Do you need help with how to decorate your rectangular living room? Don’t worry – it can be done! With just a few simple updates, you can transform this traditionally tricky space into the show-stopping centerpiece of your home.
In this blog post, we’ll arm you with all the helpful tips and tricks how to decorate a rectangle living room.
The living room decor can be challenging, especially when dealing with an unconventional layout like a rectangle. Just take a deep breath and follow these steps to create a beautiful and functional space you’ll love spending time in.
Read on for everything from accent wall ideas, furnishings that suit the room’s shape, and suggestions for zoning different areas – plus loads more images and actionable advice. Get ready to makeover your rectangle living space!
What Will You Need?
Before we dive into the details, let’s quickly run through everything you’ll need to pull off this living room transformation. You don’t need to break the bank either; some essentials can be found in your home or purchased at affordable prices.
- Tape measure
- Pencil and paper
- Furniture (sofa, armchairs, coffee table, etc.)
- Rugs and curtains
- Wall art and decor items
- Lighting fixtures (lamps, ceiling lights, etc.)
Once you have all of these items at ready, let’s get started on making your rectangle living room a haven for relaxation and style.
9 Easy Steps on How to Decorate a Rectangle Living Room
Step 1: Measure and Plan
The first step in any home renovation is to measure your space accurately. Use a tape measure to determine the dimensions of your rectangular living room. Take note of any unique features, such as windows or doors that may impact furniture placement.
Once you have your measurements, it’s time to plan out your layout. Sketching out different furniture arrangements can help you visualize the best use of space and avoid any costly mistakes.
Step 2: Choose a Focal Point
Every room needs a focal point, an eye-catching spot that establishes a hierarchy so things don’t look chaotic. This could be anything from a fireplace, a stunning artwork, a console with a television, or even a large window with a view.
Your focal point will act as an anchor and help you decide where to place your furniture. Remember, the furniture should contribute to the room’s overall aesthetic while directing the eye to the focal point.
Step 3: Arrange Your Furniture
The next step in decorating your rectangular living room is arranging the furniture. Consider the focal point of your room when deciding where to place your largest piece of furniture, typically the sofa. In a rectangular room, it’s often best to place this piece along the longest wall.
The remaining furniture can then be arranged around it. For example, armchairs can be placed directly across the sofa to create an intimate conversation area. Remember to leave ample space for pathways, ensuring people can move around the room comfortably without bumping into any furniture.
Step 4: Implement Zoning
Consider implementing zoning in your rectangular living room, especially if it’s a large space. Zoning involves dividing the space into different areas, each with a specific function. For instance, one area can be designated for conversation or watching TV, while another might be for reading or working.
Area rugs are an excellent tool for zoning – they can help distinguish one area from another visually. Remember, each zone should have adequate lighting. A floor lamp next to a chair, for instance, creates a perfect reading nook.
Step 5: Choose the Right Rugs and Curtains
Selecting the right rugs and curtains can significantly influence the overall feel of your rectangular living room. For rugs, choose one large enough to accommodate all your seating furniture. The rug should extend beyond the seating area, helping to anchor the furniture and create a cohesive look visually.
When it comes to curtains, ensure they complement the color scheme of your room. Remember, curtains can either make your room look smaller or larger, depending on their color and how they’re hung. For a spacious feel, opt for light-colored curtains and hang them just below the ceiling line to draw the eye upwards.
Step 6: Incorporate Wall Art and Decor
Adding wall art and decor items can significantly enhance the aesthetics of your rectangular living room. Choose pieces that reflect your style and bring balance to your space. For instance, a large painting or mirror can be hung on a wall to create a sense of depth. You can also consider floating shelves to display your favorite decor elements.
Remember the scale and proportion of your room while choosing these items – oversized art pieces on a small wall, for instance, can be overpowering. Conversely, small items on a large wall may look insignificant.
