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Your living room is the central space of your home, a place where you and your family probably spend more time than any other room and the accents you choose can significantly change its atmosphere. With a little thought, you can transform your living space into a haven of style and a beautiful reflection of your personality.
Once you have furnished your living room with major pieces such as sofas, you can then focus on the accessories. These finishing touches can make all the difference in creating a stunning living room. Accent furniture is one choice, but you have a plethora of other options to choose from, such as mirrors, clocks, rugs, vases, wall art, storage baskets, and soft furnishings. These items are key elements in enhancing the overall aesthetic of your living room. Some accessories can be a quick, seasonal fix such as some new cushions, a cosy throw and decorative items but let’s look at some of the more dramatic options.
WHAT ACCESSORIES DO I NEED IN A LIVING ROOM?
01
Extra Seating
Extra seating is always useful, so you could choose an accent chair, a bench or even a small stool. The most important things to get right are the proportions of the chair in comparison to your sofa, and how it fits into the space. It doesn’t have to match your sofa – in fact, it can often be better to get a complementary colour rather than trying to match the same colour in a different fabric. A bench can be a fantastic option – it can be positioned anywhere, used for seating or for displaying carefully chosen items and a small wooden or ceramic stool again can be used as seating but also as a side table. Extra seating can be beautiful and versatile.
02
Mirrors
Would you like to make your room look more spacious and airier? If yes, then you can use a mirror as a solution. You can either lean it against a wall or hang it above a fireplace to create a significant difference in the ambience. If your room features a large window, you can position the mirror on the opposite side to reflect additional light and the expansive blue skies. Moreover, you can even hang lights outside the window and have them reflect in your mirror.
03
Lighting
If you want to create a more appealing and cosier atmosphere in your living room, adding some secondary light sources such as floor lamps or table lamps will help achieve this. Unlike ceiling lights, these lighting options can provide you with a warm and flattering glow that can enhance your room's overall look and feel. You can place a table lamp on a sideboard or side table to get a soft glow in the morning or evening. Floor lamps are perfect near a chair or the end of a sofa, making reading much easier without overhead lights beaming down.
04
Coffee and Side Tables
Incorporating coffee and side tables as accents can elevate your room's style and functionality. Choose tables that match or contrast with your existing decor, ensuring they complement the overall theme. Consider size, opting for proportions that fit your seating area. Reinforce your room's theme or colour scheme through the tables and their accessories. Maintain balance and symmetry and ensure that the placement of the tables doesn't obstruct the natural flow of movement in the room and leave enough space around the tables for easy manoeuvring. Decorate the tables with carefully chosen accessories such as coffee table books, candles, plants, or decorative trays. This not only adds visual interest but also makes the tables feel integrated into the overall design of the room.
05
Rugs
Integrating an area rug as an accent in your living room enhances comfort and aesthetic appeal. Select a rug that complements the room's style, whether modern, traditional, or eclectic. Consider the size carefully, ensuring it fits the seating area and provides a balanced visual impact. Rugs can serve as a focal point, anchoring furniture arrangements and tying the room together. Experiment with textures and patterns to add depth and interest. Coordinate the rug's colours with your existing palette for a cohesive look. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have hard floors, you can layer rugs over carpet to introduce a dynamic element. Ultimately, incorporating a well-chosen floor rug contributes to a cosy, visually pleasing living space.
Incorporating any of these five accent ideas into your living room can help you add style, personality, and functionality to the heart of your home. Each accent can contribute to the overall aesthetic and help create a space that is uniquely yours. So, experiment with these ideas, mix and match different elements, and watch as your living room transforms into a personalized sanctuary that truly reflects your lifestyle and design preferences.
