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By Rory Carter 09.05.2023

10 Living Room Essentials Every Home Needs

Here's everything that will elevate your space into the perfect hang-out spot.

The living room is the area of the home that receives the most traffic, is the main space guests gather, and is the room that's always on show. Therefore, it deserves special attention when it comes to how it's decorated.

Previously we've listed the only items you need in your bedroom and now it's time to nail your living room down to the necessities. De-cluttering isn't as daunting as it sounds, we promise. In fact, cleaning can actually make you happier. When it comes to decorating, we recommend investing in long-lasting essentials that you'll cherish for years to come.

Have you just moved into a new place? Or are you looking to elevate your current living room and detox at the same time? Here are ten essential items you should have.

1. A comfortable sofa

Emphasis on comfortable. Ideally, your sofa should be stylish as well as as the perfect spot for a rainy day spent binge-watching Netflix. Not all sofas are equal though, so you'll need to do a lot of sitting/laying to determine which one you're going to take home and love forever. You'll never regret buying the comfy sofa. To make it extra comfy, add some plush cushions.

2. A linen throw

Curling up to watch a movie on your sofa just isn't the same unless you have a cosy throw to wrap you up like a burrito. Aside from the comfort factor, a throw is a simple way to add texture and colour to your living room. They are the perfect form-meets-function item to have on hand.

3. A reading chair

Call it a reading chair, an accent chair, or an armchair – your living room needs one. First of all, for flexible guest seating. Second, for a place to curl up and enjoy a tea all to yourself. Depending on the amount of space you've got, it can be a streamlined armless number or a generous vintage find. Just be sure to keep your proportions in line with your room, but besides that, choose something you absolutely love. Hint: it doesn't have to match your sofa.

4. An area rug

We won't stop talking about the power of an area rug... ever. Not only does a rug automatically create clear zones that make your place look more put-together, but it also adds a layer of texture to your floor that's soft and inviting. If you're not the biggest fan of your carpet or flooring and are a) renting or b) not looking to renovate, then opt for an oversized option that will redirect people's attention. Tip: your rug should be large enough that your sofa legs sit on top of the rug.

5. Statement art

White walls are great and can make a room look clean and crisp, but they do a pretty terrible job of depicting your personality or sense of style. This is where a beautiful piece of original art comes in. Whether it's a painted canvas or a photographic print you took yourself on a trip to Positano, the most interesting living rooms feature statement art. If you're keeping to neutral tones in your furniture, try experimenting with colour through your art.

6. Coffee table

A coffee table is a great way to centre a room and the perfect place to rest refreshments, display books and art d'objet. You should have a couple of coffee table books on hand for times when your guests need to entertain themselves... it's a bonus that their stunning covers act as decor, too. When it comes to choosing between a square, rectangular, round, or oval coffee table, consider the length and clearance required around it. You don't want it obstructing a walk-way or being too close to other items of furniture

7. Lamps

Ceiling lights are great and all, but nothing beats the ambience of lamplight. Introduce secondary sources of light into your living room for a more flattering and aesthetically pleasing effect. You can achieve this through tall floor lamps, wall sconces, or even a table lamp that you can place on a sideboard or side table to give you a warm glow throughout the morning or evening.

8. Plants

Live in a city high-rise? Why not create your very own outdoor oasis at home! Houseplants help foster a connection to nature that apartment dwellers might not have the opportunity to experience otherwise. Whether you're a succulent-lover or prefer to deck your house out with tropical palms, no stylish living room is complete without a touch of green.

9. A mirror

Want to practically double the space you've got to work with? The answer is a mirror, of course. Lean it against a wall or hang it above a fireplace. If you've got a nice big window in your room, place it on the opposite side of the room to give the illusion of more light and more blue skies.

10. Memories

Finally, your living room should be a reflection of you, your travels, and your cherished relationships. After all, you're going to be living in this space and having reminders of happy times can boost your mood on low days. Picture frames, ceramics from a trip abroad, and everything in between – find a few items that mean the most to you and create a vignette to show them off.

Dress your living room to perfection.

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