Step 7: Optimize Lighting
Proper lighting can dramatically alter the ambiance of your rectangular living room. A blend of overhead, task, and accent lighting can effectively illuminate the room while adding depth and interest. Overhead lights provide general illumination, while task lighting—like table lamps or floor lamps—offers focused light for reading or work-related tasks.
Accent lights, such as candlelight or picture lights, can highlight specific features or decor pieces in the room. Remember, the placement of your lighting should be strategic. Lights in the corners can help expand the room visually, making it appear larger.
Step 8: Place Accent Furniture and Accessories
Accent furniture, like side tables and ottomans, not only adds functionality but also contributes to the overall design of your rectangular living room. Place side tables near seating furniture to provide a surface for lamps, books, or drinks.
Ottomans can serve as extra seating, storage, or coffee tables. Also, consider using accessories like throw pillows and blankets to add texture and color to your room. These items can easily be changed according to the season or your mood, allowing for constant evolution and freshness in your living room design.
Step 9: Consider the Flow
The flow of your rectangular living room refers to how people move through the space. You want to create a clear path that allows easy movement between different areas. This might mean leaving certain parts of the room open and uncluttered or arranging your furniture in a way that guides people naturally from one zone to another.
Remember the importance of balancing furniture placement; too many items on one side of the room can make it feel lopsided. Achieving a good flow often involves a bit of trial and error, so feel free to experiment with different arrangements until you find one that works best.
By following these steps, you can effectively decorate your rectangular living room and create a space that is both functional and visually appealing.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Maximize Your Space: In a rectangular room, engaging the longest wall with a large piece of furniture like a sectional can help break up the length.
- Use Rugs: Area rugs are great for defining spaces in a rectangular living room. They can separate the dining area from the sitting area, making it feel more cozy and inviting.
- Mirror Magic: Mirrors placed strategically can make a rectangular room appear wider. Consider placing a large mirror on one of the shorter walls to create the illusion of a larger space.
- Lighting: Pay attention to the corners of your room. Adding a floor lamp or a plant can make the room appear balanced and filled out.
- Vertical Elements: Draw the eye upwards by adding tall bookcases, floor-to-ceiling drapes, or high-mounted artwork. This can give the illusion of a more square space, reducing the elongated feel of a rectangular room.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can make the most out of your rectangle living room. Remember to play with furniture placement, use rugs and mirrors strategically, and consider adding height to balance out the space.
5 Things Should Avoid
- Avoid Oversized Furniture: Be mindful of the scale of your furniture. Oversized pieces can make a rectangular room feel smaller and may disrupt the flow of the space.
- Don’t Ignore the Center: It’s tempting to shove all your furniture against the walls in a rectangular room, but avoid this. You can create intimacy and a sense of good traffic flow by placing your furniture away from the walls, even if just a few inches.
- Avoid Dark Colors: Dark colors can make a rectangular room feel even longer. Opt for lighter shades to open up the space and make it feel airy.
- Don’t Overcrowd with Accessories: While accessories add personality to a room, too many can make the space feel cluttered and petite. Choose a few impactful pieces rather than a multitude of small knick-knacks.
- Avoid Blocking Natural Light: Natural light can open up a rectangular room and make it feel larger. Avoid placing large pieces of furniture in front of windows or other natural light sources.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your rectangle living room feels balanced, functional, and visually appealing.
Conclusion
All in all, with creativity and a few simple steps, transforming your rectangle living room into the dream space is easier than you think. Feel free to get creative and add personal touches such as family photos or art pieces.
Remember to work around your existing furniture, mixing different shapes and textures to create visual interest. Try adding different colors of rugs and pillows for a chic look that will transform your space into one that’ll make you proud!
Hopefully, the article on how to decorate a rectangle living room has given you some guidance and inspiration to create a beautiful and functional space. With these tips in mind, you can make the most out of your rectangle living room and turn it into a stylish and inviting area for relaxation and entertainment.
So go ahead, put on your interior designer hat, and have fun designing your perfect rectangle living room! Happy decorating!