The living room is the ultimate place to relax. We always enjoy lying back on our comfy sofa after a long day at work, scrolling through our phone, watching a Netflix series or a movie we like. Sometimes, though, the same living room in which we love to spend time isn’t warm enough for our taste, it feels cold, but, for reasons of budget or time, we put off furnishing it to transform it into a cozy cocoon. Let’s take a look at 15 easy ways to make any living room warmer.
Lighting
For lighting, choose low-temperature bulbs to create a warm, intimate atmosphere. For a decorative touch, choose lamps with fabric shades to create a subdued light. Garlands of light, white or colored, also add that cozy ambience sought after in the living room.
Curtains
Curtains are not only functional accessories, but also help to set the mood of the living room. By choosing textures such as velvet, they add a touch of comfort and softness. Warm colors, too, enhance the living room’s warmth. Colored curtains can also be chosen to let soft light through the windows.
Green plants
To add a touch of greenery and make the atmosphere more convivial, there’s nothing better than green plants. Placed close to the windows so that they can get all the light they need, they make you feel better in your living room. Ficus, kentia and pachura are easy-care plants that help purify the air. You can choose colored pots to match the color of the cushions or carpet for a decorative touch.
Throws
As well as being a decorative accessory, plaid is a piece that helps create a warm, cozy atmosphere. Choose soft, pleasant materials like wool or fleece. They can be arranged in any way you like, draped over a sofa or armchair, and in colors that match the rest of the living room decor.
The cushions
Placing soft, colorful cushions on the sofa immediately creates a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. The choice of colors is also important, with warm colors such as yellow, orange or red being the most popular. Textures can be varied: velvet, faux fur or knit, it’s up to you.
The coffee table
The coffee table is the piece of furniture around which people will gather and spend most of their time in the living room, so it’s the element to choose and decorate with care. You can choose a table with rounded edges, and add candles, books or a ceramic vase to make it a convivial place.
The mirrors
The use of mirrors in decoration reflects natural light. This not only enlarges the room, but also contributes to a bright, warm atmosphere. Opt for large mirrors with natural wood frames to match the rest of the decor.
Handcrafted or handmade items
Handcrafted objects such as vases, ceramics and pottery bring authenticity and warmth to the living room. Items made from rattan, bamboo or wicker are also great for warming the atmosphere.
Create a reading corner
The reading corner is easy to set up and requires very few elements: a bookcase, a comfortable armchair, a small rug and a small lamp, and that’s it! The cosy effect is immediate. Choose furniture that adds comfort, such as a wrap-around armchair, a faux fur rug and soft lighting.
Decorative fireplaces and wood-burning stoves
The decorative fireplace, like the wood-burning stove, provides a visual source of warmth. Both elements support the cocooning effect and well-being. The decorative fireplace combines safety, ease of installation and maintenance, and adds a touch of modernity to the living room. A wood-burning stove, on the other hand, requires the intervention of a professional and a little more maintenance, but brings a real source of warmth to the room.
Wall color
Painting walls in neutral, comforting colors creates a relaxing, soothing ambience. Beige, taupe or greige are colors that bring feelings of tranquility. What’s more, these colors leave the field open for adding touches of varied colors for cushions, curtains or plaids.
Paintings
Some pictures are ideal for dressing up walls and adding a warm, soft atmosphere to the living room. You can vary the motifs, colors and formats to suit your taste. It’s best to place them at eye level, and to use no-drill systems to protect the walls.
The furniture
Furniture plays an important role in the ambience of a living room. Furniture in natural wood adds a touch of warmth and aesthetics to the room. Oak, teak, beech and pine furniture are ideal for reinforcing the cosy ambience while using robust materials. The additional arrangement of decorative accessories is just as relevant for a harmonious living room.
The carpet
Carpets are an essential part of any living room. It enhances comfort by adding a touch of warmth to the room. Soft brown, terracotta or ochre are the preferred colors. The shape (round, rectangle or oval rug) should be chosen according to the size of the room and the delimitation of living spaces.
Scented candles
In addition to the visual experience, the olfactory touch is just as important. Scented candles meet both criteria. Choose soothing scents such as lavender, vanilla or garden flowers. The ambiance created by the candle is unique, and the feeling of comfort is instantaneous. Candles can be placed on coffee tables or shelves, whichever suits you best.