Nowadays, the living area has become a communication center - everyone likes to hang out there - to exchange ideas, enjoy being together, sit relaxed in front of the TV or simply in the comfortReading cornerleaf through your favorite book again. The many functions that the living room fulfills today pose a major challenge - on the one hand, the room should appear open and inviting, and on the other hand, it must be designed in a practical manner. We give you some tips to help you with this complicated task - and also show you beautiful designer furniture, wall coverings, lighting and decoration. If you want to set up a beautiful living room, then you've come to the right place!
Set up the living room - the sofa becomes an eye-catcher
While two-seaters were very trendy in previous years, this year the modern living landscape is in the foreground. It consists of several modular units that can be rearranged according to the available space. For example, the stool can offer additional seating for guests.Big Sofasare also becoming increasingly popular - together with a side table they form a comfortable seating area in front of the television. Gone are the days of colorful upholstery - the trend material in 2015 is clearly leather, the colors are mostly neutral. This means that the piece of furniture fits harmoniously into the modern interior. /Hover your mouse over the photo, then text with information about the manufacturer will also be displayed/.
Furnish your living room – find the right place for your new sofa
The modern living landscape adapts perfectly to the available free space. Finding the right location for your new sofa is not always easy. For small rooms, the corner sofa is a space-saving option. The minimum distance to the TV cabinet should be approx. 1.5 -2 meters. If you choose this option, you can do without a coffee table and instead mount several shelves on the wall that offer storage space for the remote control and drinks.
In larger rooms, the sofa can act as a room divider - you can create a comfortable seating area with a wall unit and a fireplace, and then arrange a dining area in close proximity. An online planner can help here so that the furniture finds its right place.
Furnishing your living room – what do you need to consider when buying a sofa?
When buying a sofa/living area, you don't just have to pay attention to the dimensions and materials. Only the right seat depth and seat height guarantee comfort. Normally, most furniture is offered with a seat depth of approx. 50 cm and a seat height of 60 cm. But most manufacturers recommend testing the selected piece of furniture in the store.
The material of the upholstery is also not just a matter of taste - families with children or pets can opt for fabric covers, while singles or couples without children can choose the leather sofa.
Set up your living room – the modern coffee table fascinates with its clear design language
The modern coffee table fascinates with an architectural look and simple but stylish aesthetics that enhance the interior. The coffee table is low (between 60-80cm/) and small - it offers space for magazines, remote controls and displays the homemade flower arrangements. The golden rule applies - large living areas are combined with a small, small two-seater - with a large table. The two must be stylistically coordinated.
The coffee table with a retro look is on trend
The retro style from the 70s is back - wooden furniture with purist shapes and neutral colors conquered the furniture fairs in Milan. Very trendy – the modular coffee table. It adds a fresh touch to the interior and can be perfectly displayed next to the two-seater with a wooden frame. But be careful – this design takes up a lot of space and is therefore suitable for open living areas!
Scandinavian style coffee table
And if you want to furnish your living room in Scandinavian style, you can choose wood - the attractive grain of the natural material simply catches the eye and creates a homely ambience. The frame forms an attractive contrast to the solid wood table top and is usually made of metal.
Set up your living room – the modular wall unit offers storage space
The modern modular wall unit combines an innovative shelving system with drawers and a TV cabinet. The piece of furniture is usually made of veneered wood and can be designed according to your own wishes. So everyone can become an architect and choose the individual modules themselves using a room planner. Two-tone designs are particularly popular.
Set up your living room – trendy wall unit color combinations
While the sofa and the rest of the upholstered furniture are offered in neutral colors, the wall unit has been transformed into a colorful eye-catcher. Stylish color combinations include a neutral color (beige, sand color, camel, white, black or wood look) and another strong color nuance (blue, grass green, yellow, orange).
Wall unit with color accents in mustard yellow
The modern wall unit looks timelessly elegant with clear lines, white fronts and attractive sliding doors in mustard yellow. The armchair with upholstery also in the same yellow shade completes the look. On the one hand, the accent brings variety to the simple color scheme, and on the other hand, it makes the room appear brighter and more homely. A cheerful looking piece of furniture for the dark, north-facing living room.
