If your living room has a natural focal point, such as a fireplace or a view, consider designing around it. Face the seating towards the focal point so that everyone in the room has a clear view. Add rotating armchairs so you can easily adapt the room to a space for entertaining. If there isn’t a natural focal point, decide how to create one. For example, you can use a large piece of furniture, a brightly-colored wall, a piece of art. Some living rooms are large enough to split into two or more areas. If you have a large living room, and you need a space for kids to play, consider devoting a part of the room to a play area. Use a coffee table or sofa to create a natural divide between areas.

Keep plants and other room accents away from the entryways as well. You don’t want your guests to have to fight past anything to enter the room. Leaving clearance around the entryway also makes the room more inviting. [3] X Research source

Pay attention to any doorways in the living room. Don’t put furniture in front of a door, even if it’s not usually used, as this creates an awkward feeling. If you have one doorway along a wall, then group your furniture in the area along the opposite wall. Two doors across from each other create a natural divide in the room, allowing you to split the room into 2 distinct areas. If you have several doorways to work with, you can split the room into multiple areas, each with a specific emphasis.

For example, don’t fill a small room with large, dark furniture. Pick smaller, light-colored pieces instead. Think about the emphasis of the room and how much space you have to work with. If you need extra seating in a small space, consider a combination of floating chairs and sofas. Being able to move the chairs allows you to remain flexible. [6] X Research source If you have a lot of empty space in your room, incorporate it into your design. A big open room can be welcoming. Whatever you do, keep the room balanced.

Use a combination of ceiling lights, table lamps, sconces, and floor lamps to achieve balanced lighting in your living room. [8] X Expert Source MacKenzie CainInterior Designer & LEED Green Associate Expert Interview. 4 July 2020. [9] X Research source Pay attention to the corners. [10] X Expert Source MacKenzie CainInterior Designer & LEED Green Associate Expert Interview. 4 July 2020. If you have a lamp in one corner, position two more in the room to try and balance the light. [11] X Research source Use tall lights and long drapes to give the impression of a higher ceiling. [12] X Research source

Dimmer switches can extend bulb life and conserve energy. [14] X Research source Consult an electrician if you want to add dimmer switches to your lights. [15] X Research source

Certain areas of your living room may be devoted to a specific task. Put a lamp on your desk if you work in your living room. If you have a reading chair, position a lamp nearby. [17] X Research source

If you have a shortage of windows in your living room, use mirrors to open it up. Try situating the mirror across from a window to give the illusion of two windows. [20] X Research source Be strategic when placing mirrors—hang them at eye level so they reflect your furniture, artwork, and so on.

If a rug is too small, it can make the room feel smaller and disconnected. [22] X Research source Keep the edges of the rug away from entryways or walkways to prevent your guests from tripping. [23] X Research source For large pieces like sofas, put just the front legs on the rug.

There are a lot of stores that sell mass-produced prints of simple pieces. Use these if you find a piece that has some meaning to you, but try to avoid filling your home with a bunch of store-bought art. Original artwork doesn’t have to be expensive. Check in your area for high-school art shows. You may find some pieces you like at a reasonable price. For a more personal touch, create a gallery wall of family photographs. Use similar frames and arrange them so they’re aesthetically pleasing. You could even opt to frame only black-and-white photographs.

Stick with plants that are easy to take care of, such as ferns, succulents, and other houseplants. [24] X Research source