Arranging a living room requires a lot of skill and imagination. Sofa, armchairs, chest of drawers, bookcase. In addition, decorations include paintings, vases and lamps. Huge selection of items! Which style should you choose? Should you trust furniture stores offering furniture sets, or choose the equipment yourself and separately? These questions (and many, many others!) are answered by mebel-designing.ru specialists.
The living room is the heart of the home, so its arrangement needs to be carefully thought out - this is where all household members and guests meet. This is often the largest room in the house, so it should contain furniture that cannot be placed in other rooms.
Features of modern walls
The wall in the living room with a wardrobe is presented in a huge assortment. These can be complexes of large cabinets stretching from wall to wall or very tiny walls consisting of a couple of cabinets neatly hidden in the corner of the room.
Wall sections may differ in size or be of standard height and width.
Typically, living rooms in a modern style are decorated with compartments for placing a television screen, closed and open shelves and cabinets, closed pencil cases or glass cabinets for books or beautiful dishes.
Cabinets can have one or two doors, they come in sliding and hinged designs. Shelves can be opened with a standard or lift mechanism, cabinets can have doors or drawers.
This variety makes choosing a wall somewhat more difficult, but makes it possible to choose the most suitable set.
Paintings, panels or photos
One large canvas or several small ones, a collage of photographs and even thematic posters are an excellent decoration for the walls in the living room. It should be taken into account that such decor looks good on plain walls in a contrasting shade.
Photo: elledecor.com
An interesting art or abstract installation is a great alternative to a photo gallery or painting. The plot is optional. The main thing is to choose a suitable palette and carefully fit the installation into the main colors of the interior.
Photo: elledecor.com
Purpose of wall placement
Living room furniture in a modern style can have a variety of placement purposes. For some, the living room will serve as a place for cozy reading, so the main place will be taken by bookcases.
For some, the living room will become a place to relax in front of the TV, so preference in choosing is given to sections with a large screen and the necessary equipment.
Many housewives will like traditional glass doors with mirrored shelves for placing crystal and porcelain tableware or pretty figurines.
A small apartment will require a wardrobe and linen storage space.
Tips for choosing furniture
The living room set is chosen taking into account:
- Size. The basic rule that must be observed is proportionality. That is, the more spacious the room, the larger the items can be. Choose furniture taking into account not only the size of the room, but also each other - a small closet for a small sofa and vice versa.
- Colors. When choosing a color scheme, the size of the living room is also important - any room is decorated in light colors, only huge rooms are decorated in dark colors. Warm shades (pink, yellow, orange, beige) will make the room more comfortable, cool shades (blue, gray, green) will help you relax.
- Style orientation. Before purchasing furniture for your living room, decide on the style of your future interior. The classics are characterized by large upholstered furniture, carved and decorated with patterns and bas-reliefs. High-tech, on the contrary, prefers conciseness and clear, regular forms.
- Intended functionality. The set of interior items depends on how many people and how they plan to use this room in the apartment. One small sofa is not enough for a large family or frequent gatherings with friends, for example. If you love books, put up a bookcase; from time to time, if you have dinner parties, put up a dining table and chairs.
Types of walls
Modern living room furniture is available in several options. They differ from each other in content, area, and type of construction. Most often, the walls for the living room are of a solid or modular type.
Style
Style is what fashion dictates to us. Fashion says that the entire interior of your house or apartment should be executed in the same style. If you do not maintain unity, then it will seem to you that you are in several houses at once, or a guest in your own house! The living room should be no exception and you need to follow the chosen style here too.
The style largely depends on your preferences and lifestyle, as well as the message you want to convey to your guests.
A living room in a classic style will always speak of the wealth, solidity and impeccable taste of its owners, because no matter how much fashion changes, classics always remain classics.
A modern living room will tell you that the owner of the house keeps up with the times, values his time, and loves to be “in trend.”
If, when you come home from work in the evening, you dream of sitting on a soft, comfortable and lush sofa with a fresh newspaper in your hand, then your style is classic.
If you like board games, active recreation and meeting with friends, modern is closer to you.
Classics require a large amount of furniture, textiles, and decorative elements.
Modernism is ascetic, it implies only straight lines, a minimum amount of furniture, maximum light and air.
Always choose what suits your heart. Modern trends in global furniture fashion do not limit us to a rigid choice; rather, on the contrary, they offer interior solutions for every taste, age and budget.
Classic wall option
The classic version will probably always remain popular. Most often this is a standard set consisting of a section for equipment, wardrobes and bookcases.
