Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford
Modern living rooms are not too imaginative, no need too luxury items or modernist devices. The living room’s aesthetic comes to an airy, uncluttered, yet cozy and welcoming space.
If you are still wondering about suitable modern living room ideas for your dreamy home, you’re in the right place.
This article will share you with 75+ living room ideas so that everyone can find something – even a little more traditional, rustic, boho, or coastal.
1. Design an Accent Wall
Make your living room attractive and impressive with an accent wall. Source: Houzz
Create an accent on the fireplace. Source: Houzz
Instead of a boring white or grey white, you can choose an accent wall. You are able to hang a deerhorn or vibrant wall art or use a patterned wall to make an accent. Your living room will become more modern and unique.
2. Place a Grand Piano
Place a piano in the living room. Source: Houzz
A grand piano is in the living room. Source: Houzz
Take a cue and place a high-gloss black piano in your living room. Everyone visits your house and will wonder whether someone in your house can play or not. Moreover, your family members can play the piano anytime in their free time. Is it so great?
3. Combine Black and White Elements
Black and white colors are always chosen a lot. Source: Houzz
Enhance elegant appearance with black and white color. Source: Houzz
No denying that the black-and-white color palette is elegant and timeless. You can apply two of these colors in tons of aspects from architecture, clothes, and decor. Here, among white walls, you mix black seating, a black light lamp, or a dark wall decor display. The outlook of your living room will last a long time.
4. Decorate Shelving at Sky-High Levels
Use a sky-level shelf in your living room. Source: Houzz
Use a sky-level shelf. Source: Houzz
Modern living room ideas recently often optimize living space. Therefore, you can take reference from this design. If your living room has many vertical spaces, let’s use these striking shelves. You can display books, artwork, or your favorite collection. This shelf offers a mix of modern, traditional, and vintage for a curated look.
5. Opt for Glamour
Selecting several items to enhance the glamour of your living room. Source: Houzz
Glamour living room. Source: Houzz
In this design, you can organize the living room with a woody bookshelf that is full of books, arts, or your favorite collection.
The glamorous living room can be outfitted with a soft white sofa and multiple marble coffee tables. You also should choose light systems with an orange tone to make the living room warmer.
6. Discover a Vibrant Couch
Impress your living room with a vibrant couch. Source: Houzz
Place a vibrant couch in the living room. Source: Houzz
A brown couch mixing some grey pillows will make accents to the white walls in your living room. Remember that you need to focus on the contrast of colors to make a pop of personality. Do not use too many colorful items or your living room becomes ugly and messy.
7. Maximize Vertical Space
You should take advantage of vertical space. Source: Houzz
Maximize vertical space. Source
To have a comfortable and wide living space, you should concentrate on vertical space. Let’s optimize space by using bookshelves, wall cabinets, etc. Not only have floor to ceiling windows, but the room’s vertical space is also maximized by the dramatic two-story fireplace.
8. Adhere to the “Rule of Three”
Rule of three should be applied. Source: Houzz
Place 3 pictures to make a balance. Source: Houzz
The “rule of three,” according to which artwork and things arranged in groups of three seem more intriguing and deliberate, is one that many interior designers adhere to. In the living room, you are able to get three different paintings on the wall, using a 3-seat couch to create balance and harmony.
9. Turn Windows into a Focal Point
Make windows into a focal point in your living room. Source: Houzz
Get natural light from windows. Source: Houzz
To make a focal point as well as take advantage of natural light, you should select large windows. From this, you will have a great view to see the outside scene of your house. For convenience, you should hang brown or orange textured blinds.
10. Showcase Art on the TV
Hang showcase art on the TV. Source: Houzz
Decorate around the TV. Source: Houzz
If you are interested in wall art, abstract paintings, and similar things, let’s hang showcase art on the TV. Brown walls, a soft vintage sofa with a retro fireplace, all make your living room warm but still modern, and fresh.
