Our living room is the heart of our home. My husband and I love to entertain, so it’s no surprise that we’ve given a lot of thought to how our living room looks.

Firstly, I want to emphasize that you DON’T need expensive things to make your living room comfortable and welcoming for guests.

Secondly, a living room should not only look beautiful, but it should be functional too. After all, it is an area that brings people together. Therefore, it needs to be useful for every member in the house in addition to your guests.

Besides that, a living room is often the first spot in the house that people see upon entering. It’s important to have a presentable living room because that’s the space people will form their first impressions of.

However, designing a living room has its challenges.

Most living rooms have different sizes and dimensions, so there’s no one-size-fits-all plan for a living room.

Despite that, some living room essentials should be incorporated into most living rooms. From furniture to lighting to electronics to decorative items, I have prepared the ultimate living room essentials list to help you to curate your dream living room!

The best part? I’ve included general living room hacks and additional tips on how you can style your living room on any budget.

Ready? Read on to discover the ultimate living room essentials list together!

Related to Living Room Essentials List: Six Easy Steps To An Affordable Living Room Refresh

Living Room Essentials List – Summary

• Sofa
• Coffee table
• TV console
• Accent chairs
• Side/end tables
• Lighting
• Ambient/accent lighting
• TV
• Sound system
• Curtains/blinds
• Area rug
• Throw pillows
• Throw/blanket
• Coffee table books
• Candles
• Wall decor
• Decorative items

Living Room Essentials List – Furniture

Sofa

A sofa is essential in any living room.

It is usually the largest piece of furniture and the main feature in the living room. That’s why it is important to choose the sofa you want before choosing other pieces of furniture.

Thankfully, there is a wide variety of sofa types, styles, and sizes to choose from today. From love seats to sectionals to armchairs and chaise lounges, you’ll have no issues finding one that’s suitable for your home.

When choosing the best sofa for your space, there are a few factors to take into consideration

The first thing to take note of is the size of your living room. A sectional sofa is perfect if you have a large living room. However, a loveseat may be more suitable if you have a smaller living room.

The next thing to consider is sofa upholstery. The material, color, and texture of your sofa will influence the interior style of the room.

For instance, a moody living room may call for a navy velvet sofa. On the other hand, a cream linen sectional will blend well in a neutral home.

Pro tip: Do you have kids or pets? Opt for microfiber upholstery or a sofa with washable covers so you don’t have to worry about accidents!

Coffee table

Once you have a sofa, you can begin your search for a coffee table.

A coffee table serves many purposes. It is a practical necessity because it offers a space for you and your family/guests to hold refreshments. Additionally, it is a vessel for you to display your other decorative pieces.

Oftentimes, coffee tables help to ground the entire living room area. That’s why your living room can feel incomplete without a coffee table!

Just like sofas, there are many different types of coffee tables. Common coffee table materials include wood, metal, glass, rattan, and marble.

They are also available in these popular shapes: rectangle, oval, and circle.

Furthermore, some coffee tables can even be used as extra seating or to hold additional storage in the living room.

Whichever coffee table you choose, make sure to select one that fits the size of your living room and fulfills all of your needs.

Pro tip: Not sure how to style your coffee table? Coffee table books make for great conversation starters. Learn how to style coffee table books like a pro!

TV console

Does your living room have a TV? If you answered yes to that question, then you need a TV console!

A TV console, otherwise known as a media stand, is a piece of furniture that holds your TV, sound system, game consoles, and other electronics.

Although many people hang their televisions on the wall these days, a TV console is still useful because it corrals all of your electronics together.

If you have a lot of electronics, I suggest purchasing a TV console with lots of storage. Otherwise, a minimalist TV console like ours will do.

A TV console can hold more than just electronics – you can also style your decorative items on it too!

Pro tip: Want a stylish living room? Then, don’t get a matching sofa, coffee table, and TV console set! Matching furniture sets make a space look flat and boring because everything looks the same!

Accent chairs

An accent chair is not compulsory, but it can help to elevate your living room style and provide extra seating.

Additional seating is always a good idea especially if you have a large family or if you like to host people in your home.

While sofas generally look similar to each other, accent chairs have their distinct styles. They add depth to a living room because they usually come in a different material, color, and texture from the sofa.

