Living room pictures – 31 ways to create a new look for your lounge

Browsing living room pictures is the best way to inspire a new look for your lounge. 

Save these photos onto your phone, desktop, Pinterest board – wherever – so that you can build a mood-board of living room ideas (opens in new tab) that will eventually be the starting point for your room's new look. 

LIVING ROOM PICTURES AND INSPIRATION

These living room pictures have been photographed by some of the world's best known interiors photographers – they're packed with details to copy and inspiration for any size of space.

1. A living room with a fashionably elegant look

This smart small living room idea (opens in new tab)mixes different sized checks on upholstery, blinds and cushions in a dashing combination of black, white and yellow, gives traditional gingham a refreshing contemporary twist.

2. Living room with vivid shades and bold pattern

When using a lot of hot, spicy shades in your wallpaper, introducing a crisp black and white pattern will act as a focal point and keep the look modern.

3. Classic living room with vibrant shades of blue

Opting for bold, block colors, such as azure, denim or sapphire on upholstery and in rugs is a nod to 2021's colorful living room trends (opens in new tab), and allows depth to be added with pattern. 

Here, fine ticking stripe and geometric print fabrics provide lively highlights that catch the eye.

4. Quintessential English country-style living room with artwork

Subtly toned cushions and an antique rug define this seating corner, which features a mix of textural fabrics including velvet, linen and hessian, creating an elegant living space with timeless allure.

5. Contemporary living room with geometric patterns

To ensure patterns work comfortably together when considering how to design a living room (opens in new tab), choose designs from a similar tonal palette and complement them with plain walls and upholstery. 

Adding sculptural pieces of furniture and lighting brings an additional layer of interest to the living room colour scheme (opens in new tab) without overpowering it.

6. Horticultural living space with mismatched furniture

In this country living room idea (opens in new tab), simple utility is given a light and pretty dimension with horticulturally themed decorative flourishes and happily mismatched pattern. It's a scheme that embodies relaxed charm.  

7. Classic living room with graphic simplicity

Softly striped sheers and a rug in a chalky pink palette harmoniously balance with the bolder circular designs of the rattan chair, table and floor light – all with fine black metal frames to keep the look light.

8. A crisp, fresh living room with denim tones

From indigo to navy and cobalt, blue hues sit particularly well together, offering great scope for pattern mixing. In this fresh yet cozy living room (opens in new tab), cushions with small-scale motifs are successfully combined with robust striped blinds and a bold indigo geometric pattern on the screen.

9. A simple country living room with verdigris finishes

For a pared back scheme, upholstered furniture should have a simple silhouette and minimal detailing. To achieve this look, opt for a neat sofa in a plain linen with no buttoning, while loose covers can be made for existing armchairs. If opting for neutral living room paint ideas (opens in new tab), hints of subtle pattern and color can be introduced with soft furnishings.

10. A living room corner with global influences

Using fabrics with patterns in different scales gives drapes a beautifully tailored finish, while contemporary furniture in the palest leather keeps the look fresh.

11. A classic living room with natural elements

A timeless scheme offers a respite from the whirlwind of modern life – and with the neutral elements in place, it is easy to play with the balance of your palette as seasons change.

12. A statement living room with mural and muted color palette

Intriguing and subtle, this architectural mural adds a lighter decorative touch to this scheme in which neutral, muted furnishings allow it to take centre stage. 

A ledge of rustic wood echoes the horizontal lines of the print, and creates display space for elegant accessories.

13. A modern monochrome living room with graphic artwork

Panelled walls painted in soft gray provide a sophisticated backdrop for this scheme, which artfully balances black and white upholstered furniture. 

Blocks of pattern, in the form of tailored cushions and artwork, add interest and personality to the modern look.

14. A contemporary living room with abstract artwork

A sofa upholstered in a multicolored graphic print takes centre stage in this contemporary living space. Additional blocks of color work well with the strong linear shapes of dark furniture, while walls in pale gray allow the abstract artwork to sing out in this confident look.

