Your living room is the center of entertainment and life in your home. Chances are you’ve had some memorable gatherings there, and it’s where you relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Because this room tends to be a high-traffic area and you spend so much time in it, it’s often the first room to show signs of wear and tear and start to look dated. Fortunately, there are small changes (like turning off light bulbs) and big changes (like installing a new mantel) that can give your living room a new look and won’t turn into a big DIY project, or turn your house in a construction. place.
Consider painting your living room. A touch of paint can brighten things up or give your living room a whole different vibe. You can repaint your living room the same color, which will refresh the color and remove marks and dents. If you decide to paint the entire room, it’s a good idea to start from the ceiling and work your way down. On the other hand, if you want a little color change without covering everything in plastic, a feature wall might be an option for you. Choosing an interesting color that goes well with the room but adds a bit of flavor can be a great way to transform your living room in no time.
The fireplace is an often neglected area of many living rooms, and it’s a shame because it can be a lovely focal point if handled properly. Installing a new mantel, whether it’s buying one for the first time or replacing an existing one, isn’t as labor-intensive as you think. If you don’t have a mantel, consider getting one as it will give your fireplace a more finished and polished look. If you have a mantelpiece, replacing it with something a little different can make a big impact in your living room. A wood fireplace mantel is easy to install, so you don’t have to hire a contractor. You can paint or stain a wood shelf to match your room’s décor. Mantelpieces are great places to display items important to you and your family, such as family heirlooms and family photos. A mantelpiece is also a great place to hang stockings and display cards at Christmas.
Changing the lighting in your room can also make a big difference. Different lampshades can create a different atmosphere as they diffuse soft light with a hint of color into the room. If you find your living room a bit dull, adding a few more lamps can brighten it up and also add accent to certain areas. For an even simpler retrofit, try changing the wattage of your existing bulbs. Going from 60 to 120 watts makes a big difference; you might see things you had forgotten were there! Switching to a lower wattage can create a cozier, more intimate feel.
A little heavy lifting can change your living room; rearranging furniture can create a totally different feel to the room. Create a new focal point for the room by orienting seating around the fireplace and not the TV, or perhaps position sofas and chairs to encourage people to talk to each other. And don’t just think about the seats, moving the coffee table, side tables and shelves can make all the difference. If you need a new look without buying new furniture, consider swapping the living room furniture with items from other rooms in the house.
Lastly, taking a look at what you have on display in your living room can give you some ideas for small changes with a big impact. Do you have a vase of fake flowers that has been sitting there for a decade? Perhaps now is a good time to replace it with something a bit more modern. The artwork you have on your walls could also use a little scrutiny. Prints can be had quite cheaply and can really change the mood of your room. Remember that every little element and image adds something to the room – it’s up to you to decide whether or not it should be changed to something new.
