it should go well with your aesthetics. Some people like opting for quirky rugs, and then there are some who like to keep it simple. You will find a variety of options on the market that you can choose from.
33. Curtains
It is not just your living room that cannot do without curtains, but all your room, in fact, needs them. Curtains are extremely crucial to make your space feel cozy and warm. Without them, your privacy will be at stake, and your neighbors might also feel disturbed.
When choosing curtains, always consider how much sunlight generally enters your room. If there’s a lot of sunlight, you can consider putting heavy curtains with a lining attached to them. Otherwise, going for beautiful sheer curtains is also a good idea.
34. Throws
If you like sitting cozily in the sofa bed or the couch but do not have the space for a full-blown blanket, throws are the best that you can get. Simply put, throws are smaller blankets and are generally lighter too. Depending on the weather conditions of where you stay, you can get very warm throws made of wool or a lighter cotton variant,
People even keep it on their sofas as a decorative element. If you are planning to use it in a similar manner, we would recommend that you color-coordinate it with the decor in the room.
35. Accent Pillows
Accent pillows are now in vogue and much loved by homeowners as they enhance the beauty of your room and are also functional. You just need to make sure they stand out and also bind the decor together.For this purpose, make sure that you match them well with either the drapes, the rugs, or your couch.
In addition to your regular cushions, an accent pillow will make your room look fuller and complete. They can be very small or big and come in a range of textiles. You can find very decorative ones in silk and sequins and also some in basic pastel shades.
How to Choose the Right Furniture for Your Living Room
In order to choose the right kind of furniture for your living room, you need to keep a few things in mind. And in this section, we will take a look at them.
- Living Room Purpose
The first thing to take into consideration is the purpose that you are going to use the living room for. For most people, it is a very crucial space for hosting weekend parties. If you plan to play indoor movies, you must make a TV cabinet that can also house a projector and keep a wall empty to place the screen.
On the other hand, if you are planning to use it like an artist’s studio, you should ideally include more storage units to keep all the art accessories. And if you have kids in the house, it is best to go for wall furniture to prevent them from getting hurt when they play.
People who set their workstation in their living room can think of installing a bean bag chair to sit on it and work for long hours comfortably.
- Measure Your Space
You might have a lot of decoration ideas in your head, but none of them will be of any use if the space is not right. So, before you start thinking about the layout, it is best to measure the wall and floor space. It is easier to place the furniture if you have a big living room as you do not have to constantly worry about running out of space.
But, small apartment owners, there’s no need for you to feel disheartened. You might need to plan better, but your place can look as beautiful if not better. You just have to think about ways in which you can maximize the space.
Try using dual-purpose furniture to increase efficiency. Also, experiment with more neutral shade and decorations that would make your space look bigger than it actually is.
- Know Your Layout
It is a bad idea to start decorating and improvising on the go. Yes, some new additions will keep coming up, but it is best to start with a fixed layout. A layout is a basic plan that would help you understand where to place which furniture, their directions and make it possible to utilize the space in the best possible manner.
Without a proper layout, you will face constant hiccups during your decoration phase. Some pieces of furniture will look like they are out of place and not well-coordinated. For this reason, select a focal point and create a preliminary plan about your furniture placement. This will give you a fair idea about where to start and which areas need improvement.
- Choose Your Style
Your home is a reflection of you. So be cautious to make sure that it reflects your sense of aesthetics. The colors and furniture you choose and prefer all say something about you and are a potential point of conversation with friends. For example, an art collector would adorn the walls with murals of her/his choice. If you are a parent to happy kids, you can get their drawings framed.
Some people even choose to display their happiest moments through photographs and souvenirs that they have collected from across the world. All you need to do is make sure that when people enter the room, they know there’s an essence of you in it.
- Furniture Sizes
There’s no point getting furniture, only to realize that they are either too big or too small for your living room, right? We would reiterate that always measure your space before deciding the kind of furniture that you would like to put in them.
