When it comes to home design, the family room is truly the heart of the home. It’s where we gather for movie nights, game days, and simply to unwind after a long day. If you’re looking to refresh your family room or decorate a new space, you might be wondering where to begin. While personal style is key, there are some fundamental guidelines that can help you create a family room that’s both stylish and supremely functional for everyday living.
Essential Dos for Family Room Decorating
Lydia
Bright and airy family room with personal touches
Let’s start with the “dos” – the foundational elements that will set your family room up for success. These tips are designed to maximize comfort, style, and practicality in this central living space.
Invest in a Large Area Rug
My search for a new side table
Spacious family room featuring a large rug that anchors the seating area
A rug that’s too small can make your family room feel disjointed and smaller than it actually is. Think of your rug as the anchor of your seating area. Ideally, all of your furniture should be able to sit on the rug, or at least the front legs of sofas and chairs should rest comfortably on it. For most family rooms, an 8×10 or 9×12 rug is a great starting point, and if your space allows, don’t hesitate to go even larger. A generous rug not only defines the space but also adds warmth and visual appeal. If you’re unsure about rug sizes and materials, explore comprehensive rug buying guides online for more detailed advice.
Prioritize Ample Seating
Open living room space in the city
Family room with a variety of seating options promoting conversation
Family rooms are meant for gathering, so ensure you have enough seating to comfortably accommodate your household and guests. While a comfortable sofa or sectional is a must, think beyond just the main couch. Incorporating armchairs, ottomans, or even a cozy bench can significantly increase seating capacity and make the room more conducive to conversation. Arrange seating pieces to encourage interaction, but avoid overcrowding the space. Consider the flow of traffic and ensure there’s still plenty of room to move around comfortably.
Integrate Smart Storage Solutions
Family room featuring built-in storage to keep clutter at bay
Clutter can quickly make a family room feel chaotic and less relaxing. The key is to incorporate “secret storage” – solutions that blend seamlessly with your decor while providing ample space to tuck away toys, blankets, books, and other everyday items. Built-in shelves with cabinets, stylish storage ottomans, consoles with drawers, and decorative baskets are all excellent options. The goal is to display only your favorite decorative items and keep everything else neatly organized and out of sight, creating a more serene and inviting atmosphere.
Close-up of styled built-in shelving offering both display and hidden storage
Television console repurposed for family room toy storage
Select the Right Coffee Table
Coastal style family room with a well-proportioned coffee table
The coffee table is not just a surface to place drinks and remotes; it’s a central piece that contributes to both the function and aesthetics of your family room. Size and scale are crucial. A good rule of thumb is to choose a coffee table that is about half the length of your sofa and within 4 inches higher or lower than the sofa seat height. Consider the shape of your room and furniture. If your family room has many angular lines, a round or oval coffee table can soften the space and add visual interest. Think about your family’s lifestyle too. If you have young children, an ottoman-style coffee table with soft edges might be a safer and more family-friendly choice.
Incorporate Functional Side Tables
Family room showcasing a side table that is both stylish and practical
Often overlooked, side tables are incredibly valuable additions to a family room. They provide convenient surfaces for lamps, drinks, books, and decorative accessories, enhancing both functionality and style. Aim to place a side table on at least one side of your sofa, and consider adding them next to armchairs as well. Ensure the height of the side table is appropriate for the seating it accompanies – you want surfaces that are easily accessible. When choosing side tables, consider different heights, shapes, and materials to add visual depth to your family room.
Consider a Console Table for Versatility
Family room featuring a console table behind the sofa, adding display space
If your sofa “floats” in the middle of the room rather than being placed against a wall, a console table behind it is an excellent idea. It serves multiple purposes: it visually anchors the sofa in the space, conceals the back of the sofa, and provides another surface for displaying decorative items, lamps, or even extra storage baskets. Choose a console table that is approximately the same height as or slightly shorter than the back of your sofa for a balanced look. Allow a few inches of space on either side of the sofa for easy access.
Family Room Decorating Don’ts to Avoid
Cozy family room setting demonstrating good furniture arrangement
Now let’s move onto the “don’ts” – common decorating mistakes that can detract from the overall look and feel of your family room. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you create a more polished and inviting space.
Ditch the Matching Couch Pillows
Family room with stylish throw pillows that add personality and texture
Those standard pillows that come with your sofa are often uninspired and can make your family room look generic. Instead of using them as is, consider them as pillow inserts and invest in new pillow covers. Mix and match pillows in different colors, textures, patterns, and sizes to add depth and personality to your seating arrangement. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold patterns or luxurious textures like velvet or faux fur to elevate the look of your sofa.
