The Best Living Room Decor Ideas for 2020

Looking to elevate your living room decor this year? Look no further! This article is your ultimate guide to the best living room decor ideas for 2020. Get ready to transform your space and wow your guests with these creative and stylish tips. From upgrading your doors and windows to adding unique seating, we've got you covered. Discover how to reflect your surroundings, create display cubbies, and even maximize small spaces with built-ins. Whether you're into rustic charm or modern elegance, there's something for everyone in this comprehensive guide. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive into the world of living room decor possibilities!

Upgrade Your Doors and Windows

Photo by: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling by: Elizabeth Demos

To enhance the height of the home's ceilings, these homeowners decided to upgrade their doors and windows. They replaced their old doors with 8-foot-tall doors and their windows with 6-foot-tall windows to allow maximum light to enter. Additionally, they made sure that the doors and windows were aligned at the same height to create the illusion of more space. As a result of these upgrades, their prefab coastal college home feels airy and bright.

Reflect Your Surroundings

Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface

In this mountain home, interior designer Lauren Liess created a cozy living room that reflects the beautiful Blue Ridge setting. She used earthy color palettes and added a tree-stump side table to enhance the relaxed atmosphere. The living room serves multiple purposes as a hangout spot, entertaining center, and functional pass-through. To add charm, Lauren incorporates quirky antiques, like the Victorian armchair, while also using new upholstery.

Strategically mount a mirror

Mirrors are a great addition to small living rooms as they can enhance the lighting in the space. Designer Lilly Bunn suggests hanging a large mirror on a wall opposite a window to reflect the light. Another option is to rest the mirror against a mantel or shelf. A mirror on a mantel adds a classic and elegant feel to the room.

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Living room art can be 3D

While gallery walls and statement pieces are popular choices for living room art, consider going a step further and incorporating a mobile. Mobiles can provide color and visual interest to any corner of your living room or even over a doorway. They are not just for nurseries and can add a unique touch to your space.

SavePin ItSee More ImagesHave a favorite vase, plant, or even a fun bust-like sculpture to display? Give it pride of place with a pedestal, just like you’d see in a fancy store or art gallery. You can find pedestals secondhand or online, and they’re great for adding a little classic charm to a corner of your living room. Keep in mind though that it’s best to steer clear of this trend if you have small children or pets for safety reasons.

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Add Unique Seating

Robert PetersonA multifunctional classic, a nap bench can make lounging in your living room look twice as chic. Here, designer Zoë Feldman uses a Serena & Lily rattan piece to divide the large living area of the 2022 Whole Home without blocking the sculptural window. A cushion covered in a Sanderson fabric gives it a bespoke look.

Mix Up the Seating

Photo by Laurey W. Glenn

Seating doesn't have to be limited to club chairs and sofas. Utilize benches, ottomans, and odd side chairs to accommodate more people. In this Sea Island beach house, a bench allows for conversation in either direction and can be easily moved around the room.

Create Display Cubbies

Photography: Laurey W. Glenn

Cozy built-in cubbies provide the perfect place to display antique collectibles and heirlooms in this living room. Built-in shelves and floating shelves add additional display space. Beautiful baskets can do double duty by hiding away your collection of remotes.

Hang Mini-Galleries

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Maximize limited wall space and showcase art by hanging mini-galleries throughout the house. Create groupings within your collection of artwork based on styles, weight, and frames. Take advantage of opportunities to hang artwork above doors, between windows, or even wrapped around the TV.

Create a Neutral Backdrop for Collections

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

If you enjoy frequently redecorating, opt for a neutral base, such as white or off-white walls and furniture. This allows your accessories and collections to take center stage and be easily swapped out or changed with the seasons. Incorporate pops of color with pillows and throws for added versatility.

Whitewash the Walls

Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper

Create a blank canvas by painting the walls, including a brick fireplace, in a clean shade of white. This allows your guests and decor to provide the color to the space. Add touches of deep blue to enhance the brilliance of the white.

Balance Hard Materials With Soft Ones

Caroline TurnerIf your living room features hard materials like hardwood floors or stone tile flooring, soften the space with plush seating and rich materials like velvet in jewel tones. A statement light fixture can also help to bring the scale of high ceilings down.

Warm Up Walls With Wood

Space Content studioDesigner Nicole Dohmen gave this living room a touch of warmth by applying a Hungarian point pattern hardwood floor. The classic parquet flooring design pairs well with modern furniture and geometric patterns. Additionally, wood panels were applied to the walls to further enhance the cozy atmosphere.

Clean Lines

Lisa RomereinIn this Los Angeles villa designed by Giannetti Home, the living room features multiple French doors that connect the space to the garden. Billowy drapery frames the doors and adds a touch of elegance. The connection to the outdoors creates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces.

