31 inspiring living room ideas that will make you want to redecorate
The living room is the heart of the home. Whether you’re sinking into a big squishy sofa, relaxing in a book nook or spending time with family and friends, it’s a wonderful place to be.
Since we spend a lot of time in our living room, it makes sense to ensure it looks beautiful and that we’re making the most of every corner. Our living room ideas offer many inventive ways to enhance your space.
It’s exciting to start afresh with your decor. It can breathe new life into a space, and you may fall in love with it all over again.
31 inspiring living room ideas
1. Colour drenching
Colour drenching is big for 2025. It means taking a colour (usually a striking one) and using it across walls, ceilings and even flooring. It’s a bold move but can pay off in the right setting.
Learn more about colour drenching in our living room colour trends guide.
2. Bright pops of colour
If the thought of colour drenching is overwhelming, introduce a vibrant hue into your home through a bright pop of colour instead.
This is a key part of the Mid-Century modern style. You begin with neutral colours across a room and add in elements of colour. Try bright armchairs, cushions or throws to add a pop to your living room.
3. Embrace maximalist design
If you’re looking for a modern living room idea, try the maximalist design. The idea is to embrace the bold and brilliant. That can be unusual decor, mismatched prints and unique furniture. It’s all about being brave with your decor and embracing colour.
4. Add farmhouse touches
If you’d like the main purpose of your living room to be cosy and comfortable, a farmhouse living room could be for you.
The farmhouse style features soft neutrals like cream, white, beige, and soft browns. It embraces natural materials like rustic wood and chunky furniture. For extra comfort, add oversized sofas in light tones with plush throws and cushions.
5. Small living room ideas
If you're working with a small room, don't worry – you can transform your space with a few clever tricks.
A common tip for small spaces is to keep the colours neutral. Avoid dark walls, as they can make the room feel smaller. Let in as much natural light as possible and keep windows unobstructed.
Plants and mirrors can also help open up the space, adding an airy feel to your living room.
For even more ideas take a look at our small living room ideas.
6. Make it a really cosy space
If cosiness is your thing, we’ve got a few tricks for you. Lighting is key – use soft lighting in different styles, like lamps, fairy lights, or candles, to create an inviting atmosphere.
Like farmhouse style, go for large rugs, plenty of throws and pillows, and ample space to relax. Chunky wooden shelving filled with books and trinkets adds an instant cosy touch.
Read our 22 cozy living room ideas for even more inspiration.
7. Accent walls
An accent wall can add personality and bring a room to life. In a living room, this can be as simple as painting one wall a bold colour, especially if the rest are neutral.
You can also create a feature wall with artwork – either one statement piece or a gallery of unique prints.
For book lovers, transforming a whole wall into bookshelves with chunky wooden shelving adds a warm, inviting touch.
Take a look at our 20 accent wall ideas to find plenty of inspiration for your living room.
8. Fireplace or faux fireplace ideas
Nothing makes a living room feel homelier than a fireplace. If you have one, there are plenty of ways to enhance its charm.
Simple touches include a wicker basket of logs or decorative pieces like a mirror above the mantel. For a bigger impact, consider painting the surround or adding a mantelpiece.
In our round-up of fireplace ideas, you’ll find inspiration for all types of fireplaces.
9. Add wood panelling
Wood panelling is a key feature of the Mid-Century modern style and can add a luxurious touch to your living room.
There are various ways to use it. One option is a half-wall, with the bottom half panelled and the top half painted or wallpapered, which creates balance in the room.
Alternatively, use wood panelling as a feature wall, covering just one wall to serve as the focal point of the space.
You can find out everything you need to know in our guide to wood panelling.
10. Wooden pallets
If you're decorating on a budget and want a rustic look, transform wooden pallets into beautiful furniture pieces. Pallets can be repurposed into coffee tables, shelving, or even armchairs.
Get inspired with these pallet furniture ideas.
11. Go green
Green is a trending colour right now. Its earthy tones bring a touch of nature indoors and create a calming, grounding effect.
You can incorporate your favourite shade of green in many ways, from sofas to wall colours. It pairs beautifully with burnt orange, creating a bold yet inviting atmosphere.
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12. Statement wallpaper
Wallpaper can quickly transform a space. When choosing one, consider the room’s colour theme, the impact you want to create, and how many walls you want to cover.
This stunning geometric wallpaper, featuring gold bee motifs on a deep teal background, will add a touch of luxury to your living room.
