How to Create the Perfect Cosy Living Room

It’s that time of year when there’s nothing better than curling up in a cosy living room after a long day, snuggling into your favourite armchair. But how do you create a sense of “hygge”? This trending Scandinavian term refers to a state of cosiness, comfort and feelings of wellness and contentment. We look at how you can create your perfect cosy living room.

Layer up
When it’s cold outside, it’s natural to want to snuggle up and keep warm. The term “cosy” literally means warm and comfortable. So, look at ways to layer your room to achieve a cosy effect. If you have a fireplace or log burner, make this into a focal point and pile up the logs to create a feature. Place a comfy reclining armchair alongside, and add faux fur throws, soft blankets and squishy cushions. Among your furnishings, include some texture in the form of boucle and tactile fabrics.

Go Scandi
The Scandinavian look is a perennial favourite that never seems to go out of trend. Combining style with minimalism, Scandi-inspired rooms blend clean lines and simple shapes with natural materials and texture. Let’s return to their concept of hygge for a moment, which is at the heart of any cosy space. Think bare wood against contemporary pale walls to create a rustic log cabin vibe. Mixing warm materials with a light colour scheme will help you to achieve a cosy atmosphere, as the room will have a sense of balance.

Cocoon effect
A cosy room does not necessarily have to be small. You can create a sense of cosiness in a large space simply by repositioning your furniture. Surround yourself with soft furnishings, Nordic rugs and rustic furniture pieces. Aim for a cottage style, cocoon effect in your living room. Choose a cosy armchair that reclines, so you can close your eyes and enjoy a quick snooze. Your living room should feel welcoming and comfortable; this is your space to relax.

Simple shapes
Cosy rooms need simple shapes such as circles and arcs. Avoid too many sharp angles, limit squares and rectangular shapes to the odd table or shelf. It’s all about adding subtle curves to create an inviting space for you to sit back and unwind. Relaxed shapes are more appealing to the eye and will evoke a laid-back feeling. After all, this should be your room for relaxation. You can soften the look of a living room with a super-soft sofa or a padded storage stool.

Soft tones
A neutral palette with soft shades of white, beige and cream will give you a safe canvas for your living room walls. But that doesn’t mean you have to play safe completely. Add a few warm hues of terracotta, coral and yellow to inject some energy into a space. Yellow is a happy colour and a great mood lifter, terracotta is comforting, and coral is fresh and vibrant. Adding splashes of colour to your room could be in the form of a feature wall or an occasional chair. Why not add a stylish touch with an accent chair in antique velvet?

Lights on
Great lighting is the key to achieving your perfect cosy living room. Well-placed lamps and floor lights, along with making use of any natural light coming into the room, will enhance the space. Think about how the room will be used and by whom. Do you need a specific light for a reading corner? Or maybe you have a small sculpture, ornament or artwork that would benefit from a focused spotlight? All of these small details add up when it comes to setting the mood for a room. Your chosen lighting will have an impact on the level of cosiness.

Creating the perfect cosy living room will differ for everyone and will depend on your personal tastes and preferences. But if you draw from all the elements above, you will be able to style your living space into a room that oozes relaxation and comfort. And if you choose the right furniture, then you can look forward to kicking back and relaxing after a long hard day.

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