A luxurious space doesn't always mean one that's simply filled with the most expensive objects — a classy living room is a well-thought-out one that is carefully curated with on-trend furniture, beautifully laced with complementary colors, objects and is, above all, comfortable. It's a space that doesn't just look good but also feels elegant.
If you's looking for living room ideas for designing your space and want to give it a luxurious flair, we have you covered. Take a look at these stunning luxury living room ideas, designed by some of the top professionals in the world, and prepare to be inspired...
1. Add statement yet comfy furniture
Wondering how to design a modern living room that also feels cozy? You need to focus on getting the furniture right — most importantly, finding the best sofa.
"The living room was designed to have an open layout," says Sabrina Maclean, founder of Hino Studio. "We wanted this space to have more than one sitting area and to be very conversational, where the art would always be the protagonist no matter where the person was sitting. The tan leather seater is the Camaleonda sofa from B&B Italia. The daybed was sourced from Mario Milana."
This sofa, in fact, has been featured countless times on Livingetc, as its plumply and welcoming look is hard to pass up. Plus, this piece is available in a rainbow of hues, and can even be custom-made for your luxury living room .
2. Go for a monotone space
When it comes to living room colors, a black and white living room (or black and gray!) feels the most bold, sophisticated, confident and timeless. For those looking to create luxury living rooms that have a dynamic vibe, this color scheme is one to try.
"We wanted to be minimalistic with our material palate for this home," shares Amit Khanolkar, founder of DIG Architects. "This gave rise to a monochromatic space. The living room has Ceppo Di Gre marble across the floor. The material palate has been rendered in grayscale. To create interest in this scheme we encouraged the clients to use a lot of plants in the space to infuse it with life."
3. Elevate the space with custom storage
The design, color and materiality of living room storage play a big role in how this space looks. Open storage allows you to keep the room clutter-free, while also displaying your choicest items with ease. With custom designs, you can add an extra dimension to your luxury living room's aesthetics and practicality.
This room was originally designed with a very versatile purpose. "We opted for open shelving on top to give the option of styling it to the client's liking while having closed cabinets on the bottom to store some unsightly items one does not wish to have on display at times," says Safir Shamsi of Studio ROI.
4. Add an antique element to the living room
Jewel of the room, a living room mirror can add a distinctive vibe to the room. An antique, distressed mirror with an elaborate frame is, in fact, an age-old staple of high-end palaces and meeting rooms. Large-scale pieces in unique shapes call to mind a grand European salon.
What's also useful about these glittering gems is that, aesthetics aside, these help expand the light in the room, and in small living rooms, can create an illusion of more space. Mirrors, whether beveled, antiqued, or even modern, lend jewel-like sparkle to spaces.
"This penthouse in Monaco retains the seaside spirit while maintaining the sophistication of a city apartment," shares designer Stéphanie Coutas. "We chose natural and brutalist materials like wood marquetry or straw, and this handwoven raffia Omexco wallcovering was exactly matching the atmosphere. All furniture is made by us, like the straw lampshade, the embroidered sofa with Loro Piana cashmere, or the oak marquetry side tables.”
5. Opt for a unique coffee table
No conventional living room layout is complete without a coffee table. This piece of furniture not only anchors the seating but also contributes heavily to the room's look and feel. Think marble, carved wood, tiled, or wicker coffee tables that add depth and layering to the space. If there's one element that can truly take the luxury living room a notch higher, it's finding the best coffee table.
Once you select the right one for your space, your job isn't completely over. You need to select the right coffee table decor, so it makes the room feel curated and stylish.
"Once the table is set in your space, you get to have fun decorating it," says Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. "I like to think about styling a coffee table in sections and groups. I typically start by stacking books on two opposite sides of the table. I'll put a vase with flowers on one stack to add height to create an asymmetrical feel. Then I'll add a tray with accessories, coasters, and a candle to complete the look. I enjoy styling a coffee table to look full, and playing with rectangular and round shapes."
6. Create multiple seating options
For a cozy living room idea, incorporating multiple seating options is a good way to imbue comfort and boost functionality in the room. This concept originated from formal palace rooms that were designed to accommodate several people, events and conversations.
