What’s The Main Function Of Your Living Room?
When decorating and furnishing a living room, it’s important to think about this room’s function. Everyone uses their living room for different purposes – some people use it for quiet downtime, while others use it for entertaining guests. Considering this purpose allows you to design your living room around your interests and needs. Below are a few different types of living spaces and some of the features you may want to include when decorating them.
The family room
For many households, a living room is a space to enjoy family time. When designing a family room, the first thing to do is to make sure there is enough seating – a sectional sofa can be a great choice that the whole family can snuggle together on while watching TV. Fill your living room with family memories such as photos and souvenirs to make it feel like your own personal space.
The relaxation zone
Some people like their living room to be a space where they can relax after a stressful day. Such living rooms should be designed for maximum coziness to help reduce stress. Think layered lighting, warm colors and soft textures (lots of cushions and a fluffy rug are a must). When choosing seating, consider options like recliner sofas or a massaging armchair. An electric fireplace and oil diffuser could help further create a soothing atmosphere.
The home theater
Love watching movies and TV shows? Designing your living room for the optimum viewing experience could help make films all the more immersive. Start by investing in a large high quality TV. Then consider adding cinematic touches to the room such as surround sound speakers, movie posters and blackout curtains. You could even consider adding home theater seats with cup holders and a minifridge for storing easy-access drinks.
The playroom
If you’ve got young kids, it could be important to design a child-friendly living room. To avoid toys building up in this room, consider adding a toy chest or some storage units. Choose furniture that doesn’t have sharp edges and that is easy to clean. A leather or microfiber sofa with legs could be easy to wipe spillages off and easy to clean under. An ottoman could meanwhile be a better choice than a coffee table – young kids can’t hurt themselves on it and it can double up as storage for toys.
The party pad
Those who regularly have lots of guests around should consider designing their living room around socializing and entertaining. Add as much seating as you can to the room and consider arranging it in a C-shape so that everyone can talk to each other. You could consider adding a table in the middle for playing games. For a party atmosphere, consider investing in some good speakers and set up a mini-bar in the corner. Unless you do a lot of gaming, the TV doesn’t necessarily have to be the main attraction. Finally, if you don’t have a guest bedroom, consider adding a sofa-bed for any guests that want to stay round.
The pet sanctuary
Pet owners may want to factor in their pets when designing their living room. This could include making space for dog beds, a cat scratching post or cages for small animals. Protect your upholstery from scratches and hair by adding thick throws, or opt for a rough microfiber material that’s easy to clean and cannot be easily clawed. Carpet may also not be a good choice in this room – opt for a hard floor option like laminate instead, but consider adding a rug for your cat or dog to sleep on.
