50 inspiring living room ideas (2024)

Maximise every inch of space with bespoke joinery, as demonstrated in this project by Topology. A living room is an ideal place for open shelving: display photo frames, ornaments, vases, and a potted plant or two. This Bone China Blue paint by Little Greene (based on Wedgwood Jasperware), is down to earth and calming, perfect for a space designed for relaxation.

Fancy a tour? 'Our living room is the perfect expression of our eclectic tastes'

Here's a lovely nature-inspired living room update in time for spring. Bright and breezy yet calm and nurturing, a crisp sage green is the perfect companion to fuchsia and warm oak woods, alongside natural textures like jute. A leaning ladder shelf is a great way to display trailing plants.

'Embracing the calming power of green hues can infuse your environment with a soothing and rejuvenating atmosphere,' says Zara O'Hare, interior design expert at Land of Rugs. 'Choosing sea green in well-windowed rooms is an excellent choice, as they naturally guide the eye towards the outdoor greenery, seamlessly blending the room with its surroundings.'

This contemporary, open-plan living space embraces a modern rustic feel. The beamed ceiling is a nod to the rustic setting, while a mix of vintage pieces blend with contemporary designs including the sofa.

Read more: This modern new-build cottage feels right at home in Suffolk

The beauty of a corner sofa is that it enables you to make the most of your space and it lends itself particularly well to open-plan living, it’s a brilliant styling device to zone your living room. The bay window deserves a special mention here too. The simplicity of solid panel shutters means they can either be opened or closed to let in the light or block it out.

Pictured: Darcy velvet corner sofa, House Beautiful collection at DFS

The background of this tiny living room is understated, but the combination of straight, curved and angular lines with splashes of colour, promotes a graphic look.

'Choose crisp or brilliant white tones for small spaces to create a clean and calming ambience. Eggshell or satin finishes typically reflect light, creating the illusion of more space,' says Zara O'Hare at Land of Rugs.

But, 'choosing a shade of blush pink is a great choice to uplift a small living room', continues Zara. 'This hue works well in west-facing rooms with ample natural light and pairs beautifully with light, warm neutral tones like beige, sand, and ivory.'

Read more: 8 stylish ways to use pattern in your home

A contemporary choice, teal is an ideal colour for refreshing a tired room and, as seen here, it pairs wonderfully with warm woods. This living room music corner combines old and new to create a characterful space. Teal also works wonderfully with warm gold tones, and can be toned down with natural flooring.

Pictured: Loving Green matt emulsion paint, YesColours

Stylish and versatile, door curtains are ideal for zoning, creating privacy and keeping the warmth in, making it perfect for colder months. You can't go wrong with vertical stripes either, it'll create an illusion of height, making your living room appear bigger.

Pictured: Harbour Stripe flop over frill door curtain, Tori Murphy

There are two notable highlights here. Alcove shelving maximises every inch of space and gives way to display ornaments and potted plants. Meanwhile, the botanical print artwork becomes a focal point above the fireplace and ties in perfectly with the dusky pink walls, which create a calming and restorative living space.

Pictured: Hand Pressed Red Seaweed Art Prints, Beach House Art

A bold and daring choice, dark walls typically suit a room with high ceilings and lots of natural light, as seen here in this period property. Take note of the design feature on these wonderfully arched windows: window film is a cost-effective alternative to real patterned glass or stained glass. And best of all, it's easy to apply in minutes.

Pictured: Flower Garden window film, Purlfrost

Abstract floral wallpaper creates a dramatic backdrop in this living room. The metallic ceiling pendant and table lamp bring a contemporary contrast, while the sweeping wooden frame of the coffee table and grey rug add texture and softness.

Read more: Judy Murray's Wimbledon flat makeover: from lad's pad to stylish sanctuary

This dove grey wall paint has a lovely warmth to it. Proof that versatile grey doesn't have to be boring, this living room has been carefully curated with ornaments, a flamingo print artwork, and books. It's all in the details though, and the tiled fireplace, combined with the layered textures (upholstered armchair, log basket, patterned cushion and jute rug) add plenty of character.

Pictured: Blossom portable light in rusty Red, Original BTC

Dark walls, bold graphic prints and a pale mustard sofa creates a cosy seating area in this living space.

Read more: Inside a renovated Scottish farmhouse influenced by Scandi design

Modular shelving is a must in any contemporary living room. Invest in a bespoke storage unit to combine a mixture of open and closed shelving, drawers, and importantly, space for your television and sound system.

Pictured: Modular TV unit, Shelved

With Victorian-style panelling, this grey living room is light, airy and welcoming. A modern print, geometric rug and blue cushions add colour to this neutral space.

Read more: Renovation of the Year 2016 winner: Victorian house is former home of Titanic chief engineer Joseph Bell

A painterly floral wallpaper provides a delicate backdrop to a beautiful and rich deep-blue velvet sofa. For the perfect finishing touch, add velvet cushions with a contrasting trim for a truly wonderful living room scheme.

Read more: 8 photos that will make you want to decorate with velvet immediately

Create a relaxing living room environment by choosing furniture with clean lines to allow light to circulate around the room.

Read more: 8 modern oriental decorating ideas for your home

A standout feature in this snug-style living space is the direct view of the garden, blurring the lines between indoors and out. This small city flat, which won the Don't Move, Improve! 2023 award for the best London home renovation project under £100k, showcases a clever use of colour too: the verdant green window frame provides a zingy contrast to the white walls.

Fancy a tour? Inside a small city flat extension with an innovative use of colour

Select a neutral paint colour as a backdrop for soft furnishings in rich burgundy, russet and ochre shades. A light toned carpet will ground the scheme, and to create cohesion, continue the flooring into the adjacent room. Remember to always invest in soft, hardwearing carpet in heavy footfall areas like a living room.

Pictured: Super Sublime Saxony Carpet, House Beautiful collection at Carpetright

In a small lounge area, a tactile velvet sofa in a golden shade and compact, rounded shape provides impact. Meanwhile, fringed and patterned cushions add individuality. Combining these tactile textures provide sumptuous depth, particularly useful for elevating small spaces.

Read more: 9 stylish ways to introduce ochre into a neutral space