Setting up a cozy living room: 15 tips and living ideas

If you want to set up a cozy living room, there are a variety of details to consider. We will show the influence of colors, how you can change the mood with pictures, and the significance of carpets as well as the furnishings.

With our tricks and one or another tip in our guide, you will transform your living room into a very special place. Learn more and design your rooms with our decorating ideas.

1. Play of Colors – Which colors make the living room cozy?

Comfort is created through warm colors and suitable decorative elements in the apartment. However, the design of the wall color does not have to be in striking colors such as yellow, beige, red, or orange to make it cozy. Matte colors, which are less intense but subtle, are particularly trendy.

A pure, white-painted living room (or bedroom) appears cold and unwelcoming. It is a color concept no longer often used in redecorating and furnishing. Bright colors are inviting. It is helpful to paint one wall in a different color if you want to redecorate your rooms. Additionally, colored decorations such as vases help to make everything look more lively. It is best to focus on eye-catchers that highlight specific areas of the room.

This way, you create a distinct emphasis and can showcase the wall with the lighting mood. You can alter pure white walls by adding a few color pigments. Thus, the wall appears in a light gray shade, is somewhat eggshell-colored, or is painted a light pink.

This also applies to the kitchen.

2. Changing the atmosphere in the living room with lamps

Windows are a benefit for any room. The more light that enters, the more positive the effect on the atmosphere in the living room. It is best to use incoming light to highlight individual areas and elements. In the evenings and under poorer lighting conditions, lamps help to change the mood. Darker areas are ideal for some rest.

Use indirect light sources to make your guests feel comfortable. Illuminate a colored wall to make it appear warm and inviting. This ensures a natural reflection. Generally, the brightness in the room should be adjustable with curtains or drapes. Ideally, all lamps in the room should also be dimmable.

You create a cozy and inviting atmosphere by having several small light sources such as floor lamps or, even more romantic, accessories like candlelight available. You can place small shaded lamps right next to the sofa to use them for reading as well. A ceiling light serves as a light source in another corner. Light strips illuminate shelves.

Central lamps with unique shapes are particularly suitable for larger spaces such as in the dining room. They help to improve the basic brightness.

Extra Tip: Each area of the room should have its own light source.

3. The sofa as the centerpiece of coziness in the living room

Comfort is a feeling that significantly contributes to making living rooms cozy. The sofa set should not only be visually appealing to you, but also be ideally suited for sitting.

A reclining zone, extendable sections of the upholstered furniture, and a massage function emphasize a modern and cozy living room. Soft and cuddly fabrics such as cotton, linen, and similar are suitable for you to snuggle up and feel comfortable in your own living room.

These items are among the trends of the season! Depending on which couch you choose, the living area can be combined with a comfortable stool. Being able to rest your legs is a comfort factor not to be underestimated.

The effect of the couch in gray, brown, or beige can be altered at any time by using striking pillows in bright colors.

Extra tip: A chair or sofas made of leather are perceived by most people as less comfortable. Instead, opt for textiles made of microfiber, woven fabric, or velvet.

4. A coffee table provides comfort

The impact of the coffee table in the apartment is immense. It should be matched to the size of the other living room furniture. With a U-shaped sofa, there must be at least 40 to 50 cm of space on all sides.

5. Create islands with plants and a cozy room layout

Room dividers in the form of screens, larger plants, or a shelf are suitable for making your living room more comfortable.

A reading nook with an armchair and floor lamp, the couch with a table and television, as well as the chill lounge by the fireplace – use the space available to you for creative design.

6. Deliberate disorder makes your living room cozy

If all the blankets and pillows are neatly arranged, the remote controls are put away, and there is no glass on the table, a beautifully decorated living room can feel slightly cold. Less perfection creates more coziness.

A deliberately placed magazine on the coffee table, two cups on the side table, or a spread blanket on the armchair show that this is a lived-in space. Use our ideas to find your own style with small touches and make your living room cozy.

7. Carpets add accents and provide a warm ambiance

Having to always wear slippers in your own living room because the floor is too cold can be bothersome. A carpet provides a solution and increases the room's comfort. You can place a carpet under the coffee table.

