The interior layout of the average home has changed much over the years, but the one room that still remains the most important is the living room. Even in decades past, the parlor or the gathering room was the central place for family and friends to congregate and spend time together. The living room is where families make lasting memories, have important conversations, and celebrate holidays. Typically, the living room welcomes visitors to the home, showcasing your unique personality, and is cozy and comfortable. The furniture and decor should reflect the versatility of this space, which hosts a variety of activities. Some of the best living rooms are ones that follow a particular theme. Perhaps the most famous is Elvis Presley‘s “Jungle Room” at his home, Graceland, but you don’t have to go that elaborate. You might choose a beach house theme, a comfortable English cottage, or any other number of possibilities. Any furniture you choose should match your theme, and you should avoid items in your living room that don't add comfort and atmosphere.

Furniture selection

The furniture pieces in your living room are the most important. A beautiful sofa is useless if it's uncomfortable to sit on. You should consider how you plan to use your living room and how much traffic you expect your furniture to see in the coming years. If you have children, you want durable furniture that repels stains and is strong enough to allow them to roll around on chairs that won't break easily. Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your living room furniture:

• Choose furniture with durable fabric that repels spills and stains, especially if you have pets or children.

• Furniture should match the room's overall theme, such as a throwback to a specific decade, a beach or cabin theme, or any other theme.

• Furniture should be well-made and last several years, as replacing it can be very costly.

• Furniture should fit in the room and not add to the sensation of clutter.

• If you have a fireplace, the mantle is usually the focal point, so furniture should fit around it.

• If your room does not have shelving, consider purchasing standalone shelving to maximize book and item storage.

• Furniture, ideally, should have multiple uses and even storage space.

Tips for your living room

While your furniture is indeed one of the most important items in the room, there are other things to consider when decorating your living room as well.

• Avoid prominently displaying your movie collection, as this can result in a chaotic and haphazard arrangement. Store DVDs out of sight.

• Consider your lighting. If you have white walls, you likely do not need as much lighting as you might need with wood paneling.

• Be mindful of your wall decorations, as too many can seem too busy and might not go with your theme.

• Don’t overdo it on the window treatments, and if you go with curtains, make sure they match your overall decoration theme.

• Organize and declutter your space, and put away anything you no longer need or use.

• Mirrors can be used to make the room feel larger and create the illusion of more space.

• Arrange furniture strategically, such as Ottoman boxes, throughout the room to minimize the need for larger pieces. Some of these boxes also include storage space.

• Use rugs to define different areas within the room and keep dust off the floors.

• Natural and neutral colors are some of the most versatile, as they pair well with various furniture styles and artwork.

What to avoid

So what should not be in your living room? Avoid anything that detracts from the comfort and appeal of the room, if possible. Some things to avoid include:

• Pet beds or cages, or pet food bowls

• Expensive rugs

• Work-related items

• Children's toys not put away

Remember, the living room is the center of the home, the multi-use area where family and friends can gather, children can watch television, and the family celebrates holidays. It should be versatile enough for any activity but also comfortable and visually appealing to encourage people to linger and relax. With the help of an experienced decorator or home designer, you can transform your living room into the ideal space for your friends and family.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Furniture Mart