Feeling frustrated with an outdated or cluttered living room? Struggling to create that cozy, inviting vibe? You’re not alone.
Furnishing the perfect lounge space can be overwhelming; from picking the right sofa to adding just the right décor.
But, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. In this blog post, we’ve curated the ultimate checklist of 13 living room essentials that every home needs. With a few carefully chosen furniture pieces and décor essentials, you can transform your space into a cozy, functional haven.
So, whether you're designing from scratch or giving your space a makeover, this list has you covered.
Essential Living Room Furniture Every Home Needs | Top 13 Must-Have Pieces
1. A Comfortable Sofa / Couch
A plush sofa is non-negotiable for any living room. It anchors the seating area and provides a cozy spot for family and friends.
At Furniture Roots, we have a range of comfortable sofas designed for style and durability. When shopping in Perth, look for a sofa that fits your lifestyle:
- Choose the right size: Measure your room so the sofa isn’t too big or small. A deep, wide sofa is perfect for lounging, while a compact loveseat or sectional works well in apartments.
- Materials matter: Look for high-resilience foam cushions and easy-care upholstery (like leather or stain-resistant fabric) – especially if you have kids or pets.
- Style and support: Opt for a sturdy frame and supportive seating. High backs and armrests add comfort, while neutral upholstery lets you play with colour in pillows and rugs.
2. Coffee Table
A coffee table is more than a surface for drinks; it’s a stylish centerpiece. Many people love coffee tables because they provide a handy spot for remotes, magazines, and snacks, and they tend to bring a living room together without overwhelming the space.
When choosing one, consider your living room size and sofa shape:
- Shape & size: Match the table size to your sofa length – about 2/3 the width of the sofa is a good rule. Round tables work well in tight layouts, and oval or rectangular tables suit longer sofas.
- Material & style: Pick durable materials (e.g. solid wood, tempered glass, or sturdy MDF) that fit your décor theme. Our Freida Coffee Table combines wood and marble-look for a modern touch.
- Functionality: Some tables have built-in drawers or shelves. If storage is a concern (common in smaller Perth homes), a coffee table with drawers can hide remotes and magazines, solving clutter issues.
3. Accent Chairs and Recliners
Adding an accent chair or recliner brings extra seating and style. Place chairs beside the sofa or in a reading nook. They fill empty space and ensure everyone has a seat. Consider a recliner if you enjoy movie nights or need a chair that supports relaxing in different positions.
Accent chairs don’t have to match the sofa. In fact, picking a complementary style can add visual interest. For example, a leather armchair next to a fabric couch or a bold-coloured recliner can make the room pop.
Furniture Roots offers the Lisbon Lift Chair, like the lift chairs (recliner) which provide electric lift-and-recline function for maximum comfort (great for anyone who wants extra back or leg support).
4. Area Rugs
An area rug is a living room essential that pulls everything together. It helps indoor spaces look and feel cozier and more welcoming.
Living room rugs “section off” the seating area in an open-plan home, making the lounge feel like a distinct zone. Choose wisely:
- Rug size: Pick large enough that at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs sit on it; this anchors the furniture grouping.
- Colour & pattern: Choose a pattern or neutral tone that complements your sofa and coffee table. Bold rugs can be focal points in neutral rooms.
- Texture: Wool, shag, jute, or synthetic blends each offer a different feel and durability. For example, wool rugs are soft and wear well, while flatweave rugs are easy to clean (great for Perth homes with kids or pets).
5. Side Tables / End Tables
Small but mighty! Side tables (sometimes called end tables) complement your sofa and chairs by providing extra surface space. Think of them as "mini coffee tables" that are easy to move around. For example, guests can place drinks on a side table beside the couch, or you can put a lamp or books on it.
- Placement: Put side tables at sofa ends or next to armchairs.
- Style: Match side tables to your coffee table or sofa style. For instance, a gold-framed accent stool can double as a side table with a tray on top.
- Height: The table height should be roughly level with your sofa’s armrest for comfort.
If you’re short on space, consider nesting tables or stylish stools that double as side tables.
6. Entertainment TV Unit
A dedicated TV unit or media console is key for organizing your entertainment setup. Housing the television and electronics on a stylish console keeps cables hidden and create a focal point.
Many TV units double as display furniture, so you can show off books or décor on open shelves. Pick wisely:
- Right fit: Ensure the TV unit is wide enough for your screen (with some extra space on the sides) and at a comfortable viewing height.
- Storage: Choose a unit with drawers or cabinets to hide clutter like gaming consoles, cables, or DVDs.
- Style: Match the unit’s finish to your coffee table or sofa legs (wood tones, colours or metallic details) for a cohesive look.
Explore our latest living room TV Units to find the perfect match for your media needs.
7. Throw Pillows and Blankets
Small accessories pack a big punch. Throw pillows and blankets instantly make a sofa more inviting and comfortable. A soft blanket over the arm of the sofa not only provides warmth on chilly Perth nights but also serves as a stylish accent.
Pillows add lumbar support and visual flair. Mix solid and patterned pillows for interest. Blankets/throws should complement your colour scheme while adding coziness.
