6 Cosy Living Room Ideas
Interior design tips on creating a cosy living room. It’s staring to get cold outside, the leaves are falling off the tree’s and the nights are drawing in. Follow these simple seasonal changes to easily transform your living room into a cosy retreat to enjoy snuggling up in, with family and friends over the Autumn and Winter months. From mood lighting to soft furnishings, learn how to create a cosy living room environment and make your space more enticing for those chilly winter nights. I really believe that happy homes make happy people, so I hope these tips are helpful to you.
1. COLOUR
After a long autumnal or winters day, there is nothing better than relaxing in a cosy living room that feels warm and relaxing. If you want to repaint your room for a warm feel then consider using warm, deep colours like plums and rich purples paired with mink or soft green or warm pinks paired with grey to create the feeling of a more intimate atmosphere.
If your living room is a good size, one of the easiest ways to create a more cosy feel is by creating multiple smaller zones within the space. Try making a feature of the fireplace wall using wallpaper or painting the wall a deep, vibrant colour or choose a tone a few shades darker than the rest of the room. Creating those cosy zones within your lounge will not only give the room a focal point, but will help draw the eye in and create an intimate atmosphere.
You don’t have to redecorate, you could change out your cushions and throws to add pops of warm colours such as mustard yellows and golds paired with a blue living room, or opt for warm whites or mink tones for elegant neutrals. You can add colour through your accessories as well, such as books, vases and flowers.
You can grab some great textured cushions like these from John Lewis. You can read more about which colours make you feel happy here.
2. LAYER TEXTURES
The best way to create a warm, cosy living room is to layer different textures. Layer textures by adding extra cushions and throws in a mix of faux-fur, velvet, felt and chunky knits to create a snug feel. You can add silk, wool and cashmere for an elegant and luxurious finish. You can add sheepskin rugs and faux reindeer hides to the back of your sofas to add that extra layer of cosiness. Ikea sell fabulous sheepskin rugs which are always my go to and I love Cox and Cox’s faux reindeer hides.
3. ADD RUGS
If you have hard flooring then you want to add rugs to create warmth and texture to transform your living room. Rugs also create an extra layer over carpet, so don’t think you can’t have rugs if you have carpet! The most important tip for you is make sure your rug is big enough, as a minimum the front legs of your sofa and your whole coffee table should fit on the rug. You can keep your rug neutral with a plain colour or a subtle pattern or add a fun pop of colour or bold print. Choose an abstract rug to add a contemporary feel or go for a chunky knit wool rug or thick pile for warmth. It’s a good idea to match the style of rug to the style of furniture you have in that space. So for a farm house choose a chunky knit and for a new build opt for a modern abstract. You can get some fabulous washable rugs now which are practical if you have a family or dog.
4. METALLICS
Add warm metallic tones like brass, copper and gold to introduce a luxury feel. You can add metallic accents through candle holders, metallic thread cushions, lamps, lampshades, picture frames as a few examples! Or opt for a statement wallpaper or curtain or blind fabric with a metallic element in it’s design. Metallics will create reflection of light to help create a warm ambience.
5. LAYERED LIGHTING
It gets dark so early in the winter so it’s important to ensure that your cosy living room is well lit. It’s best to have soft layers of light. Put ceiling lights on dimmers and add layers and different scales of lighting around the room to include table lamps and floor lamps layered next to sofa’s and chairs or to light up a dark corner. Use LED bulbs in warm white to add warmth and create a cosy atmosphere. If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your lounge then this can be a good light source and focal point. This stunning glass and metallic lamp by AV Astley does just the job.
5. UPDATE CURTAINS
You don’t have to change your whole room scheme for the cooler months but you consider year round options for your living room, such as swapping out lightweight curtains in the summer months for heavier weight, lined curtains for the winter. It’s a great idea to close your curtains when it starts to get dark to create a warm, cosy feeling. Consider using warm colours for your winter curtains such as caramels, yellows, oranges and purples to create a warmer feeling. These navy velvet curtains do just the job.
For more interior styling tips check out this blog. If you would like help creating a cosy living room, I would love to help you, then have a look at the different packages I offer here or get in touch.
