Moving house is an exciting time, but there are some essentials you’ll need ASAP. Ensure you have the basics so your house looks, feels, and functions like a home. There are a few essential decor and furniture items that improve the comfort of your living space. Before you move into your new digs, ensure you have these items measured-up and ready to settle in with you.
Curtains may be the most functional feature of your living room. While many of us choose curtains based on aesthetics – and there are some beautiful designs to choose from – curtains provide multiple uses beyond style. The obvious function is light control. They give way to light when you draw them open and conceal it when you want shade. The next best function of curtains is insulation. While in summer you may want a lighter and airier fabric like linen, in winter you want to layer up those window coverings to prevent cool air seeping into your space. A good option is blockout curtains which feature fabrics with dense weaves and blockout coatings to help you control the light and minimise the cool air in your home during the cooler months. Remember, when looking at colors options, don’t forget the color of the backing/lining too. You’ll want them to look good from the outside of the house, as well as from the inside.
The best seating arrangement will be tailored to your space. Choosing the right sofa for your living room requires some thought. For a small living space, consider a two-seater and one or two armchairs. You might also want to go for slimline, less bulky designs to reduce clutter. If you have a larger living room, you’ll no doubt want to fill it with a large three-seater or modular sofa. Remember, the one vital question you should ask yourself when moving into a new home: ‘will this fit through my front door?’ Don’t forget to take measurements – including the total width, height, and depth – before buying a new lounge suite.
While cushions are largely considered decor, they do serve a few practical functions. Thus, they make the cut as a living room essential. Firstly, they provide added back support when lazing on your sofa. While you may think you have excellent, comfy and supportive seating, cushions allow for customisable and flexible support depending on how you feel. Secondly, the extra padding comes in handy in winter, especially if your sofa is a leather or vinyl fabric which might be quite cool to touch. When selecting the color of your cushions, you’ll first need to identify your color palette: are you going for neutrals or a pop of color? Then, play around with the size of the cushions as well as textures of the fabric. This all adds to the indisputable fact that these little accessories simply make your living room look better.
Once you’ve chosen your sofas and chairs, the space will most likely call for a coffee table and/or side tables. The size of your space and your desired aesthetic will inform decisions on table size, materials, and shape. Other factors will be influenced by lifestyle. For instance, a home with children may call for a round coffee table. Whereas a contemporary style sofa may insist on glass, marble or a kind of plastic. While coffee tables are a staple of the living room set, depending on the space available, you may be set with a couple of side tables instead. Going back to your chosen color palette, if you’ve opted for a neutral color selection, choose a complementary color to add harmony to the room. Alternatively, a bold, contrasting shade will make it a statement piece in the room. Regardless of what combination you choose, one thing is for certain: you’ll want somewhere to rest your cup of tea or glass of wine after a long day.
Curtains are one part of controlling light in your living room, the other part will be controlled electronically. Living rooms – as a place of relaxation – call for mood lighting. The key to nailing living room lighting is to layer the lights, which means you’ll rely on three types of artificial lighting: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient light mimics natural daylight and can be created with lamps for a relaxed atmosphere whereas task lighting is usually more focused, such as a reading lamp. Accent light – think downlights and spotlights – will highlight certain design features to create your illuminated needs. By playing with the three types of lighting, you’ll create the perfect relaxation zone.
In conclusion, moving into a new home can be a daunting task, but with the right essentials, you can turn your house into a home. Curtains, a fitting sofa, cushions, hard surfaces, and mood lighting are all crucial elements that will make your living room comfortable and functional. By considering your lifestyle, personal style, and the size of your space, you can choose the perfect combination of these essentials to create a living room that you’ll love spending time in. Remember to take measurements, choose complementary colors, and don’t forget to add some personality to your space with accessories. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a living room that is both beautiful and functional.
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