Modern style is all about minimalism and neutrality. Clean lines and simple color schemes define a modern living room. Go with a neutral base color, then work in a few bold, simple colors in the form of accents and accessories. In addition, choose angular pieces and geometric forms for a modern touch. Select square furniture, simple designs, and accenting colors for a modern, styling living room.
EditSteps
EditDesigning Your Space
- Paint your walls a light or neutral color. For a truly modern living room, go with a white, cream, or beige wall color. You can also choose tones like grey or slate. Choose your modern base color, then cover all of the walls of your living room.[1]
- For a modern look, bright is usually the easiest to work with. Instead of choosing an antique white or a muddy gray, look for a bright white or a silver gray.
- To paint the walls, lay down a drop cloth to protect your floors, and use painter’s tape to protect any surface from the paint. Select regular indoor paint, and pour some into a paint tray. Then, apply the paint to your walls in light, even coats using a paint roller.
- Decide on 1-2 accent colors to incorporate into your space. When styling a modern space, it is best to go with neutral tones and choose 1-2 accent colors to use throughout the room. Pick 1 light shade and 1 darker hue of the same color, and choose small decorative items in this color such as curtains, lamps, or vases.[2]
- If you want to add a personal touch to your space, choose your favorite color.
- For example, you can use a lavender and plum shade of purple. To keep things neutral, use a light and a dark gray for mostly white spaces.
- You can make your space your own. If you really want to use another accent color, go for it!
- Focus on geometric and angular shapes when choosing accent pieces. Modern design and architecture is all about the squares, rectangles, and straight lines. Rather than traditional, hand-carved, or detail furniture and decoration, go for items that look sleek and streamlined.[3]
- For example, rather than choosing a picture frame with curved edges and wood details, go with a plain, grey frame in a metallic finish.
- For furniture, try looking for a chair with clean lines and striking architecture rather than one with ornate features or patterns.
- Choose minimal decorations to fit a modern theme. Most modern spaces are not packed full of decorations. Instead, modern decor is known for its sleek appearance and decluttered look. Avoid overdecorating your living room if you want a truly modern space.
- For example, choose 1-3 decorative touches for your end table and coffee table, rather than placing several photos, candles, or vases on top.
- Try to pick 1-2 pieces of bold statement art.
EditChoosing Your Furniture
- Choose a rectangular couch and/or chair. Go with neutral-colored furniture if you want a quiet, cozy space. Choose a couch or armchair in your base color, such as tan, beige, navy, or brown. If you want a bright, lively space, choose a couch in your accenting color. Place your couch along the longest edge of the rug. Then, put your chair next to it.[4]
- When selecting the furniture, go with simple, rectangular silhouettes for a modern living room space.
- If you have a television or entertainment center, make sure you can see the TV clearly from both the couch and the chairs.
- Use rugs and pillows to soften up harsher designs. A bold rug and a couple of well-placed pillows can tie a sofa into a modern room.
- Select 1-2 end tables that are the same color as your couch. To keep your furniture uniform, select end tables in the same color as your sofa or chairs. The hue doesn't have to be exact, but this creates a streamlined appearance. Place your end table immediately next to your sofa or chair so you can easily access it.[5]
- For example, if you chose a brown sofa, go with a dark brown table for a uniform look.
- Go with a sleek, glass coffee table. Go with a simple coffee table with a glass top, so you can easily see through it. Modern furniture is often lightweight and not bulky. Situate your coffee table in the middle of your living room. If using a rug, place it on top in the center of the rug.[6]
- You can stack a few magazines or books on your coffee table. In addition, place a vase or decorative accent on top, if you’d like.
- If you don't want a glass coffee table, look for one in a single color such as a table in black lacquered wood.
- Incorporate an ottoman if you want to add a comfy touch. Oftentimes, ottomans are used to add some luxury to a modern space. Choose a simple ottoman if you have space for another piece of furniture. Place the ottoman along your end table near your chair and sofa.[7]
- You can go with a neutral color, like tan or navy, or choose an ottoman in your accent color for a bright addition.
