Discover quick and fun ways to refresh and update your living room in no time – transform your space with these simple, stylish updates that work!
If your living room feels off, perhaps it is time to consider updating it.
Your living room is one of your home’s primary gathering spots.
It’s where family and friends spend much of their time socializing and relaxing together, yet making changes to this space may prove costly, particularly about large ticket items like sofas.
However, the good news is you can use plenty of designer-approved tricks to give your living room an entirely different aesthetic without breaking the bank.
And these changes may even be done over a weekend!
So, if your living room feels cramped and disorganized, with just a little creativity and effort, you can transform this space into one you love spending time in!
RELATED: How to Decorate Your Living Room in 13 Easy Steps
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Here are 15 Little Ways To Update Your Living Room
These are Quick & Easy Living Room Makeover Tips – Refresh Your Space in a Flash!
1. Start by Rearranging your furniture.
Sometimes, a simple furniture rearrangement is all it takes to update an outdated living room into a new, freshly designed one.
First, start by defining a focal point. For example, you can choose a fireplace as the focal point.
If you don’t have a fireplace, you can easily create a focal point around your TV, media unit, window, or reading nook.
Whatever focal point you decide, rearrange your furniture to face this point.
Also, consider how traffic flows in your living room. Allow enough space between the chairs, sofa/sectional, and coffee table, and move any furniture that might obstruct traffic.
2. Make sure it’s well-balanced.
Next, is your living room balanced? Do you have all your big furniture pieces in one place and smaller pieces in another? Time to break it up.
Mix in different sizes and textures to create the right balance throughout the living room.
And move the furniture away from the walls. Yes, this simple trick will make your living room appear bigger, even in a small space!
RELATED: 25 Items You Must Declutter From Your Living Room
3. Invest in a new coffee table.
Shop this Sonali Round Coffee Table From Anthropologie!
When it comes to updating a living room, we all know that a coffee table, just like your sofa, is not only for decor but serves as a functional piece in your living room.
However, paying extra attention when choosing one is vital!
Consider height and size for a perfect fit with your sofa. A good rule of thumb is that a coffee table should be as high as the seated cushions of your couch or lower.
With the right height, you should comfortably pick up or lower drinks onto the table without strain.
Moreover, aim to get a coffee table about two-thirds the length of your sofa. This allows enough traffic space so no one bumps their feet into the coffee table.
As the coffee table is an anchor for your seating room, please don’t be shy when choosing the perfect shape to stand out!
You can choose oval, square, or rectangle shapes to complement any space.
Just keep it practical; avoid sharp corners or glass coffee tables in case of kids and pets.
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4. Add some color to your walls and trim.
Nothing beats a fresh coat of paint in terms of looking brand-new!
Painting can make an enormous impact in transforming the appearance of your living room, especially if you want to change its hue from plain white walls.
If you want to update your living room easily, go for timeless hues like green, beige, blue, and gray, as they will never go out of fashion.
Green is widely recognized as the color of harmony and renewal – what better way to add some new life into your living room than with this hue that symbolizes regeneration?
If black is your shade of choice, then that might also work! Black makes a dramatic statement and is an eye-catching backdrop, helping your furniture and decor pieces pop against its deep hue.
Shades of blue bring a soothing ambiance into any living room and pair exceptionally well with hardwood flooring.
Or choose gray if you want to echo elegance. This is one of the most famous living room colors for a reason. Gray works particularly well if you wish to update your living room to be more modern.
And for a subtle yet classy look, yes, choose beige. This color is a no-brainer for many due to its simplicity and the fact that it blends very well with most furniture pieces.
5. Change your rug(s).
Rugs can make an elegant statement in your living room, but choosing one can sometimes be challenging.
Consider the size, shape, texture patterns, and colors before selecting to ensure it complements the room perfectly.
When updating your living room, choosing a rug for your seating area and not your whole living room is best. The carpet should be big enough to have the front legs of your chairs or sofa on the rug.
Consider the shape of your sitting area when selecting your rug shape.
For instance, for a square room, it would be wise to opt for a square rug; however, don’t be intimidated into getting something unusually shaped, as this could work better if your living room space is unclear.
Consider how much use your new rug will get before selecting its type and material.
Sisal, jute, and cotton flatweave rugs perform best for heavy to moderate traffic conditions.
While a black or white rug can instantly make your room look expensive, they’re not the best option for pets and children.
Instead, opt for rugs with patterns that will withstand stains and tears.
If you have a smaller rug you’d love to show off, you can layer it over your more oversized rug underneath your coffee table to complete the look.
