A living room that looks empty can look unattractive, even if it is fully furnished. If your space is bare, it may be missing key elements that add warmth, style and personality. Here are seven common culprits and tips to liven up your living room.
Meet the expert
- Caitlin Marie is the founder of the Caitlin Marie Design blog, where she shares design tips, decorating finds, and easy DIY projects.
- Melissa Michaels she is the founder of The Inspired Room, where she provides inspiration for decorating and style tips.
The focal point is missing
A living room without a focal point can feel directionless and empty. A focal point draws attention and anchors a space, whether it’s a fireplace, a large piece of art or a bold sofa.
“I like to set a focal point when I’m designing a room for two reasons,” says Caitlin Marie of Caitlin Marie Designs. “First, you may want to devote more of your budget to this part of the room because it’s going to get the most attention.”
Choose one main element to emphasize and build your decor around it. Adding a mirror or a large framed piece of art can instantly draw the eye and give a room more structure.
“For most people, the focal point of the living room will be a fireplace or media console, often with artwork or a TV hanging above,” she says.
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The furniture is too small
Small or too small furniture can make even a well-decorated room feel sparse. Small sofas, chairs or tables may not fill the space enough, leaving too much empty space around them.
“A sectional, large couch, large coffee table, and even built-in bookshelves or a piano will help anchor the room so that smaller pieces can be tucked in here and there as accents if needed,” says Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room.
Choose furniture that matches the size of your space. In larger rooms, opt for large sofas or partitions, larger coffee tables and full armchairs. If you have a small space, consider adding a tall bookshelf or floor lamp to give it vertical dimension.
No Area Rug
A room without a rug can feel disjointed, and pieces of furniture appear isolated rather than cohesive. The rug defines the seating area, bringing everything together.
“Rugs can help create separate areas or zones in an open-concept home or larger room,” says Marie. As a result, your living room will feel cozier and more intentional.”
Use a rug that fits at least partially under all the main pieces of furniture (sofas, chairs, coffee tables). This can make a big difference in grounding the space and making it feel complete.
Little or no artwork on the walls
Bare walls make a living room feel empty, but choosing artwork can feel daunting. However, even a few small pieces can help bring warmth and personality to your space.
“Artwork and accessories in a great room should be bigger and bolder,” says Michaels. “If you have framed prints or photos for your wall, go larger than the standard 8 x 10 or 5 x 7 frames. Group larger pieces together to make an even bolder punch.”
Go for large-scale art if you have high ceilings or expansive walls. For smaller rooms, try a gallery wall or a few medium-sized prints that reflect your style. Make sure the art is hung at eye level for the best visual impact.
Lack of layered lighting
One ceiling lamp is often not enough to make a room attractive. A single overhead fixture can leave areas looking shaded and bare. Layered lighting, like table and floor lamps, adds warmth and dimension.
“As a general rule, I like to have three different light sources in a large room (not counting the ceiling light) or two in a small room,” says Mari. “You might be able to get away with less in the open. conceptual space with lots of ambient lighting.”
Use multiple light sources around the room. Place lamps near the seating area, use sconces for wall art, or add a dimmable ceiling light for a customizable ambiance.
Minimal or no textiles
Textiles such as cushions, blankets and curtains add texture and warmth to the living room. Without them, the space can seem complete and empty. Placing different fabrics softens the room and brings color and comfort.
A rustic ladder covered with blankets or other textiles can be just what your corner needs.
Add throw pillows throughout the space with different textures and colors and throw a cozy blanket over the couch. Floor-length curtains, even if sheer, can also add a soft, finished look to windows.
Empty Corners
Unused corners make the room look incomplete, as if the space is not fully lived. Adding a plant, floor lamp or small chair can make empty corners look purposeful and add personality to the space.
A tall plant like a potted fig or palm tree can breathe life into an empty corner. If plants aren’t your thing, a small accent chair or lamp can fill the void nicely.
Not enough decorative pieces or accessories
A living room without decorative pieces or accessories – such as books, vases or candles – can be cold and uninviting. These finishing touches make the space feel alive and layered.
Add personal items such as family photos, travel souvenirs or a book collection to add character to the room. Small decorative items on tables or shelves add warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.
Your living room should be cozy, comfortable and reflect your style. By adding these elements—like a focal point, layered lighting, textiles, and art—you can transform a room that feels empty into an inviting space that’s uniquely yours.