The living room is called the living room for a reason. Aside from the bathroom and kitchen, it’s usually the most used room (by most people). From movie nights to homework, holiday gatherings to LEGO builds, there’s no place better to settle in for some much-needed bonding time. And because of all that, it’s also so easy for the living room to go from fabulous to function-only. Of course, that’s completely understandable, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We’ve got you covered if you’re ready for living room inspiration that doesn’t require a complete overhaul.
Whether it’s floating shelves, chic storage, or a couple of well-placed lighting options, these are some quick changes that make a major impact. Sometimes the smallest elements can switch up your whole space. They don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, either. These living room inspiration ideas are pretty much guaranteed to do just that. Read on for our picks!
For the Wall
Faux Brick 3D Peel & Stick Wall Panels
You don't have to knock down a wall to revamp one. These peel and stick wall panels have a realistic look, are easy to clean, and come in 4 different finishes.
Faux Brick 3D Peel & Stick Wall Panels ($37.99+)—Buy Here!
Tromso Steel Floating Shelves
Use your book collection as a fabulous-looking wall decoration with these steel floating shelves from Shelfology. They're wildly chic and modern, with a low profile and a ton of color options (like Banana, Really Red, Army Brat, and Nighty Night), plus they'll hold up to 90lbs per linear foot. Choose any length by the inch, from 6" to 84" and depth from 4" to 12". These beauties pack a seriously strong punch, so they'll need to be installed into a stud or other solid material.
Tromso Steel Floating Shelves ($166.00+)—Buy Here!
Magnet-Mounted Art from Displate
Forget everything you know about hanging art. Displate's metal magnet-mounted art and posters are designed to take 20 seconds to hang using a sturdy magnet. No holes or wall damage here. Create gallery walls, mix and match, and swap them out anytime. There are so many to choose from (so. many.), with options like matte or glossy finishes, size choices, and frames.
Magnet-Mounted Art from Displate ($49.00+)—Buy Here!
Peel & Stick Pre-Cut Wall Molding Kit
Change the feel of the whole room with these pre-cut, ready-to-paint, self-adhesive wall panels. This kit includes the pieces to create three top and three bottom panels, so you can put them all together, or change up your placement.
Peel & Stick Pre-Cut Wall Molding Kit ($199.95)—Buy Here!
Gold Floating Shelves, Set of 5
These "shelves" are more like floating wall baskets, but whatever you call them, they add a little bit of glam and a place to put decorations, framed photos, knick-knacks, or whatever you don't want the kiddos to break.
Gold Floating Shelves, Set of 5 ($27.99)—Buy Here!
Seriously Brilliant (& Functional) Additions
Cup Cozy
File this one under "Why Didn't We Think of That?". This sturdy foam pillow anchors your drinks, remote, phone, whatever, and keeps it all within arm's reach. The cover is washable, the cup holders expand to fit most cups, and the extra insulation keeps your drinks hot or cold longer, too. (We're parents, so we don't know if we'd actually keep an open mug of hot coffee on the couch, Cup Cozy or not.) Available in multiple colors.
Cup Cozy ($22.99+)—Buy Here!
Sleek Socket
Keep those clunky wires and plugs hidden with this genius little socket over and extension cord combo. They're especially handy for behind furniture, but they make any wall look cleaner.
Sleek Socket ($23.95)—Buy Here!
NoNo Bracket
If your vertical blinds could use a lift (or you want to totally hide them), the no-drill NoNo Bracket lets you hang curtains seamlessly over the existing blind headrail. It doesn't leave any holes or require screws, either. Fits up to a 1in curtain rod. Available in multiple finishes, sizes, and works on standard blinds, too.
NoNo Bracket ($15.95+)—Buy Here!
Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser
Pura's Smart Fragrance Diffuser is really smart. Not only is it app-controlled, but it can also adjust its fragrance output based on your home's temperature to maintain a consistent scent based on your preferences. You'll want a Pura in every room with fragrance options from Disney, Anthropologie, and more.
Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser ($49.99)—Buy Here!
Hidden Clear Freestanding Panel Pet Gate
If battling with wonky wooden gates or trying to find a way to incorporate heavy metal dividers into your living room sound like a nightmare, meet the Hidden Gate. The lucite gate slides into the matching stand and includes rubber feet to protect your floors. It's portable, easy to clean, and is a modern piece that you won't mind leaving out. Available in 3 sizes. Also available in multi-panel options for wider doorways.
Hidden Clear Freestanding Panel Pet Gate ($299.00+)—Buy Here!
Lighting Options
LED Floor Spotlights, Set of 2
Accent lighting is a fast, easy way to upgrade your living room. Propped behind a plant, corner chair, or floor vase, it can make all the difference.
LED Floor Spotlights, Set of 2 ($27.99)—Buy Here!
LED Cordless Table Lamp 2pk
With customizable dimming and a color-changing mode, these battery-powered lights can be placed anywhere without looking for an outlet. Available in lots of different colors and the option of warm light only.
LED Cordless Table Lamp 2pk ($69.99)—Buy Here!
