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Design Tips: Living Room Accessories You Can't Live Without

Design Tips: Living Room Accessories You Can't Live Without

Published by Clive Braude on 11th Aug 2015

Finding the perfect sofa for any room can take time, so there's always a huge sense of relief once it's finally chosen and settled. But what's the next step? A sofa can look awfully bare if it is left on its own, especially in a large room, so it's always a good idea to accessorize the new addition with one or more small pieces of furniture that can add functionality and beauty.

Create a Sophisticated Space with a Bookcase

It may not be the most obvious choice for a piece of accent furniture, most people would jump straight to the TV stand or entertainment centre, but a humble bookcase or shelf can be a great way for a host to highlight their current reading collection to guests. Especially useful in smaller rooms or dens, the right bookshelf can immediately set the tone for the entire room.

Tables can Create a Welcoming Environment

A sofa does not necessarily require a table to serve its purpose, but by placing a coffee table or end table around a sofa it creates a more inviting atmosphere than a lone sofa ever could. If guests are being invited in and expected to spend time on the couch then it's a good idea to let them know they are welcome by providing them a place to rest their drink. Alternatively, tables can be used for a purely aesthetic purpose by providing a place for photos, plants or decorations.

Fill the Space with a Matching Chair

A second chair can go a great length to not only adding an extra dimension to the entire room, but to bring out the best in the sofa it's accessorizing. The chair does not even have to be a larger armchair, although those work too, any chair smaller in size can serve the exact same purpose. A chair in a neutral colour is a fantastic way to highlight sofas in strong colours.

Consider an Ottoman

What should be done when an accent chair is desired but the room is not large enough to accommodate one? An ottoman can be used in the same way and the variety of upholstery and colour guarantees that one can be found to accent any style of sofa.

Stand Out with an Antique Trunk

Here's a unique choice that can serve the same purpose as many of the above suggestions while still acting as a conversation piece. An antique, or modernly designed, trunk will stand out and draw people towards the new sofa while also serving a storage space for any decorative throws and pillows. If selected carefully, the style of a trunk can also highlight the colour or design of a new sofa, serving as the perfect accent piece. There are plenty of ways to accessorize and liven up a sofa outside of furniture. Decorative throws and pillows can be configured in a variety of ways to bring more colour to a room and beautiful pieces of art tastefully framed on the wall behind the sofa can create a focal point on the other side of the couch. Play around and try new things, there really is no wrong answer when looking for ways to accessorize a new sofa.