21 Ways to Elevate Your Living Room Styling

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As an architect who has designed countless living spaces, I’ve learned that a well-styled living room is more than just a collection of furniture – it’s the heart of your home where memories are made and stories are shared. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refresh your space, these 21 thoughtfully curated styling tips will help transform your living room from simply functional to absolutely extraordinary. Let’s explore how these professional living room styling techniques can revolutionize your space.

1. Statement Lighting Fixtures

The right lighting fixture can completely transform the energy of your living room. In my recent renovation of a Victorian home, we replaced a dated ceiling fan with a modern sculptural chandelier, and the change was dramatic – it instantly elevated the entire space from ordinary to sophisticated. When selecting your statement piece, consider how it will complement your room’s architecture and existing focal points.

The science behind lighting is fascinating – it actually affects our mood and well-being on a physiological level. That’s why I always recommend installing dimmer switches with statement fixtures, allowing you to control the intensity and create different atmospheres throughout the day. Remember to measure your ceiling height carefully when selecting your fixture – as a rule of thumb, the bottom of a hanging light should be at least 7 feet from the floor in areas where people walk underneath.

2. Layered Rugs for Texture

One of my favorite design tricks for elevating your living room styling is layering rugs to create visual and textural interest. Just last month, I worked with a client who was struggling with a vast living room that felt cold and uninviting. We layered a smaller vintage Persian rug over a larger jute rug, and the transformation was immediate – the space felt cozier and more intentionally designed.

What many people don’t realize is that layered rugs serve multiple purposes beyond aesthetics. They can actually help reduce noise in a space, making your living room feel more intimate and comfortable for conversation. The key is to select rugs that share a color palette while offering contrasting textures. When layering, always ensure the top rug has a non-slip backing or use a rug pad to prevent any safety hazards. This thoughtful combination of beauty and functionality creates a foundation for the next element of your space’s transformation.

3. Artful Wall Decor Arrangement

Creating the perfect wall arrangement is a crucial aspect of living room styling that I love helping clients with, and I always tell them the same thing: your walls are like a canvas telling your story. The key to a successful gallery wall isn’t just about hanging pretty pictures – it’s about creating a cohesive narrative that reflects your personality while maintaining visual harmony. I recently helped a family create a stunning gallery wall that combined their children’s artwork with professional photographs and inherited pieces, resulting in a deeply personal and visually striking display.

One of my favorite aspects of gallery walls is their infinite potential for personalization. The placement and scale of each piece can dramatically impact the overall effect, which is why I always recommend laying out your arrangement on the floor first. This allows you to experiment with different configurations before making any holes in your wall. Professional tip: use painter’s tape to mark the edges of your wall space on the floor, ensuring your layout will fit perfectly when transferred to the wall. As we think about adding personality to your seating areas, let’s explore how the right accessories can transform your space.

4. Mix-and-Match Throw Pillows

There’s an art to mixing and matching throw pillows that goes beyond simply picking pretty patterns. When I’m working on living room styling projects, I think of throw pillows as jewelry for your furniture – they should complement rather than overwhelm. The secret lies in understanding how different textures, patterns, and sizes can work together to create a cohesive look while adding visual interest.

What makes throw pillows particularly special is their versatility in seasonal decorating. I always advise clients to invest in high-quality pillow inserts and then swap out covers seasonally to refresh their space. When arranging pillows, odd numbers tend to be more visually appealing – try grouping them in threes or fives. For the most inviting look, consider mixing down and fiberfill pillows; down provides that luxurious sink-in feeling, while fiberfill helps maintain structure. As we think about adding life to your seating area, let’s explore how bringing nature indoors can transform your space.

5. Greenery with Indoor Plants

In my years of designing living spaces, I’ve noticed that rooms with thoughtfully placed plants always feel more complete and alive. Indoor plants do more than just enhance your living room styling – they actually improve your air quality and have been scientifically proven to increase productivity. I recently transformed a client’s stark modern living room by introducing a variety of plants at different heights, creating a natural rhythm that made the space feel both sophisticated and welcoming.

The key to successful indoor plant styling lies in understanding your space’s lighting conditions and choosing plants accordingly. For busy professionals, I often recommend low-maintenance options like ZZ plants or snake plants for darker corners, and fiddle leaf figs for bright, sunny spots. Consider using self-watering pots to maintain optimal moisture levels – they’re a game-changer for both plant health and peace of mind. As we think about creating points of interest in your living room, let’s explore how your coffee table can become a stunning focal point through thoughtfully chosen literature.

