4 Things in Your Living Room That Need an Upgrade ASAP, According to Designers

Written by

Kelsey Mulvey
Kelsey Mulvey
Kelsey Mulvey is a lifestyle editor and writer. She has written for publications like Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Wallpaper.com, New York Magazine, and more.
published Jul 20, 2024
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Living room in traditional British cottage furnished with modern looking furniture.  Green and yellow pillows on Leather sofa with green plant pot.
Credit: ben bryant/Shutterstock

Any room can benefit from a decorating pick-me-up every so often, but that’s especially true of your living room. From curling up with your latest streaming obsession to hosting friends, a living room is the epicenter of connection. And, since it’s used so often, it can get a little tattered over time. 

If you’re looking for some low-effort ways to zhuzh up the space, I asked three designers to share the easiest swaps to upgrade your living room this year. But remember: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder — so if you like your home as-is, keep it that way! But, if you’re craving a new chapter for your living room, this list is a great place to get started.

Credit: John Keeble/Getty Images

A Slouchy Sofa

As home decor expert Alexandra Gater points out, if your couch isn’t comfortable, it’s time to say goodbye. “Maybe the cushions slide off of it whenever you sit on it, or maybe you have to adjust the pillows multiple times an episode of your favorite Netflix show,” she says. “Your sofa should be a place you rest and relax, and if comfort’s not there, it’s time to say goodbye.” 

If you’re looking to swap out your sofa, Gater recommends enlisting a service like Furniture Bank that donates furniture to families in need so “it’s not going straight into the landfill.” Or, you can list the original on Facebook Marketplace or a neighborhood “buy nothing” group. From there, consider opting for a neutral couch so you can frequently change up your color palette with throw pillows and blankets.

Credit: Oscar Wong | Getty Images

Pilling Throw Pillows

Speaking of throw pillows, you may want to replace any super old or pilling styles, too. “If you use your living room a lot, pillows start to wear out over time, and you can give your whole room a new feel with updated pillows,” says Leigh Jendrusina of SALTHOUSE Collective. In addition to sprucing up your couch, a few fresh cushions can introduce a brand new look into your home. “Maybe you had a neutral vibe before but want to add some color,” she adds. “A whole new set of throw pillows can really set a new tone in your living room space.”

Credit: design us studio/Shutterstock

That Really Worn Rug

If you want to keep your living room in tip-top shape, the biggest culprit might be hiding where you least expect it: under you. “Rugs, being [in] high traffic areas, can start to get dingy and soiled pretty fast, so they may need to be replaced as soon as spot treatments or dry cleaning no longer refreshes them,” explains Aimee Meisgeier of AM Interior Design

A great rug gives your space a warm, inviting feel, but one that’s covered in stains or muddy paw prints will do your home zero style favors. “A new pattern, or going from a pattern to a neutral, or adding one with color when you had a neutral palette before really redefines a room,” Jendrusina adds. When picking out a new rug, stretch its lifespan with performance fabrics or a machine-washable layer.

Credit: Getty Images/Westend61

Shelfie Essentials

Ultimately, your home is a reflection of you, and perhaps no space tells your story better than your bookshelf — and the items you choose to place on it. Art books, plants, and tchotchkes can weave a unique tapestry of your personal history, so it’s a good idea to update it as you evolve. “I’m always adding and subtracting on my shelves and coffee table,” Jendrusina says. “Changing out my coffee table books, bringing a new plant and planter in, and so on.” If you’re looking for some pointers, here’s how to decorate your bookshelves like a pro.