I have a big living room. How can I make it look more cozy?

A large open space can be a perfect example of minimalism or it can look bad in the sense that it looks empty. To make…

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A large open space can be a perfect example of minimalism or it can look bad in the sense that it looks empty.

To make your living room look and feel more cozy, you can start by adding some warm colors on the walls or adding some green plants. These are just two of the options I recommend to make a large space look cozier and more inviting!

So, you have a spacious living room and you’re looking for ways to make it more cozy?

Well, here are some ideas that can help. Keep reading to find out what you can do to make your house more cozy.

Disclaimer: this blog post contains affiliate links. As a member of the Amazon Affiliates Program, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. 

How to make your large living room more cozy

There are several ways to make a big living room look more cozy. Here are some suggestions:

Add soft lighting

Soft lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can use lamps, string lights, or candles to add warmth and create a cozy ambiance.

Here’s another great tip: choose lighting with a warm color tone to add even more coziness.

But here’s how to make use of softer lighting in the living room:

  1. Floor lamps: Floor lamps are great for creating a warm and inviting ambiance. They can be placed in the corner of a room to create soft, indirect lighting.
  2. Table lamps: Table lamps are perfect for adding soft lighting to a seating area. They can be placed on side tables or on a console table to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  3. String lights: String lights are a fun and affordable way to add soft lighting to a room. They can be draped over furniture, hung from the ceiling, or wrapped around a curtain rod to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
  4. Candles: Candles are another great way to add soft lighting to a room. They can be placed on a coffee table, a mantel, or on a shelf to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Be sure to choose unscented candles if you or anyone in your household is sensitive to fragrances.
  5. Dimmer switches: If you have overhead lighting in your living room, consider installing dimmer switches. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the brightness of the lights to create a softer and more inviting atmosphere.

Use warm colors

Warm colors like reds, oranges, and yellows can make a room feel cozier. You can add these colors through accent pieces like throw pillows, rugs, or curtains.

Here are some ideas:

  1. Accent walls: Consider painting one wall in a warm color to create a focal point in your living room. This could be a deep red, burnt orange, or mustard yellow. Make sure the color complements the rest of your decor.
  2. Throw pillows and blankets: Adding throw pillows and blankets in warm colors can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Look for soft materials like wool or velvet in warm colors like red, terracotta, orange, brown, or yellow.
  3. Curtains: Consider adding curtains in warm colors to your living room. This can help to create a cohesive color scheme and add warmth to the space.
  4. Area rugs: Adding an area rug in a warm color can anchor your living room and create a cozy atmosphere. Look for rugs in warm colors like rust, terracotta, or caramel.
  5. Artwork and decor: Adding artwork and decor in warm colors can help to tie your living room together. Look for pieces in warm colors like red, orange, or yellow, and display them on walls or shelves.

Create conversation areas

Breaking up a large living room into smaller conversation areas can create a cozier atmosphere.

Arrange furniture in smaller groupings to encourage conversation and make the space feel more intimate.

A conversation area refers to an area in the room that is inviting and comfortable for conversation. Consider adding a sofa, armchair, coffee table, or side table to create a conversation nook.

I already described how to create a cozy reading nook in another post and then I also shared my tips for creating cozy nooks and hidey holes in the home so you can apply that info to your big living room!

You can also add cozy touches such as cushions and throws to make your conversation areas even more inviting.

Add artwork and decor

Adding artwork, photos, and decor can personalize a space and make it feel more cozy.

Displaying family photos or art that has sentimental value can make the space feel more warm and inviting.

Some good artwork choices include: paintings, prints, sculptures, and wall hangings. You can also add textiles like quilts or tapestries for a more bohemian vibe.

Add greenery

Adding plants or flowers can create a natural and calming atmosphere in a room. Plants can also help purify the air and add a touch of nature to a space.

So what can you do? Here are some ideas:

  1. Choose the right plants: When selecting plants for your living room, consider the lighting conditions and the size of the space. Choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions if your living room doesn’t get a lot of natural light. Also, make sure that the size of the plants is appropriate for your space.
  2. Use different types of plants: Adding different types of plants to your living room can create a more interesting and dynamic look. Consider adding a mix of large and small plants, as well as plants with different shapes and textures.
  3. Use hanging plants: Hanging plants can be a great way to add greenery to a living room without taking up floor space. Consider hanging plants from the ceiling or from wall-mounted planters.
  4. Use plant stands: Plant stands can help to create a cohesive look in your living room, while also elevating your plants off the ground. Look for stands that complement your decor and match the style of your living room.
  5. Add flowers: Adding fresh flowers to your living room can create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere. Consider placing a vase of flowers on a coffee table or on a shelf.

Here’s a list of 10 low maintenance plants that are perfect for the living room:

1. Spider Plant

2. Rubber Plant

3. Chinese Evergreen

4. Pothos

5. Peace Lily

6. Snake Plant

7. Aloe Vera

8. Philodendron

9. Golden Pothos

10. ZZ Plant

So, no matter what kind of cozy atmosphere you’re looking to create in your living room, these plants will add some green inspiration.

Final thoughts

By implementing these tips, you can create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your living room.

People want to feel comfortable and at home when they enter a space, so make sure the lighting, colors, furniture arrangement, artwork and decor all contribute to a welcoming environment.

With the right elements in place, guests will feel right at home!

Happy decorating!