6. Stylish Coffee Table Books

Coffee table books are more than just reading material – they’re conversation starters and style statements rolled into one. In my design practice, I’ve found that thoughtfully selected books can reveal your interests while adding layers of sophistication to your living room styling. What makes coffee table books particularly special is their visual impact; they don’t need to be read cover-to-cover to be enjoyed, as their presence alone can spark fascinating discussions and add cultural depth to your space.

When arranging your books, consider creating varying heights by stacking them in groups of two or three. I like to use them as risers for smaller decorative items, creating multi-level displays that draw the eye. Professional tip: rotate your book displays seasonally or whenever you need a fresh perspective. Try grouping them by color for a cohesive look, or mix art books with travel guides to reflect your passions. As we explore ways to add character to your space, let’s discuss how decorative bowls can introduce both beauty and function to your living room styling.

7. Unique Decorative Bowls

In my design practice, I’ve discovered that decorative bowls are the unsung heroes of sophisticated living room styling. They’re incredibly versatile pieces that can bring character to any surface while serving both form and function. I recently worked with a client who collected handmade ceramic bowls from her travels – we arranged them throughout her living room, and each piece tells a story while adding visual interest to the space.

The beauty of decorative bowls lies in their adaptability. Whether crafted from wood, glass, or ceramics, they can serve as elegant catchalls for everyday items or stand alone as artistic pieces. When selecting bowls, consider the scale – they should be proportionate to the surface they’re placed on. For coffee tables, I love using wider, shallower bowls that don’t obstruct sight lines during conversation. This careful consideration of both aesthetics and functionality leads us to another essential element that can help organize your space with style.

8. Elegant Trays for Display

There’s something inherently sophisticated about a well-styled tray, and I’ve seen firsthand how this simple addition can transform a coffee table or ottoman from cluttered to curated. Trays are natural organizers that create defined spaces for your decorative objects while adding an extra layer of refinement to your living room. During a recent project, we used a beautiful brass tray to corral coffee table books, a small plant, and a candle – the result was a cohesive vignette that looked intentional rather than scattered.

One of my favorite aspects of decorative trays is their ability to make everyday objects feel special. They’re perfect for entertaining, providing a designated spot for drinks and snacks, and they can be easily moved when needed. When selecting a tray, I always recommend choosing one with small raised edges – this practical detail prevents items from sliding off while maintaining an elegant profile. As we continue to explore ways to personalize your space, let’s discuss how to create a stunning visual narrative on your walls.

9. Personalized Gallery Wall

A personalized gallery wall is like a visual autobiography of your life, and as an architect, I’ve seen how these carefully curated collections can transform living room styling from impersonal to intimately meaningful. What makes gallery walls so special is their ability to tell your story through a mix of photographs, artwork, and meaningful mementos. I recently helped a couple create a gallery wall that combined their wedding photos with art collected during their travels and their children’s first paintings – the result was breathtaking and deeply personal.

The beauty of a gallery wall lies in its organic nature; it doesn’t need to be symmetrical to be visually pleasing. In fact, some of the most striking gallery walls I’ve designed embrace an organic, collected-over-time feel. My secret tip? Always experiment with your layout on the floor first, and use sticky tack to preview arrangements on the wall before committing. This allows you to step back and make adjustments until everything feels just right. As we think about adding comfort and style to your space, let’s explore how the right textiles can make your living room even more inviting.

10. Textured Throw Blankets

There’s something incredibly inviting about a beautifully draped throw blanket, and in my experience, they’re one of the quickest ways to enhance your living room styling while adding both warmth and visual interest. I always tell my clients that throw blankets are like the scarves of interior design – they can elevate the simplest furniture piece while providing practical comfort. During a recent home styling, we transformed a sleek modern sofa by adding a chunky knit throw in a complementary tone, instantly making the space feel more welcoming and lived-in.

The key to styling throw blankets lies in understanding how different textures can affect the overall feel of your space. Whether you choose a chunky knit, soft wool, or woven cotton, each texture adds its own character to the room. I recommend having several throws in different weights and textures to swap out seasonally – lighter linens for summer and chunky knits for winter. The way you display your throw is just as important as the throw itself – try draping it casually over the arm of a chair or folding it neatly over the back of a sofa for different effects. As we think about creating ambiance in your space, let’s explore how scent can play a role in your room’s atmosphere.

11. Ambient Scented Candles

In my years of designing living spaces, I’ve learned that the most inviting rooms engage all the senses – and scent plays a crucial role in creating atmosphere. Living room styling isn’t just about what you can see; it’s about creating a complete sensory experience. What many people don’t realize is that certain smells can trigger powerful memories and emotions, making scented candles an incredibly powerful tool in home styling. I recently worked with a client who was trying to recreate the cozy feeling of her grandmother’s house – we found a vanilla and cedar candle that perfectly captured that warm, nostalgic atmosphere she was seeking.

