It’s safe to say over the last couple of years I have become a little obsessed with my living room. I have always wanted the perfect space – the perfect sanctuary to relax in. I wanted the perfect room to have guests spend time in and above all I wanted it cosy and calming.
I think this comes down to having our living room turned into a playroom for so many years since having our little man. From the minute a baby comes into your life your living room is taken over by ‘stuff’. At that age, it will be baby toys and baby bouncers. Then when they get bigger a lot of their bigger toys take over the room because that’s where you spend most of your time.
It’s only been in the last few weeks – since Christmas actually, that we have managed to claim our living room back. We had a big declutter and we are now at the stage where our little man is happy for the majority of his toys to be in his bedroom. The rest we can hide in our under the stairs cupboard (also in the living room). It was time to make it ours again.
It’s a work in progress and so far we have got rid of some furniture and put in a fireplace – something I have wanted since we moved in five years ago. There are still things I want to do but that will be a whole other blog post when it’s complete.
I’ve spent many an hour on Pinterest making plans and have learnt a few things along the way. So today I share with you 8 must-have items for your living room.
Must-Have Items
Coffee table
Whether it’s in the form of a table in the middle of the room or a nest of tables at the side of the room, a coffee table is a must-have. There is nothing more annoying than not having somewhere to put your drinks, both in your own home and when you’re a guest in someone else’s house. Whether it is a statement piece of something more subtle, there is so much beautiful wooden furniture around that there is plenty to choose from.
TV storage
Televisions these days are bigger and better than ever and they are usually one of the main features of the living room. Some people like to have it on show whilst others like to hide it away, out of sight. Others (like us) have it on TV wall mounting. These days there is a multitude of options available, and it’s up to the individual how they prefer to have it on display (or not!)
Shelves
Shelves are a really handy addition to a living room that not everybody has. The most recent trend is to use them to display framed photographs. I think this is a really great way to show off your art of family photos. Other uses can be for books or vases – the options are endless.
Lamps
If you want a cosy room then you will need a couple of lamps at least. If you are anything like me, you’ll hate the ‘big light’ being on, so I always opt for my smaller lamps to give a more relaxed feel to the room.
Mirrors
I’m a huge mirror fan. I have them in most rooms. They are a great way to make a small space bigger and a darker space brighter. Any space that might need filling on the wall can be filled with a mirror, they are a timeless addition – and really handy at times too!
Rugs
I think you’re either a fan of rugs or not. As you can probably guess, I am! Whilst they can make a room look smaller, they also make them look extremely cosy and they immediately make a room feel warmer. And of course, if they’re long piled rugs, they feel fabulous of your bare feet.
Cushions and throws
It’s a standing joke in our house that I’m obsessed with cushions and throws. I absolutely love them. To me, a sofa isn’t complete without a selection of cushions. Throws don’t have to be placed over the sofa but folded nicely on the arm, or on the back. They give a cosy feel to the room and are perfect to snuggle under on a colder evening.
Flowers
I never used to buy myself flowers. Since I’ve had my living room back I buy myself a bunch every week. There is something about having fresh flowers in the room that I absolutely love. It brings life to the room when there is no one in it and they are always so welcoming.
There are lots of wonderful furniture ideas on the Furniture In Fashion website if you are struggling for inspiration.
So there we have my list of must-have items for your living room. Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments.
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Written in collaboration