Typically, such a set of furniture is placed along one of the walls of the room. Such a wall is not particularly original, and such products are assembled exclusively according to the manufacturer’s drawings, without any initiative on the part of the buyers. If any section becomes unusable, the entire set of furniture will have to be replaced.
The advantage of such a design will be the exact correspondence between expectations and the actual appearance of the assembled product, dimensions that will definitely not change during installation. Such owners will not have to rack their brains over the placement of cabinets in the living room.
Flower
There's no need to turn your living room into a greenhouse, even if you're an avid plant lover. But one large flower should decorate the interior and fill the empty space in one of the corners that you don’t want to take up with decor.
Photo: elledecor.com
Be sure to leave access to the plant to spray and water it regularly. As a rule, the air in the living room is dry, which has a detrimental effect on flowers, not to mention your well-being. Carefully monitor the condition of the plant’s leaves - such a “live indicator” will promptly signal you about the need to humidify the air.
Photo: theeverygirl.com
Modular wall option
Modular living room furniture in a modern style gives more space for the unbridled flight of imagination of its owners. Elements of such a design can be installed in one place or scattered across all walls and corners of the room.
The individual modules can be easily combined with each other and can be purchased separately, starting with the most necessary items and filling the living room with furniture as needed. If desired, elements of modular furniture can be rearranged, achieving an unexpected effect.
Modular walls for the living room perfectly embody the minimalism of a modern living room, when each element carries a strictly defined load. Such designs do not have the bulkiness of solid walls; they give the impression of lighter and airier products.
We select cozy upholstered furniture
Upholstered furniture, especially a comfortable sofa, is a fundamental part of the living room interior. There are 3 main types:
- Straight. The dimensions are completely different: from a 2-seater to a spacious 4-5 seater. A straight ottoman is often used in combination with additional seating or separately in small rooms.
- Angular. An additional section on one side eliminates the need to install a chair or buy an additional pouf. A sofa with an ottoman is convenient if you like to spend time in front of the TV in comfort.
- Modular. The main advantage of such furniture is variability. A corner sofa can easily turn into a straight structure with poufs or several separate seats. Sofas with a folding mechanism can replace the master bed in a one-room apartment or play the role of additional sleeping places for guests.
When choosing the color of the main piece of upholstered furniture, rely on these schemes:
- to match the walls;
- neutral (basic on basic - gray on white, for example);
- contrasting finish (bright on light, light on dark).
The photo shows a large corner sofa
It is not necessary to choose armchairs exactly like the sofa, but they should be in the same style. To the corner sofa it is enough to add one seat on the other side of the corner. Two are placed near a straight sofa or taken out into a separate area - combining, for example, with a coffee table or bookshelves.
Many people underestimate poufs and ignore their purchase. However, modern models are multifunctional: use them as a footstool, additional seating, or even a coffee table. In addition, some have a spacious storage compartment - if you put a blanket and pillow in it, you can take them out at any time you need.
The photo shows a set of armchairs and coffee tables
Slides for a modern living room
Just a few years ago, slides almost disappeared from living rooms. However, now such walls are becoming popular again; they look great in modern living rooms in the style of minimalism or hi-tech.
The different heights of the components help to create a feeling of lightness and weightlessness, which perfectly emphasize the spaciousness of a modern room.
The slides will be a wonderful decoration for small rooms or an unusual decoration for spacious living rooms, elegantly complementing the style of the room.
Features for a small living room
The right furniture for a small living room matches its parameters. A pair of compact armchairs will replace a sofa, a small slide or a pencil case will replace a large closet. To make a miniature hall look 5+, use these tips:
- Use multifunctional furniture. A pouf table, a sofa bed, and a workspace in the closet will save a huge amount of space.
- Implement ways to visually expand the space. Light shades, glossy surfaces, mirrors, transparent elements will make the living room more spacious.
- Leave the center free. You should be comfortable moving around the room. The maximum that can be placed is a small table.
The photo shows a furniture option for a small living room
- Place furniture on legs. Whether it’s a sofa or a nightstand, they will be easier to perceive.
- Buy low or order built-in modern furniture. When the closet is part of the wall, it does not clutter up the space, and if there is no interference at eye level, the room looks larger.
- Consider lighting. Do not clutter the windows, install additional light sources. This will add not only space, but also comfort.
The photo shows a table made of wood and metal in a loft style
Mini walls
Small walls are perfect for studios, ideally dividing the room with shelves for equipment, cabinets or open surfaces for books and cozy little things.
Miniature modern living room walls are compact and easy to install, although they are not able to provide much space for placing things.
What furniture to buy for the living room?