When selecting candles for your living room, consider how different scents complement different seasons and moods. I always recommend grouping candles of varying heights together to create visual interest, and using decorative holders that complement your overall design scheme. Just remember to keep safety in mind – always place candles away from curtains and combustible items, and consider battery-operated alternatives for homes with small children or pets. As we continue exploring ways to add artistic elements to your space, let’s discuss how sculptural pieces can create compelling focal points.

12. Sculptural Accents

One of my favorite ways to elevate living room styling is through carefully chosen sculptural pieces. These three-dimensional artworks can transform an ordinary shelf or side table into a compelling focal point. In my practice, I’ve found that sculptures don’t need to be expensive gallery pieces to make a statement – what matters most is how they interact with the space around them and the emotions they evoke.

When selecting sculptural accents, consider both scale and placement. I always tell my clients that the best sculptures create conversation – whether through their unique forms, interesting materials, or the stories behind them. For a recent project, we paired a modern metal sculpture with more traditional furniture pieces, creating an unexpected and dynamic contrast. Keep the surrounding space relatively clean to allow your sculptural pieces to shine. As we think about creating displays with impact, let’s explore how to style your bookshelves effectively.

13. Curated Book Shelves

In my experience, a well-styled bookshelf is like a carefully composed symphony – every element needs to work in harmony to create something beautiful. What many people don’t realize is that your bookshelf can function as a piece of artwork in itself, telling your story through a thoughtful arrangement of books and objects. I recently helped a client transform their cluttered shelves into an inspiring display by grouping books by color and incorporating meaningful objects collected during their travels.

The key to successful bookshelf styling lies in creating a balance between function and aesthetics. Start by arranging your books in a way that makes sense to you – whether that’s by color, size, or subject matter. Then, layer in decorative objects, small artwork, and personal mementos to add visual interest. I always recommend leaving some breathing room on your shelves; negative space is just as important as the objects themselves. As we think about maximizing your space visually, let’s explore another powerful design tool that can transform your living room.

14. Mirrors to Expand Space

As an architect, one of my favorite design tricks for enhancing living room styling is using mirrors strategically to transform the feeling of a space. It’s amazing how a well-placed mirror can not only make a room feel larger but also bring in additional natural light. I recently worked with a client whose living room felt dark and confined – by installing a large floor mirror opposite the window, we doubled the amount of natural light and created an illusion of depth that completely transformed the space.

The secret to successful mirror placement lies in considering what the mirror will reflect. I always tell my clients to think of mirrors as windows – you want them to capture and reflect something beautiful, whether that’s a piece of art, a stunning light fixture, or a view of your garden. When selecting a mirror, choose a frame that enhances your overall style, and don’t be afraid to go big – larger mirrors typically have a more dramatic impact on the space. As we consider how to make your living room more functional and beautiful, let’s talk about another essential element that combines style with practicality.

15. Chic Side Tables

In my architectural practice, I’ve found that side tables are often the unsung heroes of successful living room styling. They’re not just functional pieces for holding drinks or books – they’re opportunities to add personality and style to your space. I recently worked with a client who transformed her living room by replacing bulky end tables with sleek brass and marble side tables that perfectly complemented her modern aesthetic while providing the perfect spot for both practical items and decorative accents.

When selecting side tables, consider both height and proportion in relation to your seating. The perfect side table should be easily accessible from a seated position – I typically recommend a height that’s level with or slightly lower than your sofa’s arms. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles; pairing different side tables that share a common element (like material or color) can create an intentionally curated look. As we think about maximizing seating options, let’s explore another versatile piece of furniture that can enhance your living room’s functionality.

16. Ottomans as Flexible Seating

One of my favorite pieces to incorporate into living room styling is the multifunctional ottoman. What makes ottomans so special is their incredible versatility – they can serve as extra seating, a coffee table, or even hidden storage. I recently helped a young family redesign their living room, and we chose a large upholstered ottoman that could withstand children’s activities while also serving as sophisticated extra seating for gatherings.

The key to making ottomans work in your space is considering both style and function. I always recommend using trays on top of ottomans when they’re serving as coffee tables – this creates a stable surface for drinks while protecting the upholstery. When selecting an ottoman, think about your space’s needs: Do you need extra storage? Will it primarily serve as seating? These considerations will help guide your choice of size and style. As we explore ways to enhance your room’s ambiance, let’s discuss how window treatments can transform the entire atmosphere.

17. Customized Window Treatments

As an architect, I can’t stress enough how crucial window treatments are to successful living room styling. They’re not just functional elements for privacy and light control – they’re an opportunity to add drama, texture, and personality to your space. I recently worked on a project where we installed floor-to-ceiling drapes in a soft linen, and the transformation was remarkable – the room instantly felt more polished and intentionally designed.

