The Ultimate Living Room Checklist
Essentials For A Comfortable & Curated Look
BEETHOVEN PROJECT — Olive & Neon. Browse the full project here
We’ve all heard the saying that the kitchen is the heart of the home, but I actually think the living room is a very close contender in a different kind of way.
It has its own unique heartbeat. A softer pace. Perhaps more fittingly, the living room could be dubbed as the soul of the home with its ability to hold you and make way for pause.
When I think of the living room, I think of an exhale at the end of the day.
It’s movie nights and morning light. It’s conversations that deepen, and where the kids sprawl out and play.
Be it connecting or collapsing - the living room is the backdrop for many of life’s small and subtle moments. So in knowing this, we can deepen the invitation of relaxation, effortlessness and comfort by curating this space in a way that adds all of the layers of ‘just right’ in.
If you’ve ever wondered what furniture, soft furnishings, decor and styling is required to make your living room feel calm and considered, then this checklist is for you.
Because if there was ever a room that feels ‘like home’ then this one is definitely it.
The Exact Furniture & Decor Requirements
If I were starting from scratch, this is the baseline I would include in almost every living room.
Granted it does depend on the size and positioning of your room so don’t think you need every single item on this checklist, but it is a good guide on where to begin.
Once you’re across this, I take you through exactly how you can pull these items together for an edited and elevated finish.
Perfectly curated interior featuring the gorgeous Nari Chandelier
Core Furniture
✓Sofa
✓1–2 occasional chairs
✓Large rug
✓Coffee table
✓1–2 side tables
✓Console, cabinet, shelf or media unit for grounding one wall but this is completely dependent on the size of the room and the size of the item.
Lighting
✓Floor lamp
✓1–2 table lamps
✓Pendant feature light - optional
✓Wall sconce - optional
✓Warm soft light bulbs throughout
Soft Furnishings
✓3–6 cushions depending on the size of your couch / chairs
✓1–2 throws
✓Floor-length curtains or soft window treatments
West Village Townhome by Elizabeth Roberts Architects and And Studio - Project Feature - The Local Project
Styling & Decor
✓3–5 coffee table books
✓1 sculptural object
✓1 organic bowl or tray
✓Fresh greenery like a plant
✓Artwork/s
✓1 vintage or collected piece
✓Decorative storage (basket or box)
✓Candals or candle sticks - optional
Designing a Relaxed & Liveable Space
Now you know what some of the key pieces are, next it’s all about arrangement. Editing is everything so let’s start ground-up.
✓ 1. A Grounded Foundation
The room starts with a generous rug (large enough that at least the front legs of all main furniture sit on it). Be it the main character or the supporting act, the right rug will frame your space to create structure and uniformity with visual zones that speak to all other design elements. I’ve written a full free guide on how to select rugs that covers colour, texture, pattern and size here.
✓ 2. A Layout That Breathes (Flow + White Space)
Think clear walkways. It’s good to have a walk-way around your furniture of at least 700-1000 mm.
Create a defined conversation zone where your couch and chairs are positioned in a way that when sitting, everyone can see each other and make eye contact.
Space left intentionally empty is also ok. If it feels crowded, it is. Clutter kills style.
Ideally, measure out all key pieces of furniture before you buy with painters tape so you can get a clear idea on how all of your pieces will fit together.
Planned Living Architects' residential project featured in The Local Project. Image from GlobeWest via Pinterest.
✓ 3. A Couch / Sofa You Actually Want to Sink Into
A well-proportioned couch (not too small for the room) but also, and importantly not too big for the room.
Pick 2–4 cushions (possibly more for a larger couch). Now, when it comes to cushions, you’re looking at scale. Ideally, you want them all to be different sizes to add levels that create interest. For example, pair a 60x60 with a 50x50 or a 50x50 with a 40x60 - or variations of all three.
Go feather-filled, and choose beautiful natural fabrics such as linen and cotton.
Add in a throw or two that has a different texture for a nice contrast.
This is where your comfort story levels up.
✓ 4. Lighting at Multiple Levels
1 floor lamp.
1–2 table lamps.
A feature light such as a pendant is often a good idea, as is some sort of sconce around art or maybe the sconce is the art - either way, both pendants and sconces add a level of elevation and designer appeal. Lights, including table lamps, are a great way to add sculpture, shape and levels to a room to layer in as desired.