Well-liked accent chairs include armchairs, wingback chairs, Papasan chairs, recliners, and more. Depending on your overall interior style, you can find accent chairs in different styles like traditional, rustic, industrial, and modern.

Side/end tables

If you have a large living room, consider adding a few side/end tables.

Side tables provide an additional surface apart from the coffee table. They are suitable to hold table lamps and other decorative items like candles, trays, and books.

They can also improve the living room’s aesthetic. For example, placing two side tables on either side of the sofa add symmetry to the room. This gives a traditional and formal touch to the living room.

Pro tip: It’s important to choose a side/end table with the right height for your living room! They should be of the same height as the sofa or slightly below the sofa’s arm. The right height is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also makes it easier to reach for items on the table while seated.

Living Room Essentials List – Lighting

Lighting

Lighting is essential in every room of the house including the living room. Although your living room may be filled with natural light during the day, you will need some type of lighting come evening.

If your living room has a high ceiling, consider investing in an overhead chandelier.

Like furniture, chandeliers come in different styles. One thing’s for sure – a chandelier will make a grand statement in your living room.

On the other hand, a flush mount works well in a living room with low ceilings.

You can also opt for other types of indoor lighting in a living room. For instance, LED down lighting, track lighting, and pendant lights.

Pro tip: Lighting can make or break a room. Use this guide to choose the right lightbulbs for your living room.

Ambient/accent lighting

There’s overhead lighting and then there’s ambient/accent lighting.

Ambient lighting comes from different sources such as floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. They may not brighten up a room as overhead lighting does, but they help to set the mood.

Because of that, ambient lighting can make a living room feel cozy and inviting.

Furthermore, table lamps and floor lamps also provide task lighting if you are reading or working in the living room.

Table lamps are best placed on side/end tables, whereas a floor lamp looks great by the sofa.

Living Room Essentials List – Electronics

TV

Now, I know this is controversial. Not everyone wants to have a TV in their living room.

The choice of having a TV in the living room is entirely up to you.

Since we live in an apartment, we have no other room to place our TV in but the living room. Thankfully, my husband and I love curling up on the couch and watching a good movie!

If you are shopping for a new TV, get one that doubles up as art like Samsung’s Frame TV. Trust me, your friends won’t even know it’s a TV if you don’t switch it on!

Sound system

If you have a TV in your living room, it’s a wise idea to invest in a sound system.

Not only is the sound much better, but it also makes the experience of watching movies, playing games, and singing karaoke funner!

Pro tip: Gone are the days when the only option available is a bulky sound system! Get a sleek soundbar or something portable like the Sonos One. We promise you won’t regret it!

Living Room Essentials List – Decorative Items

Curtains/blinds

Does your living room have a lot of windows? If it does, curtains/blinds are essential to your living room decor.

Curtains or blinds can moderate the amount of natural light pouring into the room. Plus, it helps to protect your privacy when drawn.

Both curtains or blinds add an extra textural element to the living room. This helps to create a comfortable and homey atmosphere.

Pro tip: Can’t choose between blinds vs curtains? Read this comparison to help you to decide.

Area Rug

Area rugs are a great way to add warmth to a room while providing another decorative element to a living room.

There are many reasons why rugs are practical in a living room:

• Help to keep feet warm during cold weather
• Protect wood or marble flooring from scratches
• Help to keep furniture in place
• Decrease the risk of injuries from slipping
• Cover flooring imperfections
• Absorb sounds

Besides that, area rugs anchor a space. In addition to brightening a room, they make a space look cohesive by combining the different elements of a room.

Pro tip: Are large area rugs out of your budget? Try layering rugs instead!

Throw pillows

To make your living room more comfortable, consider adding a bunch of throw pillows on your sofa or accent chair.

They are inexpensive and come in many different colors, patterns, and textures, which makes them excellent decorative pieces.

You can also purchase the covers separately and swap them out during different seasons and occasions throughout the year.

For long-lasting throw pillows, I recommend purchasing feather or down-filled throw pillows.

Pro tip: Want a throw pillow that always looks full and fluffy? Use a cover that’s one size smaller to achieve the same look.

Throw/blanket

Besides throw pillows, a throw or blanket is essential in a living room.

Whether you’re watching TV or reading, a throw/blanket is useful to have around in case you get cold in the living room.

