36 cosy living room ideas for a warming and cocooning refuge
The long and cold evenings of the winter months are the ideal time and the perfect excuse to turn your lounge into a cosy, relaxing cocoon of a space. But to help you with how to go about creating a serene and warming refuge from the cold and darkness, we’ve asked the experts to share their top cosy living room ideas.
And so they did! From the best living room colour schemes for a cosy look to more unexpected ways of creating a soft and cocooning feel in your living space, the pros have covered all the bases.
‘Creating a cosy living room isn’t about piling on trends, it’s about curating a space that feels intentional, warm and lived-in,’ says interior designer Bilal Rehman. ‘Cosiness comes from depth, texture and atmosphere, not fluff. Creating a cosy living room is all about elevating the senses through intentional layering, not overstuffing a space.’
Cosy living room ideas
‘It is relatively easy to turn any living room into a cosy, warm and welcoming retreat with a few easy design tricks,’ says Lucy Mather, interiors expert at homeware brand Arighi Bianchi. ‘Textiles, lighting, accessories and even scent can all add to the cosy ambience of a space without the need to redecorate or redesign the room.’
That’s right – turning your lounge into a cosy haven is one of the best budget living room ideas as you don’t need to invest in a lot of things to create a cosy den. Sometimes, it’s all about moving items from one room to another and styling them together in a different way.
1. Opt for curved furniture
(Image credit: Future PLC/Chris Snook)
Curved furniture is not only one of the biggest home decor trends of the last couple of years, it’s also an under-utilised (and not really known about) way to inject some softness and therefore cosiness to a space.
‘We often don’t realise that living rooms are full of sharp edges, whether it’s the edge of a rectangular coffee table, or the right-angle of a sofa cushion,’ says Chloe Barrow, interior expert at homeware brand Laura James. ‘This can often contribute to a room feeling the opposite of cosy. Instead, opt for a rounded sofa or an irregular shaped coffee table to really soften the room. These elements, big or small, make it feel far more inviting than the hard lines of square, structured pieces. If a big investment isn’t on the cards, you can try smaller swaps like rounded soft furnishings instead of traditionally square cushions and blankets.’
2. Choose rich, warm tones
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
There are several different colour schemes and palette options that will translate into a cosy look for your living room. But rich, warm shades are among the most recommended by experts.
‘Choose rich, warm tones such as terracotta, mustard, deep green, inky blue and warm burgundy to bring an immediate sense of comfort and intimacy,’ says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village.
3. Go for lighting with a warm tone
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
It’s not just about what kind of living room lighting idea you go for, but also what tone of lighting you choose. And the best to go for in a cosy living room is warm white.
‘For true cosiness, the ideal colour temperature is 2700K to 3000K a warm white to soft white that mimics candlelight or the glow of late-afternoon sun. This range softens the entire room, enhances texture, and gives your furnishings a richer, moodier presence. Warm lighting visually lowers the space, wraps the architecture in a gentle glow, and creates that cocooning atmosphere that defines a well-designed, cosy living room,’ Bilal Rehman advises.
4. Add touches of warmth
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
Certain colours bear more warmth than others. But that doesn’t mean you have to coat the whole room in those colours to achieve the desired cosy effect. Instead, you can add pops of earthy or warm shades through smaller accents and accessories.
‘Accents in rich jewel tones, such as burgundy or navy, can add depth and a luxurious feel, while still maintaining a cosy atmosphere,’ says Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist.
Victoria Foster, interior stylist at ScS, continues, ‘Overusing one colour or not using complimentary colours can make living rooms feel like they’re missing something. It can make the room feel cold, particularly if you have strong shades like white or black dominating the room. You can create a balanced colour palette by mixing both warm and cool tones. If you’re not a huge fan of colour, you can incorporate it into the room subtly with pops of colour through accessories, throw pillows, plants and artwork to add vibrancy and interest.’
