45 Contemporary Living Room Ideas

This contemporary living room is awash in bright, natural light. The seating area wraps around a modern fireplace and is grounded by a graphic area rug.

The room opens up to a small balcony with a view of the surrounding neighborhood.

1. Go for a contemporary color scheme

Our first tip for creating a contemporary living room is to consider your color scheme.

You can’t go wrong with a classic black and white palette, as we have here, but you could also add in a splash of color.

If you are a fan of more traditional living room color schemes, you can still make them work in a contemporary space.

Just be sure to add in plenty of contrast, as we have here with the dark walls and light furniture.

2. Create a focal point with a fireplace or artwork

In the absence of a TV, a fireplace is a popular choice for a living room focal point.

You can also create a focal point by hanging one or two pieces of artwork, as seen in this room.

The key to creating a focal point is to make sure the furniture is arranged so that the eye is naturally drawn to the feature.

In this room, the artwork is centered between the two windows and the furniture is arranged to face it.

3. Add a few colorful accents

If you’re a fan of the minimalist look but still want to add a pop of color to your living room, take a tip from this space and add a few colorful accents.

The rainbow-hued pillows add a playful touch to the otherwise neutral color palette. And the color is repeated in the artwork, adding balance to the room.

4. Choose contemporary furniture

The furniture you choose will be the focal point of the room, so make sure you take your time picking out the perfect pieces.

Contemporary furniture is all about clean lines and smooth surfaces. You’ll want to avoid anything too ornate or fussy.

A great way to ease into the contemporary look is to choose a simple, neutral sofa and add in some more daring patterns and colors with your accent chairs.

5. Add some fun with a contemporary rug

Rugs are a great way to add a focal point to a room, and in a contemporary living room, they can be used to add a pop of color and pattern.

This stunning rug adds a modern touch to the space, while the bold colors give the room a fun and lively feel.

When choosing a rug for your contemporary living room, it’s important to consider the size.

A rug that is too small can make the room feel unbalanced, while a rug that is too large can make the room feel cluttered.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a rug that is large enough to fit under the front legs of your furniture,

or to choose a rug that is large enough to fit all of your furniture on top of it.

6. Use lighting to set the mood

Lighting can make all the difference in a room. In this living room, the lighting is used to create a cozy and intimate feel.

The low-hanging pendant light over the coffee table is the perfect height to create a sense of intimacy and warmth.

The soft, warm glow of the light from the pendant is complemented by the soft, warm glow of the fire in the fireplace.

The combination of these two lighting elements creates a cozy and welcoming space that is perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

In addition to the pendant light and the fireplace, there are also wall sconces and a floor lamp in this living room.

These additional lighting elements can be used to brighten up the space when needed or to create different moods and atmospheres.

7. Add some personality with accessories

Accessories are the perfect way to add personality to a contemporary living room.

A few well-placed accessories can take the edge off a stark, minimalist design and make your living room feel more like a home.

Think about adding some artwork, plants, or decorative objects to your living room.

You can also use accessories to add color, texture, and pattern to the space.

Try layering different accessories on top of each other to create a more dynamic look.

Conclusion

The living room is a place where you should feel totally at ease, whether you love a calm neutral palette or something vibrant.

Your living room should be a place where you can totally relax and a space that reflects your personality.