The living room is such a traditionally important part of the family home but, as increasingly digitally inclined as we’re becoming, how much time do you actually spend there as a family? Making time to spend together is important to nurture those family bonds and the living room can be the perfect space for it, but you have to work to make it fit the needs of the family. Here are some tips to do just that.
Ensure There’s Space For Everyone
First of all, you need to have enough space and seating for the whole family. This isn’t always easy, especially if you have a large brood, but investing in a few key pieces like a large sectional sofa, as well as flexible seating options like floor cushions or beanbags that you can bring out can ensure that you’re able to adapt the space to your needs.
Create A Great Media Setup
The time we spend with our families often revolves around a shared activity, and often this is something like a movie night or playing video games with the kids. Your living room should be an entertainment hub, and setting up a good media wall with shelves can help you make that a reality. Wall-mounted TVs and shelving help you save floor space, and you should consider using soft dimmable lighting around the screen to improve the viewing experience.
Make Spaces Where You Can Do Your Own Thing
Spending time with the family doesn’t always have to mean doing the same thing. Sometimes, you can have a cozy family night of each doing their own things, whether reading, crafting, or watching TV in their own spaces. Creating mini-spaces for personalized use, such as reading nook makes the space more inviting even when you’re not directly engaged in the same thing. It allows the family to naturally gravitate to the spots of the living room they like, rather than having to be organized.
Keep It Feeling Spacious
If a space feels too cloistered and claustrophobic, people aren’t going to feel comfortable there for too long. Help your living room feel more open and inviting by avoiding unnecessary furniture that crowds the space. Arrange the seating in a way that allows easy navigation. Make good use of mirrors and natural light to make the room feel better, such as positioning a large mirror directly opposite the windows.
Use Temporary Storage Spaces
If you have children of any age, then any space you share with them is naturally going to see its fair share of mess and clutter. Incorporating temporary storage can help you make tidying up quick and effortless when it comes time to hang out with the family. Hanging baskets, decorative storage bins, and toy boxes offer easy places to stash books, toys, and other various items when you need to.
With the tips above, you can ensure that your living room isn’t just a showroom for your personal decor tastes, but a true family space. That can make it much more inviting for when you want to spend time together.