5. Avoid a minimalist style
(Image credit: Future PLC/Douglas Gibb)
While we love a minimalist, modern living room idea, if you’re going for a cosy vibe then it might be better to avoid this aesthetic as it can come across as too cold and uninviting.
‘Whilst minimalism has been a big trend in interiors, it isn’t the cosiest of aesthetics. A lack of personal touches and accessories can make a living room feel impersonal and uninviting,’ Victoria at ScS says.
6. Go dark
(Image credit: Future PLC/Chris Snook)
If you’re looking to coat your walls in a cosy shade then one of the perfect living room paint ideas that will transform the lounge into a cocooning space is going for dark colours.
‘If you are a fan of bold, deep shades then navy, charcoal grey and even burgundy will add a luxe, cosy finish to your space. Colour drenching is a great way to go big and bold with these statement shades to create that feeling of being completely enveloped in a space,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi suggests.
7. Opt for a warm colour palette
(Image credit: Interior Fox)
When it comes to cosy living room ideas, one of the quickest ways to make a space feel more inviting is to employ the warmest of paint ideas.
‘Warm colours have the ability to lift the level of cosiness in any room and can make you feel like you’re being greeted by a comforting hug from someone you love every time you enter the space,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux.
‘Warm paint colours are yellows, oranges, pinks and reds. But warm tones of blue which contain hints of red, like Dulux Heritage DH Indigo (available at B&Q), and warm greens which contain hints of gold, like Dulux Overtly Olive, can give your room a snug feel, too.’
8. Create a sofa cocoon
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)
One of the cosiest of cosy living room ideas, Mrs Hinch’s sofa cocoon has inspired all of us to try and transform our humble three and two-seaters into hibernation destinations.
Basically, you’ll need to create a human sandwich out of two outrageously fluffy blankets, layer up some faux fur cushions, and a footstool to prop your tootsies up.
And, while Mrs Hinch sticks to a strict neutral colour palette, feel free to have fun with yours: think rich reds, dark greens, and toasty chocolate browns, to help get you started…
9. Put up a gallery wall
(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Mardon)
When it comes to cosy living room ideas, you really don’t have to redecorate to add warmth to the space: instead, you can get clever with some living room wall decor to add depth and impact.
‘You don’t have to spend a fortune on original paintings either – create an eclectic gallery wall of framed prints by your favourite artists, exhibition posters, vintage finds and the kids’ masterpieces from school,’ say the experts at John Lewis.
This is a particularly excellent idea if you’re renting, as you can take your cosy feature wall with you to your next home.
10. Try your hand at scentscaping
(Image credit: Future PLC / Simon Whitmore)
Plenty of people have been inspired to give their home a signature scent of late – so why not make the most of this sensory experience to add some oomph to your cosy living room ideas?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, frankincense, and sandalwood are all deliciously spice scents that are inspired with warmth and cosiness.
If you prefer a less overpowering smell, however, Laura Rich, product design lead at Furniturebox, says the bold oaky or waxy scents that a fire or candles give off will fill a room, making it feel more intimate and inviting.
‘This is known as scent mapping and can help give your living room more personality,’ she says.
If you don’t have a fire or aren’t a fan of candles, choose a signature scent with the best home fragrance from reed diffusers to room sprays.
11. Embrace hygge with natural materials
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
Rikke Blaeside, design and range manager at JYSK, says one way to achieve warming cosy living room ideas is to embrace all things hygge.
The Danish tradition is centered around creating a sense of joy and cosiness through home interiors and lifestyle, by making small changes that have a big impact.
Rikke says layering a variety of textiles to conjure up feelings of contentment and relaxation as the opposite is one of the the things that can make your home feel less cosy. Home accessories in natural materials such as wicker, rattan, and wood can add contrast and are an easy way to bring a sense serenely rustic living room ideas into the home.
‘Combine practical and pretty wicker baskets and wood accessories with hints of metal and glass for a natural expression,’ she suggests.
