You don’t have to settle for a boring, drab living room just because you’re on a budget or have limited time. There are plenty of things you can do to spice things up, including painting, changing the wallpaper, and getting new pieces of décor. 

With the following simple design tips, you can turn your living room into a cozy, interesting, aesthetically pleasing space in no time.

1. Add a fireplace if you don’t already have one

Nothing says “cozy space” like a beautiful fireplace in the middle of your living room. If you don’t have one, it’s definitely time to get one. Although, before you start pricing traditional fireplaces, you may want to consider getting an electric fireplace instead. There are several benefits to electric fireplaces that you can’t get with burning wood.

Electric fireplaces provide decent heat, unlike traditional fireplaces. If you’ve never had a real fireplace before, you might be shocked to learn that the heat doesn’t radiate into the room – it goes right up and out of the chimney.

If you need to heat your home, go with an electric fireplace. Otherwise, if you just want it purely for aesthetics, a traditional fireplace will be equally beautiful.

2. Focus on lighting

When your living room is well lit, it will feel larger and more spacious because there won’t be so many shadows or areas of harsh light. Getting the lighting right will make a massive difference and can dramatically alter the overall feeling in the room.

The key is to connect with a lighting pro to assess your space to see what your best options are for things like overhead lights, strip lights, and lamps. Good lighting is achieved in layers, where you have multiple sources of light that work in harmony to fill in all the dark areas and illuminate your entire room.

For example, if you don’t have overhead lighting, you can get certain floor lamps that will project the light upward to illuminate the top part of the room, while strip lights can be used under cabinets, bookshelves, and entertainment centers. A lighting pro will also be likely to suggest specific overhead light fixtures that will help you accomplish your goals.

3. Repaint with a flattering color

Your living room should feel inviting to both you and your guests, and repainting can help you achieve that ideal. Repainting your walls can invigorate your space and make it feel more uplifting when you choose a color that complements the room’s natural lighting. However, it’s essential to select a color that has a little warmth to it to maintain that cozy feel.

Don’t have a clue about choosing your colors? You don’t have to look far for some living room color scheme ideas. Your options are endless, from pastels to bold colors and everything in between.

4. Put up some wallpaper

If painting isn’t an option or you don’t have the time, consider wallpaper instead. Today’s wallpaper choices are vast, and you can find something that will embody your desired aesthetic. The best part is that you don’t need to use traditional wallpaper glue. Look for self-adhesive wallpaper instead. It’s easy to apply and it won’t ruin the paint or leave residue behind if you peel it off.

Wallpaper can get pricey, but it’s almost always cheaper than hiring a professional painter. If you live in an apartment building or if you rent your home, this might be your only option.  

5. Use mirrors

Mirrors can make your living room appear larger, so if you have a small space, this could be a good option for décor. Large mirrors are great, but you can also use several smaller mirrors lined up. For example, try 6 mirrors in a 3×2 grid on the wall. The frames can match or not. It depends on the rest of your décor.

6. Get a new couch

Your couch is the most important piece of furniture in your front room, and it’s likely the first place your guests will sit down when you have them over. No matter how comfortable your couch is, if it’s sagging and worn, it’s dragging the rest of your aesthetics down. Try to find a more sophisticated, elegant couch that also provides comfort. They do exist, and when you find one, your living room will feel like it just got an instant upgrade.

Make your living room beautiful

These are just some ideas for creating a more aesthetically pleasing living room. You aren’t stuck with a drab living space, as long as you’re willing to invest a little time, effort, and money to make it better.