A luxurious living room isn’t just about having expensive things; it’s about creating a space that feels good. Start with stylish furniture that matches and feels comfortable. Choose colors that work well together to make the room inviting. Adding trendy pieces can make the space feel modern, and mixing in different textures and patterns can keep it interesting without making it feel busy. Make sure you have comfy seating, so the room is not only pretty but also practical. Good lighting, both natural sunlight and lamps, sets the right mood. Don’t forget accessories like artwork and decor to add character. If you’re looking to change up your space, explore ideas from top designers for inspiration. With the right choices, you can make your living room feel luxurious and reflect your personal style.
1. Add statement yet comfy furniture
If you want a cozy modern living room, choosing the right furniture is really important, especially the sofa. Sabrina Maclean, from Hino Studio, says having an open layout with different seating areas helps people connect and chat easily. She wants art to be the focus of the room, no matter where you sit. For her design, she chose a stylish tan leather Camaleonda sofa and a comfy daybed. Together, they make the space warm and inviting. When picking furniture, think about how it will feel in the room. With the right choices, you can have a modern look that’s also cozy. It’s all about creating a space where people love to gather and relax.
2. Go for a monotone space
When it comes to living room colors, a black and white living room (or black and gray!) feels the most bold, sophisticated, confident and timeless. For those looking to create luxury living rooms that have a dynamic vibe, this color scheme is one to try.
“We wanted to be minimalistic with our material palate for this home,” shares Amit Khanolkar, founder of DIG Architects. “This gave rise to a monochromatic space. The living room has Ceppo Di Gre marble across the floor. The material palate has been rendered in grayscale. To create interest in this scheme we encouraged the clients to use a lot of plants in the space to infuse it with life.”
3. Elevate the space with custom storage
The design, color, and materials of living room storage have a big impact on the room’s overall look. Open storage helps keep things tidy and lets you show off your favorite items. With custom designs, you can make your luxury living room both attractive and practical. In this particular room, the goal was to allow for versatility. Safir Shamsi from Studio ROI mentions that they opted for open shelves on top, giving clients the chance to style them however they want, while closed cabinets below are perfect for hiding items they’d rather not display. This combination of open and closed storage strikes a nice balance between style and function. Thoughtful storage design can really enhance the feel of your living space.
4. Add an antique element to the living room
A mirror can be a stunning addition to your living room, giving it a special touch. Antique mirrors with fancy frames have been popular in elegant homes for a long time. Big mirrors in unique shapes can make a room feel grand, like a European salon.
Besides looking great, mirrors help reflect light, making the room feel brighter. In smaller spaces, they can create the illusion of more room. Whether they’re shiny, old-fashioned, or modern, mirrors add a beautiful sparkle to any area.
Designer Stéphanie Coutas talks about a penthouse in Monaco that captures the feel of the seaside while still looking classy. She chose natural materials like wood and straw, and used handwoven wall coverings that fit perfectly with the style. The furniture, including straw lampshades and a soft cashmere sofa, was custom-made to enhance the elegance of the space.
5. Opt for a unique coffee table
Every living room really benefits from having a coffee table. It helps bring the seating area together and adds a nice touch of style. You can pick from materials like marble, wood, tiles, or wicker to give your space a unique look. The right coffee table can truly enhance the overall feel of your living room.
Once you’ve chosen your coffee table, it’s time to think about how to decorate it. Good decor can make the room feel warm and inviting.
Designer Lindye Galloway shares some helpful tips: “Once your table is set up, have fun with the decor! I like to style it in sections. I usually start by stacking books on two sides. Then, I add a vase of flowers to one side for a bit of height. Finally, I finish it off with a tray for coasters, candles, and other little accessories. I enjoy creating a full look and mixing different shapes.”
6. Create multiple seating options
For a cozy living room, having multiple seating options can really enhance comfort and functionality. This idea comes from formal palace rooms designed for gatherings and conversations.
To create this inviting space, it’s best to choose flexible seating that meets different needs.
Interior designer Lisa Sherry explains, “I always start by considering what’s right for the space and how my clients will use the room. It’s not just about a sofa. Swivel chairs are great because they let you turn and engage in conversations from any angle. I love how they allow everyone to enjoy the beautiful views outside. An accent table can work as a mini coffee table between two swivel chairs.”
Adding a bench or daybed can also be a smart choice, as it offers extra seating that fits well with the overall design.
7. Make a statement with an oversized light pendant
“We always suggest having a beautiful pendant light as the focal point in a living room,” says Ian Cameron, creative director of Cameron Design House.
“When hung in the center of the room, a grand sculptural light captures attention and ties the space together,” he explains. “The soft glow from this stunning centerpiece helps define different areas within the home, creating a luxurious atmosphere.”
Whether you opt for eye-catching beaded pendants, an oversized chandelier, or a bold metallic geometric design, there’s a statement pendant to enhance any living room and add a touch of elegance.
8. Bring some drama with high-style printed wallpaper
Wallpapers play a key role in luxury living room designs, especially those with nature-inspired prints like tropical or botanical themes. These styles add a chic touch and a bit of drama to the space.
