Accent Pieces to Make Your Living Room Pop
Looking to revamp your living room into a stylish and inviting space? Strategically choosing accent pieces is an easy way to add personality and visual interest to your room without completely redesigning it. From bold artwork to cozy textured pillows, accent pieces introduce color, pattern, texture, and your unique style to the space.
Read on for tips on selecting and arranging living room accent pieces that will make your space feel warm, complete, and uniquely you.
Incorporate a Statement Piece
A statement piece instantly becomes a focal point in your living room. Opt for something eye-catching and conversation-worthy, like a brightly colored accent chair, geometric floor lamp, or large piece of modern art. Place your statement piece where it will draw the eye, such as behind your sofa or next to your seating area. Choose something that complements your existing decor while adding a dose of your personality.
Statement Piece Ideas
- Sculptural arc floor lamp in brass
- Tufted velvet accent chair in jewel tone
- Abstract, large-scale painting or print
- Patterned wool rug in bold colors
Be sure to leave breathing room around your statement piece so it can shine. The right statement piece pulls the whole room together into one cohesive look.
Layer Textures
Incorporate accent pieces of varying textures to add depth and dimension to your living room. Combining sleek and smooth surfaces with nubby and soft textiles makes a space feel warm, layered, and inviting. Try mixing metal and wood furniture with soft pillows and blankets.
Textured Accents to Try
- Woven jute or braided wool rug
- Ceramic garden stools
- Rattan baskets for storage
- Faux fur throw pillows
- Chunky knit blanket
Arrange pieces with different textures near each other to create appealing visual vignettes. You can build depth by topping a wood coffee table with stacked ceramic garden stools and placing it on an alternating stripe or geometric rug.
Mix and Match Patterns
While you don't want your living room to feel chaotic, mixing patterns is an easy way to infuse visual interest into your space. Stick to 2-3 coordinating patterns and vary the scale and placement. For example, pair a large graphic rug with some small throw pillows in a complementary print. Repeat one of the accent colors from the patterns in your main furniture pieces to pull the whole look together.
Pattern Ideas to Layer
- Paisley throw pillows
- Striped wool blanket
- Floral area rug
- Herringbone patterned ottoman
Start by adding patterns gradually as you get a feel for what you like. The right pattern combinations make for a living room that feels collected and personal.
Add Functional Accents
Look for accent pieces that serve both a stylish and practical purpose. For example, an accent table provides a place to set down your drink while making a design statement with its unique shape and finish. Storage ottomans offer extra seating space plus hidden storage inside. An accent cabinet gives you a place to proudly display favorite items while storing others behind closed doors.
Functional Accent Pieces
- Marble hexagon side table
- Patterned storage ottoman
- Wood and glass accent cabinet
- Mirrored console table
In addition to their visual appeal, functional accents give you a place to store living room items and decor out of sight.
To put the finishing design touches on your living room, look for unexpected accents that showcase your personality and interests. For example, stack a set of vintage leather suitcases in lieu of a traditional side table. Or work in a whimsical sculptural piece that sparks conversation. Arrange books you've collected over the years on floating shelves to add color. The goal is to create a truly personal space that reflects who you are.
Strategically choosing the right accent pieces allows you to make a basic living room feel curated, polished, and uniquely you. Layer colors, patterns, and textures in doses to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Then sit back and enjoy the welcoming, collected living room you've created.