Style and Accessorize
Accessories are what make a room feel lived-in and personal. Use the 3-5-7 rule for groupings: display items in clusters of 3, 5, or 7 for the most pleasing visual balance.
Time Required
2-4 hours
Cost
$100-$800
Difficulty
Easy (fun!)
Styling Layers
Area rug
The rug anchors the seating area. It should be large enough that at least the front legs of all furniture sit on it. 8x10 is the most common living room size.
Throw pillows
3-5 pillows on a standard sofa. Mix sizes (20" and 18"), textures (velvet + linen), and patterns (one solid, one pattern, one textured). Keep colors within your palette.
Wall art
Hang art so the center is at eye level (57-60 inches from floor). Above the sofa, art should be 2/3 the sofa width. Gallery walls need a consistent element — same frames or consistent spacing.
Plants and greenery
A tall floor plant in a corner, a trailing plant on a shelf, and a small plant on the coffee table adds life at three different heights. Faux plants work if you lack natural light.
Styling Rules
- 3-5-7 rule: Group objects in odd numbers. Three books stacked with a candle, five frames in a gallery wall, seven items on a shelf display.
- Vary heights: Every surface grouping should have items at three different heights. Tall, medium, and short creates visual interest.
- The triangle rule: Repeat colors or materials in three spots around the room to create cohesion. A blue pillow, blue vase, and blue book spine tie the room together.
- Leave breathing room: Not every surface needs accessories. Empty space lets the eye rest and makes styled areas more impactful.
Pro Tips
- •Shop your own home first: Move items from other rooms before buying new. A vase from the dining room or books from the bedroom might be exactly what the living room needs.
- •Add a throw blanket: Draped over the sofa arm or folded on a chair, a textile throw adds warmth, texture, and color in one easy piece.
- •Style the coffee table last: A tray with a candle, small plant, and stack of books is the classic coffee table formula. Keep it simple — you still need to use the surface.