5 Common Mistakes You Make While Decorating The Living Room

While some might argue that the western world has an excessive preoccupation with interior design, there’s no denying that a thoughtfully arranged space can be utterly captivating. It’s not about following fleeting trends or showcasing the latest furniture and accessories – it’s about creating an inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel at ease. The living room is often the heart of any home, serving as both a sanctuary for family members and a welcoming area for guests.

To turn your living space into a cozy oasis that transcends personal style, consider these general guidelines:

A Sofa That’s Just Too Much

In a great living room, the sofa is undoubtedly the centerpiece. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this prominent piece of furniture should remain understated rather than extravagant. The allure of a high-end, designer sofa may be tempting, but it’s essential to avoid drawing further attention to it, as it already dominates the space. As Emily Henderson, stylist and TV host, notes, the primary function of a sofa is to provide comfort and blend harmoniously with its surroundings.

Henderson advises against overly ornate details, emphasizing instead the importance of quality fabric and timeless shape. This approach allows for effortless styling and creates a cohesive look that’s easy to build upon.

Upper Lighting Only

In today’s fast-paced world, finding serenity in our living spaces is crucial. One often overlooked aspect of creating a cozy atmosphere is lighting. While overhead lights can be practical at times, they can also be harsh and uninviting. Instead, incorporating side lighting into your design can have a profound impact on the ambiance and feel of the room.

A floor lamp, fireplace, or small table lamp can add a warm and inviting glow to the space, making it feel more intimate and relaxing.

This subtle approach to lighting can also help to reduce stress and promote mental comfort. By considering side lighting as an essential element in your design, you’ll be able to create a living room that truly feels like a retreat.

Bad Rug Size

When it comes to furnishing a living room, a rug is an essential component that seamlessly ties together the décor and creates defined spaces within the area. Not only does it inject color and pattern into the space, but it can also cleverly make the room appear larger or more intimate depending on the choice of design and color palette. In fact, a designer rug can even supplant the sofa as the focal point of the room, assuming the right size is selected to achieve this desired outcome.

However, the question remains – how do we determine the ideal size for our rug to maximize its impact?

Editor’s choice

In the world of interior design, Moroccan rugs and Oriental rugs are often synonymous with exotic elegance. However, when it comes to selecting the perfect size for a living room rug, many people struggle. Thankfully, renowned designer Emily Henderson offers valuable guidance on this topic. According to Henderson, a living room typically requires at least an 8-by-10-foot rug, unless the space is unusually small, in which case a 9-by-12-foot rug would be even more effective.

In contrast, anything smaller than 6-by-9-feet would not be suitable for this type of room. While a 4-by-6-foot rug might work well next to a bed, in a kitchen, or near an entrance, it would undoubtedly fall short in a living room setting.

Accessorizing Neglected

Effective design combines functionality with aesthetics. However, having beautiful pieces with ample storage isn’t enough to create a cohesive space. Cluttered surfaces and empty spaces can be just as problematic as overcrowding them. To avoid this, it’s essential to incorporate personal touches that reflect your personality and style. This could include a unique piece of art, a curated photo display, or meaningful trinkets from your travels.

These accents not only add character to the room but also help to balance out the space, making it feel more harmonious and inviting. Ultimately, accessorizing is a way to express yourself and make your living space truly reflect who you are.

Obsession with the TV Set

While it’s tempting to get lost in the digital world, it’s crucial to strike a balance between screen time and meaningful interactions. A great TV isn’t everything; sometimes, turning your living room into a hub for socializing and connection is just as important. As passionate proponents of rug-making – an art that thrives on human connection -, we firmly believe that conversations are the foundation of any healthy relationship.

To cultivate this, consider arranging your furniture to encourage activities beyond mere television reception. A cozy board-game nook or plush seating arrangement perfect for intimate chats can go a long way in fostering deeper connections with loved ones.

Doris Leslie Blau can help you find the right Persian carpet or oriental rug. We have a large showroom in New York City plus online catalogs and supplementary information. For help choosing a product for your needs, contact us online or call 212-586-5511.