Many living-room decorating tips are repeated so often that they can seem like rules. However, four designers consulted by Apartment Therapy argue that some popular conventions can make a space less comfortable, less practical, or less personal.
The first idea they question is that every living room should be “light and airy.” Athiana Makar of Studio Clae says brighter, more open rooms are not automatically better, particularly in a space meant to feel welcoming. Claire Sá, co-founder of De Rosee Sa, also argues that a room does not need to visually disappear to be appealing.
Rather than defaulting to white paint and sheer window treatments, the designers suggest emphasizing a room’s individual character. Darker colors, rich wood, natural materials, and layered lighting can add warmth and intimacy, even when they make the space feel less expansive.
Another common convention is placing the sofa directly against the wall. Jacqueline Gonçalves of MOKSA Studio says this arrangement can create awkward gaps and leave the seating feeling disconnected. Moving the sofa away from the wall and closer to the center of the room can help form a more social layout, particularly when chairs and tables are grouped around it.
Gonçalves also advises against automatically hanging the television above the fireplace. The position often leaves the screen too high, and the television can dominate the room when it is turned off. Alternatives include placing it off-center, concealing it inside furniture, or using an art television that blends more easily with the decor.
The final misconception is that a living room should always look pristine and ready for a photograph. New Jersey designer Meghan Meehan of Hudson East Design says the best rooms need to be comfortable to live in, not merely attractive to view.
A more layered and collected space can feel more inviting than a showroom-style room. The designers’ advice is to allow family members and guests to move a cushion, leave a magazine on the coffee table, or enjoy a drink without worrying about disrupting a perfect arrangement.
Sources: Apartment Therapy.