Drape it over the sofa or hide it in a rattan bin next to your side table for easy access.

Coffee table books

Coffee table books are the perfect decorative pieces in a living room. They are stylish, beautiful, and interesting.

Furthermore, they give an insight into your personality and interests. Your guests will have a wonderful time browsing and using them as conversation topics!

Pro tip: Not sure which coffee table books to purchase? Here’s a round-up of my favorite coffee table books.

Candles

A scent is so important when it comes to setting the mood.

That’s why candles are one of my living room essentials. Not only do they make the room smell lovely, but the scent usually keeps me relaxed.

These days, candles come in various sizes, designs, and scents. Besides smelling good, they can also pass off as decorative items for the coffee table or side/end table.

Wall decor

One of the ways to add depth and character to a living room is by using wall decor.

There are many different types of wall decor – artwork, shelves, gallery walls, and more.

Whichever you choose, I hope you find one that shows off your personality and brings meaning to you and your family.

Decorative items

Lastly, there are other smaller decorative items you can bring into your living room to enhance the space.

My favorite decorative living room essentials are:

• Indoor plants/flowers/foliage
• Ceramic vases
• Bins/boxes (for extra storage!)
• Picture frames

Do you have everything from the living room essentials list?

There, you have it – my living room essentials list!

You may not have the budget to buy everything at once and that’s completely OK. My advice? Purchase the important bits first like your sofa, coffee table, and lighting.

Over time, you will be able to accumulate everything you need for your dream living room.

Until then, I hope this list has helped you to create a comfortable, functional, and beautiful living room for you, your family, and your friends.

The post Living Room Essentials List For Your Dream Living Room appeared first on That Isle Life.

I love my family home, but I have to admit it’s dated. Besides the structural elements that need repairing, the decor is in desperate need of a refresh.

It’s daunting tackling an old home because there are so many things that need updating. But, I have to be mindful of what I’m choosing to spend because this is an unexpected project that I didn’t budget for.

Besides the financial restrictions, I have to consider my father’s feelings. My late mother decorated our family home. I don’t want to upset or disrespect my parents by changing every single thing.

That being said, my mother did express her desire to renovate the house before she passed. I don’t know what style she would’ve gone for, but I decided our family home should adopt a transitional interior decorating style.

It’s a mix of modern and traditional design elements, which best describes how we feel about my family’s current situation. We want to move forward while honoring my mother’s legacy.

So, the first area I wanted to start redecorating was this little nook in my living room. We have a pretty spacious living area, but this nook is my absolute favorite.

The objective of this living room refresh is to add a contemporary touch without spending a lot of money. Glad to say that I achieved it by following six easy steps!

Anyway, I know some of you may feel like you need a change of scene because you’ve spent the entire year (or more) at home. If you’re considering making small but impactful changes to your living room, I hope my method below helps!

Related:

• How To: 5 Ways To Decorate Your Home With Indoor Plants
• 8 Stunning Arched Mirrors For That Perfect Selfie

Before

Before we get into the living room refresh reveal, let’s take a look at my living room before the revamp.

Confession: These aren’t the actual before photos. Remember my decluttering and organizing spree? Well, I cleaned and organized the entire house before I decided to redecorate. If you’re wondering what it really looked like before, it’s mostly the same setup except for way messier.

This corner is right by our main door, so the chairs and table were used as a sort of catchall for my family. Think bags, unopened mail, books, and keys!

The only difference is that we had a faux plant on top of the table. I received a beautiful bouquet from my friends that week, so I swapped the plant for the flowers when I took these photos.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t hate the setup. I actually think it has an old-school charm to it. But, we haven’t replaced the seat covers since we bought the rattan chairs two decades ago. They have faded, and they don’t look as good as they used to be!

After

I didn’t have a design plan when I started this living room refresh. All I knew was that I wanted to reduce visual clutter and replace the seat covers. Besides wanting to inject a modern touch, I also wanted a bright and calm space.

Although I didn’t have a design plan, I used these six steps to achieve the look I wanted. It’s such an easy and straightforward process, and you can definitely use these for any room!

Six steps to achieve a living room refresh

Choose a hero or focus piece

I was actually inspired to redecorate this corner when I stumbled upon this beautiful olive green planter. I loved the color and its rounded edges. When I first saw it, I instantly thought of how beautiful it would look on the glass table.

The faux plant my mother had was looking a little worse for wear. The color had faded, and it was just accumulating dust. I knew it was time to get rid of it and replace it with the wheeler planter, which became the hero piece.

Not sure where to start? I recommend getting your inspiration from a hero piece you’ve been eyeing. A hero or focus piece can be an artwork, a lighting fixture, or even a plant!

Choose a colour scheme

Since I had a small budget for this project, I knew changing the furniture was out of the question. However, changing seat covers meant I could pick a totally new color scheme.

The previous seat covers were a loud print, but I wanted something more neutral this time. I wasn’t planning on changing the curtains. So, whatever color I chose had to complement the curtains. Everything needed to look cohesive.

I finally settled on cream because cream goes with pretty much anything and everything. I knew the planter would add a much-needed pop of color. And, I thought it would be more affordable to add color by swapping cushion covers.

Once I decided on the color, I sent the seats to a local small business to get them reupholstered. I love how the new seat covers brightened up the area instantly.

It’s important to select a color scheme because it dictates the direction you’ll be taking. Color is good, but too much color can make a room feel overwhelming.

Add symmetry to create balance

The easiest way to make a room look more polished is by adding symmetry. This is very common, especially for a traditional or transitional decorating style.

Symmetry is a way to introduce balance within a space. It is achieved when two sides of a room are mirror images of each other. The easiest way to do this is to place two identical pieces of furniture together.

Fortunately, I already had two beautiful rattan chairs I could work with for this area. Since the planter was the focal point, the rattan chairs provided me with beautiful symmetry.

If you don’t have identical furniture, try pairing matching home decor items like candlesticks, wicker baskets, and light sconces.

Include soft furnishings

After changing the seat covers and adding the wheeler, the living area still lacked a couple of things to tie everything together. It needed warmth and comfort, which soft furnishings can provide.

If you’re not familiar with this term, soft furnishings refer to items made out of fabric to decorate a room. They refer to cushions, wall tapestries, and rugs.

Since I already had matching rattan chairs, I chose two different cushion sizes. Symmetry is good, but not everything has to be matchy-matchy!

I wish I could’ve included a rug as well, but I didn’t have the budget for it. Oh well, maybe next time!

Add print or texture to create contrast

Ah, contrast. This is what gives your overall space the “wow” factor. It is what keeps things interesting!

Every space needs contrast, and my living room is no exception. I chose printed cushion covers instead of plain ones because I wanted them to complete the look.

Since I wanted everything to blend cohesively, the cushion covers were a lighter cream color. They did, however, had hints of green to match the green from the planter. One had horizontal stripes, whereas the other had a botanical outline on it.

The botanical cushion cover was a tribute to my mom’s love for flowers. If you look carefully, you’ll see she weaved flowers into the design of the curtains as well.

Consider indoor plants as decor

Finally, introducing plants to any space is a great idea. Besides making the room look great, indoor plants carry a ton of health benefits! According to The Sill, studies have shown that they boost moods, increase creativity, reduce stress, and eliminate air pollutants.

I thought long and hard about adding indoor plants to my family home. We’ve never had an actual plant in the house. All of us had busy schedules and didn’t have time to care for indoor plants.

However, I’m all for indoor plants since I decorated my own apartment with them last year. I genuinely think they’re one of the best ways to decorate a space for cheap!

Since I’m a little more knowledgeable about indoor plants now, I decided to take the plunge and purchase a ZZ plant for the planter. The ZZ plant is truly one of the hardiest plants, and it’s the perfect plant for people who travel often like yours truly!

This is the first real plant we’ve had inside the house, and hopefully it won’t be the last one.

The best part about this living room refresh is that it cost less than USD150! Here’s a breakdown below…

• Custom seat cover reupholstery: $92
• Cushions: $22
• Plant: $8.50
• Planter: $24

Total: $146.50

So, what do you think of my living room refresh? I may be biased, but I love it! If I have extra funds in the future, I’m definitely thinking of adding a floor lamp and a rug. This was really fun to do, and I hope it has inspired you to refresh your living room too!

The post Six Easy Steps To An Affordable Living Room Refresh appeared first on That Isle Life.