LED Corner Floor Lamps, Set of 2
These dimmable floor lamps include a remote control, so you can set the atmosphere to the perfect level (and you technically don't even have to put them in a corner). Available in Silver, Black, and Gold finishes.
LED Corner Floor Lamps, Set of 2 ($111.99)—Buy Here!
Spider Chandelier
Add a fabulous chandelier like this ultra-modern spider-style one, and watch your whole room change. It's adjustable and comes in 6, 8, or 10-bulb options.
Spider Chandelier ($49.99+)—Buy Here!
Battery-Operated Wall Sconces, Set of 2
Looking for something a little more traditional? These battery-operated sconces don't require hardwiring, so all you have to do is charge them occasionally. Set them to soft warm, natural, or cool light depending on your preference, and use the remote to dim as needed. Available in black and white.
Battery-Operated Wall Sconces, Set of 2 ($99.99)—Buy Here!
Chic Storage
Metal Storage Cart
Not only does this storage cart from CosmoLiving look cool; it has wheels, so you can move it around the room as needed. Store toys, books, extra blankets, throw pillows, shoes, use it as a plant stand or keep your work-from-home essentials handy. Available in 4 finishes and several sizes/shapes.
Metal Storage Cart ($67.99)—Buy Here!
Modern Weave Rattan Baskets
The difference a few decorative and functional storage baskets can make is impressive. From toys to chargers and everything in between, keeping odds and ends tucked away eliminates the clutter that makes the room feel less than relaxing.
Modern Weave Rattan Baskets ($40.00 - $170.00)—Buy Here!
The Lowdown Storage Locker from Mustard Made
Adding some color to your living room is as easy as including The Lowdown Storage Locker in your setup. Not only is it oh-so-cute, it comes in 12 different colors.
The Lowdown Storage Locker from Mustard Made ($329.00)—Buy Here!
360º Rotating Remote Holder
Forget digging for that lost remote or figuring out if you're sitting on it (we've been there). This rotating holder fits all your remotes in one place. Plus, it looks good enough to stay right on the coffee table. Available in multiple colors.
360º Rotating Remote Holder ($21.99)—Buy Here!
Wicker Storage Basket with Lid
What living room couldn't use more storage and another surface? This functional wicker storage basket doubles as a table thanks to the added feet (so it doesn't just look like a storage basket), and the fabric liner is removable and washable. Available in 3 colors.
Wicker Storage Basket with Lid ($63.99)—Buy Here!
Decorative Details
Custom Stack Book Bundles
Speaking of book displays, these custom book stacks from Hello Lulu on Etsy take it to the next level. Every book is a real, gently-used hardcover, so you're building your collection and giving these books a second chance. You can also customize your stack with special color tones, genres, and preferred literary themes. And don't worry; Hello Lulu will send you a photo proof before shipping in case you want to make any changes. Available in collections of 4-6, 10-12, and 24-36 books.
Custom Stack Book Bundles ($37.99+)—Buy Here!
Merino Wool Geometric Block Throw
Sure, your kid loves that Ninja Turtles fleece blanket that somehow ended up living on your couch, but if you're ready for an upgrade, this gorgeous throw is perfect. It's soft, cozy, and heirloom-quality, imported from England and created from 100% merino wool. Be sure to check out all the Prince of Scots throws, too!
Merino Wool Geometric Block Throw ($209.00)—Buy Here!
Faux Pampas Grass, Set of 9 Stems
There's a reason you see pampas grass constantly trending (if you're shopping for home decor). It adds height, texture, and an organic element without having to remember to water it. Experiment with different colors and heights—you can't mess it up. Available in 9 colors.
Faux Pampas Grass, Set of 9 Stems ($20.99)—Buy Here!
Color-Coordinated Throw Pillow Covers, Set of 4
An almost-too-easy way to change the whole room is with throw pillow covers. These coordinated covers are perfect for mixing and matching (they come in 12 different complementary hue combinations), plus they're machine-washable. If you're feeling extra adventurous, experiment with different colors, textures, and prints to add even more interest.
Color-Coordinated Throw Pillow Covers, Set of 4 ($21.99)—Buy Here!
Jason Wu Maize Olive Rug
Nowhere does it say that neutral area rugs have to be boring. This grid-design rug's soft, earthy tones (also available in a warm rust orange) create a ton of interest and easily match your existing decor.
Jason Wu Maize Olive Rug ($109.00+)—Buy Here!
Wall-Leaning Blanket Ladder
There's just something about a blanket ladder that makes the whole room feel cozier. And, as a bonus, it keeps your throws from ending up bunched in the corner of the couch or on the floor.
Wall-Leaning Blanket Ladder ($36.99)—Buy Here!
Faux Taxidermy Deer Head
This totally faux, totally not-scary, friendly deer head (his name is Alfred, by the way) is such a cool element to include. White Faux Taxidermy offers lots of different animal options—dinosaurs and unicorns included—as well as multiple colors and finishes.
Faux Taxidermy Deer Head ($199.00)—Buy Here!
Tufted Striped Curtains
We love that these curtains don't just add texture; they also filter the sunlight to keep the room cozy and soft.
Tufted Striped Curtains ($38.99)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
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All images courtesy of retailers.