11. Include Statement Fabrics
Decor your living room with statement fabrics. Source: Houzz
Using statement fabrics. Source: Houzz
Bring to your living room a fresh breath with statement fabrics. Instead of using timeless fabric for your table, sofa, or stool, consider an interesting pattern for those items.
Vibrant colors with different interesting patterns will make your living room more impressive than ever.
12. Achieve Modern Glam
Turn your living room into modern glam. Source: Houzz
Modern glam living room. Source: Houzz
Just focusing on some details, you can make your living room modern and glam a lot. Get inspiration from modern living room ideas, a navy sofa, patterned pillows, vintage standing lamps along with some fresh beautiful flowers are good choices for a glam room.
13. Craft a Gallery Wall
Create a gallery wall. Source: Houzz
A gallery of photo. Source: Houzz
Putting important paintings and photographs on display is a simple and enjoyable way to create a gallery wall. Depending on what you choose to display, it can help prolong the modern feel while adding a personal touch to a space.
In this design, your living room also becomes more elegant and modern with a collection of pottery vases.
14. Harness the Power of Mirrors
Make an accent with a mirror in your living room. Source: Houzz
A mirror is an accent in the living room. Source: Houzz
Mirrors are used for purposes beyond simple sight. In addition to making a statement with design, to create the illusion of a larger room, you can install a large mirror above a fireplace.
Impressive mirror designs are also good decorative items, making your living room more interesting and less moody.
15. Introduce a White Sofa
Opt for a white sofa in the modern living room. Source: Houzz
White sofa with blue pillows. Source: Houzz
This living room design takes inspiration from a white sofa with different neutral-colored pillows, a circle table, and dark wood accents and organic shapes. The living room becomes modern, glamorous, and timeless.
16. Pay Attention to Lighting
Focusing on the lighting system. Source: Houzz
Warm lighting. Source: Houzz
Do you know lamps, and lighting systems good options to make an accent in your living room? Not only lighting the whole room but unique and impressive lights also turn your living space more fashionable than ever. Visitors will be surprised and attracted by those.
In this design, hourglass lamps are hung over the table to add to the modern relaxed feel of the space.
17. Make a Statement with a Wall
Make a statement wall. Source: Houzz
A statement wall with impressive art. Source: Houzz
A boring white wall or a moody monochrome wall? Why you don’t try to hang a painting, an abstract art, or eye-catching wallpaper to create a focal point on the wall? Make a statement wall by adding a modern design to your living room.
18. Accentuate Curves
Make your living room gentle with curves. Source: Houzz
The living room with soft curves. Source: Houzz
In this design, the designer swapped harsh lines for elegant curves. Take advantage of natural lights, the living room uses large glass windows and basic curtains to make the room softer and more charming. Make an accent with a lemon-yellow sofa chair.
19. Introduce a Moody Shade
Use a moody shade in your living room. Source: Houzz
Moody living room. Source: Houzz
In general, we often opt for bright, neutral colors in modern rooms. However, in some cases, people prefer dark, moody interiors. This modern living room design is an example, features dark grey walls.
20. Design an Interior that’s Light and Bright
Choosing light and bright items for living rooms. Source: Houzz
Bright living space. Source: Houzz
Bright white walls, trims, and ceilings can make your space look bigger, brighter, and more comfortable. Moreover, bright rooms bring joy and happiness to members of your family. Especially, if you have kids, these living room designs are better than dark rooms.
21. Hang Oversized Artwork
Create an oversized artwork. Source: Houzz
Large artwork in the living room. Source: Houzz
It’s an easy way to make intrigue and dimension in a limited space. You hang a large abstract artwork or many different photos over the sofa. Not only makes the wall more interesting but also expresses your passion.
22. Transform Walls Using Wood Paneling
Using wood paneling. Source: Houzz
The living room uses wood paneling. Source: Houzz
It can be an outdated trend when using wood paneling but in this design, it is proved again with timeless modern style.
Under the talented interior designer, the living room gets a modern and trendy feeling. Install wall paneling with shiplap, groove, flat boards, tongue, and groove.