Sofa
The sofa is the most important item in the living room and is where you should start looking. You definitely won’t find a more functional piece of furniture in your home. We use it when we spend time with family and friends, eat, watch TV, read books. Before purchasing, you need to assess whether you have enough space to accommodate the furniture you choose. You can choose a classic elegant sofa or a folding sofa when the living room doubles as a guest room. If the living room has a large area, you can try to create a functional corner.
This modern sofa has stylish cushions and the backrest is loose and reversible. Fabrics that are recommended for the living room: cotton, linen, wool, microfiber, velvet, cotton, faux suede, leather. Keep these points in mind when purchasing: stain resistance, durability, loose or attached pillows, fillings (often foam wrapped in polyester or down) .
Sofas should be stylish and functional. Before you make a purchase, measure your living room space and consider your needs. Choose an upholstery color that matches your layout. If you want your sofa to be a focal point, consider bright colors. Two or three pillows are great for a loveseat, while a longer sectional might have five or six.
Living room chair
The chair's comfortable, rounded shape and reduced proportions help create a cozy atmosphere in a small living room space. Recommended fabrics: cotton, linen, leather, microfiber, silk, velvet, wool. Pay attention to these points when purchasing: comfort, stain resistance, durability.
Wall configuration
According to their location, living room cabinets in a modern style have a linear and angular configuration.
Typically, they try to decorate guest rooms with furniture located along one wall.
But for small living rooms, the best arrangement may be corner walls in a modern living room. This option will help take up an empty corner and save space for placing a soft corner or creating an empty space.
A large living room will be perfectly decorated with a U-shaped corner wall. This is a great way to create a furniture frame that will gracefully house a TV or fireplace area.
Such placement will be an effective contrast to a soft corner or an excellent place to create the atmosphere of a personal library.
Books
A good library will never be out of place in the living room of a creative person. Books will highlight your deep inner world and desire to understand the universe and yourself. The placement of these treasures depends on the style in which the living room is decorated and on your imagination.
Photo: elledecor.com
Open shelves will make using the library more convenient and display dozens of old volumes in all their splendor. True, you will have to wipe the dust more often and take care that the bright rays of the sun do not fall on the book covers.
Photo: amara.com
Configuration selection
Each owner of the room decides whether to buy a regular wall or a corner wall for the living room. There are no strict rules on this matter.
However, for a narrow room it is better not to use linear walls; in such a living room a corner set or a mini-wall installed near a short wall will look much more impressive.
All types of placement are perfect for a square room.
For a small living room, it is better to choose a mini-wall or slide; for a large one, you can buy a huge U-shaped set of furniture.
Floor lamps and lamps
Lighting in the living room is no less important than the furniture and carpet. And it is very important to provide as many light sources as possible here. The main chandelier, ceiling spotlights, floor lamps and lamps, sconces and candles - all this is appropriate and in demand in the living room every day.
Photo: elledecor.com
A tall floor lamp with a curved leg has been at the peak of fashion for several years. Retro models and modern options look equally good in a living room of almost any style.
Photo: livingspaces.com
Location
Traditionally, the wall with the television area is located opposite the sofa, and modern style is no exception to this unspoken rule.
A wall consisting of closed cabinets is usually hidden behind the door.
A slide or open cabinets and shelves complement the soft corner or are located opposite it.
No. 2. Correct color
The choice of color design for the living room depends solely on the taste of each of us, but when making your choice, it is better to build on the advice accumulated by professionals. So, if you are the owner of a small living room, then it is better to give preference to light colors , which can visually expand the room a little and blur its boundaries: light furniture against the background of light walls creates a single space. If the living room is spacious enough, then you can use any shades, even dark and rich ones .
warm shades are used : orange, pink, yellow, peach, etc. This room is ideal for gatherings with your closest people. If the living room for you is a place of rest and relaxation, then you can use cold shades : light blue, light green, grayish and others.
If the living room combines several zones at once , then different colors can be used not only in the decoration, but also in the furniture, but it must still belong to the same style.
Appearance
The modern living room is distinguished by laconicism and simplicity of lines, tightness of forms and functionality.
The sparseness of the decor is complemented by the variety of materials or colors used. There are both calm monochrome and brighter contrasting shades of facades, combinations of several materials (wood, metal, plastic, glass).
For open shelves and cabinets, the main thing will be to fill the wall, be it books, appliances, dishes, souvenirs, flowers, or unusual crafts.
