Living Room Projects
Your living room is where life happens. Create a comfortable, stylish space that works for everyday living and entertaining with our step-by-step makeover guide.
Browse by Project Area
Jump to specific aspects of your living room makeover
Furniture & Layout
Arrange your space for better flow and function
Lighting
Layer light for ambiance and function
Walls & Windows
Add personality with art and treatments
Textiles & Accessories
Add comfort and personality with soft furnishings
Quick Wins
High-impact changes you can make this weekend
Rearrange Your Furniture
High impactA new layout costs nothing but makes a huge difference
Add Layered Lighting
High impactMix overhead, table lamps, and accent lights
Update Throw Pillows
Medium impactSwap covers for an instant color refresh
Hang Curtains High & Wide
High impactMakes windows (and rooms) look taller
Add a Large Mirror
Medium impactReflects light and makes small rooms feel bigger
Bring in Plants
Medium impactInstant life and color (try low-maintenance varieties)
Living Room Design Tips
Professional advice for a well-designed space
The 60-30-10 Rule
Use 60% dominant color (walls, large furniture), 30% secondary color (upholstery, curtains), and 10% accent color (pillows, art, accessories).
Mix Textures
Combine smooth (leather, glass), rough (jute, wood), soft (velvet, chenille), and natural (plants, wicker) textures for visual interest.
Layer Your Lighting
Every room needs three layers: ambient (overhead), task (reading lamps), and accent (picture lights, candles). Use dimmers for flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living room design
How do I arrange furniture in a small living room?
In small spaces: float furniture away from walls (even a few inches helps), use a smaller scale sofa or loveseat, choose furniture with exposed legs for visual lightness, use a round coffee table for better flow, and embrace vertical storage. Mirrors and good lighting also make small rooms feel larger.
What size area rug do I need?
For a seating area, your rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of all furniture to sit on it. Common sizes: 8x10 for medium rooms, 9x12 for larger spaces. A too-small rug is the most common mistake - when in doubt, go bigger. Leave 12-18 inches of floor visible around the edges.
How high should I hang curtains?
Hang curtain rods 4-6 inches above the window frame (or at ceiling height for drama) and extend 3-6 inches past each side of the window. Curtains should just kiss the floor or puddle slightly. This makes windows appear larger and ceilings higher.
How do I create a gallery wall?
Start by laying out your arrangement on the floor. Use paper templates taped to the wall before hammering. Keep 2-3 inches between frames. Mix frame sizes but stick to 2-3 frame colors. Start from the center and work outward. Include a mix of art, photos, and dimensional objects.
What's the right height for a coffee table?
Your coffee table should be the same height as your sofa seat cushions, or 1-2 inches lower (typically 16-18 inches). It should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa and positioned 14-18 inches away from the sofa for comfortable reach.
How many throw pillows is too many?
A good rule: 3-5 pillows on a standard sofa (odd numbers look best), 2-3 on a loveseat, and 1-2 per accent chair. Vary sizes (20-22 inch, 18 inch, and a lumbar) and mix patterns with solids. You should still be able to sit comfortably without moving a mountain of pillows.
Ready to Transform Your Living Room?
Follow our 22-step guide to create a space you'll love coming home to.