- Place a bookshelf in the corner to house your items. If you want to display a library or collection in your living room, choose a simple, plain bookshelf in your base color. Place it in a corner so it is out of the way, such as next to your TV. Then, arrange your items along the shelves so they look neat and tidy.
- A bookshelf is a great place to store DVDs, pictures, or artwork.
- Don't overload your bookshelf. To keep it modern, try to incorporate neutral-colored books or turn the books around so that the pages face outward. This keeps the shelves from looking too busy.
EditAdding Accent Pieces
- Cover your floor in a large, square rug. For a subtle modern touch, go with a neutral-colored rug, like a navy, grey, or charcoal. If you want a pop of color, choose a rug in your accent color. Either way, a large, rectangle or square rug is a great way to tie your room together.[8]
- Rugs in simple patterns like checkers or stripes look great in a neutral color scheme.
- You can use a rug if you have hardwood, linoleum, tile, or carpeted floors.
- Accent your space with throw pillows and blankets. Pick 3-5 small throw pillows in the colors you chose for your accents. Great accent colors include aqua, red, or royal blue. You can also choose a throw blanket at drape it over your couch for a comfy, colorful touch.[9]
- Throw pillows are a great way to add some color to your space, but they aren’t necessary in modern living rooms. Go without the pillows if you want a streamlined look.
- You can always store excess pillows in a closet or storage ottoman and bring them out for comfort when you have company over.
- Choose thin, simple floor lamps to illuminate your space. Modern living rooms are usually well-lit, bright spaces. If you need to add some brightness to your space, go with plain, discreet floor lamps, and place 1-3 of them across your living room. Put them in dark corners or next to a reading nook, for instance.[10]
- Avoid choosing decorative, bulky floor lamps. These may look great, but they aren’t a modern accessory.
- For example, choose white, skinny, lamps and place 1 next to your TV and another next to your reading chair.
- If you can, consider adding recessed LED lighting to your space to keep the number of lamps to a minimum and declutter your interior.
- Add candles, vases, and framed pictures to fill in empty spaces. This is a great way to add some personal touches and pops of color throughout your living room. You can place candles and vases on your coffee table and end tables, and you can hang pictures and artwork on the walls. Pick items that you genuinely love, and use either neutral colors or your selected accent colors when decorating the space.[11]
- For example, you can hang a black-and-white family portrait on the wall, and place vacation pictures in a sleek frame on your end table.
- Invest in a statement piece of artwork for a truly modern accent. Modern artwork is known by its bright colors and geometric shapes. Modern living rooms often have 1 large painting hung on the walls as a statement piece. Choose a piece of artwork that is at least large, and hang it using secure nails or brackets.[12]
- For example, choose a canvas painting featuring multi-colored triangles or stripes. Then, hang this above your couch.
- You want your artwork to be a statement. If you can't find a large piece that suits your space, hang a smaller piece where it will have the most visual impact.
- Alternatively, choose a modern sculpture and place it on an end table or display case. This is a great idea if you aren’t able to hang things from your walls.
- Add a vase of flowers or a potted plant for a touch of green. If you want to liven up your space, consider using a houseplant. Choose cut flowers if you want an attractive floral display, or go with a potted plant if you want a longterm option. Place your plant in the middle of your coffee table, or put it at the corner of an end table.
- Succulents are great for modern rooms and require minimal watering and attention.
- If choosing cut flowers, make sure you give them fresh water every day. Cut flowers can stay fresh in a vase for up to 1 week.
- If you have a potted plant, water it 1-3 times a week, based on the plant's particular needs.
EditThings You'll Need
- Neutral paint
- Paint tray and roller
- Neutral area rug
- Square furniture
- Throw pillows and blankets
- Simple floor lamps
- Painting
- Candles
- Vases
- Pictures
- Plant
EditTips
- Choose furniture and accents that you genuinely like. If you like modern style, you’ll easily find decorations and furnishings that suit your fancy. Shop around until you find the ideal pieces for you.
- Remember that your space should be comfortable first. Pick things that have not only the right look but the right feel for you.
EditRelated wikiHows
EditSources and Citations
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