23. Pair Green with Gold
Combine green and gold colors in your living room. Source: Houzz
Use Green and gold colors. Source: Houzz
The green and gold colors make the living room cozy, warm, and more inviting. You can mix them with vibrant flory sofas. Especially, a vase of red roses which is placed on a table, will be a focal point of the room.
24. Add Abstract Armchairs
Use abstract armchairs to make a focal point. Source: Houzz
Abstract armchair. Source: Houzz
To make the living room more exciting, and brighter, you can opt for an abstract colorful armchair. You may choose a more timeless fabric for the armchair and a vibrant color or a daring pattern for the accompanying armchairs.
25. Keep It Minimalistic
Minimalistic is better. Source: Houzz
Simple living room. Source: Houzz
“Less is more”, remember this rule when you choose modern living room design ideas. Keep all decor at a minimal level to have a spacious sectional with a large coffee table and a simple bookshelf on the TV wall.
26. Maintain a Cozy Atmosphere
Keep a cozy atmosphere in the living room. Source: Houzz
A cozy living space. Source: Houzz
It is believed that we can place both cozy and modern at the same time. A living room will be more balanced if you mix natural elements like stones, plants, and warmer colors.
27. Stick to Timeless Colors
Modern living room ideas often come with timeless colors. Source: Houzz
Use timeless colors for the living room. Source: Houzz
Selecting timeless colors is a wise choice for the living room. With these colors, you do not need to care more about what trendy colors are this year, whether this sofa’s color is outdated or not, etc. Just purchase one time and your living room stays modern last to the end.
28. Opt for Sleek Designs
Choosing sleek items for modern living rooms. Source: Houzz
A sleek living room design. Source: Houzz
This living area is contemporary and streamlined thanks to its clean, straight lines. With a minimalistic design, the room is welcoming and tidy, but it’s also ready to be occupied. Keep the living room sleek.
29. Embrace Modern Minimalism
“Less is more” in the living room design. Source: Houzz
Minimalism in the living room. Source: Houzz
The modern living room does not need to be boring with several interior items. In the world of modern minimalist interiors, you can create a focal point. For example, in this design, the living room gets a focal point of a large wall painting, clean lines, and large glass doors.
30. Blend Modern with Vintage
Mix some modern and vintage things in your living room. Source: Houzz
Modern vintage living space. Source: Houzz
It’s not necessary to exclude thrift, antique, and vintage items from modern space design. In a good modern living room idea, the designer combines vintage black leather armchairs and an antique console table with a modern sofa, a geometric area rug, and white side tables to create a well-balanced room.
31. Experiment with Patterns
Combining different patterned items. Source: Houzz
Try different patterns. Source: Houzz
Beehive pattern wallpaper, curved pattern curtains, and abstract rugs to the textured fireplace. When combining these patterned items, the living room is still balanced and modern. Don’t be shy to play with patterns for the living room.
32. Embrace White Marble Accents
Opt for white marble accents on the wall. Source: Houzz
White marble accent. Source: Houzz
The cozy living room with flat white walls and a marble fireplace brings interest through the veining. Your overall living room is elegant and compact. Besides, you are able to hang abstract art on the wall to enhance the modern, art of the house.
33. Hang Significant Art Pieces
Hang significant art pieces. Source: Houzz
The art piece is an accent on the wall. Source: Houzz
A famous piece of art on the fireplace position will be a focal point in the living room. Any visitor comes to your house and wonders about the author, the origin of the art as well as the painting style,…This modern living room will impress them a lot.
34. Define a “Room” with an Area Rug
Define a room with an area rug. Source: Houzz
Use an area rug. Source: Houzz
Use earth tones to give a modern living room a calming atmosphere. These can range from beige to brown, mustard, olive, sage, and beyond.
This design used beige colors for the contemporary living room, which is centered by a sizable grey sofa, two white armchairs, and an area rug that adds a soothing touch to the space’s light beige walls and beige wood tones.