To create such a setting, it's best to have flexible seating that suits all needs.
"I always start with what’s right for the space, how my clients will use the room and engage with each other, with the media and with the overall environment," says interior designer Lisa Sherry. "And it’s not always just a sofa. Swivel chairs have all the right moves, offering 360-degree access to conversation and vistas. I love the fluidity of swivel chairs. In this way, everyone can enjoy the beautiful, wooded vistas outside. An accent table serves as a modified “coffee table” between the two swivels."
The inclusion of a bench or a daybed in the living room will allow the piece to be used across both seating systems.
7. Make a statement with an oversized light pendant
"We always recommend having a beautiful pendant as the centerpiece in a living room," says Ian Cameron, creative director of luxury lighting brand Cameron Design House.
"Hung centrally in the room, a grand sculptural light draws the eye in and brings the whole space together," he continues. "Helping to zone the living space, the soft glow emitted from the striking centerpiece distinguishes a different area within the home creating a luxurious living space."
Whether you choose striking sculptural beaded pendants, an oversized chandelier, or a statement metallic geometric piece, there's a focal-point pendant to suit all spaces for an added level of luxe for an elegant living room.
8. Bring some drama with high-style printed wallpaper
Wallpapers contribute significantly to luxury living room ideas, as these nature-related, prints in tropical, botanical or garden finishes add a stylish flair and drama to the room.
"A metallic living room wallpaper brings your walls to life and is a great choice for rooms with low lighting," says Jamie Watkins, co-founder of interiors brand Divine Savages. "Our iconic Crane Fonda wallpaper is reimagined on a larger scale in the living room above, and the dramatic black and gold colorway creates a sultry, moody elegance that allows the jewel-toned velvet sofas to shine."
Brooding yet glamorous and, ultimately, ultra-luxurious.
9. Channel minimalism with a luxe touch
Just because you veer more towards minimalist interior design, doesn't mean your decor can't be luxurious. By introducing high-quality, comfortable materials like linen and bouclé, and design-forward furniture, you can create a luxurious aesthetic in a pared-back space.
"You can embrace minimalism and not compromise on luxury," says Joshua Smith, principal designer and founder of Joshua Smith Inc. "In the room above, we added tongue and groove boards to the ceiling to add architectural interest and an earthy texture, even in all white; it makes for a chic modern rustic living room idea."
"The tracks to the sheets are embedded into the ceiling for a cleaner look, and the sheets filter the light beautifully while adding softness and providing emphasis to the ceiling heights."
He adds: "The alabaster pendant light adds a hit of warm brass to the space. The other furnishings add layers and dimension; the chairs almost act as sculptures in the rooms, and the addition of a pedestal with an object always uplevels any space!"
10. Add luxury through creativity and personalization
"Luxury is having a space that’s just for you," says Kellie Burke of Kellie Burke Interiors. "It is a place to sit, relax and enjoy, not just walk by."
By injecting your personality into your living room, you can elevate the space with a unique creative flair, whether through art, furniture, or collectibles. Designs like Kellie's, the textbook example of maximalism in interior design, feel undeniably luxurious.
"The room above, with its bougie leather tufted swivels, sets the mood for a sexy, romantic evening of cocktails and conversation," Kellie adds. "Oversized original artwork illuminated in neon light is one of a kind to spark conversation."
11. Hang oversized art for an impressive display
Not only is art a wonderful way to add a jolt of color to your living room, it also creates an extra level of gravitas in the space.
"Art adds character and a sense of personality to a space that you can't always fully achieve through materials and colors in a room," says Camilla Clarke, creative director at interior design studio Albion Nord. "A room without art is a room unfinished. Your wall should be the canvas for your art."
When paired with a statement living room lighting idea, as seen in the stunning room by Kitesgrove above, art elevates a space to another level.
"Balancing considered pieces of artwork alongside a mix of both old and new furniture really helps to elevate a living space, creating a luxurious feel," says Clara Ewart, head of design at interior design practice Kitesgrove.
"As well as helping to define the character of the space, this also introduces a narrative, which ultimately reflects the client’s personal lifestyle and taste."