6. Opt for oversized wall art.
Oversized wall art can be a fantastic way to add style and interest to otherwise dull walls.
They’re visually appealing and can make a great conversation starter, making them an ideal choice for an easy update.
When updating your living room, choosing an oversized wall art piece and gradually adding smaller supporting pieces are good ideas.
And, of course, choosing something you love is essential when selecting wall art, as it says a lot about you and your home.
Even this live moss art can do the trick!
If you’re unsure where to hang it, consider turning it above the sofa or over a reading area!
And if you find choosing oversized wall art a daunting task, you can always group some personal photos you’d like to showcase instead.
If you do this, make sure they are of the same theme, and bonus points if you can make them all black and white in the same frames.
Remember, choosing multiple photos is essential rather than just one or two.
Going big can help achieve the right balance, with a size that’s approximately two-thirds of your sofa.
RELATED: 55 Chic Boho Wall Decor Ideas To Swoon Over
7. Add greenery with Indoor plants.
Shop this Lotus Flower Plant Stand Here!
With indoor plants, you can rest assured that you’ve invested in a style that will always be stylish and trendy.
As indoor plants are living design elements, you don’t have to do much to get it right.
Plants can help fill an empty corner, complete your shelf display, or create stunning hanging plant displays!
Follow the Flow
They will easily add dimension and depth to your living space, especially if you can touch plants with different heights, sizes, and textures.
Trendy planters are also a fun, inexpensive buy to complete the look in a living room – you can choose from rope baskets and ceramic or concrete planters for an eye-catching addition.
RELATED: 35 Small Indoor Houseplants that Can Fit Almost Anywhere
8. Add color with pillows and throws.
Shop this Chill Pill Shaped Throw Pillow!
Pillows and throws can be another economical way to transform your living room, and you can always switch out covers if they don’t suit.
Experiment with different colors and patterns to transform a dull living sofa into something warm and comfy.
Don’t just stick to basic sizes; consider investing in different shapes and sizes of pillows. For instance, adding a round-shaped pillow can help break the monotony.
However, if you do not like multiple colors, try mixing and matching different prints instead. Doing so can add a subtle yet modern touch to your living space.
The texture is another element to experiment with and keep in mind. That fluffy pillow you’ve been eyeing but don’t know where to place it? Feel free to add it to any chair to make it feel cozier.
9. Change out your curtains.
Curtains can quickly transform any living room. Consider color, texture, and height when making this change to achieve the ideal look.
Curtain colors can easily coordinate with the rest of your furniture, or if you want to make an eye-catching statement, select something contrasting against both walls and furniture.
While dark-colored curtains create an intimate setting while blocking sunlight, lighter materials like sheer lace curtains are great for letting light in.
Also, be mindful that some fabric pieces require more care than others. Synthetic materials may require no washing; however, silk and wool require special consideration when exposed to pets or children.
10. Consider your living space lighting.
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Lighting is integral in creating the ideal ambiance in any living space.
Living rooms are often designed with lighting in mind; most contain overhead lights or large floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural sunlight during the day.
When updating your lighting, you must consider what happens after dark when making necessary updates.
Since many living rooms have TVs in use during the night, your lighting choices shouldn’t cause glare or other distractions.
Shop the Lathey Task Lamp!
Consider adding task lighting, such as table or floor lamps, to provide focused lighting for reading or other activities.
Additionally, dimmable lighting can be an excellent choice for creating a cozy, movie-theater-like atmosphere in the evenings.
Remember your living room’s style and color scheme when choosing lighting fixtures.
Shop the Augusta Rattan Chandelier!
A statement chandelier or pendant light can add a touch of elegance and sophistication, while minimalist sconces or track lighting can provide a modern, streamlined look.
Whatever your preference, choose lighting that complements your living room’s overall design and enhances its atmosphere.
11. Don’t forget to Accessorize.
Flowers aren’t your only option for personalizing and adding charm to your living room; adding accessories that reflect your interests and personality will help give the space more depth and character.
Consider hanging up some souvenirs from your travels or collections at various heights for an eye-catching display that will add personal flair and showcase your style in your living room.
Vases are another versatile accessory that can add charm and character to your living room.
Vases come in all different heights, colors, and materials to add flair to any space – perfect for filling an empty corner or adding color to an otherwise neutral room.
If candles are something that you enjoy, consider placing them artistically on a tray or mantelpiece or in a birdcage like the image above, in your living room to display.
Shop this VRcandle here!
You can also create an inviting and cozy ambiance in the evenings by playing around with different scents and colors to create a scene that reflects your style and preferences.
