If you’re trying to plan out your living room decor, you’ve got a lot of choices available to you. You’ve got lamps, wall decor, entertainment centers, pillows, blankets—the list can seem endless. With such a wide array of decorative items, it’s important to make sure your design is more than just aesthetic—it must be functional, too. If you’re wondering how you can incorporate beautiful and useful items into your living room design, we’ve got 3 easy pieces just for you!

House Plants

Did you know that house plants are tiny, natural air filters? It’s true—house plants improve the air quality in your home, according to Planterra. Plants not only produce oxygen as part of their respiration process, but they also absorb gases and other volatile organic compounds. Substances like benzene and formaldehyde are common in many household items, but that doesn’t mean they’re great for your health. Having a few houseplants around can help eliminate these harmful substances from the air you and your family breathe.

Rugs

According to Kamal’s Flooring, putting a rug in your living room can have many benefits for your health and comfort. If you have hardwood or tile floors, rugs can help keep your toes warm and toasty. Plus, they can help protect your expensive hardwood from damage. Since hardwood is softer than laminate, it is more prone to scratches and dents. Placing floor coverings in heavily trafficked areas will help mitigate flooring damage and preserve the quality and aesthetic of your home. Using floor coverings throughout your home can also help cut down on allergen accumulation. Because you can easily take them outdoors and shake them off, you won’t accumulate nearly as much dust and debris as would with wall-to-wall carpet. For safety’s sake, always make sure you place a non-slip pad beneath your rugs to avoid slips and falls.

Storage Ottomans

Storage ottomans are a great way to add comfort to your living room while helping you stow items you don’t want to see. A storage ottoman looks just like a regular ottoman, but it’s far more functional. How does it work? A typical storage ottoman features a removable lid and a hollow interior. All you need to do is take the lid off and toss in extra blankets, magazines, books or anything else that doesn’t contribute to your living room’s aesthetic.

When designing your living room, there are many decorative items that serve functional purposes. If you’re hoping for the perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality, today’s modern decor can help you achieve that.

If you need help figuring out how to decorate your home, contact us for a consultation!