13. Vinyl window coverings
If you have large windows or doors opening onto your patio, window vinyl can be a great way to add colour. They’re also perfect for bringing a touch of greenery into your home if you’re not keen on caring for real plants.
These pretty vinyls provide privacy while still letting in light and adding a seasonal touch to your living room.
14. Statement sofa
The sofa is the heart of your living room, so it's important to choose one that fits your space perfectly. If you want your sofa to be the focal point, opt for something with flair.
This stunning three-seater is sure to catch everyone's eye. It combines vibrant style with comfort for the whole family, and the rich velvet blue looks beautiful against a neutral backdrop.
15. Warm colours
To create an inviting living room, stick to warm colours like burgundy, burnt orange, and warm beige. These tones are perfect for fostering a cosy atmosphere that encourages relaxation.
Credit: Pinterest
16. Vintage-inspired lighting
The living room is a great place to showcase an eye-catching ceiling light, though it doesn’t have to be over the top (unless that’s your style).
Vintage-inspired light fittings are very popular right now, and this gorgeous one below adds effortless style to any room.
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17. Reading lamp
If you love relaxing with a good book in your living room, a practical reading light is essential for preventing eye strain and adding a much-needed glow.
For a beautiful vintage twist, consider the option above. The black and brass complement the ribbed glass shade for a classic look.
With an adjustable height and dimming compatibility, it's the perfect reading companion.
18. Create a gallery wall
Like an accent wall, a gallery wall makes a brilliant focal point for any room. For a unique look, mix and match your favourite artwork in different sizes and styles. It’s a modern idea that complements any colour scheme.
When selecting pieces, be flexible but aim for similar tones and design styles. In the selection below, we’ve focused on blue hues and a nature theme.
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19. Dark academia
If you thrive in low light and love dark colours, you'll adore this exquisite dark academia living room. Picture a library filled with polished dark wood, chunky leather sofas and chairs, and bookshelves overflowing with books – that’s the vibe.
Credit: Pinterest
20. Retro charm
Channel the 1970s with touches of burnt orange, low furniture, and plenty of curves. This velvet floor cushion oozes retro charm and folds out into a single sofa bed for guests – a perfect space saver.
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21. Try a feng shui-inspired living room layout
A simple rearrangement of your furniture can transform your space. Feng shui focuses on organising your space to promote peace and make the most of your space.
Take a look at our feng shui-inspired living room ideas.
22. Big chunky blanket
A big blanket on your sofa is a must-have, especially in winter. While there are lots of options out there to buy, have you thought about making your own? We have lots of blanket patterns available for free.
We’re shining a light on this gorgeous knitted blanket pattern which is comfy, cosy and colourful!
23. Comfortable cushions
Cushions are not only plush and squishy but also a simple way to add a touch of colour to your living room. As mentioned earlier, they’re an easy way to create a ‘pop’ of colour.
Check out a range of exciting options below.
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24. Soft florals
Whatever the season, make your home bloom with soft pastel florals. A simple way to incorporate florals is through curtains. These light, pretty floral curtains create a relaxed or farmhouse chic look.
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25. Mustard yellow sofa
Mustard yellow is a popular colour in modern living room decor, especially for sofas. It makes a bold statement, turning your sofa into the focal point of the space. It also adds retro vibes if that’s the style you're aiming for.
26. Grey living room ideas
Grey has been a popular choice for decades. It’s stylish on its own or paired with deep green for a modern look – an unusual combination, but it works beautifully.
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27. Decorate your alcove
If you have an alcove in your living room, make the most of it by putting up shelving for books and trinkets. You could also paint your alcove a different colour for impact.
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28. Big rugs
If you have a wooden floor in your living room, then a rug is key to creating that warm, inviting look.
They are also a great opportunity to bring colour into your living room, like this teal rug below.
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29. Statement ceiling
We’re so focused on everything at eye level that sometimes we forget the ceiling! Paint it a bold colour for a unique vibe.
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30. Floor-to-ceiling curtains (even if your windows are small)
Hanging curtains high and wide makes the room feel taller and more luxurious.
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31. Functional but decorative room dividers
If you have an open-plan space, use a folding screen, bookshelf, or even a curtain to subtly define zones. This will create designated areas without closing the space completely.
Living room ideas that will inspire big and small changes to your space
Even the smallest changes in your space can make a big impact, whether it's adding a new rug or completely changing the colour scheme. Use our ideas to transform your living room into a place you’ll love to be.
Modern living room ideas that you’ll love
If you want to know what’s trending right now, take a look at our modern living room ideas for more inspiration.
