Give your living room a new lease of life with our top 10 decorating and furnishing tips. Whether you have a small or large area available you can maximise space and function with our living room guide.


1. Mount your TV on the wall – Placing the TV on the wall will save you space on the floor and can create a focal point in your living room. This extra space can be used for an extra chair, bookcase etc.

2. Shapes are good – Vary your shapes. Introduce round pillows, oval mirrors and tear drop vases to contrast the dominating rectangular shapes you find in all living rooms (TV, windows, rugs, sofas, coffee tables etc).

3. Quality carpet – The living room is the hub of all activity in most family homes which can mean the carpet can wear very thin in a short period of time. A Berber carpet is one of the hardest wearing carpets on the market and will stand up to several years of children running around. Investing in high quality Tredaire carpet underlay to maintain that soft underfoot feel.

4. Accessorise - If your living room is a bit on the small side, introduce a showpiece item such as a quirky table lamp, this will detract attention away from the size of the room.

5. Mirrors - Adding a mirror can make a room feel bigger and more open. Position the mirror opposite your windows as this will reflect light around the room making it feel more spacious.

6. Disguise your sofa - If you can’t bring yourself to replacing your 20 year old sofa, give it a new lease of life by covering it with a brightly coloured throw. There are various colours and styles available allowing you to totally transform the look of your sofa which is considerably cheaper than purchasing a new one.

7. Rug - If your carpet has endured a tough life and has a couple of stains or worn patches then invest in a bright and bold rug that can cover these up and compliment your existing colour scheme.

8. Colour scheme - Opt for light colours on the walls to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your family and guests. Don’t just go for that standard magnolia; try out some bright greens, blues and purples to add interest to your living room.

9. Space is key - Don’t clutter your living room with several large pieces meaning you can no longer see the floor. Leave some space for people to walk around and to reposition other pieces if you feel it is time for a change. Less can be more.

10. Lighting - Draw focus and attention to particular areas with spotlights. Light up a picture or family portrait or vary the lighting in different areas of the room.

Let us know what your top tips are for decorating and maintaining your living room.