If you want to give your living room a more elegant look, then there are several steps that you can do. The great news is that there is no need to break the bank to create a beautiful looking living room.

Add Texture

There are many different ways that you can add texture to your living room. You can layer multiple rugs. Try using a higher-quality one on top that has fringes or tassels. Incorporate a natural theme going by choosing linen curtains in a simple design or opt for woven blinds made from bamboo, jute, or grasses. When choosing throw pillows, try finding those made of natural fabrics. Consider adding some greenery. In particular, think about plants that have leaves that are different shapes on the same plant.

Play with Pattern

Playing with patterned fabrics on drapes or throw pillows is another fun way to add elegance to your living room, but be careful so that you do not overdo it. Select a pattern that you love for the drapers then coordinate with a throw pillow in a pattern that you love. Add others that share at least one common characteristic like color or fabric type. It’s fun to mix and match patterns and colors so experiment as many as you want and then edit back until you have the right mix.

Hang Large-Scale Art

An elegant living room almost always has at least one piece of large-scale art. If you are hanging the artwork on a wall where furniture is not present, then aim for 60 inches above the floor. If the art is going over a sofa or other piece of furniture, then opt to keep its bottom four-to-six inches above the top of the furniture. Your artwork should be approximately 66 percent as big as the furniture it is hanging above.

Layer the Lighting

You should have at least three types of lighting in an elegant living room. Start by choosing an overhead light that will illuminate the whole living room. You should aim to have 20 lumens of overhead lighting per square foot in your living room. Use different sources, such as pendant lighting, chandeliers, and natural light, until you arrive at that number. Task lighting allows you to see to do close work, like knitting or reading. Floor and desk lamps are ideal along with downward-facing pendant lights.

You should also have accent lighting in the room. Think about what objects you would like to spotlight, such as a favorite houseplant or sculpture, and use accent lighting to draw attention to these objects. Your accent lighting should be about three times brighter than your overhead lighting. Wall sconces and picture lights are two favorite choices for accent lighting. When choosing accent lighting, consider adding some character to your living room.

Incorporate Wooden Heirloom Furniture

Wooden antique furniture is the perfect way to add elegance to a living room. These pieces hold their value, so you can use them for many years to come. They will not go out of style, so make sure to buy good quality from the beginning. Each species of tree used to create this furniture gives a different look, so pick the one that you like the most. You will even find that the grain pattern in each piece of hardwood furniture is different, even if it is from the same species.

In order to keep it looking nice, it’s important that you properly care for wooden furniture. Use a microfiber or soft cloth to dust the furniture regularly. If upholstery is present, then use a soft bristle tool to keep it clean. You should protect the furniture by ensuring that it is not in direct sunlight. Your living room should be kept at about 42 percent relative humidity and about 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add Architectural Details

There are many types of architectural details that you may want to consider adding to your living room to give it a more elegant appearance. Wide crown molding helps to create a uniform appearance between the ceiling and the floor. Adding faux ceiling beams is another option that you may want to consider. You may also want to think about adding a column or two depending on the size of your living room and the look that you want to create. Combining these elements gives your room a tied-together appearance.

Pick the Right Paint Colors

Your choice of paint colors and techniques can help create an elegant look in your living room. There are five different choices that you might want to consider, with each one having many different hues. Therefore, everyone can easily find one that is right for them. Green is an outstanding choice because it is the color of nature. It looks especially great in small living rooms because it allows you to bring in a natural look when there is little room for houseplants and other items from nature. Another option to consider is gray because it will make your living room appear spacious. If you decide to go with gray, then choose colorful accent pieces.

You may also want to consider using a shade of blue as it works great as a stabilizer. Blue living rooms naturally appear clean and orderly. If you love the minimalist look, then consider beige walls. They look exquisite when there is lots of white placed around the room. Finally, black is a surprising choice for an elegant living room that works exceptionally well. Black has a very dramatic effect, and it can be used to tone down the amount of natural light entering a room.

Use Unique Hardware

While the hardware that you choose for your living room may seem like a minor decision, using unique pieces can give the space an elegant appearance. Therefore, when shopping for cabinet pulls, drawer knobs, and other hardware, choose to avoid the big-box store. Instead, shop at architectural salvage stores and reproductions online for unique options.

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