Cosy Living Room Ideas: Design & Decor
Most of us would love to have a cosy living room that looks great too – and these two ideals needn’t be in conflict with each other.
Some ultra-modern lounge designs can be minimalist to the core, emphasising open space and clean lines at the expense of the occasional throw or scatter cushion. But it’s more than possible to marry contemporary interior design with that sense of cosiness we all crave.
It all starts with sourcing the right cosy living room ideas. So if that’s where you’re at in your design journey, then read on for some top tips. Along the way, we’ll be touching on the best kinds of soft furnishings to try, as well as tricks you can play with light and colour to create a space where you can really relax and hunker down.
How to make a living room cosy
A snug living room sanctuary offers somewhere for you to curl up and unwind after a long hard day – the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life. To help you achieve this vibe without breaking the bank, we’ve pulled together our best laid back living room design ideas below.
1. Choose a calming colour scheme
The conventional wisdom is to opt for a relatively neutral palette for your colour scheme (perhaps a light ochre or linen white tone). But in reality much darker and warmer shades can also produce a calming effect. For example, pairing a deep green feature wall with a corner sofa or floor cushion is a great way to create a cosy snug.
All of this really depends on your personality. For some, darker tones create the right ambience to snuggle up in; others find environments like this claustrophobic. Go with a colour scheme that works for you and those you live with.
2. Layer up touchable textures
The cosiest living rooms not only look inviting, but feel that way too. Pick out a textured sofa to nestle down on – and try adding an ultra-soft throw. This is an awesome way to accentuate your chosen colour scheme, particularly when combined with some matching scatter cushions to complete the look.
3. Soften the space using floor coverings
Even if you have wooden flooring, you can make your lounge soft underfoot by introducing some tactically placed floor coverings. A comfortable rug made from a material like faux fur will offer the cushioning effect you’re after. The thicker the pile, the better!
4. Satisfy the senses with relaxing scents
Consider all of the senses when picking out cosy living room ideas. A scented candle or diffuser can go a long way towards creating an inviting atmosphere that you’ll love to settle down in, as well as making the room feel much more homely. Lavender, camomile, and jasmine are all said to be some of the most soothing smells to choose from.
5. Introduce some warm lighting
Bright white lights can sometimes feel too harsh and clinical for a relaxing lounge setting. Instead, choose bulbs that offer a warmer glow. If you can install dimmer switches, having the option of lowered lighting always helps with creating a stress-relieving ambience. Alternatively, it’s possible to achieve the same effect with a well-placed floor or table lamp.
6. Think practical – keep it toasty!
Make sure your lounge is well insulated to create the cosy environment you’re after. Double or even triple glazing is a great place to start, but you may also want to consider things like thicker curtains, extra blankets, and potentially draught excluders for the doors. Of course, decent heating from radiators, a separate heater, or even a fire is also a must.
If your living room has a fireplace, make the most of it by creating a focal point. Simply adding a new modern mantelpiece helps to draw the eye, encouraging guests to sit by the fireside and stay snug on long winter nights. For houses that don’t have a chimney, another option is to install a contemporary electric fireplace to keep everyone nice and warm.
7. Consider some comfy seating accessories
The sofa will often be the cosiest spot in a living room, but this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Try adding some alternative comfy seating, whether this is a squishy slab cushion or a giant monster bean bag to lie back on (like the super-soft faux fur monster bean bag pictured below).
8. Stick to soft materials
Throughout all of your furnishing choices, make sure to use softer materials wherever possible. Velvet is an excellent option, instantly adding a touch of vintage luxury with its smooth nap. If you’re keen to keep a more modern-looking lounge, chenille offers an equally silky feel yet is often used in more contemporary designs.
9. Lay back on low-level furniture
Our final idea for a cosy living room relates to the profile of your furniture. Low-level sofas and chaise longues are certainly on-trend, but they’re also the key to designing an environment that’s literally more laid back. What’s more, you can use low-backed seating to create zones in a larger room, helping to make the space feel snug but not cluttered.
What next?
Hopefully this guide has inspired you with some cosy living room ideas to apply in your own home. Enjoyed reading? You may want to check out some of our other posts:
If you’re looking for the perfect addition to your new space, explore some of our comfiest bean bag styles:
