5 min readA living room has to accommodate a lot of life. Truly a multipurpose space, it needs to be a quiet theater for TV, a bespoke den for hosting, and a cozy place to lounge or read. With all the roles that the space has to satisfy, it’s no wonder homeowners struggle to find the perfect way to decorate.
“A beautiful living room that’s uncomfortable to sit in, difficult to navigate, or poorly lit will never truly feel stylish, no matter how visually appealing it may be,” says designer Mindy Kelson O’Connor. “No matter how beautiful a room is, if people have to do gymnastics to make it work, absolutely no one will focus on the pretty elements.”
Designers are often called in when style and function become too incongruent to ignore, so you can bet that they’ve seen their share of tragic, tacky, and disorganized living rooms. “A room that’s not functional is quite literally useless,” says Rachel Sherman, principal at Rachel Sloane Interiors. “Think about rooms that you love hanging out in, then consider why. It’s probably because they're easy and comfortable to be in, while also feeling beautiful.”
If that vision doesn’t match your current reality, read on as four designers share the biggest mistakes you could be making in your living room—and how to fix them. Put this advice into practice, and your living room may actually do it all.
Additional copy by Alyssa Khan.
Mistake #1: Not Thinking Through the Layout
In the rush to get settled into your home, there’s a good chance that the layout you landed on when you first moved in is still the layout you’re working with now. But if the furniture resembles an obstacle course or creates the feeling of too much airiness, it’s time to reconsider where everything is positioned.
“Furniture that doesn't encourage conversation, or doesn't consider flow, can feel uninviting. A good layout supports both socializing and solitude,” says Sarah Magness, the principal and founder of Studio Magness. The layout should be as intuitive as possible, and there should always be a surface near a seat where you can place a drink.
Do you entertain often? Sherman would make sure you have seating solutions for every guest, whether that means stashing two ottomans between the coffee table and fireplace (she recommends moveable pieces!) or upgrading a loveseat to a sectional. Don’t get too caught up in how things are “supposed to” look; find a solution based on how people will move through the room.
“It’s easy to become overly focused on symmetry or anchoring everything around a central fireplace or architectural element,” O’Connor says. “But a truly functional living room prioritizes conversation and ease. Designing solely for a visual focal point often means sacrificing seating arrangements that foster relaxed socializing.”
Mistake #2: Relying Solely on Overhead Lighting
While overhead lighting makes it easy to transition from day to night, it doesn’t do much to add ambiance. “This makes a living room feel like a conference room instead of a warm gathering in someone’s home,” Sherman says. If you’d rather feel warm and cozy—and this is the place for that, after all—then invest in alternative sources.
“Layered lighting is so important, especially in a living room, because it allows for flexibility and creates mood,” O’Connor says. “A central overhead decorative fixture or two, depending on the space’s length, is great for lively parties or game nights. It can also create visual interest and style.” Add a floor lamp beside a side chair for reading, a table lamp near a sectional, and a pair of sconces flanking a fireplace, and you’re all set.
Mistake #3: Furniture That Isn’t Intended for Living
No one wants to worry about stains on their sofa when friends are over to watch the big game, and yet, it’s common to secretly wish for those squeaky plastic sofa covers of the past whenever there’s a party. If you’re someone who wants to guarantee that furniture stays pristine while hosting regularly, then consider investing in finishes that let you exhale.
“Using precious or high-maintenance fabrics discourages everyday use,” Magness says. “Fortunately, many high-performance fabrics are now designed to handle everyday wear and spills, so there's no need to sacrifice durability for style.”
Speaking of creating harmony between form and function, be honest about how comfortable your sofa truly is. If it feels too rigid, too deep, or too shallow, then it might be time for a change. “An elegant sofa loses its charm if guests are constantly adjusting or grimacing while seated,” O’Connor adds.
Mistake #4: A Poorly-Sized Rug and a Lack of Pillows
The textiles of a living room can really make or break the space, particularly when it comes to the size of the rug. It’s not unheard of to have one that’s too small, making it so the coffee table floats on top while the rest of the furniture awkwardly surrounds it. “This unintentionally makes the room feel smaller,” Sherman says.
The replacement rug should be large enough to sit at the center of the room, with the main furnishings all touching it. “Items against the wall don’t need the rug underneath as well, but the center of the room should have abundant coverage,” Sherman adds. A well-sized rug will make the room feel more complete, alongside pillows for softness and layering. If you do fall in love with an impractical fabric, this is your opportunity to go for it. “Use highly decorative or expensive fabrics for drapery or decorative pillows,” Magness says. Again, it’s all about finding a balance.
Mistake #5: Putting Your Furniture Against the Wall
Interior designer Louis Lin wants you to stop putting your sofa’s back against the wall, literally. Instead of focusing on maximizing the amount of floor space, Lin suggests shifting your attention to the room’s “spatial dialogue.”
“The goal isn’t to maximize emptiness, but rather to choreograph the spatial flow and create visual rhythm,’ says Lin. “Always float a sofa off the wall, even by a few inches to reduce visual clutter.”
Intentionally placing your furniture not only leads to a more curated feel, but also allows you to create pathways for physical and visual flow, minimizing overcrowding and maximizing ease. After all, you shouldn’t be dodging corners in your own home.
