7 Simple Living Room Design Ideas
…and there’s not a scallop shell pattern or bobbin detail in sight!
Is your living room feeling rather sorry for itself? Is it more ‘Homes from hell’ rather than ‘Homes & Gardens’? Does it warn you to turn around, walk away slowly and be careful not to knock the badly ‘up cycled’ IKEA armchair complete with retro antimacassars on your way out?
If you’ve ever wondered how some living room spaces just seem to naturally work and some leave you cold, then you’re in the right place. Today I’m going to tell you my top tips for creating instant cohesive joy in your lounge. It’ll be welcoming you back with a big dollop of cosy comfort in no time. Most of these ideas don’t require you to buy anything at all and can be done in one afternoon. Believe me, I know, I just did it in my new home. I had a lot of fun writing this, so I hope you like it. Right, let’s get going!
1. Don’t use the big light!
It does astonish me how many people only have ceiling lights. I cannot remember the last time I ever turned one on in any room! Well, actually that’s not true. Our makeshift current bedroom (we’ve just moved in, just in case you’ve been under a rock for the last few weeks) has a fun spaceship-style multi-spotlight circa 1996. Not content with one 60w halogen bulb, no we have five blinding beams of pleasure pointing at us from every angle on a faux-chrome stick of delight. Without it though, it’s a cave. Something we intend on changing when time and energy allows.
But, the point is unless you live in a very dark house and need to find the contact lens you just dropped, there’s almost no reason for them. Of course, you have to have one, even just to be able to buy that La Redoute raffia shade you just spotted. But, it’s a rare thing to have to turn one on and that’s exactly the way it should be.
Ceiling lights generally create an over-arching bright (I would say harsh) light that doesn’t give cosy, hug me with your furry blanket vibes ( not a euphemism). If you’re ever planning on inviting me around to your gaff (gaff? Who even am I? Just felt right, won’t use it again) then please invest in some lamps and please use warm white bulbs. All gay men need soft lighting darling and I’m no exception!
By using romantic, gentle lighting you will immediately create a warm, inviting space. Use lamps at different heights:
Table lamps for seeing what you’re doing and illuminating smiles.
Floor lamps for creating an overall halo of relaxation.
Wall and picture lights for highlighting artwork and architecture and last, but certainly not least -
Hidden lighting. A warm white strip of LED lighting can do wonders in a glass cabinet to highlight collected pieces, whilst giving off a gentle glow.
I love placing most of my lighting behind, or beside furniture. No one wants a bulb in their line of sight. It also makes it perfect for reading.
Read on to find out my ingenious idea for lamps in the middle of a room. Learn about the rule of three, how to use accent tables, where to place your sofa, my distaste for standing only events and much more! There’s also an audio version of this post too, spoken by yours truly.