Decor, Living Room Ideas

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Living Room Furniture

Whether you’ve moved into an apartment, bought your first house, or want to upgrade your old furniture, there is much to consider when selecting the pieces for your living room. As a multipurpose space, your family room is where you can come home and relax. Here, you recline and watch a movie, snuggle in to read a book, and host friends. So you want to be sure that your furniture caters to every aspect of your lifestyle. 

Essential types of living room furniture include a sofa, armchairs, and a coffee table. Most living spaces also feature side tables, with many made more comfortable and warm through living room furniture additions such as ottomans, a media console, and lighting from floor and table lamps. Then, add interest, accents, and style with soft furnishings such as rugs, throws, accent pillows, wall art, and other appealing living room decor pieces. 

However, like many others, you may be unsure how to pick furniture, how to buy a couch, or what styles and colors to choose. From navigating different sofas to selecting the perfect TV stand and accent pieces, choosing living room furniture doesn’t need to be overwhelming when using our furniture buying guide. 

You can shop confidently, knowing what features to prioritize, such as comfort, style, and material. Select furniture that complements your home’s design and suits your relaxing and entertaining requirements.

Ultimate Guide living room

Room Size and Layout

The size and layout affect the selection of furniture for your living room. When working in a small space, you should consider a compact sofa, such as a loveseat, paired with accent chairs. Oversized couches, such as sectional sofas, work perfectly in homes with open floor plans or bigger living rooms.

Decide what you’ll use as the focal point of your room. Do you have a fireplace? Do you love watching movies on a large-screen TV? Or do you prefer to position your best couch for conversation around a coffee table? The answers can determine the ideal furniture type for your home. 

Prioritize large furniture pieces — the sofa and entertainment console, to start — and gradually add accent pieces such as end tables, floor lamps, and ottomans. Alternatively, explore a living room set to kit out your living space in style.

Furniture Style and Design Inspiration

Selecting the perfect furniture style to complement your living room is vital. While you can mix and match furniture to an extent, you also want to ensure a cohesive style. Consider the aesthetics of your home and the primary purpose of your room. 

A traditional home with a detailed fireplace may suit a sofa with rolled arms. At the same time, a formal living room may require more delicate pieces. Large, comfortable sectionals and the best quality recliners suit modern homes and open-floor-plan apartment spaces.

You should also think about your living room activities. Do you eat meals there? Do you invite friends over to watch sports games? Do you have a large family? These questions can ensure you select furniture with enough seating or a place to put down plates or spread out board games.

Carefully consider the color of your furniture and select tones that positively impact your room. For example, a lighter-colored couch can brighten a dark space, while deep tones can create a moody vibe that is ideal for creating a media room. Soft knits and pastel sofas give a comfortable and lived-in vibe, leather living room couches look plush, and brass accents pair beautifully with antiques and wood patterns.

Trending styles include traditional — classic, elegant designs; mid century modern with minimalist aesthetics and sleek lines; and contemporary, embracing neutral colors and clean lines for casual sophistication. Other favorites include eclectic, bohemian, or rustic farmhouse. 

Comfort and Ergonomics

The best living room couch will be in your favorite color, comfortable to sit on, and invite you to use the space regularly. People can gather in your family room; large sectionals, particularly, provide enough seating for friends. Recliners make an exciting addition to any home too, as you can lay back and relax in your most comfortable position. 

To maximize relaxation, consider comfortable couches with drink holders, bagged and baffled cushions, and charging ports for cellphones and other devices. You can also choose modular furniture to customize the design. 

Materials and Fabrics

Do you have time to maintain your leather or do you have a busy household with kids? There are many couch materials for furniture upholstery, so consider which type will best suit your lifestyle. Synthetic materials such as microfiber sofas are ideal for families. They are durable and easy to clean, while velvet can look aesthetically pleasing in a more formal space. Cotton and tight weave fabrics are also durable but can show stains easily. With pets, leather may be the best upholstery.

Lifestyle Considerations

When selecting pieces, remember that the best living room furniture is functional and meets your needs. If you have kids or stacks of video games, consider furniture with storage. Ottomans are perfect for putting your feet up and for decorative trays. However, one with storage means you can readily hide throws, pillows, and kids’ toys. Select a size that leaves plenty of space to move between the furniture. 

A media center is another way to add a focal point to your room, house your TV, provide storage or a space to display family photos, and make your room feel cozier. If you don’t want your TV as your main focal point, consider a media center that you can close off with a sliding door.

Color Schemes and Decorating Tips

How to pick a couch color for your living room? A timeless option is to select neutral, perhaps earthy, tones. You can easily pair these with bright or patterned accent pieces, whether an armchair, rug, loveseat, drapes, or scatter cushions. Relying on natural hues also means you can switch your accent colors across seasons or occasions. Other trending colors are soft blue or green and, for bolder homeowners, darker, moody palettes or cheerfully bright yellow and red.

Bring the outside in by focusing on nature’s hues and designs. Incorporate functional decor — for example, hanging ceramic bowls as wall art and statement lighting with practical yet eye-catching pieces. Drapes and statement art and sculptures also add interest to living rooms. Quiet luxury is in, along with tasteful maximalism. Opt for artisanal craftsmanship and brass or mixed metals.

Find Your New Living Room Furniture at Home Zone Furniture

Now that you know how to buy furniture, especially living room furniture sets, and what not to do, you can find everything you need to fill your living room or replace your old sofa, including for pets. Ask our friendly team for advice on finding the ideal pieces to suit your interior. Shop online or visit your local Home Zone store today.

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