12. Stick to a palette of grounding earthy tones
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
‘Warm tones are the key to making living rooms feel cosy,’ comments Aaron Markwell, colour guru at COAT Paints. ‘In brighter living rooms, choose light taupes and earthier tones for your interior scheme.’
Bilal Rehman continues, ‘When you want a living room to feel genuinely cosy, lean into colours that wrap the space in warmth rather than bounce light harshly around the room. Think tones that are earthy, atmospheric, and grounding: deep charcoals, espresso browns, and rich taupes; warm neutrals like camel, mushroom, and greige; clay, terracotta, and muted cognac for an understated sense of richness; and organic hues such as olive, forest, and eucalyptus green.’
13. Cleverly layer textiles
(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)
As we’ve said, layers of soft furnishings are great for bringing the right vibe for cosy living room ideas.
‘Textiles! Not only do layers of textiles up the cosy factor, but they soften sound which adds to the feeling of being cocooned,’ explains Jo Lane, founder of See Your Place. ‘I would also incorporate natural materials such as light toned woods, furs and wools. Look to classic Scandi interior styling for cosy inspiration.’
But keep things looking cohesive and warm by balancing patterns and plains. This will also keep your cosy space on the right side of modern living room ideas. ‘Layer plains and patterns carefully,’ advises Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV. ‘When using bold patterns on upholstery it is best to keep the cushions plain or go for a plain fabric for the upholstery and experiment with a mixture of colours and patterns on scatter cushions.’
14. Fill open spaces with homely touches
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
It’s not all about textures and layering when it comes to how to design a living room (although we’ll never say no to a boucle armchair and knitted blanket).
Lisa Slack, head of product at Thomas Sanderson, points out that most cosy living room ideas essentially boil down to reducing the amount of open space in the room.
‘Add a shelving unit in an open space and place family photos on each self to bring a sense of nostalgia and make the room feel homely,’ she recommends.
15. Incorporate personal touches
(Image credit: Future PLC/Siobhan Doran)
‘For me, cosy living room ideas is about making it feel lived-in but loved,’ says Laura from Furniturebox. ‘Many modern living room trends, though stylish, can make a home feel empty and a little soulless.’
To make your living room feel personal and lived-in, fill the space with your favourite books, plants and upcycled pieces of furniture.
‘A home without character can feel sterile so for a cosy home, add your personality to the space. Display artwork you love alongside treasured objects or books on open shelving. A few carefully chosen pieces can give a room character and warmth,’ Shelley at Furniture Village says.
16. Cocoon with colour drenched walls
(Image credit: Future/Holly Jolliffe)
If you’re looking to introduce the latest paint trends, like colour drenching, to your living space, be bold with how you use them. ‘We are seeing a move towards deep, saturated shades, darker tones that create a sense of intimacy and comfort,’ explains Andy Greenall, head of design at Paint & Paper Library.
‘This move to a cocooning, sheltered warm feeling sees colours such as blackened denim Kigali, charcoal toned blue Squid Ink and rich and welcoming brownish-red Masai rising to the fore, and being embraced not only on walls, but on ceilings and woodwork too.’
17. Create ambience with colour blocking
(Image credit: Future Plc/James French)
Get creative with on-trend paint shades. In this stylish lounge area, the room has been divided into two halves. Recreate this simple living room paint idea by using masking tape to create a division.
The brooding dark shade of blue fills the lower half of the room, great for cosy evenings in, anchoring the space. The top half is a softer aqua shade that offsets the darker blue beautifully and keeps the space airy in the daytime.
18. Keep extra layers handy with multifunctional storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Oliver Gordon)
Consider smart living room storage ideas so you always have extra cosy layers at the ready. This sumptuous burnt orange footstool not only adds a plump extra seat or place to pop your feet up, but it also provides the perfect place to keep blankets.
Having a supply of layers is essential for making a living room feel cosy. Pull a throw over your legs while you watch a movie or boxset and feel the warming benefits in an instant.
