A calm living room rarely comes from buying everything at once. It comes from getting a few big decisions right, then adding slowly. Here is the order that works.
1. Start with the sofa
It is the largest piece and sets the scale. Measure the room and the doorways first. Leave at least 75 cm for walkways. See our sofas.
2. Anchor it with a rug
Choose a rug big enough for at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs to sit on. Read how to choose a living room rug.
3. Add tables
A coffee table about two-thirds the length of the sofa, 40 to 45 cm from it. Side tables at sofa-arm height. Our Audo furniture guide has options.
4. Layer the light
Aim for three sources at different heights: a ceiling or pendant light, a floor lamp, and a table lamp. Read how to choose a table lamp.
5. Soften with textiles
Cushions and a throw bring colour and comfort. See how to layer cushions.
6. Finish with a few objects
A vase, a bowl, a stack of books, a candle. Fewer, better pieces look calmer than many small ones. See sculptural vases for shelves.
Keep it calm
- Repeat two or three colours around the room.
- Mix materials: timber, stone, linen, wool, metal.
- Leave some empty space on every surface.