The transition between the sofa and the table should be completely covered. This way, you create individual areas with rugs.

8. Smaller pieces of furniture and decorative accessories create harmony

Large cabinets offer a lot of storage space as products, but can quickly feel overwhelming. Therefore, use a side table next to the couch, deep dressers or sideboards, and a lowboard for the TV. The medium-height sideboard and the narrow display cabinet can replace a wall unit.

The view of the walls in living rooms remains possible and contributes to greater comfort.

9. Plants bring nature into the living room

To make your living room cozy, you should use houseplants. They not only improve the indoor climate but also serve as an excellent form of decoration. Use a small plant on the windowsill, and larger specimens as possible room dividers or in corners that are not reserved for a floor lamp.

A flower in a vase brings freshness and life to the living room table. As for other home accessories, you should pay close attention to flower pots.

10. Candles, paintings, photos, and mirrors - accessories turn a room into a personal comfort oasis

Mirrors are suitable for optical enlargement. In narrow hallways, large LED mirrors are appropriate, while in the living room, smaller, concealed mirror surfaces with a modern design are preferable. A picture on the wall expresses personal taste. The picture frame should be large.

Alternatively, collages composed of multiple images are also suitable. The candle on the coffee table, the windowsill, or the shelf not only creates a cozy living room when lit during gatherings with your friends.

Flowers and a matching cup instantly add a unique touch to the dining area table as a classic. However, do not overdo the decoration. A book looks good on a shelf. 

11. Changing the room's atmosphere with cushions and color schemes

A couch once chosen will, in the best case, make you happy for several years. It is a retreat that can also be used as an occasionally used bed. With decorative pillows in cream or ochre colors, you can quickly turn the sofa landscape into a comfort oasis for the residents.

Adjust the colors to your personal preferences or to the seasons. In spring, cushions in green or blue are suitable. For summer, colorful mixes and striking shades are appropriate. In autumn, the colors red, yellow, brown, and rust can dominate.

Even in winter, your living room can become very cozy with gray and white cushions and blankets. Velvet cushions are the right choice for snuggling up in winter. As it gets warmer, you should opt for linen, jersey, or satin if you want your cushions to shine.

12. Bring warmth and coziness into the room with the natural material wood

A wooden table with a cotton tablecloth or sideboard cover exudes visual warmth and contributes to a cozy look. Combined with metal braces, the material is timeless and integrates well into modern living space design.

With romantic string lights and exotic highlights from around the world, you can even travel in your mind from the comfort of your home.

13. Wallpaper instead of plaster - A simple idea that makes the living room cozy

Use the walls to create a cozy background. Thick non-woven wallpapers in subtle tones are not only visually interesting as wall decorations, but the textures also feel velvety soft. You can run your hands over the walls when you retreat to your reading nook.

The color scheme should be subtle to not overly restrict future wall design.

Extra tip: In large rooms, wallpapers help to reduce the noise level.

14. Scents of candles relax body and mind

Scented candles and air fresheners contribute to your relaxation in the living room. The scents of lavender, lemon balm, and anise are suitable for unwinding after a stressful day. They enhance the mood while adding a special touch to your ambiance.

Bergamot, lemongrass, and rosemary can help you if you want to become more active.

15. The Hygge style - is Danish room design suitable for creating a cozy living room?

Hygge is the epitome of comfort for Danish society and can serve as inspiration for your living style. Bright colors are central to the Hygge decorating style. A generally bright living room can be combined and arranged with various color accents.

Natural materials, such as wood, plaids, and woolen pelts, soften a sterile atmosphere, allowing you to live more beautifully. In older houses, it is common to express originality. An unplastered wall, rustic furniture, or sanded wooden beams on the ceiling are often found.

Candles and a real fireplace provide harmonious lighting. Complemented by various light sources, such as table lamps or floor lamps, your living room will be cozy for your family. Enjoy the time in your house with the right furniture.

This is how you welcome friends in a harmonious atmosphere. Have we inspired you? Then you will surely find one or another item in our shop that suits your decorating style. Discover our offers and order new living room furniture today.