35. Opt for Gorgeous Greenery
Modern farmhouse living room ideas. Source: Houzz
Use plants in the living space. Source: Houzz
Come with good living room decor ideas modern, using greenery factors is always a good idea. You can place a flower vase, and green plants to make a fresh and comfortable atmosphere.
36. Integrate Rustic Elements
Integrate rustic elements in the living room. Source: Houzz
Rustic living room. Source: Houzz
In the living room, match an elegant white sofa with a clean wood side table and coffee table to enhance aesthetics. Large glass windows are used to take natural light. The living room and the whole house become warmer and cozy.
37. Consider an Acrylic Coffee Table
You can use an acrylic coffee table in the living room. Source: Houzz
Using the acrylic coffee table. Source: Houzz
How about using an acrylic coffee table in the living room? A good durable table requires little maintenance but has a distinctive outlook. This will be a focal point in your modern living space.
38. Be Artistic with Wallpaper
Make the living room modern, and fresher with wallpaper. Source: Houzz
Using Artistic wallpaper. Source: Houzz
Wallpapers are in various colors and patterns. Therefore, say goodbye to boring flat white walls, let’s opt for interesting beautiful wallpapers.
39. Divert Attention from the TV
Distract from the TV position. Source: Houzz
Decorate something around the TV. Source: Houzz
Take reference from the modern designs for living room ideas, you are able to divert attention from the TV by making a statement fireplace, placing eye-catching bookshelves, .etc. With this design, you can sit together with your family and enjoy a heartfelt movie.
40. Infuse Modern Neutrals
Stick to a neutral color in the modern living room. Source: Houzz
Infusing modern neutrals. Source: Houzz
When designing a modern living room, you are able to stick to a neutral color. Choose different textures and materials to make a lively and inviting living space.
41. Experiment with Paint
Try interesting painting colors. Source: Houzz
Interesting paint on the wall. Source: Houzz
Are you bored with flat white walls? Try other exciting vibrant paints such as apple green, turf green, true blue, or school bus color. The living room will get into a charming appearance.
42. Incorporate a Vignette
Combining vignettes to make the living room more attractive and trendy. Source: Houzz
Using different vignettes for the living space. Source: Houzz
If you are bored of flat monochrome walls, let’s try a vignette. The living room will become an exciting and modern lot. In this design, the designer uses a bookshelf with a beehive pattern, and a table with a unique design to make accents.
43. Opt for a Monochromatic Look
Monochrome if you prefer simplistic. Source: Houzz
A white monochromatic look. Source: Houzz
Using monochromatic interiors makes your living space feel comfortable, fresh, and airy. The living room uses a white soft sofa. Behind are large windows that take natural light. Sitting in the armchairs, you can look outside scene around the house.
44. Soften the Aesthetic of Industrial Interiors
Soften the aesthetic of industrial interiors in the living room. Source: Houzz
Industrial interiors. Source: Houzz
This living room has a long sofa in front of the fireplace. Around it are exciting patterned armchairs. To soften the industrial interiors, the designer created a large window with a unique lamp. This warms up the industrial bones and brightens the space.
45. Incorporate Layered Natural Textures
Use layered natural textures to make the living room soft and comfortable. Source: Houzz
Natural factors in the living room ideas. Source: Houzz
Nature always makes us feel fresh, comfortable, and relaxed. Thus, you should incorporate layered natural textures and neutral colors. Furthermore, an orchid pot will be an accent of this living room.
46. Utilize Simple Accents
Take advantage of simple accents. Source: Houzz
Use simple items. Source: Houzz
You are able to make an accent with a clock, a painting, or simply a vase of roses in the living room. A brown sofa with an L shape also modernizes the living space.
47. Concentrate on Form
You should pay attention to the form of interiors. Source: Houzz
Different forms are used for modern living room ideas. Source: Houzz
This living room uses a variety of square shapes from a long sofa, and stool to the coffee table) increases the strength and mighty of the space. If you would like to break up the linear lines, you should opt for round-shaped items.
