70 Beautiful Living Room Decorating Ideas You'll Want to Steal

From packing style into small rooms to arranging spacious setups, we've got you covered.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

From curling up on the couch after a long day to entertaining friends and family, most of us spend a lot of time in the living room. Not only should a living room look stylish, but it should feel inviting, create a sense of calm and reflect your personality. If you're hunting for inspirational living room ideas, we've rounded up gorgeous layouts from interior designers that you'll absolutely want to steal.

There's a lot that goes into a well-decorated living room: paint colors, furniture, an area rug and decorative accents, like throw pillows, light fixtures and art. You may decide to experiment with a trendy wallpaper (possibly on the ceiling?), invest in a comfortable sofa in a bright hue or hang curtains with a playful pattern. You can also upgrade your space with architectural features like wood beams, fresh light fixtures or a fireplace mantel makeover.

Ranging from eclectic and vintage to modern living rooms, we've included simple designs for every style — even if you prefer to blend interior design styles. And if you're re-designing your small living room, don't stress, because most of these ideas work beautifully in compact interiors, too.

Show off your style with a versatile blue shade, like New York State of Mind by Benjamin Moore. Here, Diane Rath, principal designer of The Rath Project, paints the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf in a glossy finish, but sticks with matte for the drywall.

Photo by: Erin Kestenbaum

RELATED: See How One Designer Brought a Connecticut Colonial Home Back to Life

Inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean styles, this calming living space is defined by natural textures — from the wood beam ceiling and plaster fireplace to decorative accents, like a distressed area rug, rattan armchairs and faux greenery.

See more at Jenna Sue Design »

Take note from design firm Teri Pugh Studio and weave in elements from a few design styles. Contemporary armchairs are topped with vintage-inspired throw pillows, while modern, arched built-in bookshelves are decorated with antique decor.

Photo by: Sonya Sellers

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Discovering Your Interior Design Style

Draw the eye upward by hanging large-scale art over the sofa, which works particularly well when you've got 10-foot (or taller) ceilings. An area rug with similar shades ties the room together.

See more at Sugar & Cloth »

Complement wood ceilings and terra-cotta tile floors with warm paint colors and furniture. The walls, painted in Wildflower Honey by Dunn-Edwards, pair beautifully with a plum-colored sectional.

See more at Studio DIY »

This cozy media room, equipped with a hidden motorized movie screen, is defined by dark blue-green walls and a spruce forest wallpaper on the ceiling. The sunburst light fixture adds a dramatic final touch.

SHOP WALLPAPER

See more at Bless'er House »

According to our research, minimalism is out this year — make way for bright colors, bold patterns and the "more is more" mentality. Here, Sheffield House Design doesn't shy away from pattern and color, from the geometric area rug and textured ceiling to lively poster prints around the TV.

Photo by: Sonya Sellers

RELATED: Designers Say Minimalism Is Out. Here's What They're Loving Instead.

If your living room is lacking a statement light fixture, but you don't want to deal with electrical wires — here's a solution for you. This blogger hangs wicker baskets from the ceiling, and secures wireless LED lights inside.

See more at Alice & Lois »

SHOP WICKER BASKETS

"Grandma core," a style that celebrates the charm and coziness you might find in a grandma's home, is big on TikTok. Weave in touches of this trend, whether it's adding fringe to your sofa or an antique tapestry on the wall.

See more at Bless'er House »

Lean into pattern, from drapes and throw pillows to furniture, like accent chairs and ottomans. Take note from Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms and maintain a color palette so your patterns don't clash.

Photo by: Brian Wetzel

Refresh your living room with a cheery wallpaper, like this floral design. It pairs well with an abstract rug, yellow accent chairs and an array of colorful throw pillows.

See more at The House That Lars Built »

SHOP FLORAL WALLPAPER

Painted crisp white and filled with bright furniture, this small living room is made to feel larger. A lift-top coffee table provides some much-needed storage.

See more at Style by Emily Henderson »

While this charming living room is painted light taupe, inside the bookshelves are painted navy blue to provide a pop of color and contrast. Sheffield House Design adds pillows with navy patches to tie the color palette together.

Photo by: Sonya Sellers

To achieve a relaxed, beach-like style, designer Christina Kim weaves in natural materials (think light woods and wicker) and sticks with a nature-inspired color palette (like bright whites, sandy beige and calming blues).

Photo by: Raquel Langworthy

Maximizing every inch of a soaring ceiling, design firm JAM builds a two-story bookshelf that doubles as an eclectic accent wall. It's filled with a vast array of books, pottery and art, leaving some negative space to highlight stand-out pieces.

Photo by: Tory Williams

Create a warm retreat using dark shades for walls, furniture and decor. Here, Anastasia Casey of The Interior Collective goes for a monochrome moment by matching the couch to the wall, but lightens the space with a neutral area rug.

Photo by: Lindsay Brown

SHOP PURPLE COUCH

If you've got a bold personality, put it on full display. Take note from Reena Sotropa of In House Design Group and try more than one statement piece. Think a wallpapered ceiling, moody wall color, statement lighting and trendy furniture, like a green couch.

Photo by: Phil Crozier

In this relaxed living room, star patterned ceramic tiles installed around the fireplace are the center of attention. For a subtle coastal feel, designer Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home weaves in natural elements and striped drapery.

Photo by: Public 311

RELATED: Step Inside This Playful "California Cool" Abode

Opposites on the color wheel, shades of yellow — like mustard — pair beautifully with light and dark blue tones. The power of opposing color combinations is evident in this striking space from Bethany Adams Interiors.

Photo by: Justin Jordan Photography

White interiors are timeless, but there are so many shades to consider. Here, designer Jessica Nelson leans toward warm and creamy tones for a more inviting space.

Photo by: Carina Skrobecki

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

90 Designer-Approved Dining Rooms

45 Fireplace Decor Ideas That Feel Warm and Cozy

30 Popular Bathroom Paint Colors

70 Beautiful Bathroom Decorating Ideas

26 Inspiring Patio Decorating Ideas

65 Inspiring Home Office Design Ideas

90 Gorgeous Kitchen Design Ideas to Steal

26 Inviting Family Room Design Schemes

26 Bright & Cheery Sunroom Decor Ideas

13 Stylish Modern Kitchen Ideas

14 Cool Teen Bedroom Ideas

25+ Home Decor Ideas for $50 or Less