Assess the situation in your living room: is there space for people to stretch their legs when sitting on the sofa?

Is it easy to get from the door to the sofa or are there unnecessary obstructions or slipping hazards? Would more than two people be able to comfortably fit in the room at once?

The living room is usually the first room that your guests will see, and in most cases, it’s also the place where they will spend the majority of their visit. Because of this, most people tend to spend a lot of time and money on the décor of their living rooms.

However, in many cases, the functionality of the room isn’t given nearly as much thought as the snazzy pieces of art or sparkling crystal vases. This results in rooms that are aesthetically pleasing, but also somewhat stiff and difficult to relax in.

If you want your living room to be type of comfortable and cozy environment that makes people feel at ease the minute they walk in, consider some of the following simple and inexpensive, yet effective styling and design tips.

Positioning is everything.

The way you choose to position your furniture can have a huge effect on how inviting your living room looks and feels. A sofa with its back facing the doorway for example, could seem unwelcoming and prevents guest from relaxing fully once they sit down.

Since the sofa tends to be the centerpiece in any living room, it’s important to give its positioning some thought. You probably want it to face the television and you’ll also have to consider where the windows are to avoid any glare from the sun during certain hours of the day.

Another thing to keep in mind is the size and shape of your living room. In a smaller room, it’s better to place the sofa right up against the wall to make the most of the space you have, while in a larger living room the sofa could be placed in the center of the room, leaving space for bookshelves or even a dining table behind it.

Leave plenty of open space.

Whether your living room is large or small, having plenty of open space is important to prevent the room from feeling cramped. Too much furniture or furniture that is placed too close together can make it difficult to move around the room without bumping into things.

Assess the situation in your living room: is there space for people to stretch their legs when sitting on the sofa? Is it easy to get from the door to the sofa or are there unnecessary obstructions or slipping hazards? Would more than two people be able to comfortably fit in the room at once?

If you answered no to any of these questions it may be time to rearrange your furniture or even do away with certain items to facilitate the flow of traffic.

Eliminate clutter.

While we’re on the subject of making more space, let’s talk about clutter. Most living rooms tend to be over cluttered simply because they get more traffic than any other room in the home. Coffee tables are hidden under magazines, keys and remote controls, coats are hung over the backs of chairs and books are often piled from floor to ceiling.

If this sounds like your living room, the remedy may be as simple as a few storage solutions. Invest in a few magazine racks and bookshelves, and if you need a place to drop your keys and cell phone when you get home, why not place an attractive basket on a side table for that purpose?

Coat racks can solve the problem of misplaced outdoor garments and a storage seat can be a great place to stash junk if you don’t have time to do a proper de-cluttering before guests arrive.

Choose sturdy and durable items of furniture.

No one wants to feel like they might break the delicate, glass coffee table when they put down their drink or be accused of staining the snow-white sofa with grubby hands.

If you want your guests to feel comfortable in your home, it’s best to choose sturdy pieces of furniture that can stand a little “living“. Darker upholstery is generally a better choice for sofas because they get a lot of use and lighter fabrics can easily become discolored or stained. Also, choose a sofa that you can easily clean, like one with removable or wipeable covers.

Coffee tables should be sturdy enough to put your feet up on and unless you live alone and don’t do much entertaining, glass is a risky choice for things like cabinets and table tops.

Let there be light.

The right lighting can change the room from drab and sterile to cozy and inspiring. Rather than relying solely on an overhead light in your living room, get creative and add some softness or drama to the room by using side lamps, standing lamps, floor lamps and spotlights.

Light can also be used to highlight certain features in your room that you are particularly proud of. For example, a light above your bookshelf or a spotlight aimed at a painting.

Accessorize with thick soft rugs and cushions.

After removing the clutter and making more space, it’s time to give the smaller details some attention. There is nothing more welcoming than a living room filled with comforting accessories like thick, plush rugs to collapse on, sofas filled with fluffy cushions, blankets to curl up under and a bean bag to sink into after a long day.

Joyce Del Rosario works as a Community Outreach Specialist at Open College of Art and Design, one of the leading providers of interior design courses. She is also an interior design blogger.

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Assistant Ed. Rebecca Schwarz/Ed: Bryonie Wise

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