48. Give Wood Paneling an Update
Updating the wood paneling for long-term usage. Source: Houzz
Wood items need to be updated. Source: Houzz
Although many modern interiors have embraced wood paneling and made it feel more contemporary by softening the wood and expanding the boards, wood paneling is often associated with unrenovated midcentury homes.
This design creates a peaceful, modern area perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating.
49. Modernize Midcentury Architecture
Opt for midcentury architecture in the living room. Source: Houzz
Using midcentury architectural items. Source: Houzz
Updating the living room with Midcentury architecture such as a fireplace, neutral palette, and contemporary furniture.
According to modern living room furniture ideas, an ancient lamp warms up the space even though the outside is frozen.
50. Blend Various Textures
Mix various textures. Source: Houzz
Using many textures in the modern living room ideas. Source: Houzz
The living room has a stylish mix of fabric furnishings with an accent from patterned pillows. A horse statue placed on the table will also make your living room more exciting, and glamorous.
51. Mix Black and Blue
Combining the blue and black color in the living room. Source: Houzz
Mixing black and blue colors. Source: Houzz
The modern living room mixes a modern blue sofa and graphic accents in white, green, black, and a little gold. Overall space is still bright, balanced, and trendy.
52. Introduce Splashes of Color
Getting splashes of color for a boring living room. Source: Houzz
Colorful modern living room ideas. Source: Houzz
Modernizing the living room with neutral furnishings, a unique fireplace, and adding splashes of color like hot pink velvet walls, orange armchairs, and a plant basket.
53. Redo the Fireplace with New Tiles
Retile the fireplace. Source: Houzz
Enhance the fireplace. Source: Houzz
From the modern living room ideas, it’s good to retile the fireplace. A white tile fireplace matches to white walls making the living room cozy and airy. Above the fireplace, you can hang a smart TV to watch your favorite movies on free nights.
54. Infuse Texture, Color, and Pattern
Adding texture, pattern, and color to the living room’s design. Source: Houzz
A modern living room idea. Source: Houzz
According to modern living room wall decor ideas, this living room has abstract art on the wall and a dramatic fireplace accent wall that mixes textures, colors, and patterns. The room is still warm, and airy without messy or ridiculous.
55. Maintain a Cool Ambiance
Keep the living space cool. Source: Houzz
Keep a cool atmosphere in the living room. Source: Houzz
In this design, a wall of windows mixes unique light that makes the room brighter and airier. Colors such as milky white, grey, and a little brown are used to create a warm feeling for the space.
56. Select an Anchor Piece
Select an Anchor Piece. Source: Houzz
Opt for an anchor piece. Source: Houzz
A neutral palette of white, gray, and black make accents of wood. This is a simple recipe for modern gray living room ideas. The neutral colors will last long and be durable, difficult to be outdated.
57. Hang an Oversized Pendant Light
Hang an oversized pendant light. Source: Houzz
A pendant light for the living room. Source: Houzz
Make use of the tall slanted ceiling in the living room, you are able to hang an oversized pendant light. It looks like the sun and anchors from the sofa and armchairs’ view.
58. Display a Conversation Starter
Place a Conversation Starter. Source: Houzz
Decor a modern living room. Source: Houzz
In the modern living room, the above position of the fireplace is placed in an abstract painting. This can create curiosity and then when visitors come to your house, they will be curious and start conversations about it.
59. Ensure Every Piece Adds Value
Make sure every item in the living room useful. Source: Houzz
Each interior has its value. Source: Houzz
The fake bear leather rug, vintage lamp, modern sofa, and clean-lined furnishings in this minimalist white living room give it a contemporary atmosphere. Each piece was picked to stand on its own in the less-is-more design concept.
60. Decorate Around the TV
Decorate around the TV. Source: Houzz
Decorate books, and vases around the TV. Source: Houzz
In the living room, it cannot lack a TV. Making a large wall-mounted television more interesting, and glamorous with your favorite books placed on the black shelves. Choosing decor with dark colors to give the eye something to pay attention to when the TV screen is black.