Unify Your Space

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Use a large rug to tie together the various elements of your living room. A big rug in a small space can help create a cohesive look and prevent the floor from appearing visually choppy. Matching prints on the rug and upholstered chairs further unify the space.

Divide Up Large Rooms

Laurey W. Glenn

In an open floorplan with a large room, create cozy seating areas by dividing the space. Place a console table and lamps behind a sofa to separate one area from another.

Maximize Small Spaces with Built-Ins

Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins

Make the most of a small room by incorporating built-in bookshelves that provide both storage and a flip-out desk. This multi-functional space can serve as a workspace, a quiet escape, or a fun entertaining area. With more families working from home, these multi-functional areas are becoming increasingly popular.

Put a Record On

Victoria SassAdd a record player to your living room for a touch of nostalgia. Create a designated space for the record player, such as a corner of the room or the side of an island. This allows you to display and access your record collection easily.

Add In Rustic Elements

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

In a two-story-high living room, embrace the rustic setting by incorporating spruce-planked walls and wood beams salvaged from an old Tennessee barn. This adds a refined, barn-like feel to the space. Balance the rustic elements with a soft color palette that reflects the surrounding sky and hills.

Dress Up a Rustic Room

Laurey W. Glenn

Even in a rustic wood cabin, you can introduce elegance and sophistication through fabric and furnishings. Use linen curtains with vintage trim to add a touch of elegance to a rustic room. The combination of rough-hewn yellow pine walls and refined curtains creates an interesting contrast.

Make More Hospitable

In this living room, natural light showcases eclectic style. The space is designed to be welcoming, with vibrant hues and patterns adorning every surface. Comfortable seating invites relaxation, and accessibility is a priority throughout the house, with wide doorways and walkways for easy navigation.

Create a Keeping Room

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

A keeping room is a great addition to a home with an open floorplan. It provides a cozy seating area for overflow and comfort while still allowing guests to keep company with the cook in the kitchen. Opt for comfortable and durable furniture in this space, as it is likely to be frequently used.

Add Historic Charm

Laurey W. Glenn

To add character to a new house, consider incorporating elements of historic charm. Use real V-groove wood ceilings or cheaper alternatives like beaded board. Chunky window casings can also enhance the overall aesthetic.

Add a vintage rug to warm up your space

A beautiful vintage rug can instantly transform an ordinary living room into a stylish and storied space. Whether you find one at a flea market, local retailer, or online, vintage rugs add character and charm. Layering smaller vintage rugs over modern jute pieces creates a cozy and collected look.

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Use Flexible Furniture in a Great Room

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

In a great room, opt for flexible furniture that can be easily moved or rotated to accommodate different activities and seating arrangements. Swivel chairs and an upholstered ottoman that doubles as a coffee table and bench provide versatility. Family-friendliness is a key consideration in this Tulsa, Oklahoma home.

Curate a Rotating Mantle Display

Laurey W. Glenn

Change up the look of your mantle by creating an ever-changing display of artwork and accessories. Swap out pieces as you find new collectibles to keep the space fresh and visually interesting.

Prioritize Practical Upholstery

When selecting upholstery for your living room, prioritize comfort and functionality. Choose seating options that are comfortable for activities like watching TV and provide ample space for relaxation. Incorporate durable fabrics, such as white upholstery that can be bleached, to ensure longevity and easy maintenance.

Joyful Living

Laurey GlennJanie Jones and Elizabeth Miles of Hundley Hilton know how to mix colors and styles effortlessly. In their client's Birmingham cottage, they created a living room that exudes joy and invites easy conversation. A vibrant yellow sectional paired with a mod game table and Pierre Paulin-style Z chairs creates an optimal space for gathering and relaxing.

Cottage Charm

Nicole FranzenDesigner Dan Fink and architect Carl Baker transformed this Napa Valley cottage by adding a great room that opens up to the pool and outdoor dining area. Beechwood armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues create a comfortable seating area that blends indoor and outdoor living seamlessly.

Americana Drama

Mark Roskams

Designer Anthony Baratta enjoys utilizing the entire volume of a room. In his design for this New York City apartment, he takes advantage of the high ceilings by incorporating an American painting by Tomory Dodge and an oversized custom floor lamp. The upholstered furnishings in the room are equally ample and feature captivating colors and patterns. The cherry-red velvet fabric is from Pierre Frey, while the sofa is adorned with block-printed linen from Christopher Moore. To complement the original ceiling moldings, Baratta incorporates plaster and marble objects in coordinating colors and classical tones. The inspiration for the medallion border on the drapes came from a Christian Lacroix showroom.

English Revival

James McDonald

Esther Cayzer-Colvin drew inspiration from her grandmother, Nancy Lancaster, and incorporated buoyant patterns in the drawing room of her Wiltshire estate. The Italian-strung curtains feature a Turkish-inspired patterned linen from Carolina Irving. The furniture, including the sofa and slipper chair, are from Howard & Sons.

