Table of Contents
Ripe for literal lounging and all types of conversing, is a living room even if it isn’t comfortable and inviting? After all, whiling away the time à la Daisy Buchanan will always be in fashion, and no one can pretend that a design-forward but the comfortable living room isn’t part and parcel of making a home more welcoming too.
Although the couch (and multiple throw pillows) is arguably the center of focus in this space, there is much more to it than meets the discerning cocktail-sipper’s eye. I asked different designers how they would make a living room sublimely comfortable, and here are the winning looks:
1. A ‘DISCIPLINED PALETTE’ OF TEXTURAL DETAIL
(Image credit: Sara Essex Bradley)
Muted neutrals go a long way in a living room and Monique Breaux of POSH Exclusive Interiors based in Lafayette, Louisiana has mastered quiet luxury in this living room. Drawing inspiration from the external environment, it is the peak of comfortable living. ‘The mighty Mississippi River is the vista framed perfectly when peering out of Four Seasons New Orleans Private Residences,‘ shares Monique. ‘To honor these spectacular views, it was important that the living room be curated with unobstructed site lines and a disciplined palette to embrace the surroundings.’
The finish is dreamy, poetic, and unique. ‘Soft silhouettes with gentle shapes played off the river bank curve and elevated the design. The footprint of the furniture was equally important: bespoke chairs that swivel and a sofa of proper scale and superior comfort reinforce the design narrative.’
For the final flourishes in this space, Monique added details such as a handmade wool and silk area living room rug (to frame the room) and more textural interest that belongs even in a minimalist’s space. ‘When dealing with luxury aesthetics, textures and shapes become a primary focus and are a main contributor to the essence of the project.’
Tie the room together with your favorite designs. Our Throw Pillows sport a double-sided print, a concealed zipper, and a faux-down insert for an all-around seamless finish. Individually cut and sewn by hand and available in four different sizes.
25% off this item today!
2. DESIGN STORIES THROUGH TEXTURE, ANGLES, AND SMOKY HUES
Over to a more post-modern era, this comfortable living room is accented with interesting forms, colors, and patterns of the 70s. We could happily get lost here, especially if it means sipping coffee around that perfectly styled coffee table.
‘So many things contribute to making a comfortable living room — cozy throws, soft pillows, the right lighting, and a few decorative accents that reflect your style,’ says Christine Carney, Director of Design at Blackberry Farm Design who designed the space. Layered with tobacco hues, musty greens, plaid patterns, and even a touch of tortoiseshell, this living room color scheme has a rustic and earthy feel that is still effortlessly contemporary. Naturally, nothing is by chance: ‘Additionally, it’s important to choose colors and textures that help to create a harmonious and calming atmosphere,‘ adds Christine.CLOSE
Invite the sun inside on your terms. Our blackout window curtains are a denser alternative to your standard window curtain, blocking out most light and proudly featuring your favorite designs. Whether you live in a busy apartment or a peaceful neighborhood, it’s always nice to have the option to shut out the sun and relax inside by candlelight. Available in either single or double-panel options. A double panel features the same design on both panels. The bottom edge of the curtain includes a 2″ pocket that can be used as a hanging pocket, but beware that the artwork will be upside down for any non-patterned designs.
20% off this item today!
3. A SOFT AND ‘APPROACHABLE’ LAYOUT
I asked for some wisdom from the founders of the interior design firm Ward + Gray, Christie Ward, and Staver Gray. ‘We feel a living room should feel approachable and humble,’ shares Christie who puts a focus on the cushioning detail, be that for a living room sectional or other type of seat. ‘For upholstered pieces, such as the sofa, we like to use a soft fill and feather inserts so the cushions sink while you sit in it.’
Here the design duo strikes a balance between simple forms and rich colors. ‘We love shapes that don’t feel overly complicated in the living room, this should feel like the space in the house where you want to be all day long,’ continues Christie.
4. LOFTY (AND ADJUSTABLE) DETAIL
It is all about harnessing the power of natural lighting in a home that wants vibrancy and coziness, which is what Christie and Staver have done successfully in this living room. Their thoughtful design decisions add ambiance and intrigue.
‘Lighting also plays a role in making a space feel comfortable and needs to be adjustable throughout the day,’ says Staver.
‘We try to get as much natural light as possible into a space during the day – this could mean a lighter touch with the living room window treatments or adding a large mirror to bounce light around the room.’ Living room mirrors can suit all interior styles and help make the space appear larger. By night, you want to count on more low-level and adjustable lighting options like table lamps, and sconces. ‘With everything on a dimmer!‘ adds Staver.
Our outdoor floor cushions are super comfy and style-forward options for outdoor seating. They’re UV coated to protect against fading and water resistant so you can avoid scrambling to bring them inside whenever there’s a touch of weather. Grab a few to have on hand whenever seating is hard to come by or for a fun option for kids to use out in the yard.
20% off this item today!
5. JUXTAPOSITION WITH UNEXPECTED ELEMENTS
You would think that a comfortable living room should only feature curves and bouncy forms. This is important, but it levels the entire scheme with striking definitions. Lauren Lerner, principal designer & CEO of Living with Lolo serves up some wisdom: ‘Create a cozy living room by choosing comfortable furniture, layering textures with pillows and blankets, and incorporating interesting lighting. ‘We always anchor the space with a rug and add natural elements like wood while balancing it with contrasting elements like metals and glass.’ Naturally, coffee tables, bookshelves, and even artistic ornaments and pendants as we can see above lend themselves well to this. But it doesn’t stop here.
‘Lately, we have been loving mixing upholstery materials such as having one sofa in a soft woven material and another sofa in a leather,’ continues Lauren. So yes, leather sofas are in style in a comfortable living room context too.