Remember, success with accessorizing lies in selecting pieces that reflect your unique interests and personality.
Do not be intimidated to mix and match accessories to craft a look that reflects you personally!
12. Decorate with mirrors.
Mirrors can be a versatile and stylish addition to any living room. They can create a focal point, add an artistic statement piece, or brighten a room.
When choosing a decorative mirror, don’t be afraid to go big.
More enormous mirrors can make a bold statement and add depth and space to your living room. However, be mindful of the size and ensure it’s not more significant than your sofa.
You can choose one large mirror to hang over your furniture or mix and match different-sized mirrors to fill an empty wall.
To brighten a dull living room, consider hanging your mirror across windows or next to light fixtures to reflect more light and make your room look bigger and brighter.
When hanging your mirror, be mindful of the position. Hanging it too high can throw off the balance of your living room.
Ideally, mirrors should be hung high enough that no one has to crane their necks. Bring it down to about eye level to make the space more intimate.
Asymmetrical mirrors can also help create a vintage or modern feel, depending on your chosen frame.
Antique frames can add a touch of vintage charm, while frameless mirrors can create a sleek, modern look.
When shopping for mirrors, don’t limit yourself to stores only. Your local yard sale or flea market can be the perfect place to find a standout piece that adds personality and style to your living room.
13. Paint Your Ceiling.
Don’t neglect painting the ceiling when refreshing your living room with paint.
This often-forgotten space can significantly change its aesthetic and overall ambiance, as seen in the design image above!
Painting your ceiling gives you two choices – light or dark colors.
Lighter ceiling colors can help open up smaller rooms by making the ceiling appear higher, creating an easily customizable yet subtle update for any living room.
If you want a dramatic makeover, paint the ceiling a darker shade. Darker hues will contrast beautifully against white walls for an eye-catching, modern aesthetic that draws the eye toward other decorative items in your living room. This bold contrast will also accentuate any pieces that stand out.
When choosing a darker ceiling color, it’s best to stick with shades two or three darker than your walls’ colors. Navy blue, chocolate brown, and charcoal gray can all provide depth and dimension in your living space.
No matter the hue you select, painting your ceiling can be an easy and budget-friendly way to revitalize your living room and give it an updated look.
14. Stay on top of clutter.
Berg Dmitry
Clutter can make even the most expensive living room look dull and uninviting.
So, to help refresh your living room and make it feel more spacious and organized, start by tackling flat surfaces, such as coffee tables and side tables. They tend to collect the most clutter as everything gets easily dumped there.
Search your home for items like books, magazines, and remote controls, which tend to clutter it up, then use bins and baskets for storage.
To avoid clutter from building up in the first place, habitually get rid of an older decor piece with every new purchase. This will help keep the space more apparent for longer.
Not only that, but maintaining an inviting living room requires finding ways to keep it feeling fresh without being overrun with too many decorative items.
Effective clutter control requires being intentional and conscious of what you keep in your living room and where you store it.
By taking a systematic organizational approach, you can quickly create an inviting and relaxing living space!
15. Make it Yours
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We suggest creating a family room that’s a reflection of you and your experiences.
The spaces we love most are those that resonate with the lives and memories of the people who spend time in them.
Consider adding personal touches that go beyond just photographs.
For instance, you might display mementos from family trips, seashells collected with your children on a cherished beach, or a blanket lovingly knitted by a close friend.
These sentimental items not only bring joy but also infuse your space with warmth and personal significance all year round.
From Drab to Fab: Transforming Your Living Room with Easy Updates
Updating your living room doesn’t have to be an expensive project. With just a little creativity and effort, you can give the space a whole new feel and look!
Simple tricks such as rearranging furniture and clearing away clutter can do wonders to revitalize a living room.
When spending money, try making small changes, such as hanging mirrors on the walls, purchasing a new coffee table, and investing in indoor plants.
These simple additions can add warmth and character to any living space.
Other minor changes that can make an enormous difference include investing in new window treatments or changing your rug.
These items can help your living room combine seamlessly for a chic and practical aesthetic.
At its core, updating your living room requires being creative and deliberate in your approach to changes you make.
Even on a tight budget, there are ways to enhance your living room and make it somewhere you enjoy spending time!
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Author: Everything Abode
Welcome to Everything Abode, your daily inspiration for every activity at home!
Our goal is to inspire you to live an elegant and chic lifestyle from the comfort of your home.
We’ll help you express yourself through authentic style, aesthetic beauty, and stylish home decor.
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