When decorating small living rooms, going for sleek couches and nesting tables can be a good idea. On the other hand, if you have large floor space, consider putting a lavish sofa couch and a decorative bookshelf where you store the books and accent pieces. The trick is to make the most of your space, both in terms of aesthetics and utility.
FAQs
- What furniture do you need for a new home?
When you are moving to a new house, you cannot move in without furnishing it first. Think of the essential pieces of furniture that you would need to spend your days comfortably. The most important things you would need are a bed and a good seating arrangement.
With time, you can keep adding new things, like a work desk and a dining table. Furnishing a house takes time, so we would suggest that you do not hurry.
- How do I furnish a small apartment?
Furnishing a small apartment is extremely challenging if you do not make the right use of the available space. To make the most of what you’ve got, it is advisable that you invest in dual-purpose furniture. This would mean that you would be able to enjoy maximum utility by investing a minimum amount of space.
Another smart thing to do is to think smartly about storage. Is it possible to add storage space to your bed or your ottoman? And when thinking of storage, avoid lateral designs and instead try to go vertical. This would occupy more of the wall and less of the floor space.
Always remember that the devil is in the details! So, plan meticulously and try to make the most of the space that you have. With proper planning, even the smallest of the apartments can become attractive and cozy.
- What are living room furniture sets?
You might feel unsure if the furniture in your living room would match one another. Or it might be that you do not want to spend a lot of time and effort buying them separately. In that case, it is best to go with furniture sets.
Furniture sets are excellent when you do not have too much time that you can spend on buying each piece of furniture separately. So, in short, they are great if you are not sure about your design ideas or have a packed schedule.
- What is the best material for living room furniture?
The most important thing to keep in mind during selecting the material for your living room furniture is its durability. And the other thing that comes in the way is the price. It might so happen that you prefer solid hardwood for your furniture, but it will be very costly. So, unless you have a good budget, going for this option would be a task.
However, keeping everything in mind, the most durable yet affordable option that is in trend now is synthetic microfiber. These ultra-fine fibers help to make the furniture last for a long time.
- How to arrange living room furniture?
There is no one answer to this question as everyone likes a different layout for their living space. But we can suggest a few things that would make any form of arrangement look good. The first thing to do is to measure the wall length and the floors so that you can utilize the space in the most efficient manner.
Another thing that you need to do is to determine a focal point. This can be the TV cabinet, your luxurious couch, or the marble coffee table. Once you determine the focal point, everything else will fall in place.
- How to match living room furniture colors?
Before you decide what kind of furniture would go well with the room, you should select a color palette. If that is too challenging, try to at least determine if you would prefer warm or cool colors. For example, if you prefer cool colors more, use that on the big pieces of furniture and your wall.
You can play safe and put every piece of furniture in different shades of cool colors. Or you can be a little experimental and add a dash of contrasting colors here and there.
- Where to buy living room furniture online?
Are you wondering where you can buy all the elegant and super chic furniture from the comfort of home? We have the best suggestions for you. If you want an enormous collection of furniture, you can try out Etsy. And not to forget amazon, as they will come to your rescue no matter what!
For funky and sleek furniture, you can also give IKEA and Home Depot a try. For more experimental finds, we suggest that you look up Anthropologie.
- What is the best month to buy living room furniture?
Well, the easiest answer is during a sale! With online marketing taking the lead, you will find a sale going on somewhere or the other. Just like fashion changes seasonally, so does furniture. So, before a new trend sets in, there’s mostly a sale on the previous season’s collection.
On average, we have noticed that the best deals are generally released during the beginning of a new year and during the holiday weekend in July. That’s twice a year!
Conclusion
With that, it’s a wrap!
By now you must have understood what all you can include in the living room decor to make the space comfortable and soothing. And we hope that you will be able to put this knowledge to good use. But remember that these are just furniture and you would need to add more accessories to them, to make the space feel like home.
For this purpose, consider putting personal items, things that connect to you, and definitely some greeneries to give the extra touch.
And until next time!
