Five styling tips for decorating your living room
The word living room says it all. It’s the room where you spend a lot of time and truly “live”. An important place in your home. But how do you make sure you feel completely at home in your living room? With the five styling tips below, we help you get started with designing your space.
1. Define the functions of your living room – how you use the space
Your choice of furniture depends on how you use the living room. It’s important to first determine the functions of the space. Is it mainly a place to host guests? Then — if the room allows it — consider a spacious U- or L-shaped sofa setup. Our Jolin and Swann sofas offer generous seating options with great comfort. Is the room smaller, or do you prefer to create your own layout? Then our Ulla modular sofa might be the perfect match.
Is the living room also the place where you like to read, listen to music, or play games? Then a bookcase, media unit, or even a desk can be very useful. Our Rikke and Olger collections offer several options. The Olger cabinet (shown in the photo above) can also be used as a room divider to create different functional areas within the space.
2. Organise the space – walking routes and measurements
After choosing your furniture, it’s time to arrange the living room. Creating a floor plan (to scale) can be very helpful. Two things matter most.
First: the placement of each piece. Always make sure there is a logical walking route. If the dining table is in the same room, create an easy path from the kitchen to the dining area without crossing the seating area. Also make sure there’s enough space between the furniture. For walkways, keep about 60–90 cm free.
Secondly, the shape of the furniture can influence the layout. In a smaller room, for example, choose a round or nesting coffee table (instead of a rectangular one) to create more space between the sofa and the table. Many coffee tables from the Sav & Økse collection are available in different shapes and sizes.
Sofa Nomah, Pippi pouf (from the collection) and Tomrer coffee table in oak.
3. Choose a mix of materials – style and balance
Many visitors entering De Machinekamer’s showrooms (where Sav & Økse is part of the collection) are drawn to the Scandinavian, industrial, or vintage styles. But combining different pieces can be challenging. A tip: make sure the materials and shapes complement each other. If you choose our wooden Sinni lounge chair with soft, rounded shapes, it can be beautiful to repeat those curves and the oak wood elsewhere in the room. Prefer a mix of new and vintage? Discover vintage design at demachinekamer.nl.
4. Choose a color palette – light exposure
Color is essential for creating a sense of home in your living room. Of course, start with the colors you love. But natural light plays a big role in how colors appear. Does your room receive cooler northern light? Then choose warmer tones such as pink, purple, or orange. Our interior stylists can help you create a color palette that matches both the room and your furniture.
5. Get professional advice – custom interior design
With these tips, you’re already well on your way to designing your living room. Want to learn more or receive personalised styling and layout advice? Tell us your wishes and we’ll create a custom interior plan for you. Read more about our interior advice here.
Do you have questions based on this information? You can reach us via chat, phone, or email. You’re also welcome to visit one of our showrooms. We’re happy to think along with you.
