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Creating a cozy living room does not have to be directly related to its size. Many people believe that if we have ample space, we cannot create cozy areas. That is a serious mistake that makes us not even try to change our decoration.
However, even if we turn to dictionaries, we will find that nowhere cozy is defined as something small, but as comfortable and warm. That is why the relationship between size and comfort is not linked at all.
Image source: Harpers Interiors
We can enjoy a large cozy living room. The styles and designs of these are very varied, and all come to the same result: provide us with the greatest possible comfort.
Although each person has a different concept of comfort, many elements remain constant and never go out of style. Today we will see some cozy living room ideas that will allow us to break with our orthodox pattern.
Apply different textures using covers and tapestries
Image source: David Weekley Homes
The more layers we apply in our living room, the cozier it will look. We refer to mantles, tapestries, cloth decorations, covers, etc. There is no way for cotton to disappoint us when it comes to generating heat.
Image source: Savvy Surrounding Style
In cold regions, skins tend to be a more common choice, but in our case, we don’t have to go that far. With an imitation that gives us the pattern we want will be enough to add a little color.
If you don’t know which accessories to select, we recommend options that never fail, such as cushions or carpets.
No one can be left without a seat
Image source: Perfect Stays
Every comfy living room requires to have enough spaces where you can sit and relax for hours. A large sofa is always welcome to make everything more comfortable.
On top of our furniture to sit, we can start applying the previous advice of the layers. Place all kinds of cushions and covers that allow you to wrap yourself during cold afternoons.
If your sofa does not meet that we can sleep on it, then we should consider changing it. The following recommendations are from the furniture manufacturer La-Z Boy, who have a wide range of options from the most luxurious to the simplest styles.
Hard floors do not work with a cozy design
Image source: Caroline Harrison Designs Inc
Let’s face it, we all know that wood and tile floors look exceptional. However, these are cold and very hard for our environment. If we want to heat the environment, we have to add at least one carpet.
The carpets have two fundamental functions in any space, the first being to generate warmth, and the second is to create a delimited area where living room activities will take place.
If you want it to stand out, get a plush rug with a striking print. If you don’t find a single design that you like, you can stack them one on top of the other. It will generate much more heat and will be more comfortable.
Baskets are a cozy decorative element
Image source: Giffin & Crane General Contractors, Inc.
A handmade basket with textures and colors is a way to create a more rustic and peaceful environment. Not only that, but they are a very practical solution when we need orderly storage space.
The styles of baskets are very varied, and depending on their size, we can storage from small ornaments to covers and magazines.
Win a breath of fresh air
Image source: Beth Singer Photographer Inc.
If we don’t have direct contact with nature from our living room, we have to create it. The easiest way is with elements of it, such as flowers, stones, sand, branches, and in general any material that has not been altered by man.
If we find it very difficult to add real natural elements, we can always opt for imitations that also give us a feeling of warmth.
In case we have a lot of space because of a high room, it is best to use large plants that can occupy these empty areas. The only advice is that if we use real plants, we should keep them well lit.
Create a cozy living room with two paint colors
We can reduce or expand the space of our living room a bit with some visual tricks using paint. The mixture of a base color with a finish of a few inches at the top of the wall (before the ceiling) will subtract space, while if we paint a few inches inside the ceiling, we will achieve the opposite effect.
Say goodbye to small coffee tables
Image source: Lux Decor
Instead of using small storage furniture, such as coffee tables, we have to opt for something that suits our big living room.
A large shelf, like an ottoman, will help us cover larger wall extensions. Although we can always place, a tray on top so that it works like an inn.
Reduce the available area by separating it with the furniture
Image source: JS Interiors LLC
In order not to alter our room much, we can use the furniture as a separating element. A console table should not be placed only on the back of a sofa; in fact, if it is located in free parts we can separate different environments. Not a fan of open concepts? Then try this option.
Sectional furniture allows you to build your dream living room
Image source: Van Metre Homes
There are times when we do not get all our furniture to combine. To avoid this, it is best to work with sectional chairs. In this way, we can use the amount of furniture we need, give it the form we want, and make it as cozy as we wish.
The charm of natural light
Image source: SHIFT Interiors
No cozy modern living room can be complete without a good dose of natural light. Integration with nature, as we said previously, is essential to make our environment look more welcoming.
The lack of light generates sad and small spaces. Try to keep the windows open and clear so that as much light as possible enters.
Take the opportunity to create smaller spaces
Image source: Brad Weesner Design
Our large living room can be ideal for organizing an elegant celebration. In the party rooms, multiple tables and chairs that give each group of guests some privacy occupy the space. We can do the same with the right budget, then opting for many small tables instead of a single large one.
You can also apply this idea with armchairs. Obviously, instead of being located around dining tables, these cores will be distributed around coffee tables.
The disorder is our ally
Image source: Enviable Designs Inc.
When it comes to cozy living rooms, there can be a few misplaced blankets. The loose covers and blankets on the armchairs and tables create a carefree environment, in which people feel safe to relax. During the cold days, these loose fabrics and skins will be perfect for clothing.
