Last Updated on November 22, 2022 by bethrmartin
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a cozy living room at the end of a long day. A cozy living room is where you can relax and unwind, surrounded by your favorite things. It’s also a great place to entertain guests.
This post will show you my favorite ways to create the perfect cozy living room for yourself. Whether you’re looking for ideas to decorate your existing space or need help creating a new one from scratch, I’ve got you covered.
Get ready to be warm and cozy because this list will have you feeling all the vibes!
How To Create The Perfect Cozy Living Room
Keep Your Color Palette in the Same Family.
To set the right tone, you must select your color palette. For a cozy living room, I recommend sticking to colors in the same family. This creates a cohesive look and feels, creating a relaxed and comforting atmosphere.
Neutral tones such as white, putty, and sage green are excellent choices for cozy living rooms. You can also go for dark, moody tones like charcoal and navy if you want something more daring.
No matter which colors you choose, make sure they complement each other and create a cohesive look. At the end of the day, color is a very personal choice, and you should pick the colors that make you feel the best.
Choose Comfy Seating.
Selecting the correct seating is crucial because this is where you will be spending most of your time, and it will also be the room’s main focal point. You want to make sure it’s cozy and comfortable while also stylish.
You’ll want to keep a few things in mind when choosing your sofa. The first is the size. A sectional sofa is a fantastic option because you can pick the perfect components to suit your space. You can also opt for extra deep seating, which allows you to sink in and be comfortable.
The second is the style. If you’re going for a cozy living room, I recommend opting for a plush, overstuffed sofa. This will create a relaxing and inviting look and be the perfect place to curl up with a book.
Finally, think about the fabric. A cozy living room should be welcoming and warm, so choose a soft and inviting fabric. Performance velvet is always a good choice for creating a cozy vibe because it looks super lush but is also very durable. Jewel tones feel extra sumptuous, so you might want to try a green or blue velvet sofa for a pop of color.
Layer up the blankets.
Now that you have the right couch, you can take it to the next level by adding a plush blanket for cuddling. Not only will this make your sofa extra cozy, but it will also add a pop of color or pattern.
Blankets are an easy way to change the look of your living space, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures. I love the way a chunky knit blanket looks draped over a sofa.
You can also keep a basket filled with cozy blankets and pillows near your couch so you and your guests are always prepared to Netflix and chill.
Embrace Texture.
Layering textures will add depth to the design of your room and make the overall space feel more inviting. Natural materials like wood, marble, brass, and stone are effortless yet luxurious simultaneously.
I like to mix different textures to create an appealing and cohesive space. You can use wood furniture with brass accents, marble table lamps, and a stone fireplace. Or you could try a leather couch with wool pillows, a woven rug, and a concrete coffee table.
The possibilities are endless, so have fun mixing and matching until you find the perfect combination for your cozy living room.
Don’t Forget the Throw Pillows.
Take your furniture to the next level with super comfortable throw pillows. They come in all different sizes, colors, and textures, so you can find the perfect ones to fit your cozy living room.
I like mixing solid colors and patterned pillows to add interest to the space. You can also get creative with different shapes, like square, rectangle, or even round pillows.
Pillows are an easy way to change the look of your room without spending a lot of money. So if you’re ever feeling bored with your space, switch out the pillows!
*Interior Design Pro Tip: When buying an insert for your throw pillows, buy one size larger than your pillow. For example, if your pillow is 18×18, buy a 20×20 insert. Your pillows look fuller and will hold their shape better over time.
Make Space for a Fireplace.
If you’re lucky enough to have a living room with a fireplace, take full advantage of it. It adds warmth and ambiance to the space and is a great place to gather with family and friends.
Ensure your fireplace is in good working order before using it, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can use wood, gas, or electric logs in your fireplace, so choose whichever is best for you.
If you don’t have a real fireplace, don’t worry! You can still create the look with an electric fireplace insert or a faux fireplace. These come in all different styles, so you can find one that fits the overall design of your room.
I live in Charleston, SC where it can be 70 degrees in January, but our non-working fireplace is a charming focal point in our living room either way. I purchased an antique summer cover to match our Art Deco light fixtures, and I love the style it brings to the room.
Include Candles and Scents.
Engage all of your senses by adding some candles to the mix. I love changing scents throughout the year long with the seasons. This subtle change can help to set the mood in your cozy living room.
I like using cozy scents like vanilla, cinnamon, and pine for fall and winter. These warm scents create an inviting atmosphere during the colder months.
If you are worried about an open flame, reed diffusers are a terrific no-stress way to add scent and make a room feel just as welcoming.
