Refresh Your Living Room With These 6 Easy Updates for a Calmer, Cozier Vibe

Bring in New Lampshades

Give your lamps a refresh by switching out your existing shades for new ones, suggests Catherine Schultz, founder of Studio YAY! “Swapping a plain shade for a bold ikat print or pleated silk in a surprising hue instantly makes your existing lamp feel custom,” she says.

Of course, you don’t have to spend much during this process—consider shopping other rooms of your home or hitting the thrift store in search of an eye-catching shade that doesn’t cost more than a few dollars.

If you have a slightly bigger budget, consider investing in custom shades. “A custom shade—especially in an unexpected fabric with whimsical trim or a sculptural silhouette—adds instant individuality and panache, making a room feel layered, considered, and truly intentional,” says interior designer Suzanne Sykes.

Change Your Lighting Temperature

Bye-bye, bleak bulbs! “One of the most overlooked winter updates is lighting temperature,” says interior designer Ashleigh Clark. “Swapping bulbs for a warmer Kelvin instantly softens the living room and enhances textures like wood, stone, and textiles.” Her go-to lighting temperature this time of year? Anything between 2700–3000K.

If you don’t have layers of lighting present in your living room already, it’s time to change that too. “This can be done through an extra table lamp or small hints of lighting on a bookcase,” says Alexandra Iordanou, founder of Dwell Proper Staging. “I am loving the small rechargeable lamps that can be added to shelving or countertops without the need for outlet access,” she adds.

Incorporate More Greenery

Brighten up your living space by layering in some plants. Interior designer Sarah Hardin is all for foraging outdoors, if that’s a possibility this time of year where you live. “Cut hardy evergreens and tuck them in vases around the house,” she says. “Things like cedar, pine, boxwood, holly, and magnolia leaves are all great options.”

If you don’t have a yard to pull from, Hardin loves the arrangements at Trader Joe’s too, noting that eucalyptus is her favorite pick from the iconic store.

Clark is also a fan of using plants to add dimension to a living room during the winter months, preferring deeper-toned options in particular, such as many Calathea varieties. “When natural light is limited, richer greens or darker branches help balance lighter upholstery and neutral palettes while adding warmth and texture,” she says. “It’s an easy way to make a living room feel more alive and seasonally appropriate without a major update.”

Hang New Art

If your walls seem a little blah at the moment, bring some fresh color in through art. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on expensive pieces to make your space shine. You can still collect new, original works of art without going over budget if you know where to look, Sykes says.

“Platforms like Instagram and Etsy have made it easier than ever to discover emerging artists whose work feels personal and expressive, often at more accessible price points,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to say goodbye to bare walls and let the pieces that resonate with you become part of your everyday surroundings.”

Weave in Antique Pieces

In need of a good indoor weekend activity? Visit a local antique shop in search of treasures! “A space filled exclusively with new pieces can feel flat, while antiques introduce depth and dimension to your home,” Sykes says, noting that antiques will instantly upgrade your living room. “Whether sourced from a local shop, thrifted, or discovered on Facebook Marketplace, these collected pieces add both warmth and sophistication, making a home feel layered and lived-in.”

Restyle Your Coffee Table

This winter, take extra care when restyling your coffee table—your goal is to do more than just create a compelling vignette, says Anne Golliher, founder of Storied Interiors. She recommends decorating with “books you actually want to read, like gardening inspiration or places you’d love to travel,” adding, “The books invite you to slow down and dream of the year to come.”