The Living Room Checklist

Are you preparing for a move to a new home soon? Chances are your old living room furniture won’t fit in your space or complement the style of your new home. Before you visit a Central New Jersey furniture store, take a look at a few crucial items you’ll want to add to your living room checklist.

Couches and Chairs

Whether you want a sectional  sofa or multiple couches, you’ll need furniture that provides ample seating for the entire family and guests. Once you measure your space and choose the style and color of your new couches, it’s time to test a few options at the local furniture store. Comfort is key, but it’s also important to consider durability. Couches constructed with hardwood frames will last much longer than those made with pine or particle board.

Although you can certainly buy chairs that match your couch exactly, choosing seating options in a complementary color or pattern adds more interest to your living room. Club or wingback chairs are an excellent choice for formal living rooms, while stylish recliners or barrel chairs with poufs or ottomans help set the tone for a more casual space.

Group couches and chairs around focal points, such as fireplaces, TV or windows that provide an impressive view of your property.

Coffee and End Tables

Purchsing the perfect coffee and end tables can be much more difficult than you may think. With so many sizes, shapes and finishes to choose from, choosing the perfect tables can be a little daunting. No matter what style you prefer, look for tables that are big enough to hold coffee mugs, the mail or your tablet, yet aren’t so large they overwhelm your living room.

The top of the coffee table should be at the same height as your couch cushions or a little higher, according to advice from Apartment Therapy. If you want a coffee table that’s a little out-of-the-ordinary, consider using an old chest, a salvaged door mounted to metal legs or a tree trunk covered by a sheet of glass. Vintage and boutique stores offer plenty of unusual styles that will make a dramatic impact in your living room.

Window Treatments

Not sure which types of window treatments are best for your living room? Consider these types:

• Lined Curtains: Lined curtains are ideal if you’re concerned about privacy.
• Thermal or Blackout Curtains: These curtains not only enhance privacy, but also reduce light transmission and help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
• Sheer Curtains: If privacy isn’t an issue, consider sheer curtains that filter harsh sunlight without darkening your living room.
• Shutters: Shutters add character, never need to be washed and allow you to control the amount of light that enters your home.
• Blinds and Shades: Blinds and shades continue to be popular options and are available in a variety of styles and materials. Motorized shades can be controlled with a remote or smartphone and remain out of sight when not in use.

Lighting

Do you prefer the warm glow of lamps or a dramatic chandelier? Lighting manufacturers offer a range of light fixtures that will help you keep your living room light and bright, including recessed, cable, flush-mount, track and pendant lighting. If you’re an avid reader, be sure to include floor or table lamps that offer bright, glare-free light.

Storage

No matter how uncluttered you like to keep your living room, chances are you need a little storage. Depending on your requirements, you may want to incorporate floating shelves, bookcases, wall units or accent cabinets in the room. If you don’t plan to mount your television on a wall, add an attractive TV stand or cabinet to your list.

Accessories

Accessories add style and color to your living room. Put the finishing touches on your space with a few of these items:

• Artwork: Whether you want to establish a focal point with a large painting or use smaller groupings throughout the room, artwork livens up any room and provides a natural conversation starter.

• Throws and Pillows: Throws and pillows offer an inexpensive way to add a splash of color to your living room.

• Other Accessories: Plants, area rugs, mirrors, clocks, treasured mementoes and other accessories help personalize your living space.

Are you anxious to begin decorating your new home but haven’t found the perfect place yet? Discover the luxury new homes built by Country Classics, an award-winning home builder in the Central New Jersey area since 1988. Contact us to learn more about our current opportunities!

HGTV: How to Buy a Sofa in 7 Steps

https://www.hgtv.com/design-blog/how-to/how-to-buy-a-sofa

Apartment Therapy: How Do I Choose the Right Coffee Table?

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-do-i-choose-the-right-coffee-table-230434