How to Choose Accessories for a Living Room

To achieve maximum function and style in your living room, selection and placement of accessories is key. Whether you "shop" your own home for items to use or purchase new ones, accessories will add value to your living room and show that you care about the comfort of those who enter it. Careful accessorizing will also help family and friends enjoy and relax in your living room the way you intended. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Remove Clutter and Position Lighting

1

Remove all photographs and accessories, except lamps.

2

Position three lamps, either your current living room lamps or lamps borrowed from other rooms, in a triangle configuration within the room to provide adequate task lighting, placing them in areas where light is needed. More lamps can be added for accents if the room size allows. Choose a lamp for each area that is the right size for its location and use. For example, a large end table requires a larger, taller lamp than a small table does, and a floor lamp next to a reading chair must be tall enough to clear the reader's head.

3

Take photographs of each area that is lit -- or should be lit -- to have with you if you are shopping for lamps. Make notes of sizes of tables or floor space.

Select Accessories for Beauty and Function

4

Select items that are functional for the way that the living room is used. Choose a metal or wicker basket, or a ceramic bowl or wooden box, to hold any remote controls on the coffee table or end tables.

5

Use a large floor basket or a box with a hinged lid to hold video games or DVDs.

6

Place a pair of bookends near the reading lamp or a magazine rack near a reading chair.

Decorate Focal Points

7

Accessorize a fireplace mantel or a console by starting with one large accent piece, such as wall art or a mirror. For a formal look, center the art or mirror on the wall above. For a more casual look, offset the art or mirror to one side, even leaning it against the wall instead of hanging it, if you prefer.

8

Flank the centered mirror or art on both sides with smaller accessories that balance the two sides for a formal look. For the casual look, place one to three accessories on the other side of the mantel or console to balance the larger item.

9

Add a lamp to the focal point area for accent lighting.

Add Finishing Touches

10

Select a few special photos or collectibles to display in a group on a surface like a table. Rotate them with a new grouping every few months, instead of creating clutter.

11

Add a small amount of greenery real or artificial plants in attractive pots on surfaces or the floor.

12

Provide an invitation to warmth and comfort with a pretty throw on a chair and some accent pillows on the sofa.

13

Place a pretty candy dish or cup and saucer on the coffee table, and your guests will feel at home in the beautiful but comfortable room that you have created.