Cover large spaces with bookshelves
Image source: Chloe Warner
When we have a lot of space available, having books is not a problem. A couple of bookshelves located near the walls may be all we need to fill empty areas. Also, the books give a refined touch to the environment.
Technology cannot be a distraction
Image source: Thomas Towne Reavey, Inc.
In a living room that seeks to be as cozy as possible, technology has no place. Usually, people install large entertainment systems with televisions, and this result in people not socializing in this space.
The TV and any other technological device should be in a separate room or studio that is exclusively for this purpose. Our cozy living room should stand out for social interactions.
Although we can place the TV in the living room, it is best to hide it with some furniture or recess it in the wall.
All furniture must be complemented
Image source: Upscale Construction
The best when we place our furniture is that no piece is left alone. These will look like desert islands that lack something. A sofa cannot be without a side table or it will appear that we place it randomly to fill a space.
To make our decoration gain a sense of structure, we must complement each element. For example, if a table looks very lonely, a couple of lamps on it will give it a new use.
When our sofa is not close to the wall, we must be able to hide its back. Sofa tables exist for this, but we must ensure that they have the appropriate height to cover the necessary imperfections, and not go over the back of the sofa.
Let the wood retain its texture
Image source: Cornerstone Builders Inc
As with polished floors, the smooth wood in furniture makes these look stiff and lifeless. Of course, for a modern environment, it may work to eliminate textures, but if we want something cozy, it is best to keep them. Opaque finishes, in general, provide a more cozy feeling than reflective ones.
However, we can still opt for a stylish look with the use of textures, just that instead of using wood, replace it with fabrics. The upholstery and blankets are perfect to add a little shape to the living room without having to reach the rustic end.
Circular shapes provide us with shelter
Image source: Mahoney Architects & Interiors
The enclosed spaces give us a sense of security and are perfect for gathering people. A semicircular armchair location will make us feel that we are in our bedroom.
May your arms have the rest they deserve
Image source: McCroskey Interiors
There is nothing worse than wanting to rest sitting and that the support of the arms is not at the right height. Before purchasing any furniture, it is best to test your comfort.
This does not only apply to the arms. The back also tends to be a delicate part when it comes to comfort. If the inclination is wrong, or if the backrest is not soft enough, we will end up with severe pain.
Ceiling fans should not be on us.
Image source: Ecohabit
Although they are refreshing, ceiling fan blades are not nice above our heads. There is always the feeling that they will fall, so they do not allow us to relax completely. In areas with many armchairs, you should use other ventilation systems, such as foot fans, air conditioners or windows.
For additional comfort, stack several cushions
Image source: Hammer Architects
Stacking many cushions and pillows will create areas that we can use to rest comfortably. When the dream invades us, we can immerse ourselves in their softness and let ourselves go.
If we invest in new pillows, we will always be prepared for casual meetings. We can also stack a large number of cushions only when we need it and then return them to their place.
Fireplaces are the most welcoming element of all
Image source: Beckwith Interiors
Probably the coziest and elegant of all building elements is a fireplace. During the cold days, we can light it so that its fire warms us. Of course, this is an aggregate that we must think in advance when designing our home, but it has its benefits assured in the cold regions.
Reform your sofa
Image source: Niche Interiors
It is time to get rid of the old sofa and acquire a new one. Opt for a large one that offers seating for many people. Try to keep it in line with the rest of the decoration so it doesn’t get all the attention.
If we are not yet ready to change our armchair, then we must be willing to acquire others of reduced sizes to have enough space to sit. We cannot leave our visits standing. Your cozy living room should be a space where everyone can be.
That the textures are not only on the pillows
Image source: Lucy Call
The chairs, tables, shelves, even the painting of our living room can have texture. Including it only in some upholsteries will make it look like a shy aggregate, so we should use texture whenever we can.
Have the blankets ready
Image source: David Campbell Building Pty Ltd
A movie night is a perfect time to disconnect from the world. We do not want it to be ruined by something as simple to prevent as the cold. Keep additional blankets on hand for these unforeseen events. You can place them in an easily accessible shelf or drawer.
For movie theaters, the best is black
If we plan to dedicate an entire room to watching movies (or just to make it cold and perfect for sleeping), dark colors are our best allies. Black, cold, and muted shades will make us sleepy, or eliminate all existing distractions.
Like blankets, have additional tables
Image source: RKI Interior Design
Side tables should not be missing at our meetings. Our guests should not put drinks directly on the floor or on the armrest of the sofa. Then you can’t blame them if they spill any liquid on the carpet
Artificial light will make our room shine
Image source: Jackie Di Cara Design
We must ensure that, unless we want something to sleep, our room is prepared with multiple lights. Our cozy living room must have at least three varieties of different lamps that allow us to cover every possible corner.
If we do not want the light to directly affect the environment, we can always place lampshades or failing that, install dim lights.
Get ready to spend hours in your living room
Image source: R Brant Design
With the right mix of some of the elements and advice in this guide, we will be able to make a living room worthy of an architecture magazine. Your guests will appreciate having a beautiful place to meet, and you can relax whenever you want inside your home.
If you liked this detailed article on having a cozy living room, you should check out these as well:
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- French country living room ideas to try in your lovely home
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