How to create the perfect living room – go here for more information

Proper living room design can make or break the atmosphere in your home. Whether it’s for entertaining guests, watching TV alone with your partner, or just relaxing after a long day; your living room should be comfortable and livable.

Here are some tips to help you get that perfect look:

Furniture Layout –

Ensure that there is enough tables and seating for everyone using the room. A good rule of thumb is to add one extra seat per person expected. Keep large bulky items like couches away from television sets or fireplaces for better viewing angles and heat flow. Using furniture with built in electrical outlets (sofa tables) makes it easy to plug in lamps and chargers without sacrificing tabletop space, and creates a more cohesive look.

Lighting –

The atmosphere and mood created by lighting can be the difference between a chill night watching TV, and a romantic evening with your loved one. Start by using bright lighting to illuminate all areas of the room equally. Dim lights create an intimate mood that should only be used for dates or other special occasions as it can increase electricity usage as much as 50%. You’ll also want to plan out the location of lamps and overhead lights before buying them so they don’t block any traffic paths or views/openings in your room layout. For example, ensure that no light fixtures are blocking windows, which will allow cold drafts into the house during winter months.

Windows –

Natural light is essential for plants to grow indoors but it doesn’t stop at your houseplants. Windows actually let in a surprising about of heat during winter months, so be sure to open them up for 30 minutes after you turn the heater on to allow warmed air to circulate through your home. Too little natural light can lead people to feel depressed and may increase your electricity bills due to the use of artificial lighting throughout the day.

Colors –

Natural colors are important when decorating any space since they tend to be more relaxing and inviting. The color spectrum ranges from warm colors (reds, oranges) which invokes feelings of happiness and warmth, while cool colors (blues/greens) make spaces seem cold or unfriendly because it’s difficult for the human eye to see any detail in this color range.

FAQs:

Do I have to turn on the heat when I open my windows?

No! The amount of heat lost from your home is actually very little. Opening up your windows for 30 minutes after turning the heating system on creates a surge in room temperature that will last for hours without additional fuel.

Can plants contribute to heating bills?

Plants actually produce oxygen and help purify the air, making them beneficial in reducing humidity and mold growth which can increase your heating bills. They also add an aesthetically pleasing touch to your living space.

When should I use dim lights?

Dim lights in general areas like living rooms create a romantic atmosphere and make it easier to see during the winter months when there isn’t much natural light. However they should not be used past 10:00 pm because they can cause eye strain and make it harder to sleep.

How much light do I need for plants?

Plants require a minimum of eight hours of direct sunlight every day in order to be efficient at taking in carbon dioxide so there’s enough energy left by morning to convert it into oxygen. They also prefer bright, indirect lighting since the sun is their only source of natural light. Too little or too much light can stress out plants and eventually kill them. If you’re one of those people who never seem to have time for houseplants, you’ll be happy to know that certain plants require very little maintenance and still provide the benefits mentioned above.

What color should my walls be?

Generally speaking, paints with a warm undertone are more relaxing. Cool, pastel colors can actually make people feel more anxious or cold so use cooler colors sparingly in smaller rooms where they’ll have the greatest effect.

Conclusion –

Remember to breathe during your living room re-do project and take plenty of breaks. A simple mistake can cause you to lose motivation or spend more than necessary on this important space in the house. If you follow these steps carefully, with patience and time, you’ll end up with an inviting, functional, livable space that friends and family will love spending time in.