There is nothing more inviting for visitors in your home than a cozy living room. It is also one of the most used rooms of the house. Finding a balance between a cozy and functional living room can take some trial and error with decorating ideas. Use these recommendations to get it right the first time.
How to decorate your cozy living room
So what makes a space feel cozy? It’s less about style and more about a feeling – a homely atmosphere that’s inviting and makes you want to curl up and relax with a glass of wine or a good book. A living room might feel cozy because of its proportions but also because of the way it’s furnished with many comfy seats. It might be because it’s decorated with warm colours and wood tones or layered with soft textures and pillows. Maybe the space highlights the personality of its owner by being filled with books, photos and personal objects. There is no single recipe that works for everyone – it all depends on your personal taste.
Traditional or modern cozy? Usually traditional living rooms focus on comfort and familiarity. For example, a selection of vintage furniture, a big comfy leather chair, a handmade wooden table, a wool rug in warm colours, a vintage mirror over a beautiful fireplace – they all create a warm, inviting ambience that’s both practical and cozy. At the same time, a modern design can still be cozy. Think about a Scandinavian style living room – its simplicity, functionality and lightness paired with soft textures and neutral colours also create a space that’s welcoming and relaxed.
Throw Blankets
By placing one or two throw blankets in your living room you are inviting everyone to curl up and get comfy. This is an element that most cozy living rooms have. Do not ignore it, as it can really transform your place.
Grouping
In large living rooms using seating groups can make the room feel cozier. There is nothing cozy about yelling across the room to speak with someone.
Books
Using books to decorate is a throwback way to invite people to get comfy. Even though more people read using Kindle and other e-readers now, there is something comforting about real books.
Photos
Personal or family photos are a great way to make your living room more intimate. Adding a photo grouping to a side table or hanging them on the wall in mismatched frames add a personal touch to your decor.
Lamps
Lighting is an important part of any decor. For a cozy feeling lamps add subtle lighting while adding to the aesthetics of the room. This is another element most cozy living rooms feature.
Cozy corner
That’s a great first step in making your living room feel more cozy. It’s easy and economical. You can start by creating a watching area around the TV by using cozy seating matched with a fluffy rug and a wooden coffee table. Another option is to make a relaxing reading spot, ideally by a window, simply by using a window bench, a soft throw blanket and pillows in warm colours. Be creative with fabrics – why not try a leather armchair paired with a contrasting faux fur throw.
Plants
Indoor plants are the easiest and most affordable way to make your home feel more cozy and welcoming. There are many options for indoor plants in various sizes and styles – many of which are very easy to look after. Create your own mini jungle in your living and see your space transform in seconds. Green is also a wonderful colour that works with almost everything aesthetic and design, particularly with wood tones and more neutral tones.
More cosy decor ideas for you
Footstool
There are tons of things that can be used as footstools. Reinforced hat boxes, stacked Pepsi crates with a pillow inside, and many others. You don’t have to use the old vinyl square ones your grandmother used to have, unless they fit into your decor.
Pseudo Coffee Tables
Old steamer trunks or over-sized footstools can make great coffee tables. Make sure that the height is right when choosing other items to use as coffee tables.
Floor to Ceiling Curtains
Valances and sheer curtains do not give off the same feeling as long thick curtains. A bonus of this is they are good for helping with your heating and cooling bills.
Knick-Knacks
These little items can make or break the feeling you are trying to convey. Finding just the right tchotchkes to place in your living room to make it cozy can be tricky. They are also easy to overuse. Decide how many you want to use and divide that number in half.
Rugs
Even on carpeted floors, rugs can define your space. They also can be the missing link to pulling together your groupings.
Wall art
Another brilliant opportunity to put your personal stamp on your living room. The options here are endless – go for art that brings you joy and that you would love seeing everyday. There are many affordable choices too, visit a local gallery or a shop selling prints or even use a poster that you like. If you’re feeling creative, frame something you have made yourself or make a collage with family or holiday memorabilia. It’s up to you!
Using any of these tips can create cozy living rooms! Go from stark and cold to warm and inviting! Keep the amount of space you have available in mind, though. It is easy to go for a cozy atmosphere yet wind up with a room that feels more overdone than welcoming.
Loving this adorable rug! You can find it here.
Via El Mueble, Welke, IKEA, Melody Duron, Pottery Barn, BOSKA, Lonny, Selina Lake, Blue Egg Brown Nest,  BHG, Louis Deniot, cote de texas, KLIKKBOLIG, La Revista,  vtwonen, Daniella Witte, Hus & Hem, Love Maegan, Achados de Decoração
Tags: decorative pillows, living rooms with warm atmosphere
Do you know where to get the area rug in picture #39?
Hi Carolyn, that rug is by Pottery Barn but it isn’t available.You can find it here.I love that rug and it took a while, but I finally found it on Wayfair Supply. It is B. Smith Mosaic Charcoal/Butter Area Rug.