Easy Ways to Transform Your Living Room
If you’re looking for ways to brighten up your house, look no further. Using colors, details, and simple changes allows you to open up your living room which is probably the most used room besides the kitchen. From hosting guests to watching a movie with the family, having a comfortable yet functional space where you can sit back and relax is essential. Keep reading to find easy ways to spruce up your living room.
Reupholster your couch
Has your couch survived kids, pets, and guests? Chances are, it’s been through some tough times. Stains and spills can discolor your couch over time, and too much exposure to sunlight can make the color fade. Instead of buying a new couch, which can get expensive, consider simple reupholstering the couch you already do have. Choosing a durable fabric may be a smart idea if you still have children, and try switching up the color. Go for a brighter shade if the rest of your living room is leaning towards neutral, and use it as an accent piece. Brighter colors also hide stains better, which is a secret hidden benefit.
New Carpet
If your couch is in good condition, take a look at your carpet. It tends to wear down or get dirty quickly, especially if you wear shoes in the house. If you have an area rug, try buying a new one. A different style or color could instantly transform the room. Intense, darker colors tend to hide dirt far better than neutral, pale colors, which is something to keep in mind if you have kids, pets, or simply like to walk around with shoes on. However, a lighter rug can make your living room seem more open and cheerful, so take your pick!
Change the finish of your coffee table/side tables
If you want a simple change but don’t want to commit to anything big, change the finish of your wooden coffee table and side tables! It’s an easy project to do yourself, since all you have to do is strip the original finish and replace it with something to your liking. It’s a subtle change that will make the world of a difference in the big picture of your living room, and it’s less of a commitment than some other changes!
Add a new hanging light
If you have a central light that hangs in your living room, try changing the fixture. For example, if it’s a fan that you’ve always hated, why not find a new one that works better with the rest of the room? You can even have a small, classy chandelier instead of a single light bulb, which will draw the eye upwards and make the room feel bigger. Finding small ways to change up lighting can also add brightness and overall change the entire atmosphere of your living room.
New tabletop decor
Do your side tables and coffee table feel empty? Add some personal details, like books you love or trinkets from places you’ve travelled. In a pinch, even a fancy paperweight will do. A conglomeration of small things generally looks better than a single, enormous table topper, and it also makes it easier for those sitting in the living room to talk to each other without being distracted or blocked by a giant bouquet, for example. These small changes let you add your own personal style to your living room so you can avoid a generic feel and make it feel like home.
Change lampshades
If you have lamps in your living room, don’t change the actual lamp bases. Instead, freshen them up by replacing the lampshades. Choose a new shape or color, since the ones you’ve had for a while will most likely be dusty and stained, anyway. Make sure you stick with shades that suit the style of the lamp you have, but there are still multiple ways that you can change it up. If you’re feeling brave, try a colorful lampshade, like a yellow or light pink. This still allows light to shine from the bulb underneath, but also gives it a nice glow that can totally transform the atmosphere of the room.
New curtains
Sick of curtains that look like they belong in your great-grandmother’s house? Then just change them! You don’t have to stick with the same style that may have come with your house, and it definitely doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s easy to get curtains made from a fabric of your choosing, so go with a color and fabric that bring out the best in your living room. If you want to let more light in, choose a thinner fabric that will let the sun shine. However, if you have enormous windows and want to limit the extent of natural light, a thicker, darker shade may be best to block the glare.
New sleek frames for art
Did you know you can transform the art hanging on your walls without changing the art itself? It’s easy to do. Just find new frames! Some frames become noticeably dated as styles change, so be on the hunt for sleeker, more modern cuts that still work well with the pieces you have on your walls. However, don’t be afraid to mix and match. Sometimes, a contrast can be fun!
Add storage
A cluttered living room is never a pretty living room. Add extra storage to your living space but keep it stylish and hidden, if you prefer. You can always use ottomans that have storage within them, or pretty floor baskets to catch all the throws you want to keep tidy but on hand. This way, no one will ever trip on a blanket on the ground again, and it’s easy to find them when you need them.
Paint
Finally, a fresh coat of paint can make your living room feel brand new. Be brave and try changing it up as much as you can handle. If your living room is already very light, throw in an accent wall to make it seem cozier and more intimate. This works well for rooms that get lots of natural light. However, if your den tends to feel like an underground hole because it’s so dark all the time, opt for a more cheerful color like yellow or lavender. These colors will make it a welcoming, open spot for all your guests to enjoy.