12. Introduce a classic piece of designer furniture
A luxury living room needs to have designer furniture. The Eames lounger and ottoman are iconic pieces that not only suggest good taste but are also inviting and comfortable — important elements for a successful living room.
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, the lounger is still hugely popular 60 years on and has made its way into some of the world's most stylish homes.
"We're seeing a rise in design classics appearing in the houses we like to feature, with mid-century favorites like the Eames lounger being used next to modern pieces like the Ghost chair — yes, it's back!" says Livingetc's executive editor, Pip Rich.
"There's a timeless comfort in these familiar shapes, making a room feel homely simply because these designs are held so dear," adds Pip. "Also, don't forget that they became classics for a reason — usually because they're extremely comfortable — which has got to be appealing right now."
Other design classics you might want to consider include the Anglepoise lamp and the Soriana sofa.
13. Make the most of architectural features
Stunning original architectural features like a fireplace should always be enhanced and embraced, as they speak to the provenance of a room, as well as adding luxury through details.
When paired with sumptuous textural fabrics and carefully curated art and furniture, these details create an elevated aesthetic.
"The architectural details of the mantle alongside the art and furniture placement make this room feel welcoming yet grand at the same time," says Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors
14. Include a well-placed area rug
An expansive living room rug gives a sense of space and drama while also working to 'zone' your sofas and coffee table in a stylish manner.
An area rug is particularly effective when placed underneath your sofas and side tables to create a cocooning, luxurious feel underfoot. It also offers an easy way to inject color and pattern into the space.
Clara Ewart, head of design at Kitesgrove says: "One way of creating a luxurious interior is by implementing statement pieces like sculptural lighting, a bold patterned area rug, or a memorable piece of artwork within a quieter, more pared-back scheme."
15. Upgrade your feature wall with high-end materials
Luxury living room ideas include feature walls, as they add interest to a room and are especially helpful in a space lacking any natural or architectural features. Another very important job they do is to provide a focal point and a sense of direction to the living room.
But if you don't want to pick up a paintbrush, or want to take your feature wall to the next level, try using a different material, like marble decorating ideas, for an upscale aesthetic.
As green is a color trend that's also here to stay, the marble feature wall above is particularly on-point. "The great thing about natural surfaces is that each one is unique and gives people the opportunity to do something different and ultimately have fun," says Oliver Webb, director at luxury stone suppliers Cullifords.
"People get scared about the design process, but natural stone gives you something you can truly fall in love with and it always looks great, especially when it’s a colored marble like our Verde Luana (above)."
"Statement bookmatched feature walls will add a dramatic and luxurious statement to any room in the home but particularly in a living room setting," he adds. "Coordinating colors with the furnishings and accessories will ensure the walls integrate seamlessly into the space but bring that final touch of luxury to a space."
16. Show some class with upscale paneling
Wall paneling ideas can dramatically enhance a living space. Popular in interiors for many years, design lovers are adding this decorative element into their homes to add grandeur to their spaces.
Originating in the 13th century and found within lavish castles, wall paneling developed into more decorative, embellished features over the 15th century.
"Found within characterful, historic buildings — such as the boiseries in the Palace of Versailles — these ornate features add a feeling of elegance to any space," says Juliette Thomas, founder and director of interior design studio Juliettes Interiors.
"Therefore, it is no surprise to see that they are enjoying a resurgence in many modern properties, to elevate them into more spectacular and grander rooms. Channeling the legacies of Louis XV and Louis XVI, paneling also serves as an excellent way to decorate doors, frames, cupboards and shelves."
17. Invest in a daybed or chaise longue
Is there anything more decadent than reclining with a good book on a daybed or chaise longue?
Bringing a dash of French elegance into homes, a chaise longue is a lavish home accessory that adds sophistication to interiors. It may be a design classic, but it's also a sofa trend for the modern home.
"Often used to fill grand spaces by adding a decorative touch to proceedings, a chaise longue is the epitome of decadent luxury," says Juliette. "After all, it was described by Le Corbusier himself as ‘the ultimate relaxing machine’. "
"A seamless blend between chair and footstool, the chaise longue was created to allow French noblemen to rest without having to retire to the bedroom. A symbol of luxury through the ages, the presence of a chaise longue adds an extra level of splendor to a space, whilst doubling up as the perfect reclining spot — it has great depth."