Sunset Hues

Miguel Flores-Vianna

The soft sunset palette of Renvy Graves Pittman's living room in Bel Air originated from an antique Spanish rug. The warm tones are carried over onto the apricot silk draperies and the floral sofa, upholstered in Lee Jofa’s Hollyhock chintz from Lee Jofa.

Literary Magic

Paul Costello

Beach Vibes

Victoria Pearson

To break up the ballroom-size living room in a Pebble Beach chateau, designer Mary McDonald created three separate seating areas, each accentuated by different rugs. The sofa is adorned with fabric from Clarence House in a pale blue tone, while the drapery features fabric from Kerry Joyce.

Transform a Generic Space With Texture

Gieves Anderson

Designer David Frazier demonstrates that a generic rental or small space can be transformed with texture. This living room showcases various tricks to add dimension, including pops of marigold color, a large rice paper pendant, and a gallery wall. For affordable and stylish prints and artwork, check out Society6.

Open Up Your Living Space

Laurey W. Glenn

Despite its small size, this North Carolina cottage feels larger due to the homeowners' decision to open up and connect the main living spaces. The family room features vaulted ceilings, providing extra volume to the space.

Build a Bar

Make the most of your living room by incorporating a home bar stocked with your favorite drinks. Designer John Fondas transformed a shallow closet into a bar nook with plenty of wall storage. The nautical and aquatic motifs create a perfect setting for a Palm Beach party house.

Maximize Small Spaces with Built-Ins

Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins

In a small room off the front entry of a Kentucky home, a built-in bookshelf serves as storage behind closed doors and also features a flip-out desk. This multi-functional space can be used as a workspace, a quiet escape, or an entertaining area.

Put a Record On

Victoria Sass, of Project Refuge Studio, added a record player to the corner of this texture-rich and minimalist living room. The sitting area opens into the kitchen, where the island contains exposed shelving for a record collection.

Install a Fireplace or Faux Mantel

An electric fireplace can bring comfort and coziness to your living room while also serving as a focal point. If you're unable to make such changes in a rental, consider adding a faux fireplace mantel instead. It can add a touch of character and charm to your space.

Let the Light In

Photography: Laurey W. Glenn

If your living room lacks natural light, consider replacing solid exterior doors with glass ones. This will create an airy feel and provide pretty views of your yard. Adding skylights is another great way to brighten up a room.

Balance Masculine and Feminine

Laurey W. Glenn

Achieve a balance between masculine and feminine elements in your living room. Designer Barrie Benson accomplishes this balance in a Tudor-style living room by incorporating feminine touches amidst the more masculine architecture. Menswear-inspired fabrics are paired with floral and chintz patterns.

Try Bold Patterns

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason

Dare to use bold patterns and unusual colors in a small living space. In this Louisiana living room, a loveseat is covered in an unexpected lilac fabric, while an animal-print chair adds drama. A floral rug and coordinating pillows complete the look.

Add Historic Charm

Laurey W. Glenn

Adding historic charm to a new house can be achieved through design choices. Lindsay Bierman, former editor-in-chief, opted for a real V-groove wood ceiling in his lakefront hideaway. Chunky window casings and beaded board are other cost-effective options to create a similar effect.

Modernize Heirloom Pieces

Laurey W. Glenn

Give heirloom furniture a modern update by selecting bold fabrics and incorporating neutral covers. In this room, a settee was updated with wild fabric, while the vintage sofa and swivel chairs were covered in neutrals. Brightly colored lamps, art, and fabrics add a touch of punch to the space.

Lighten Up with Whites

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Create a luxe and neutral look by using white upholstery and decorative accents in soft hues. Overstuffed furniture can add a relaxed feel to a formal living room. Opt for washable slipcovers in high-traffic areas.

Invest in Antiques

Photo: Laurey Glenn

As your budget allows, invest in fine antiques to bring character and richness to each room. In this Birmingham home, a round French marble-topped gueridon table stands out as a focal point and adds rich color to an otherwise ivory room. Armchairs by the windows create a secondary gathering space.

Incorporating the best living room decor trends of 2020 can truly transform your space into a masterpiece. From upgrading your doors and windows to strategically placing mirrors and adding unique seating, there are endless possibilities to reflect your personal style. Don't be afraid to mix and match different textiles and materials, creating a balance between hard and soft elements. Warm up your walls with a touch of wood and create a neutral backdrop for your cherished collections. Whether you're leaning towards a rustic charm or a modern elegance, adding vintage rugs and antiques can bring a timeless appeal to your living room. So go ahead and explore these exciting ideas to curate a space that is not only visually stunning but also a reflection of your unique personality. Let your living room be a place of joy, comfort, and endless possibilities.