21 Tips For An Ultra-Cozy Living Room
As the weather gets cooler and we’re all spending more time indoors, it’s the perfect time to make your home as cozy as possible.
And what’s the coziest room in the house? The living room, of course! Whether you’re lounging with your family, reading a book, or having a movie night, it’s important that your living room feels like a comfortable oasis.
1. Layer Up
The more layers, the cozier the space. Start with a great rug, then layer in pillows, throws, and even drapes.
This living room by Emily Henderson is a great example of how to do this without it feeling overdone.
The colors are all kept in a similar palette, which makes the space feel cohesive.
2. Add A Furry Friend
If you ask me, a cozy living room isn’t complete without a furry friend.
Whether you’re a dog or cat person, a pet adds an extra layer of love and comfort to your space.
You can even use your pet’s favorite colors and patterns to inspire your decor.
3. Choose A Deep
It’s no secret that a deep sofa is a cozy sofa.
Not only does it give you more space to curl up, but it also gives you more space to add pillows and throws.
There are so many different ways to make your sofa feel like the focal point of the room, and choosing a deep sofa is a great place to start.
Rich Color
If you’re a fan of color, don’t be afraid to use it in your living room. Rich, saturated colors can actually make a space feel cozier.
In this living room designed by Emily Henderson, the deep teal velvet sofa is the anchor of the room and the foundation for the rest of the colors.
The key is to use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.
This is called an analogous color scheme and it creates a serene, harmonious look in a room.
4. Add A Few Throws
You can never have too many throws in the living room! This is one of the best ways to add texture and warmth to your space.
Not to mention, they’re perfect for snuggling up with on the couch.
Drape them over the back of your sofa, roll them up in a basket, or fold them and display them on a blanket ladder.
You can even add a few more to the mix by layering them on top of your area rug.
5. Choose A Warm Rug
A soft, plush rug is a must-have for a cozy living room.
Rugs add softness and warmth to the room, and they can help to define the space and ground your furniture.
A thick, high-pile rug is perfect for creating a cozy, inviting feel in the room.
If you have a small living room, you can still use a rug to create a cozy focal point, just be sure to choose one that fits the space.
6. Add Some Texture
Texture is a great way to add visual interest to a room and make it feel extra cozy. Plus, it’s an easy way to layer in some extra warmth.
You can add texture to your living room in a variety of ways.
Some of my favorites include using throw pillows and blankets, area rugs, and curtains with different textures.
You can also add texture with items like baskets, wood decor, and woven wall hangings.
7. Go For A Rustic Look
If you’re all about the idea of a cozy living room, but you’re not a fan of the typical modern decor, a rustic look may be perfect for you.
This style is all about bringing in natural materials and a little bit of a farmhouse vibe.
You can easily create a rustic look in your living room by incorporating a few key pieces.
For example, bring in a large wood coffee table, a shiplap accent wall, or a large, statement-making leather sofa.
You can also add in a little bit of rustic decor, like a wood-bead chandelier or large, galvanized metal wall decor.
8. Paint The Walls
If you don’t already have a favorite paint color, it can be hard to know which shade will make a room feel cozy.
But, a good rule of thumb is to look for colors that are soft and calming.
If you’re not sure what color you want, start by picking a shade of white.
White is a great color for a cozy living room because it helps create a sense of openness and light, and it also provides a great backdrop for other colors and textures.
If you want to add a little more color, consider painting just one wall, or even just the trim.
This is a great way to add a pop of color without overwhelming the room.
9. Keep The Light Soft
A lot of overhead light can make a space feel cold, so keep your living room lighting soft.
Add a few lamps to the space and consider getting smart bulbs that you can dim.
I love to keep my living room lights at about 50% in the evenings. It makes the space feel so much more inviting.
10. Add Some Greenery
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, adding a few houseplants to your living room is a great way to bring in some color and texture.
If you’re worried about keeping them alive, there are plenty of low-maintenance plant options to choose from.
If you really can’t commit to a live plant, you can still bring in a pop of green with some faux greenery.
I love the way a fiddle leaf fig tree looks in a living room, and you can find some really convincing faux versions online.
11. Go For A Soft Sofa
If you’re a fan of a firm couch, you might want to reconsider. A soft, sink-into version is the ultimate choice for a cozy living room.
Incorporate a sofa that is plush and comfortable, and don’t forget to add lots of throw pillows and blankets.
12. Add A Few Cushions
Speaking of soft, plush textures, it doesn’t get much better than a few throw pillows.
These are a great way to add a pop of color to your living room and, of course, they’re the perfect place to rest your head after a long day.
Mix and match different colors, textures and patterns to create a look that’s all your own.
Just be sure to stick to the same color palette so it doesn’t look too busy.
13. Add A Few Books
If you’re a bookworm, you likely have a few bookshelves in your home.
But, even if you don’t, adding a few books to your coffee table or end table can make the room feel extra cozy.
You can stack a few books, or add a small pile to one corner of the table.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to fill your space with books, but a few here and there can make the room feel extra homey.
14. Choose A Dark Wood
If you’re going for a cozy space, dark wood is the way to go. It can be used in furniture, built-ins, and even as a base for your fireplace.
In this living room designed by Leanne Ford, the wood really warms up the space and creates a rich focal point.
The white walls and light furniture keep the room from feeling too dark.
15. Go For A Classic Look
The classic look is always in style.
This living room, designed by Emily Henderson, is a great example of how to create a classic living room that’s still cozy.
The blue and white color scheme is so inviting, and the traditional furniture pieces are timeless.
The large area rug and the throw pillows on the sofa add a lot of texture to the space, making it feel extra cozy.
If you want to create a classic living room, stick to a simple color palette and choose traditional furniture pieces.
Then, add in some cozy accessories to make the space feel inviting.
16. Add Some Candles
Is there anything cozier than a room filled with candles? I think not.
If you’re a little hesitant to light a bunch of candles at once, consider getting some flameless ones instead.
They look just like the real thing, and you don’t have to worry about blowing them out before you leave the house.
17. Choose A Few Pieces You Love
Filling your space with only pieces you adore is a surefire way to make it feel ultra-cozy.
“I think it’s really important to make sure that you love every piece in your space,” says Riggins.
“And if you don’t, then it’s time to find something that you do love.”
Take your time decorating, and don’t feel pressured to fill the space all at once.
Instead, focus on finding a few key pieces you love, and then fill in the rest of the room as you go.
Conclusion
A cozy living room is a happy one. It’s a place that you can’t wait to come home to — a place that makes you feel good the second you step through the door. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your living room refresh with some of our cozy-living-room ideas!