Express your style all over your home with a feature-worthy rug. They’re made from a woven polyester chenille for a soft, textured look. Plus, choosing from our wide array of designs, you’re sure to find just the rug to match your decor. Rugs are one of the best, attention-grabbing pieces to design a room around. Use the colors within the rug to help choose art prints, furniture fabric, and accent pillows.
6. A DEDICATED SPOT TO UNWIND IN
Bookworm, deep thinker, jazz listener (for the true Daisy), or all three, visually carving out different zones in your living room that you can relax in, on your terms, will be a true source of cozy energy. This is interior designer Rayana Schmitz‘s approach to comfortable living room ideas.
The founder and principal designer of Firefinish Interiors explains how creating a space that feels like a retreat goes beyond choosing plush furniture. ‘We believe in creating specific areas within your living space that cater to different activities, whether it’s lounging, reading, or catching up with friends.’ Think of how the design details can nourish the soul and bring joy. ‘We’re all about crafting an atmosphere that engages your senses – think soft textures, plush rugs, and warm lighting to help you unwind after a long day.’
A true statement-maker. Our versatile mid-century modern-inspired credenzas are great for use as TV stands, armoires, bars, office cabinets, or the perfect complement to your bedroom set. The vibrant art printed on the doors will make your piece pop in any setting. Available in a warm, natural birch or a premium walnut finish.
15% off this item today!
7. CURATED WITH A TOUCH OF NATURE
A peppering of greenery and natural materials indoors will soothe the mind and ground an interior design scheme. Consider wood, stone, and perhaps even a marble accent, as well as tall or small houseplants suited to your climate. Reflecting the landscape that surrounds will create a cocooning sensation for a natural living room, that is light, airy, and curated.
‘We love bringing a bit of the outdoors in, with lush indoor plants and earthy wood finishes to add to the ambiance. We’re all about making our clients’ spaces uniquely theirs,’ continues Rayana who hones in on personalizing spaces to suit clients‘ diverse interests, be that art or entertaining. ‘With this approach, we aim to make sure their living room isn’t just a room – it’s a haven where memories are made and cherished for years to come.‘
Tie the room together with your favorite designs. Our Throw Pillows sport a double-sided print, a concealed zipper, and a faux-down insert for an all-around seamless finish. Individually cut and sewn by hand and available in four different sizes.
25% off this item today!
8. DESERT HUES AND BRUTALIST DETAIL
Call it an unexpected take on brutalist interiors, but raw, organic forms have their place in a comfortable living room setup. Similarly, linear forms and symmetry as we can see on the heart of the above space designed by Joshua Smith Inc. add structure and a little needed edge for a cozy space that is far from bland. ‘Comfort comes from having space that you can curl up and unwind and spaces that rejuvenate you during the day,’ says Shelagh Conway.
The principal and founder of Triple Heart Design also play on the ambiance factor and how the space makes you feel. Make it a Scandinavian-inspired Hygge home why don’t you? ‘It means content and comfortable,’ continues Shelagh. ‘Create moods in each room so you can let the sunshine in during the day, and wind down to a softly lit space with the sunset. Follow the rhythm of Mother Nature – she sets the mood so well!‘
Our outdoor floor cushions are super comfy and style-forward options for outdoor seating. They’re UV coated to protect against fading and water resistant so you can avoid scrambling to bring them inside whenever there’s a touch of weather. Grab a few to have on hand whenever seating is hard to come by or for a fun option for kids to use out in the yard.
20% off this item today!
9. A CONVERSATION STARTER
A home that sparks joy and chatter is a good one. As the place where you might spend hours with guests, a comfortable living room and/or playground for conversation is a must. Anchor seating around coffee table books and a cozy fireplace for a prosperous start, just as Lauren of Living with Lolo has done here.
‘Personalize the space with accessories and ensure the layout promotes relaxation that is specific for the family that will live here,‘ says Lauren. Note, however, that items can make a space feel lived in, but there is a stark difference between a finish that is cozy and one that is chaos. For success, tap into more innovative living room storage to camouflage everyday items. ‘We also love using creative storage solutions to ensure that clutter is not an issue.’
Our floor pillows are the perfect pick for seating in a pinch. They’re overstuffed and firm never to lose their shape and the high-quality print makes sure the design stays crisp and colorful. Available in round or square, with two size options.
10. POPS OF ACCENT SEATING
The pretty decor is officially in, and a flowy feel with lofty hues that make you feel elevated is an intrinsic part of this ballet-inspired design movement. Keri Latinas also endorses a neutral palette for comfortable living room spaces that guests will happily ‘hang out in.’
‘Color scheme is important too! I always lean towards a neutral design that is cohesive with the remainder of the house,’ says the owner and principal designer of Keri Michelle Interiors. For a little definition, look at what you can work into your decor. Better yet, how can you enjoy more interest in objects that are designed with purpose? A darker accent chair, or perhaps a pouf, as seen in the space above designed by Brad Ramsey Interiors, will add a focal point and more seating.
Cozy up with our unbelievably soft throw blankets. Crafted with sherpa fleece, these blankets actually get softer the more times you wash them. Coordinate with throw pillows and rectangular pillows for whatever nook needs a little extra dose of comfort. Available in three sizes.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO POSITION THE COUCH IN A COMFORTABLE LIVING ROOM?
Seating in a comfortable living room should encourage conversation and relaxation. ‘For maximum comfort, I suggest soft oversized pillows, cozy sofa cushions— stay away from hard and firm— and blankets on the arms,’ adds Keri. ‘Be careful not to make the space too comfortable, as you want your guests to stay awake!‘
‘A layout where conversation can not flow is a big no,’ continues Keri. ‘A layout that incorporates sofas and chair pieces in a half circle or U shape, where everyone can see and speak to each other, is best.’