18. Be ahead of the curve
We asked designers: is a curved sofa a good idea? And, indeed, any curved furniture? And the designers unanimously said yes, adding that these inject softness into living spaces.
"Bringing architectural flair into the home, the unique shape of curved sofas allows them to transform spaces into luxurious rooms with an immediately recognizable difference," comments Juliette. "Additionally, curves in home furniture do not have to be limited to sofas, with a curved table or chair equally capable of turning any room into a cozy, comfortable space."
She adds: "The soft, silky feel of velvet naturally enhances the homely feel of curved furniture. With this trend, any interior space will be transformed into the perfect place to unwind and relax. Curved furniture really is the key to unlocking all the comforting qualities of any living room."
19. Color-drench your space for a sumptuous aesthetic
"Color drenching is hugely popular at the moment and can add a touch of drama to a room," says Ann Marie Cousins, of AMC Designs.
Be bold with the paint brush and cover your living room in a rich, deep, sumptuous hue.
"Painting skirting boards and window frames to match the wall color is a simple but stylish touch for the living room," suggests Justyna Korczynska, a color consultant at paint brand Crown.
"Not only does this create a contemporary, monochromatic look, but it is also an easy way of creating the illusion of bigger walls, making the room as a whole appear more spacious."
20. Choose high end, laid-back pieces
Chaises longues, daybeds and benches together may look deeply comforting and easy to relax on, but these also have an inherent stylishness to them, creating a subtly luxe feel. Take this space, for instance. The boho living room furnished with close-to-floor Togos by Ligne Roset looks modern, yet has a casual appeal.
"The colors are heavily inspired by the Yucatan/Tulum region of Mexico, which features a lot of burnt reds, oranges, and warm tones," says Shawn Taylor of Dacotah Studio. "We added lots of unique furnishings and accessories that enliven the space and make it eclectic and functional."
How can I make my living room more luxurious?
"Adding layered textures such as rugs and pillows in luxurious fabrics like faux furs and bouclé can help create a luxury living room," says Lauren Lerner, founder and principal designer of Living with Lolo. "The addition to marbles and other natural stones on coffee tables and end tables can also help elevate functional pieces. Accessories that boast metals can also be a way to make the room look more expensive."
Juliette agrees, expanding: "To make a living room more luxurious, opt for a selection of textures. From velvet cushions and sumptuous nubuck sofas to elegant gold mirrors that help make a space look larger, adding these luxurious finishes will help elevate a living space to new levels of sophistication."
Jamie suggests to "fill your living room with all the color and pattern you love so that it's bursting with the layers of your personality", while Kellie says that creating ambience through lighting and color is key.
She explains: "There are lots of little tweaks you can make to rooms to make them feel more luxurious. For lighting, add a dimmer to overhead lights or utilize lamps for ambient light. Placing picture lights above artwork can help add to the ambiance while dramatizing magnificent art further."
"Deepen the color on the walls or add wallpaper for a moody effect," adds Kellie. "And always find ways to make seating inviting; for example, two loveseats facing each other looks great but can feel awkward when entertaining. A luxurious space is one that is both inviting and relaxing."
And Jessica Lagrange, principal designer and founder of Jessica Lagrange Interiors, says art and sculptural pieces are important factors for creating a luxurious space. She comments: "Adding art pieces into a space can elevate a room by creating interesting focal points. In the living room this could be a large painting, smaller sculptures on coffee or side tables, or even unique lighting elements."
How would you describe a luxurious living room?
"A luxurious living room is composed of elegant classic furniture while still maintaining a contemporary feel through a cohesive color palette and personal touches," says Jessica.
For Juliette, texture is key. "To me, a luxurious living room can be colorful or neutral," she says, "I find that it’s all about texture. Move away from the farmhouse aesthetic and choose luxurious rich velvet fabrics and elegant nubuck accessories for a luxury scheme that looks far from cheap."
"A luxurious living room is a space that elevates your personal state each time you walk into it," says Lauren. "It makes you feel expensive or high-end as you spend time in there."
