A living room is built for curling up and chilling out, so it’s essential to give your room a welcoming feel. A cosy look means something different to all of us: it could be deep, enveloping colour; soft, comforting texture or simple, unrefined shapes.
If your living room is a good size, you can afford to be experimental with rich colour. Warm shades, such as reds and yellows, can transform your room with a comforting mood, whereas cool colours, such as blues and pale greys, can have a soothing feel. Deep shades, such as purples, dark greys and greens, will create a luxurious look that can transform your living room into an indulgent sanctuary.
For a quick update, adding a variety of textures is the most straightforward way to up your living room’s cosy factor. Chunky-knit throws and soft cushion covers will transform your sofa into a snuggle-friendly oasis, while woollen rugs will feel cosy underfoot. Choosing seating in a tactile fabric, such as leather or velvet, will lend your room a more sumptuous feel.
Adding prints that are synonymous with cheerful country style can be another simple way to make your living room feel more inviting. Choose either floral or checked prints to give your room a more traditional look, or combine both for more relaxed, boho style.
The focal point of a living room in a period home is usually an open fireplace or a woodburner, which inevitably creates a cosy feel. If your room has a fireplace, make the most of this comforting feature by positioning seating facing towards it. If your room doesn’t have a fireplace, position sofas and chairs to face each other to create a more sociable and inviting layout.
Warm red living room
The effect of red walls is instantly warming. White woodwork and accessories freshens and sharpens the look.
Similar paint
Farrow & Ball
Deep blue living room
Blues can create a slightly cooling effect in a room but by combining it with gentle pastels and plenty of texture and accessories, you can create an alluring sense of depth, as this blue room shows.
Similar mirror
The French Bedroom Company
Comfortable living room
Shape and texture are just as important as colour when trying to create an inviting living room. This pair of upholstered wing armchairs with squashy cushions are a classic example: their rounded forms look comfortably padded and the wool fabric begs to be touched.
Similar chairs
Sweetpea & Willow
Living room with corner sofa
An L-shaped sofa is not only a clever way to provide maximum seating for large numbers in a confined space; its shape automatically creates a sense of togetherness. You can achieve the same sort of effect with two freestanding sofas set at right angles to each other.
Similar modular sofa
Sofa Workshop
Cosy country living room
Upholstered, button-back furniture is another way to create a cosy, warm look. Ramp up the indulgent mood with candlelight on the mantelpiece.
Similar sofas
Wesley Barrell
Textural living room
A palette of soft neutrals can look remarkably cocooning; team slubby linens with aged teak and matt paint.
Bold accent living room
Deep red curtains against yellow walls give this room a warm look, while the arrangement of sofas facing each other creates a snug seating area.
Country style living room
The exposed red brick of the inglenook fireplace makes it the focal point of this traditional living room. A
sofa covered in a contemporary floral fabric and vibrant cushions keeps the look up to date.
Modern monochrome living room
The dark furnishings and soft textures in this living room create an intimate evening space.
Barn-style living room
Blue sofas and a traditional patterned rug give this country-style room a cheerful, warm feel. Unpainted beams and a wooden coffee table continue the rustic theme.
White living room with floral accents
An upholstered footstool doubles as a coffee table in this welcoming classic room. Floral fabric on the sofa adds a touch of country-style charm.
Modern country living room
White walls and smart furniture create a modern country feel in this stylish living room. Simple neutral sofas are decorated with cosy shaggy cushions.
Country-cottage living room
This cosy cottage living room has been given modern touches. An inglenook fireplace and exposed beams set a rustic tone, while a white squashy sofa, a smart coffee table and a leather wingback have stylish appeal.
Eclectic traditional living room
A soft palette of cream on walls and floors gives this room a soothing mood, but pops of red ensure it has a warm feel, too. A mix of floral and checked prints give this living room a country look.
Modern neutral living room
Off-white walls and sofas keep this look calm, while natural textures in the form of a wooden coffee table and marble floor tiles add some warmth. Bookcases on either side of the fireplace ground the room with symmetry.
Cosy country living room
Pretty floral cushion covers lift the dark grey sofa in this room. Gilt picture frames and a traditional rug create a cosy, vintage style look.