“A metallic wallpaper can really bring your walls to life, making it a perfect choice for rooms with low lighting,” says Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages. “Our iconic Crane Fonda wallpaper is featured here in a larger scale, and its dramatic black and gold colors create a sultry elegance that lets the jewel-toned velvet sofas stand out.”
The result is a look that’s both moody and glamorous, ultimately exuding ultra-luxury.
9. Channel minimalism with a luxe touch
You can have a luxurious feel in a minimalist space. By using high-quality materials like linen and bouclé, along with stylish furniture, you can create an elegant look without clutter.
Joshua Smith, a designer, explains, “You can be minimalist and still have luxury. In this room, we used tongue and groove boards on the ceiling to add some interesting texture, even with all-white walls, giving it a chic, modern rustic vibe.”
He mentions that the curtain tracks are hidden in the ceiling for a clean appearance, allowing soft light to filter in. “The alabaster pendant light adds a warm touch, and the other furniture pieces create layers and depth. The chairs look almost like sculptures, and adding a pedestal with an interesting object can really enhance the space!”
10. Add luxury through creativity and personalization
“Luxury is having a space that’s just for you,” says Kellie Burke of Kellie Burke Interiors. “It’s a place to sit, relax, and enjoy, not just walk by.”
You can make your living room feel special by adding your personality through art, furniture, or collectibles. Kellie’s designs are great examples of maximalism in interior design, making the space feel truly luxurious.
She mentions, “The room features stylish leather swivel chairs, perfect for a cozy evening of cocktails and conversation. The large original artwork lit with neon adds a unique touch that gets people talking.”
11. Hang oversized art for an impressive display
Art not only adds a splash of color to your living room but also brings a sense of depth and importance to the space.
“Art gives character and personality to a room in a way that materials and colors alone can’t,” says Camilla Clarke from Albion Nord. “A room without art feels incomplete; your walls should be a canvas for your art.”
When combined with striking lighting, like in the beautiful room designed by Kitesgrove, art really enhances the atmosphere.
“Mixing thoughtful artwork with both old and new furniture can create a luxurious feel,” explains Clara Ewart from Kitesgrove. “It helps define the room’s character and tells a story that reflects the owner’s style and lifestyle.”
12. Introduce a classic piece of designer furniture
A luxury living room should include designer furniture. The Eames lounger and ottoman are classic pieces that not only show good taste but also provide comfort—essential for any great living room.
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, the lounger is still popular today and can be found in many stylish homes.
Pip Rich, executive editor at Livingetc, notes, “We’re seeing more design classics, like the Eames lounger, paired with modern pieces like the Ghost chair.”
She adds that these familiar shapes create a cozy feel in a room. “They became classics for a reason—they’re really comfortable, which is especially appealing now.”
Other timeless options to consider include the Anglepoise lamp and the Soriana sofa.
13. Make the most of architectural features
Original architectural features, like a fireplace, are essential parts of any room that should be celebrated. They add character and tell a story about the space’s history. When you enhance these features, you bring warmth and a touch of luxury, making the room feel more inviting. Pairing a beautiful fireplace with rich, textured fabrics and carefully selected art and furniture creates a cohesive look. This combination strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Malka Helft from Think Chic Interiors highlights that the way the mantle interacts with the surrounding decor can really change the room’s vibe. It can make the space feel both welcoming and grand, blending intimacy with sophistication. Embracing these details helps create a living area that feels luxurious yet cozy.
14. Include a well-placed area rug
A large living room rug can add both space and drama while helping to define areas for your sofas and coffee table in a stylish way. Placing an area rug underneath your sofas and side tables creates a cozy, luxurious feel underfoot and makes the room more inviting. It’s also a simple way to bring in color and pattern. Clara Ewart, head of design at Kitesgrove, suggests that using statement pieces—like unique lighting, a bold rug, or standout artwork—can elevate a more minimalist design. This combination adds richness to your space while keeping it balanced and elegant.
15. Upgrade your feature wall with high-end materials
Luxury living rooms often feature beautiful walls that add character and act as a focal point, especially in rooms without much natural detail. If you want to refresh your wall without painting, consider using marble for a classy look. Green is a trendy color that goes well with marble. Oliver Webb from Cullifords says that natural materials like marble bring a special charm to your room. He reassures anyone nervous about design that natural stone is both beautiful and timeless. Bookmatched marble walls can make a strong statement, especially in living rooms. Coordinating these features with your furniture and decor can enhance the luxurious feel of your space.
16. Show some class with upscale paneling
Wall paneling ideas can dramatically enhance a living space. Popular in interiors for many years, design lovers are adding this decorative element into their homes to add grandeur to their spaces.
Originating in the 13th century and found within lavish castles, wall paneling developed into more decorative, embellished features over the 15th century.
“Found within characterful, historic buildings — such as the boiseries in the Palace of Versailles — these ornate features add a feeling of elegance to any space,” says Juliette Thomas, founder and director of interior design studio Juliettes Interiors.
“Therefore, it is no surprise to see that they are enjoying a resurgence in many modern properties, to elevate them into more spectacular and grander rooms. Channeling the legacies of Louis XV and Louis XVI, paneling also serves as an excellent way to decorate doors, frames, cupboards and shelves.”