Change pillow colours or add a cozy throw seasonally (light pastels for summer, rich textures for winter) to keep your space feeling fresh.
8. Wall Art or Picture Frames
You can personalise your space by displaying beautiful wall art or framed pictures in your living room. Be it a vibrant art print, serene landscape, or a family photo in a stylish frame, these pieces make your living room feel like home.
Choose pieces that complement your living room furniture. If you’re a fan of minimalism, go for neutral-toned art; if you love bold looks, opt for colourful or abstract pieces.
At Furniture Roots, we offer a wide selection of picture frames to display your favourite memories in your living space.
9. Lighting (Floor & Table Lamps)
Good lighting is mostly overlooked but is vital to a living room’s ambiance. Natural light is lovely in Perth, but you’ll want layered lighting for evenings or cloudy days.
Floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces each serve different needs. Style wisely:
- Layer light: Combine overhead lighting (like a ceiling fixture or recessed lights) with floor lamps and table lamps. This lets you control the mood; bright for lively gatherings or soft for relaxing.
- Placement: A floor lamp in a dark corner or next to the sofa fills in shadows. Table lamps look great on side tables or atop a TV console.
10. Ottomans and Accent Stools
Looking to add versatility to your living room? Stools and ottomans are your go-to pieces.
A footstool in front of a chair offers a place to kick up your feet. An accent stool can serve as extra seating when you have guests. Some ottomans even double as hidden storage; perfect for stashing magazines or throw blankets.
Make sure it’s not too big (so it doesn’t block walkways) or too small (so it still looks intentional). Explore our stools category to see the most beautiful accent pieces for your living room.
11. Greenery / Plants
Bringing plants into the living room adds life and colour. Plants freshen the air and complement nearly any decor style. Follow these tips to make your living room a lively space.
- Place a tall plant near the window or in a corner to draw the eye upward.
- Position smaller potted plants or succulents on side tables or shelves.
If choosing real plants, opt for ones that thrive indoors (like snake plants or rubber plants) and Perth’s climate. Otherwise, an artificial tree or fern requires no care.
Check out Furniture Roots’ Artificial Plants collection for instantly green and lively outcomes.
12. A Mirror / Decorative Wall Art
Want to make your living room feel twice as spacious without knocking down walls?
A mirror is the answer. Wall art and mirrors personalise the space. Hanging artwork or family photos adds character, while a well-placed mirror can make a room feel larger and bounce light around.
For example, a large mirror opposite a window will reflect daylight, solving the problem of a dim living room.
Hang art at eye level. In high-ceilinged Perth homes, you might stack pieces vertically.
13. Curtains or Blinds
Last but not least, add some curtains or blinds to your windows to enhance privacy and control the light. Pick a fabric or design that harmonizes with the rest of your living room furniture to tie the room together.
Don’t underestimate this final touch as it’s the finishing layer that completes your living room’s look and feel.
Shop Living Room Furniture Online from the Best Furniture Store in Perth
Furniture Roots offers a wide range of living room furniture to suit your style and needs. You can browse a wide selection of furniture sets, find exclusive deals, and conveniently shop from the comfort of your home.
Buy living room furniture online today and elevate your living space with quality pieces that last.
Explore Our Living Room Collection Now
FAQs About Living Room Furniture:
Q1: What furniture should I absolutely have in a living room?
At minimum, a living room needs a comfortable seating area and surfaces. That usually means a quality sofa or sectional (the main seating anchor), some chairs or recliners for extra seats. Get a coffee table for drinks/snacks and a TV console or media cabinet if you have a TV. Pick an area rug to define the space, and good lighting (lamps or overhead lights) to make the room cosy & inviting. These pieces cover the essentials for seating, surfaces, and storage in a lounge.
Q2: How do I choose the right sofa for my living room?
Start by measuring your space. Leave at least 30cm of clearance around the sofa. Consider seating needs. Sectionals suit big families. Whereas, loveseats or 2-seaters work for smaller rooms. Fabric sofas offer comfort and variety. And leather is durable and pet-friendly. Test for sturdy frames, firm cushions, and overall comfort. Choose a style and colour that fits your décor. Neutrals offer flexibility, while bold tones create a focal point.
Q3: What size rug should I get for a living room?
Choose a rug that anchors your furniture. Ideally with the front legs of sofas and chairs on it. Common sizes like 8×10ft (240×300cm) or 9×12ft (270×360cm) suit standard setups. For smaller rooms, a 5×8ft (150×240cm) rug works under a coffee table. Always measure first to avoid the ‘floating furniture’ look.
Q4: How can I arrange furniture in a small living room?
Use compact, multi-functional furniture pieces and keep layouts simple. Place the largest item (like a sofa) against a wall, then arrange seating around it. Floating furniture and vertical storage can make the room feel larger. Light colours, mirrors, and smart placement open up tight spaces.
Q5: What wall colours are best for a living room?
Neutral tones like cream, soft grey, or taupe keep the space bright and versatile; perfect for Perth’s sunny climate. For contrast, add a deep accent wall (navy, green). Let your furniture, cushions, or rug add colour, keeping walls balanced and calming.