No. 1. Deciding on functionality
Before you start choosing furniture, you need to clearly answer the question of what functions your living room will perform, what priority tasks it will have. So, this could be a room intended exclusively for family gatherings , watching movies , conversations, etc., it could be a room in which holidays, banquets and celebrations , or a room where your family will often visit friends, neighbors and relatives to just relax and talk . In some apartments and houses, the living room can also serve as a dining room and even a bedroom , or combine several of these tasks. In all these cases, the approach to choosing furniture may be slightly different, which must be taken into account. It depends on this, for example, whether it will be necessary to provide some kind of trick for the correct zoning of the room, whether a dining table and other details will be needed.
Color spectrum
Most often, the wall in a modern living room is a contrasting element compared to the color of the walls and attracts attention at first sight.
But decorating in a minimalist style requires “blurring” the furniture, so often the facades are matched to the tone of the wallpaper or paint finish.
For modern living rooms, an abundance of light is important, so the facades have mirrors and glass that perfectly reflect light and make the room more spacious.
When choosing a wall, it is important to pay attention to the quality, strength, practicality and ease of use of the furniture set. All this can be checked in the store, and a photo of the wall in the living room will help you better understand what you still want to buy for the reception area.
Table
This table is made from hardwood which has a rich finish and looks very sophisticated. Materials available for purchase: wood, lucite, glass, metal, woven fibers, pebbled leather, mirror or a combination of these. Keep in mind when purchasing: storage options, shelving, durability, portability.
Chest of drawers for the living room
If your interior is minimalist, you should think about choosing a chest of drawers. Very often it is the second most important piece of furniture in the living room, right after the sofa. If the chest of drawers becomes a backdrop for accessories and decorations, then furniture in muted colors with a geometric shape will be an excellent solution. There are both free-standing and more modern wall-mounted chests of drawers, which add additional lightness to the interior.
If the chest of drawers plays an important role in your living room, you should choose a piece of furniture that has more character and defines the style of the interior. In this case, furniture with metal fittings or chests of drawers with additional LED lighting are perfect.
TV stands
You should also think about buying a TV stand. A chest of drawers and a TV stand serve a similar function, but TV cabinets have additional space to accommodate a router, game console, music equipment, and are designed to cleverly hide additional wiring with additional openings.
Photo of a living room wall in a modern style
No. 4. We take into account the sizes
The first thing you need to do before going to the store for new furniture is to measure the parameters of the room . A sofa or table that is too bulky, even if it fits, will take up a lot of useful space, and such things are not always appropriate. You need to arm yourself not only with a ruler or tape measure, but also with common sense, and think again about what purposes the living room will be used for, and how many people will be there at the same time , which is necessary for the correct calculation of seats. This is very important so that in the end the space is harmonious and the room is comfortable: you must agree, it’s not very good if the living room does not accommodate all your guests, or, on the contrary, there will be too much furniture in it that will be empty, thereby taking up free space .
So, when you have thought through all these details, it is worth deciding on the size of the sofa, table, table, etc., but at the same time correlate them with the parameters of the room. Perhaps you should choose not the hugest sofa, but simply arrange additional seats: armchairs, ottomans, folding chairs, and instead of a rectangular table, choose an oval one.
No. 9. Where to put the TV?
A TV is as integral a part of the living room as a sofa or armchairs. It is present in 99% of living rooms, and often it is not hung on the wall, but placed on a cabinet. The stand should match the size of your TV. As for the material and color, you need to start from the chosen style: the cabinet can be glass, wood, chipboard, MDF and other materials. At the same time, it would be nice if there were compartments for storing small items so as not to scatter them around the room, thereby creating a not-so-tidy appearance in the living room. By the way, a very good option is cabinets on wheels: if necessary, they can be moved a little so that the image on the TV is clearly visible to everyone present.
Optimal furnishing options
The choice and arrangement of furniture depends on the style and area of the living room. After furnishing, one wall, as well as one or three corners, should remain free.
To comply with this rule, the designers have developed a specific furniture option for each living room:
- Area no more than 6 square meters. m – a straight double sofa, an armchair and a hanging modular wall or a straight double sofa, two armchairs, a low table (no wall);
- Area no more than 8 square meters. m – corner three-seater sofa, low table and modular wall or straight two-three-seater sofa, armchair, pouf, wall;
- Area more than 8 sq. m. - U-shaped four-seater sofa, armchair, coffee table, large wall or two straight two-three-seater sofas, two armchairs, table, large wall.
In each of the proposed options, the wall can be replaced with niches or a decorative fireplace. Inside a narrow living room, it is recommended to place a coffee table along the wall or even replace it with a corner desk analogue.
If the room is divided into a kitchen and a living room, then you have to use a buffet with a countertop as a divider. Sometimes the hall needs to be divided into a reception area and a children's area using a shelving unit.