Wall unit completely in white – minimalist classic
The white modern wall unit with a minimalist look offers the perfect background for imaginative decorations. It is therefore the perfect option for all craft enthusiasts who would like to show off their masterpieces.
Set up the living room - a fireplace adds a homely touch to the interior
The fireplace provides coziness and creates a relaxed and homely atmosphere. If you decide to do this, you will be independent of gas and oil prices, but you will have to expect a lot of maintenance work. We have an overview of the different types of fireplaces in our article “fireplacesin comparison – advantages and disadvantages of different types of fireplaces”.
Freestanding fireplace serves as a room divider
Set up the living room – round off the relaxed look of the seating area with a daybed and armchair
If you have enough free space in the living room, you can round off the cozy seating area with a day bed or two armchairs. The right place for a daybed is either in front of the fireplace or next to the window. My favorite design has an ergonomic, adjustable backrest.
Cozy sitting area with two day beds
Two daybeds can create a comfortable reading corner - there you can relax after a long day at work and enjoy your favorite book. The functional piece of furniture is usually combined with a side table and floor lamp.
Armchair in the small living room - space-saving alternative to the sofa
In small living rooms, two armchairs can successfully replace the sofa completely - the space-saving set is simply perfect for the rented apartment - because an armchair is also much easier to transport.
Set up living room - lounge area with armchair with ergonomic design
Setting up your living room – tips about lighting
The appropriate lighting completes the modern furnishings. The lighting concept in the living room depends primarily on the size of the room - the larger the living room, the more lighting fixtures. A pendant lamp above the seating area with a television, a floor lamp next to the armchair, a table lamp on the sideboard or at the computer desk create atmosphere and diffuse soft light throughout the room. The experts recommend getting detailed advice during construction or before renovation - a well-thought-out project can save time and money later.
Pendant lights with a futuristic design
Wall lamp and table lamp with an attractive look
LED ceiling lights for the small living room
Suspended ceiling and wall panels with integrated LED lighting
Wall design in the living room – wallpaper, wooden panels or acoustic panels?
After the lighting concept has been determined, it is time to think about the floor and wall design in detail. Wooden panels not only create a modern ambience, but also increase the property value. Because with proper care, wooden cladding can last a lifetime.
Acoustic panels as wall cladding in the living room
Another option is acoustic panels - they give the living room an individual sound quality and are an absolute must for film and music fans.
Wall design with wallpaper – natural motifs are in vogue
Wallpapers are a practical alternative for those who want some variety in their interior from time to time. Different motifs can decorate the walls - in any case, natural motifs are currently very trendy. Birds, flowers and plants create an inviting atmosphere and spice up the simple, minimalist furnishings.
Furnishing your living room – which floor covering?
Tiles have a big advantage - floor heating can be installed underneath. This makes it pleasantly warm in winter and refreshingly cool in summer. In addition, tiles are a durable and easy-care surface, making them suitable for families with small children and pets.
Wooden floors convey warmth and coziness
The wooden floor conveys warmth and coziness, is dust-repellent and has a pleasant feel. The wooden floor also adds a natural touch. Anyone who decides to do so must expect greater maintenance costs.
Handwoven Scandinavian style rugs
Furnishing your living room – it’s all about the right decoration
If you avoid conspicuous statues and decorations that take up space, you're in the right place. Wall mirrors or original flower pots can give the interior a boost of freshness. We present you three variants.
Plant pot with a minimalist design
Houseplants bring nature into your own four walls
Privacy protection for the living room – curtains and drapes
Curtains and curtains shield the living room from prying eyes and at the same time provide privacy. Our tip – combine colorful roller blinds with patterns with plain curtains. Choose this last after the living room is completely furnished and decorated. Then the color scheme is determined.
Additional furniture – sideboards
Sideboards can create a seamless transition between living room and dining room, or living room and hallway. They also offer additional storage space. Sideboards can either be attached to the wall or purchased as a free-standing version. The simpler and less conspicuous the piece of furniture is, the better - it should complete the furnishing concept and not serve as an eye-catcher.
The more inconspicuous a sideboard is, the better