19. Adjust the lighting
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
‘There are two key things to remember when trying to create cosy living room ideas, and that’s lighting and textures,’ says Kelly Collins, interior design expert at Swyft . ‘Both can be done on relatively small budgets.’ Kelly recommends keeping it low level, so switch off the overhead lights and flick on lamps.
Whether a large or small space, the right living room lighting ideas can create a softer, more intimate feel. Table lamps placed on side tables and sideboards provide atmosphere and functional task lighting, for reading in an armchair for example.
‘Lighting can be easily overlooked but it can completely overhaul the ambience of your room, especially if you want to create a cosy vibe. Choose warm-toned light bulbs in table lamps, floor lamps, and pendant lights to create a gentle glow that will enhances the cosy feel of a room. Don’t forget to incorporate different layers of lighting, including ambient, task, and accent lighting. This allows you to adjust the mood and atmosphere of the room, creating a more inviting and flexible space. Portable table lamps are a fantastic versatile lighting solution and there are so many different styles to choose from,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.
While floor lamps overhead can create pockets and pools of warm light, illuminating quiet corners, and giving the space definition. Always go for dimmable lighting so you can adjust it to suit the mood.
20. Set the scene with candlelight
(Image credit: Max Attenborough)
Nothing creates a cosy ambience quite like candlelight. If your living space doesn’t have a real working fire you can cheap the feel with a curated display of candles.
Fill a central point of focus with lanterns and assorted pillar candles to create a warming glow. Always be fire safe when using candles in the home, and never leave them unattended.
21. Gather round with statement seating
(Image credit: Future PLC/James Merrell)
An L-shaped sofa makes a big statement while offering plenty of seating for the whole family and guests to kick back and relax in.
‘Ground the room with strong, substantial furniture. Choose oversized or deep-set sofas. A living room feels cosy when the scale invites you to sink in; visually and physically,’ Bilal Rehman says.
The same convivial effect can be created by placing two sofas at right angles. Arrange some snacks on a coffee table within arm’s reach and you’ve got a cosy evening in.
22. Insulate with window treatments
(Image credit: Future)
Window treatments not only provide a decorative feature but they also help to insulate a room. When you shut the outside world out, making the space feel enclosed you automatically begin to lead in to cosy living room ideas.
Lined blinds and living room curtain ideas will also add a layer of valuable insulation against the glass window panes, preventing drafts and chills from entering.
23. Go for carpet underfoot
(Image credit: Future Plc/Simon Whitmore)
Consider changing your living room flooring ideas to something more cosy. Carpeted living rooms will always feel warmer by nature because carpet looks more comforting, exuding a sense of warmth.
Carpet of any kind is an insulating material because it provides a protective layer on top of an underlay that covers floorboards. Any potential drafts through original floorboards are covered and therefore the room feels warmer – cosier than other flooring options.
24. Layer rugs
(Image credit: Future Plc/Polly Eltes)
‘Another quick and more affordable way to embrace texture to create a more cosy feel is through rugs. There truly is nothing cosier than stepping on a high-pile, super soft rug,’ Chloe at Laura James says.
Don’t fret if you have fashionable wooden or on-trend polished concrete flooring in your living room, you can simply add rugs to welcome extra warmth underfoot. Rugs can provide a short-term fix to making the space feel cosy, dressing the floor with tactile designs that feel sumptuous between your toes.
To add an extra cosy factor, layer rugs on top of rugs to ensure the floor is ultra cosy, and inviting for pets to curl up on too.
25. Find a warming focal point
(Image credit: Future PLC / James French)
Whether your living room features a fireplace or not, anchor your furniture around a central point. Bring your sofa in closer for the colder months to create a more intimate space – to huddle closer and create warmth.
If you have a fireplace this is ideal as a warming focal point. If not try a cluster of lanterns and candles to get the same element of natural heat.
26. Snuggle into oversized pieces
(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)
Nothing provides a sense of comfort quite like an oversized armchair or corner sofa that gives you an inviting ‘hug’ to snuggle into.
