Must-Haves for the Perfect Living Room

A living room is the heart of the home. That's why it should be a space that expresses your personality and makes you feel completely at ease. There are some essential pieces every living room must have to make it the ultimate multi-functional space.

Set the Ambience

Since the living room is the main hub, it should be full of character and also fit with the rest of the home. You want it to stand out, but not completely take away from the surrounding rooms. A few things to focus on that will lend the perfect vibe are:

• Lighting- If you're lucky enough to have a lot of natural light flowing through the space, then you won't need to add many extra lamps or fixtures. If natural light is a bit scarce, place a few lamps around the room, as well as one or two ceiling light fixtures. If your living room has low ceilings, recessed lighting is a great option because it adds brightness without using up extra space.

• Paint- Finding the ideal paint color is an important step when setting a room's ambience. Warm colors like brown or red add liveliness to a room, while cool colors like blue or gray lend a more calm vibe. Whichever paint color you choose, it should blend well with the overall color scheme throughout the home.

• Window Treatments- Whether you have one window or many, the right window covering can really finish off a room. If you're looking to allow more natural light in, choose sheer or light-filtering curtains. If you prefer the room a bit darker, blackout curtains are a good choice because they offer privacy while also providing some protection from drafty windows.

Prime Entertaining Space

When friends are over, everyone naturally congregates in the living room. Having a room that is comfortable and inviting for all guests is important. Create the ideal entertainment location with:

• Home Theater System- When guests are over, it's nice to keep them occupied with more than just conversation. Music or a movie playing in the background is a great way to avoid uncomfortable moments of silence. A system will offer a cinema experience right from the comfort of your own home. Each guest will be able to see and hear everything perfectly so no one misses out.

• Furniture- Cozy furniture that you can relax on at the end of a long day is an essential component to any living room. A good seating arrangement is also crucial when guests are over. Furniture should fit the space, be functional, and be arranged in a way that encourages socializing.

• Tables- You'll need a place to prop your feet up or set a tray of snacks on. Coffee tables and end tables should be aesthetically pleasing while also being practical.

Personal Touches

A living room should express the owner's personality and be a place of peace and comfort for them. There are many ways to add individual touches throughout the space, such as:

• Shelves- Fill shelves and bookcases with favorite mementos, books, and photographs to personalize the space.

• Wall Decor- Framed photographs, mirrors, and art arranged on a gallery wall can really transform a room and make a big statement.

• Pillows- More than just a place to rest your head, pillows can also add personality and excitement to a room. They can dress a room up or down depending on the size and type of fabric.

The living room should be a space dedicated to relaxing and enjoying time with loved ones. Creating the perfect living room is easy when you have the right tools and inspiration. No longer is it a place to just watch television. Now it can be the epicenter of the home, a space you'll be proud to call your own.