15. A tropical living room with botanical overtones

Blending fresh tones of ocean blue and lush botanical green with natural materials strengthens this boho living room (opens in new tab) scheme’s affinity with the outdoors. A delicately colored sheer drape provides privacy while filtering harsh sunlight for a softer look.

16. An emerald-green living space with a botanical theme

This series of foliage prints set against a vibrant emerald-green wall offer a modern take on the botanical theme. Sparse accessories and the clean lines of the mid century modern living room (opens in new tab) style furniture add to the contemporary flavor of the space.

17. A fresh white living room with monochrome pattern

Concentrating furniture and accessories featuring strong pattern and brightly colored plains in a confined space is a good way to define a seating area within an all-white room.

18. A living room with the vibrant tones and textiles of South America

Upholstering a sofa in a lively combination of plain and patterned fabric creates instant character. Pair with walls in clashing hues and finish with a riot of colorful cushions.

19. A dramatic living room with brass elements

The lustre of brass elements shines brightly when set against a calm backdrop of cool grays. A deep emerald green velvet sofa adds to the sense of drama and richness.

20. A living room with delicate designs and bold motifs

Using a variety of motifs in one hue and keeping pattern to the upholstery, while walls and floors remain plain, brings depth to a scheme without it feeling too busy. In this room, a striking wave design on the sofa offers a contrast to the more subtle prints elsewhere.

21. A classic living room with paisley embroidery

From subtly textured embroidery to richly decorative designs, Indienne-style motifs can be used to bring depth and interest to a simple, contemporary scheme. 

Softly colored paisley chairs sit well within this pale gray living room idea (opens in new tab) that blends linen, taupe and charcoal. 

22. A verdant living room with trellis wallpaper

This trellis wallpaper speaks of blissful summer days in the garden. Working geometric motifs into your wallpaper ideas (opens in new tab) will give the finished look a modern edge.

23. A floral living room with Italian flair

Opting for drapes and walls in the same pastel shade creates a subtle backdrop, allowing a choice abstract upholstery print to sing out.

24. A living room with a mix of ancient and contemporary style

A daybed layered with mattresses gives an Eastern flavour to this reading corner, where a sense of adventure is suggested by books and maps.

25. A modern living room with vibrant abstract wallpaper

A feature wall in a striking wallpaper was the starting point for this vibrant living room/ hallway idea (opens in new tab). Plain upholstery and drapes in complementary shades prevent the look from overpowering, while a textured rug adds depth.

26. A summer living room with seagrass and bamboo furniture

Washed linens and the eye-catching open design of the rattan sofa bring a relaxing mood to this inviting space. The room's stylish palette of raspberry and citron is enhanced by unlined country-style drapes (opens in new tab) that gently filter the sunlight. 

27. An exotic living room with dark-wood flooring

A black cane sofa arranged with palm leaf-motif cushions against plain ochre linen lends an elegant exotic feel to a classic scheme. Dark-wood flooring and a table of leafy plants complete the look.

28. Deep green and blue living room with a global artisan feel

Embrace your inner nomad with a considered mix of Eastern, African and South American patterns with natural materials, rich textures and bold hues for an elegant, worldly look at home.

29. A calm, relaxed living room scheme with a neutral color palette

Serene greens, monochrome patterns, tactile weaves and rich textures combine to deliver an inviting color palette for a considered living space. 

As seen in Japanese homes, a freestanding wall acts as a divider, 
zoning a large room. Natural flooring and delicate paper lights complete the look.

30. A classic living room with simple linens and silk furnishings

Polished concrete flooring offers a smooth, subdued contrast to organic-shaped furnishings, while a smart grasscloth wallcovering lets dramatic artwork do the talking.

31. A modern living room with powdery pastel color palette

Decorating with pastel shades needn’t mean going entirely pale. An accent wall in a darker color, such as the deep blue used here, serves to balance lighter tones. To add depth, introduce subtle textures with wool upholstery and drapes and rugs in patterned weaves.