If you have the space, choose a love seat to take over a corner of the living room, providing a solitary space to curl up with a good book and a cup of something warming. Alternatively, don’t be shy to go big with a sofa in a living room for your full family to cuddle up in. Just make sure you are smart with vertical storage to avoid taking up too much floorspace and turning your living room into an obstacle course.
27. Sit beside the fire
(Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole)
Wood burner ideas are always on people’s list of cosy living room ideas, as they instantly evoke feelings of comfort, and, because we all draw near to a warm fireplace, it will become the focal point of your room. Move your seating in noticeably closer during the colder months to benefit further from the immediate warmth.
‘Nothing makes a living room feel cosy like a wood-burning stove,’ comments Jon Butterworth, managing director at Arada Stoves. ‘A lit fire can dramatically lift our mood. On a cold, dreary, winter’s night, there’s nothing more appealing than cosying up by the open flames.’
Due to their design it’s safe to get closer to a log burner, because the flames are behind safety doors – with an open fire always remain at a distance and have a fireguard in place, to avoid spitting embers.
If you don’t have the space or funds for a fireplace, check out all of the flickering fireplace wallpapers for your smart TV; it’s a great way to add some crackling embers (sans the smoke) to your home.
28. Dress seating with extra layers
(Image credit: Future Plc/Brett Charles)
Adopt a Scandi approach to your cosy living room ideas by dressing seating with inviting layers of extra comfort, such as sheepskin rugs and faux furs.
Easy to add seasonally, these tactile layers can instantly welcome touch of indulgence and warmth to make nights in front of the TV feel all the more cosy. Chic grey walls and smart furniture create a modern country feel in this stylish living room.
29. Make a white scheme feel cosy
(Image credit: Future Plc/ Paul Massey)
Think an all-white colour scheme doesn’t work with your cosy living room ideas? Think again.
Team slubby linens with aged teak and matt paint for a more grounding feel, appealing to the senses by creating a calm space to relax. Low level lighting from lamps will enhance the warm undertones of the best white paint shades.
30. Display firewood
(Image credit: Future Plc/Polly Eltes)
Make a feature of any living room fireplace essentials to let your sense know heat is on hand. A curated log display goes a long way to set the scene for a roaring fire, where the mere thought is enough to adjust a mindset to feel cosier.
31. Introduce luxe touches with metallics
(Image credit: Future Plc/Dominic Blackmore)
Metallic touches, such as burnished bronze and warm copper, add a warm quality to any colour scheme, particularly contrasting dark paint colours.
A metallic finish on lighting, furniture and tabletop accessories will gently reflect light back into the room – emitting a warm glow to create a cosy living room idea.
32. Welcome rustic elements
(Image credit: Future Plc/Dan Duchars)
To create a cosy living room idea, choose colours and patterns that offer a rustic country aesthetic.
Country living room ideas, for example, are ideal for creating a snuggly retreat, as they tend to lead to a place filled with natural colours and textures to create a sense of calm. Unpainted beams, a log burner and wooden-legged furniture continue the rustic theme.
33. Pick berry shades
(Image credit: Future Plc/Rachel Whiting)
Select a rich mulberry tone for your walls to create a warm, intimate cosy living room idea.
Interestingly, the same hue can feel cool and calm in summer, so it really is a colour for all seasons. Layer aubergine and crimson shades with soft furnishings, from curtains and cushions to artwork and throws.
34. Enhance cosy cottage vibes
(Image credit: Future PLC/Darren Chung)
Try to create a cosy cottage living room, albeit with a few modern touches.
An inglenook fireplace and exposed beams can set a rustic tone, while squashy sofas, metallic occasional tables and a bold armchairs all have stylish appeal.
Dark furnishings and soft textures, meanwhile, create an intimate space for entertaining.
35. Plump for cushioning designs
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
Upholstered, button-back furniture is another way to create a warm and cosy living room idea. A rocking chair is also an ideal way to provide restful additional seating for a living room, to gently embrace a comforting rocking motion.
