5 Ways to Transform Your Living Room Into a Homely & Inviting Space
Hibernate at home.
A cosy and inviting living room combines elements such as snug seating, ambient lighting, warm hues and natural materials, to create a cocoon-like retreat where you can relax and unwind. Explore our top 5 ways to increase the cosy factor in your living room and build a warm and homely space for you and your guests to relax.
1. The Sofa is Your Focal Point
The key to a cosy living room is the sofa, which is why it takes the top spot for cosiest living room idea. Ease into rest or devour a new series with a deep-seated sofa or sectional. Choose an option with a high back and plenty of sitting room for maximum comfort. Opt for a larger sofa or corner model to create plenty of seating. Select a fabric upholstery in rich velvet, buttery-soft leather or comforting cotton to ensure warmth.
Consider underfoot comfort when deciding how to make a living room more homely. Roll out an area rug with a thick pile and plush softness to cosy up hardwood floors. Shag rugs have an extra-long pile and add a silklike softness to your space. Position your sofa with the front two legs resting on the rug to ensure each step is soft and warm from your sofa to the fridge and back, or create a conversation pit with a large area rug by placing the whole sofa on top.
Enrich your space with warm living room colours such as terracotta, caramel, cream or beige to cosy up the room. Create a relaxed ambience to rest your eyes with light grays or greens in shades like sage or deep olive. Stick to a pared-back palette with a few accents interspersed here and there to set a warm yet effortless tone. For example, try pairing a light gray sofa with a cream area rug, then cap it off with an armchair in tan, buttery leather. Create contrast by mixing an olive green table lamp with an abstract print in bold red and orange hues.
Create a curated feel by juxtaposing the living room's solid wood floors with a wood accent cabinet and coffee table in rich caramel finishes.
Think about your living room layout when coming up with homely living room ideas. The right layout can help transform a space, make it feel more intimate and create a place for conversation and rest. Position living room furniture like your sofa across from a tub chair or two. Then place a coffee table in the centre and use the fireplace as your backdrop. This creates a cosy seating area where you can enjoy a fluffy cappuccino in the morning or chamomile tea before bed.
Tip: Still not sure where to start? Our guide, 3 of the Best Living Room Layouts has the answers.
5. Warm Up With Lighting
Close your drapes and leave the world outside with this warm living room idea. Hang a pendant light with a frosted glass shade to filter light and cast a soft glow throughout your living room. Light up while saving floor space by placing twin wall sconces on either side of the sofa or fireplace. Opt for wall lights with fabric shades or globe pendant fixtures to ensure you create a soft, filtered ambience.
Tip: Make sure you pair your warm light fixtures with incandescent (soft white) lightbulbs to achieve warm yellow hues in your living room.
Looking for more cosy home ideas? Check out our other guides Crisp & Cosy Bedding Ideas to try This Autumn and How to Make Your Apartment More Cosy in 4 Steps for helpful inspiration on how to transform your home.