The impact of window treatments goes beyond aesthetics – they fundamentally affect how light filters into your space throughout the day. When selecting window treatments, consider both practical needs (like privacy and light control) and visual impact. I always recommend layering treatments when possible – combining sheer curtains with heavier drapes gives you maximum flexibility while creating visual interest. As we think about adding character to your space, let’s explore how vintage pieces can bring unique personality to your room.

18. Vintage Finds for Character

There’s something magical about incorporating vintage pieces into your living room styling. Throughout my career, I’ve found that even the most contemporary spaces benefit from the character and story that vintage items bring. In a recent project, we paired a client’s inherited mid-century modern armchair with contemporary furnishings, and that single piece became the room’s most compelling conversation starter.

The beauty of vintage finds lies in their uniqueness and the patina that comes with age. I often encourage clients to explore local estate sales and antique shops – you never know when you’ll discover that perfect piece that adds soul to your space. Don’t be afraid to mix periods and styles; sometimes the most interesting rooms combine vintage and contemporary elements in unexpected ways. When looking for vintage pieces, consider items that can be restored or reupholstered – often, a piece with good bones can be transformed into something spectacular. As we enhance your space’s sophistication, let’s explore how metallic elements can create visual interest.

19. Metallic Touches for Glamour

In my experience, metallic accents are like jewelry for your living room – they add that perfect touch of sophistication and shine. What I love most about incorporating metallics in living room styling is how they interact with light throughout the day, creating different moods as natural light shifts. I recently worked with a client who was hesitant about using metallic elements, but after we introduced subtle brass accents through lamp bases and picture frames, she was amazed at how the room felt more refined without becoming overwhelming.

The key to successful metallic styling is balance. I always advise clients to choose one dominant metallic tone and use it consistently throughout the space. Whether you opt for warm brass, cool silver, or rich copper, the key is to integrate these elements thoughtfully. Try incorporating metallic touches through lighting fixtures, photo frames, or even throw pillows with subtle metallic threads. Remember, a little goes a long way – you want these elements to enhance your space, not dominate it. Now, let’s discuss how to arrange all these beautiful elements in a way that promotes comfort and conversation.

20. Comfortable Seating Arrangement

As an architect who specializes in creating living spaces that truly work for families, I can’t stress enough the importance of a well-planned seating arrangement in living room styling. It’s not just about placing furniture in a room – it’s about creating a space that naturally encourages connection and conversation. One of my most successful recent projects involved rearranging a client’s existing furniture to create distinct conversation areas, and the family reported spending much more time together in the space afterward.

The secret to a successful seating arrangement lies in understanding how people naturally interact. I always recommend arranging seating so that people can easily make eye contact and engage in conversation without straining. Consider creating multiple seating options – some people prefer upright chairs while others love to sink into a deep sofa. The beauty of a well-designed seating arrangement is that it can be flexible; try placing a few lightweight ottomans or side chairs that can be easily moved to accommodate different group sizes. As we wrap up our styling journey, let’s explore one final element that can tie your whole room together.

21. Color-Coordinated Accessories

The art of color coordination in accessories is something I’m particularly passionate about, as it can make the difference between a room that feels scattered and one that feels thoughtfully curated. In my practice, I’ve found that coordinated accessories act as visual threads that weave through a space, creating harmony and intention. Recently, I helped a client unify their living room styling by selecting accessories that pulled colors from their favorite piece of art – the result was a space that felt both cohesive and personally meaningful.

When styling with color-coordinated accessories, think of your room as a canvas where each color should appear at least three times to create balance. This doesn’t mean everything needs to match exactly – variations in tone and texture keep things interesting. I often suggest grouping items on shelves, mantles, or side tables by color family, creating little vignettes that tell a cohesive color story. Remember that the saturation levels of your chosen colors are just as important as the colors themselves – mixing different intensities can create depth and visual interest.

Conclusion

Creating a beautifully styled living room is a journey, not a destination. As you implement these suggestions, remember that the best spaces evolve over time and reflect the people who live in them. Whether you’re starting with statement lighting and working your way through to color-coordinated accessories, or picking and choosing elements that resonate with your style, the key is to create a space that feels both beautiful and livable.

In my years of architectural practice, I’ve learned that the most successful living room styling comes from balancing aesthetics with functionality, beauty with practicality. Don’t be afraid to experiment, move things around, and make adjustments until the space feels just right. After all, your living room should be more than just a showcase – it should be a place where life happens, memories are made, and you feel completely at home.

Remember, these styling tips are meant to inspire rather than restrict. Use them as a foundation to create a space that truly reflects your personality and meets your needs. The joy of interior styling lies in the creative process and the satisfaction of creating a space that feels uniquely yours.