Warm globes throughout.
A curated room glows. This is your foundation for ambience and atmosphere!
✓ 5. An Editorial Coffee Table Moment
A coffee table scaled to your seating zone.
3–5 coffee table books.
1 sculptural object.
1 organic element (bowl, timber, stone).
Fresh flowers or greenery - optional.
A tray to anchor smaller items.
Leave negative space. Not every inch needs filling.
It's always a great idea to incorporate materials that feel high-end here - think marble / stone, brushed metals and perhaps a vintage find.
You can also go the opposite. Instead of curated vignettes, you could go for one large feature moment such as an oversized bowl of vase centre-piece.
✓ 6. Something With Soul
1 vintage or second-hand piece.
Or
1 unexpected material or silhouette that adds contrast.
Or
Something completely eclectic, contemporary and interesting.
Without contrast, a room feels staged. With it, it feels collected.
This is a great opportunity to mix styles - for example if your room is ultra contemporary, add something a little vintage. If your room is ultra vintage add something with modern flair. I talk more on this in my Eclectic Chic piece here.
✓ 7. Texture Layered Intentionally
A mix of at least 3 materials in the room:
• Soft (linen, wool, velvet, bouclé)
• Hard (timber, stone, metal, glass)
• Organic (rattan, ceramic, greenery)
Together, it creates a vision of harmony.
✓ 8. Art That Holds the Room
At least one statement artwork (scaled correctly).
Or a thoughtfully spaced gallery.
Hung at eye level.
Not floating awkwardly above furniture.
When in doubt — go bigger. There’s something grand about an oversized piece that commands and absorbs the full attention of the wall.
But, there’s more than one way to create an impact - again, feel free to mix and match styles and scale - it doesn’t have to be matchy, matchy, and in fact, sometimes that’s the secret.
Living Room in an Austin abode by Clare Kennedy Interiors on 1stDibs
✓ 9. Practical Anchors
1–2 side tables within arm’s reach. Usually positioned closely beside your seating.
Style with tray for remotes or candles.
A sculptural bowl or catchall.
Storage (basket, cabinet or concealed joinery) to reduce visual clutter.
Practicality is elegance.
The Finishing Layer: How to Pull It All Together
A curated living room isn’t just about what you buy — it’s about how everything speaks to each other. So, here’s a final checklist of considerations:
✓ Choose a Cohesive Colour Story
Limit your palette to 3–5 core tones. Pull in colours from your rug, cushions, artwork and decor - be mindful of how it interacts with key pieces of furniture and different materials such as wood and stone. All colours should work in harmony with each other.
✓ Think Timeless, Not Trending
Before you purchase, ask, “Will I still love this in five years?” Classic silhouettes, natural materials and considered proportions will always outlast micro-trends.
✓ Quality Over Quantity
One beautiful armchair is better than three average ones. Invest in foundational pieces — sofa, rug, lighting — and layer slowly from there. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither are the very best interiors!
✓ Natural & Non-Toxic Where Possible
Where possible, solid timber over veneer. Linen over polyester. Wool over synthetic blends. Low-VOCs in paints and furniture. What surrounds you daily should feel good — visually and physically.
✓ Materials, pattern and texture
Repeat materials and colours - create contrast with different textures and layer in pattern deliberately.
✓ Leave Space to Evolve
The most elevated rooms aren’t finished overnight. They’re collected over time. Let the space breathe and prioritise comfort.
The Finishing Piece
A curated living room is not about filling every corner. It’s about selecting pieces that speak to each other and reflect the space in a way that is considered. The right pieces, in the right places, is really what creates a living room that feels easy, elegant and effortless. A home that truly reflects the heart and soul of those who live in it.
With a clear vision and the confidence to edit, you’ll create something incredibly unique, refined and beautiful.
I hope this Checklist on What Every Living Room Needs for a Comfortable & Curated look has been helpful! I can’t wait to see what you’ll do with it.
Tailored Style
For a more tailored and detailed approach to your styling, I do offer customised style consultations. These can be great to pull in those final pieces of the puzzle, or, be fully guided on how to pull your scheme, space or creative endeavours together. These online sessions deliver really practical advice so you can feel excited and confident to bring your vision to life!
If you feel called to take things further, please feel free to reach out to me directly - lou@loumarx.com
Lou