Enhance Your Windows With the Right Curtains.
Curtains are not only a great way to dress up your windows, but they can also help make your cozy living room feel even more charming. Heavy curtains will help block out any unwanted noise or light and add an extra layer of warmth to the room.
I like to use sheer curtains in addition to heavy curtains. This way, you can still let in some natural light while still having the option to cozy up the space with some heavier curtains when needed.
Load Up on Books.
There is just something about a moody space filled with books that makes it feel cozy and inviting. It’s almost as if all those pages ask you to sink into your favorite chair and stay awhile.
Books are one of my favorite things to buy while traveling, so being surrounded by my favorite things makes my living room feel extra special.
Books are fantastic as décor because they are as functional as beautiful. I like to organize my books by category and color, which may be a little controversial!
If you’re short on shelf space, try styling your coffee table or fireplace mantel with a few of your favorite titles. You can also use them to fill in any empty corners in your room.
And don’t forget about the cozy nooks we talked about earlier. Those are the perfect place to curl up with a good book.
Bring Nature Indoors.
Adding plants to your cozy living room is a great way to connect with nature and bring some life into the space. Choose plants that are easy to care for so you don’t have to worry about them too much.
I like to use succulents, pothos, air plants, and snake plants because they are all low-maintenance and add a bit of greenery without being overwhelming. Greenery instantly makes a room feel cozier and inviting, adding a relaxing vibe to any space.
Choose the Right Lighting.
The lighting in your room can make a big difference in how cozy it feels. You want to avoid harsh overhead lights, so make sure your primary light fixture is dimmable. Mix in lamps with soft, warm light bulbs to create an inviting ambiance in your cozy living room.
A well-balanced room should have multiple lighting sources, so think of other lighting options, like wall sconces, candles, or a fireplace. You can even use light to create cozy nooks in your room by using floor lamps or table lamps.
Don’t forget to include task lighting around your sofa or favorite reading chair. This will create the ultimate warm and cozy space you will never want to leave.
Bright it All Together With the Right Rug.
A cozy living room is not complete without a rug. Not only does it tie the entire space together, but it also makes the room feel cozier and inviting.
Make sure you select the correct size living room rug to complement your space and furniture. You want about 18 inches of space around the rug’s perimeter, so it doesn’t look too small or cramped.
Opt for a rug with a thicker pile when creating a cozy space. This will feel extra great under your feet and may encourage you to lounge on the floor.
Center Everything Around Your Coffee Table.
Your coffee table is one of the essential pieces of furniture in your cozy living room. It serves as a place to set down your coffee or wine and a great place to style with books, plants, and other décor items.
Since the coffee table will be the central focus of your living space, make sure it’s the right size for the room. You don’t want something too big or too small, or the proportions of the entire room will feel off.
Surround Yourself With Art.
Adding personal style to your living room will make it feel like home, and one of the best ways to do that is with wall decor. Choose pieces that have personal meaning or that you love looking at. Art doesn’t have to be expensive, either. You can find affordable prints online or even make your own!
Another great way to personalize your space is by hanging family photos. They add a touch of warmth and make the room feel more pleasant. Print them in black and white and hang them as part of a gallery wall for a cohesive, modern look.
The only rule regarding art is that it makes you happy. So surround yourself with pieces that make you smile, and your cozy living room will be complete.
Go Bold With Pattern.
Cozy doesn’t mean plain, so don’t be afraid to layer many patterns. Your living room should be a reflection of your style, and that includes bold prints and patterns.
Wallpaper is a great way to add visual interest and texture. You can also find beautiful printed furniture, like an upholstered chair or ottoman. Ensure the overall design is cohesive by sticking to a limited color palette.
If unsure where to start, find your favorite prints and pick a color family. Then, start mixing and matching until you find the perfect combination.
*Interior Design Pro Tip: When pattern mixing, you must have some negative space in your room so the eye can rest. Otherwise, it will feel too busy and cluttered. So, balance out your patterns with solid colors or neutral finishes.
Conclusion
Everyone deserves to feel relaxed and comfortable in their living rooms, and hopefully, you found some inspiration from this post.
Remember, cozy doesn’t mean boring!
So have fun mixing and matching different textures, patterns, and colors to create a space that is uniquely yours.
Sometimes, you need a little tweak to make a huge impact in your space. A new cozy candle and chunky blanket can go a long way if you don’t have time (or money) for a full makeover.
The best rooms come together over time, so don’t feel rushed or afraid to experiment until you find what makes you feel at home.
Thanks for reading!