Steer Clear of Matching Furniture Sets
Eclectic family room showcasing a mix of furniture styles and materials
Purchasing an entire matching furniture set might seem convenient, but it often results in a family room that lacks character and visual interest. A curated family room, on the other hand, feels more intentional and stylish. Mix furniture pieces with different shapes, materials, and finishes to create a layered and dynamic space. For instance, pair a fabric sofa with leather armchairs or combine wood and metal accents in your tables and lighting. This approach adds depth and personality to your family room.
Don’t Neglect Layered Lighting
Family room illuminated with layered lighting for a warm ambiance
Lighting is a crucial element in creating a welcoming and functional family room. Relying solely on overhead lighting can make the space feel harsh and uninviting. Instead, incorporate layered lighting, which includes a mix of ambient (general), task, and accent lighting. Table lamps and floor lamps provide soft, ambient light, while task lighting, such as reading lamps, is essential for specific activities. Accent lighting, like wall sconces or picture lights, adds visual interest and highlights architectural features or artwork. Aim for a variety of light sources at different heights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Ensure Clear Walkways
Well-arranged family room with ample space for comfortable movement
A family room should be easy to navigate. Avoid overcrowding the space with furniture and ensure there are clear walkways between seating pieces, tables, and walls. A general guideline is to leave about 16 to 18 inches between the sofa and coffee table and similar clearances around other furniture. Planning for comfortable walkways will not only make your family room more functional but also contribute to a more spacious and relaxed feel.
Avoid the “Hot Dog Fold” for Throw Blankets
Family room with a neatly folded throw blanket adding a touch of coziness
The “hot dog fold” – folding a throw blanket lengthwise into a narrow strip and placing it across the back of the sofa – is a dated and unflattering way to display throw blankets. Instead, opt for more stylish and inviting methods. Drape a blanket casually over the arm of a sofa or armchair, neatly fold it and place it on the seat, or keep a collection of throws in a decorative basket. These methods add texture and coziness without looking stiff or outdated.
Pay Attention to Art and Shelf Scale
Family room with artwork appropriately scaled for the space and furniture
Art and shelving that are too small can look lost and insignificant in a family room, especially when placed above a large piece of furniture like a sofa. When selecting artwork for above the sofa or for a focal wall, choose pieces that are appropriately scaled for the space. A large piece of art or a gallery wall arrangement can make a much stronger visual impact than a small, solitary frame. Similarly, if you’re installing shelves, ensure they are substantial enough to hold a curated collection of objects without looking cluttered or undersized.
Family Room Decorating: Where to Save and Splurge
Comfortable family room sofa, a worthwhile splurge item
When decorating your family room, it’s helpful to know where to invest and where you can save. Here’s a guide to help you prioritize your budget.
Splurge-Worthy Items
- Sofa: Your sofa is likely the most used piece of furniture in your family room, so investing in a high-quality, comfortable, and durable sofa is a wise choice. Look for solid construction, comfortable cushions, and stain-resistant fabric.
- Entertainment Center/Built-ins: If your family room includes a media area or you desire built-in storage, these are worthwhile splurges. Quality entertainment centers and custom built-ins offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal, adding value to your home.
- Cozy Blanket: A luxurious, high-quality throw blanket can elevate the comfort and style of your family room. Choose a soft, durable, and generously sized blanket that you’ll love to snuggle up with.
- Statement Art: Investing in a piece of art that you truly love can become a focal point in your family room and reflect your personal style.
Save Money On
Family room accessories and smaller decor items where you can save
- Pillows: You can easily update the look of your family room by changing out pillow covers. Look for affordable and stylish options at home goods stores or online retailers.
- Side Tables: Side tables offer functionality and style, but you don’t need to spend a fortune on them. Explore budget-friendly options in various styles and materials.
- Throw Blankets (Accent): While a splurge-worthy cozy blanket is great, you can save money on additional throw blankets used for decorative layering.
- Area Rugs (Depending on Material): Natural fiber rugs like jute or sisal can be very affordable for large sizes and provide a great neutral base for your family room.
- Accessories: Decorative accessories like vases, trays, candles, and coffee table books are perfect items to save on. You can find stylish and budget-friendly options at many retailers.
- Lamps: While quality lighting is important, you can find stylish and affordable table and floor lamps at various price points.
Family Room Essentials for a Stylish Space
Well-decorated family room incorporating essential elements for style and function
Creating a beautiful and functional family room is about thoughtfully combining style and practicality. By following these dos and don’ts, and understanding where to save and splurge, you can design a family room that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a comfortable and welcoming space for your family to enjoy for years to come.
