Update Your Space with These 13 Family Room Decorating Ideas
Take a look for some fantastic family room inspiration!
A laid-back version of a traditional living room, the family room is the perfect space for your family to lounge, laugh, and share memories. Design the ultimate chill space that has everything you need with these 13 family room decorating ideas.
1. Accommodate Your Family's Lifestyle
The family room is the heart of your home, so you should make sure it’s designed to accommodate your family. If you have kids who like to wrestle and play, choose stylish but sturdy furniture that can stand up to the chaos – a medium-firm sofa will give you the perfect balance of sturdiness and comfort. A sofa slipcover is a great idea for families with small children who are apt to make messes or get a little too creative at coloring time. Keep your space cozy with warm throws and finish it all off with a washable area rug.
Get a new look while keeping costs down by making the most of your existing decor. Switching up the layout of your living room furniture or existing wall decor can make a big difference. Replace outdated light fixtures with stylish new ones for an instant upgrade. Try a new area rug or a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper for a big impact with little effort. Check out our 5 High-Impact Home Updates for Any Budget guide for more money-saving decor refreshes.
Make use of vertical storage and decor opportunities to create a stylish and functional display in your family room. Use stylish shelving or bookcases to keep your favorite books, board games, and family photos organized. Vamp up your style by mixing in decorative objects, trays, and bowls for an eclectic vertical design. Using vertical spaces keeps clutter off the floor, couch, and coffee table for a neat room that can still be enjoyed by the whole family.
Adding throw pillows to your sofa and chairs is one of the easiest ways to liven up your family room. Equal parts cozy and decorative, throw pillows can be mixed and matched in infinite ways according to your color scheme and style preferences. For a more formal finish, choose solid-colored throw pillows with no texture or embellishments. For a more relaxed look, go with throw pillows with fun patterns, textures, or in bright styles like boho or modern.
Our four-legged friends are members of the family too, so make sure to carve out a space for them in your family room. Sometimes our pets need space, so get them a comfy pet bed or crate to lounge in even if they’re allowed on the sofa. Cats need to climb and scratch, so save your furniture by providing them with a cat scratching post and tree. Make sure your fur babies are comfortable with pet-friendly blankets that are resistant to liquids and stains.
Make sure you have comfortable seating that fits the whole family and friends for things like movie night, holidays, and late-night chats. Choose a sectional that seats five or more people and pair it with a large ottoman to balance the space. Add an accent chair or two for extra seating, or a recliner for mom or dad when they need a space of their own!
Working with a small family room? Use these decorating tricks to make your small space look and feel a lot larger. Use a light neutral base for your color scheme, utilize vertical space as much as possible for storage and decor, and hang mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. Take advantage of storage furniture, like ottomans for storing blankets, and storage coffee tables to tuck away TV controllers and clutter. For more small living room decor tips, check out our 6 Space-Saving Small Living Room Ideas guide.
A fresh set of curtains or drapes can rejuvenate your entire family room. Light, sheer drapes have a coastal vibe and can make your living room look and feel breezy and relaxed. Use sheer curtains to let in lots of natural light for an open and cheery feeling. Consider adding a set of room-darkening curtains if your family is big on movie nights for a home theater feel.
Turn your family room into a haven where you and your family can go to unwind and relax. Add comforting touches like a fireplace, candles, throw blankets, and a plush area rug to create a welcoming vibe. These simple touches elevate your space from a simple sitting area to a warm comforting space your children always want to return to.
Simply adding one or two striking pieces of furniture or decor to your existing living room design can take it from unassuming to simply stunning. Peruse statement light fixtures, abstract coffee tables, and bold wall art to pick the perfect piece that will set your living room apart.
Create a calming space for your family and guests with pastel, muted, and neutral colors. A neutral color palette can accommodate various styles and decor. The finished look is soft, relaxed, and ultra-comfortable – the perfect space for your family to chill. Familiarize yourself with creating a color scheme by reading our Color Palette Ideas for Living Rooms, Bedrooms, & More guide.
Open-concept homes are grand, gorgeous, and ever-popular, but all that space can be difficult to decorate. Make the most of your open-concept family room by decorating it with elements that are just as grand as it is. Hang a central chandelier or create a focal point by decorating the main wall with a grand mirror or oversized clock. To help fill the space, create an accessory wall decorated with stylish modern wall art.
Family rooms don't have to be boring. Splashes of bright, bold color and patterns can be breathtaking additions to your existing family room decor. Choose bright-colored furniture like a flamingo pink sofa, and pair it with mint green ottomans. Dress your furniture up with patterned throw pillows and blankets.