Furniture like these classic pieces can sometimes seem prohibitively pricey, so it’s worth exploring home furnishing discounts to try and keep the look within budget.
36. Welcome country pattern and prints
(Image credit: Future Plc/David Brittain)
Adding prints that are synonymous with cheerful country style (aka cabincore vibes) can be another simple way to make your cosy living room idea feel more inviting.
Choose either floral or checked prints to give your room a more traditional feel, or combine both for a more relaxed, boho style. Layer the scheme with cosy tactile textures to enhance the look.
Top cosy living room picks
So’Home Mangata Pleated Velvet Filled Cushion
This burnt orange cushion from La Redoute is the perfect way to both add a touch of warmth and incorporate some texture into your living room thanks to its velvet finish and curved pleated motif.
Habitat Origami Mushroom Paper Table Lamp
Mushroom lamps are very popular across the board. But why not mix it up a little with an origami-style paper mushroom lamp? Customers praise the design, perfect for homes with children and pets as it won’t break when knocked over. And its golden yellow hue becomes even warmer once the light switched on.
If you don’t like overly bright shades, you can go for something a bit more earthy and grounded like terracotta which still has a lot of warmth to it. Take this Dunelm throw – made from sustainably sourced cotton, the warming throw is finished with a curved tufted motif and a fringe trim.
Crown Midnight Navy Matt Emulsion Paint 2.5L
Unlike most blue shades, navy blue doesn’t necessarily have to come across as cold, especially when covering the entirety of walls. It can feel more cocooning rather than anything else. And Crown Paints’ Midnight Navy is the perfect sophisticated navy shade.
Farrow & Ball Estate Preference Red Matt Emulsion Paint 2.5L
Burgundy is not only a warming and cocooning shade for a cosy living room, it’s also a trending colour that is soon to be everywhere. And if we were to choose our favourite burgundy, it would most definitely be Farrow & Ball’s Preference Red, described as a ‘Baroque colour’ by the brand.
Frenchic Smudge Wall Paint 2.5L
We love Frenchic paints for their sustainable credentials, washable finish and self-priming and self-sealing abilities. And the dark charcoal grey shade called Smudge is no exception. While we love black paint, we understand it can be a bit extreme for some. So charcoal grey is the perfect, softer alternative to douse your walls in.
FAQs
How can I make my living room look cosy?
You can achieve cosy living room ideas through very simple styling measures. Firstly turn down the lights, creating a more intimate ambience. ‘Incorporate soft lamps and lights that are easily dimmable.
This is so you can reduce the brightness when you have completed a task, allowing for a cosy, relaxed environment to socialise in,’ says David Amos, CEO of Amos Lighting + Home. Candlelight welcomes a soft light to any decor and also offers a budget idea for creating a cosy living room with minimal effort.
What colours make a living room cosy?
Warmer tones such as creams, taupes, oranges, reds and even darker greens can help create cosy living room ideas. ‘All these colours will make you feel warm and cocooned in the space,’ says Kelly from Swyft. ‘They can either be used sparingly as a feature wall or maybe even inside of a bookcase or if you are feeling brave paint all the walls.’
‘Warm tones enrich our homes and create cosy sanctuaries away from the outside world,’ explains Joa Studholme, colour curator at Farrow & Ball. ‘Luxurious colours like Preference Red can be added to the most neutral of palettes by using them in rooms we use at the end of the day when we most want to relax and be comforted.’
‘Red is incredibly chic by day and cosy by night, they bring a grounded but luxurious atmosphere that is thought-provoking as well as soothing, particularly when paired with other hues found in the natural world.’
Considering how quickly autumn is shifting into winter, it’s a good idea to get cracking on your list of cosy living room ideas now, so that you can snuggle up for a Gilmore Girls marathon (ideally with a mug of hot cocoa in tow).
Remember: the most important thing when it comes to creating something truly snug is to layer your living room with all the things you love the most. Cosy, after all, is a state of mind – so it is bound to look different for everyone!
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