61. Leave Windows Untreated
Keep the windows bare to get the natural light. Source: Houzz
Keep windows bare to get natural light. Source: Houzz
According to modern decor ideas for living room, do not decorate anything in the windows area, keep them bare. White walls and glass windows reveal an overview and allow natural light to flow into the whole modern living room.
62. Opt for a Black Palette
A dark palette is also a good option for the modern living room. Source: Houzz
Using the black tone. Source: Houzz
A dark palette brings the living room mystery, luxury, and glam. Choosing lamps, and light systems with a warm orange tone to warm the whole space.
63. Accent with Wooden Elements
Consider using wooden items. Source: Houzz
Wooden element. Source: Houzz
The modern living room features a modern fireplace, and wood paneling walls. Besides, you should combine them with leather seating, and an organic table to add a natural feeling to the room.
64. Utilize Large-Scale Furnishings
Using large-scale furnishings. Source: Houzz
Use large-scale items. Source: Houzz
The focal point of this cozy, carefree, neutral-toned modern living room is a boxy, oversized, overstuffed sectional with a matching ottoman that doubles as a coffee table.
65. Upgrade the Fireplace
Upgrading fireplace. Source: Houzz
Upgrade the fireplace. Source: Houzz
This modern living room mixes white marble and navy with curvy seating and a sleek fireplace to make an accent.
66. Install Vibrant Flooring
Vibrant flooring. Source: Houzz
Vibrant flooring. Source: Houzz
The circle-pattern rug acts as a base for every item in the living room from the tiny coffee table to the red armchair, and the painting. It keeps the living space livable and balanced.
67. Choose a Vibrantly Colored Couch
Opt for a vibrant couch. Source: Houzz
Vibrant couches. Source: Houzz
Placing a vibrant couch in the living room to match with other interiors. This combination helps you not grow tired of the flat color.
68. Keep Windows Unadorned
Keep windows bare and natural. Source: Houzz
Keep windows unadorned. Source: Houzz
If you have large windows looking out to the yard, leave the windows bare to get views and natural light.
69. Revisit Beige Finishes
Use a beige color in the living room. Source: Houzz
Use beige color. Source: Houzz
In recent years, beige has become more fashionable. This large living room was with a variety of mid-tone and brown wood accents, a light wood floor, and a beige brick fireplace.
70. Maintain a Natural Look
Keep the living room a natural look. Source: Houzz
Keep the living room a natural look. Source: Houzz
Modern living room ideas often use natural materials and organic items because they create a comfortable, airy, and relaxing feeling to the space.
71. Change the Brick Color to White
Paint the brick color. Source: Houzz
Paint the brick color 2. Source: Houzz
This living room is modernized by painting the brick fireplace pure white. This avoids being too bleached or a fake rustic farmhouse.
72. Arrange the Artwork to Overlap
Overlap the artwork. Source: Houzz
Overlap the artwork. Source: Houzz
Overlap the artwork creates a casually chic vibe and relaxing feeling while it still makes a statement wall.
73. Blend Different Patterns
Mix different patterns. Source: Houzz
Mix different patterns in the living room. Source: Houzz
This living room design has a modern pop feel with different white-and-blue patterns. A good idea if you’re tired of a simple white room.
74. Opt for a Large Floor Lamp
Opt for a large floor lamp. Source: Houzz
A large floor lamp. Source: Houzz
Your living room will become unique and attractive when placing this large floor lamp near the sofa.
75. Create an Ombre Effect on the Ceiling
Ombre the ceiling. Source: Houzz
Ombre living room. Source: Houzz
This living room adopts a moodier, more playful approach with an ombre ceiling. The space has a sophisticated, laid-back lounge vibe enhanced by luxurious carpeting, bare windows to filter natural light, and graphic white decorations and photos.
Wrap up
Do you get inspiration from the list of the best modern living room ideas? Hope you found our ideas for the modern living room to be helpful. Keep in mind that the room should be furnished with comfortable soft furnishings. Let’s get started to build your dreamy living room and happy house.