Best Design for The Living Room - For many families the living room is the focal point of the home. It doubles as a family room, home theater, library and a place to entertain guests. That’s a lot to expect from one room but with a little planning and creativity it is possible to make your living room both functional and beautiful.

• Start with wall color. Paint the living room your favorite color but if you tend to redecorate frequently, consider using a neutral color that will work well with almost any color or decorating style. That way you won’t have the additional chore of repainting the room as well.

See also : Tips to beautify your living room

• Use slipcovers. If you have children or pets slipcovers can save your furniture. Wash them when they get soiled or remove them for special occasions.

• Add lots of storage. You can have storage in plain sight and still keep your living room looking elegant. Coffee tables and ottomans often come with storage areas. Use an entertainment center that’s large enough to hold all those videos, game consoles, games and other electronics paraphernalia.

See also : 15 Best Minimalist Living Room Design

• Use area rugs. If you have hardwood or other solid surface flooring area rugs absorb sound and add warmth. In larger rooms area rugs help to define separate seating spaces. Placed over wall to wall carpeting the layered effect not only looks luxurious but will also protect your carpeting.

• Add enough lighting to suit your needs and moods. Even a small chandelier will add a focal point to the room but table lamps, pole lamps and spot lighting are also important. Table lamps provide pools of warm light throughout the room and are also great for reading. Spot lights bring attention to special items or architectural features. Add dimmer switches to ceiling lights and table lamps to create a mood.

• Group the seating. If your living room is large, arrange different seating areas where family members or guests can congregate in small groups for conversation. This can be as simple as a couple of club chairs and an accent table with a lamp or a loveseat and coffee table.

• Fill in those empty corners. Filling the corners and adding some light can open a room and make it appear larger. Try a plant with an up light, an easel with a painting or a tall softly lit shoji screen lamp. Even a small accent table and lamp will push back a dark corner.

• Layer the window treatments in your living room. By layering blinds, shades, shears and draperies, you can adjust your window coverings for the amount of light and privacy you need for different times of the day or night. Shears might provide enough privacy during the day but at night you may want the addition of blinds or heavier draperies.

• Mirrors add the illusion of space. If your living room is small, install a large mirror on one wall. It will reflect the room, making it appear larger. Or try a grouping of framed mirrors. Mirrors also help to bring additional light into the room.

• Change your décor with the seasons. In the summer add light and airy slipcovers, draperies, throw pillows and other accessories. During the colder months switch to darker, warmer colors. Add throws to sofas and chairs to make the room feel cozy and relaxed.