Find 50+ Gorgeous Decorating A Long Rectangular Living Room For Every Budget

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A long rectangular living room can often be challenging to decorate, as it can feel narrow and uninviting. However, with the right design elements and layout, this type of living space can become the ultimate showcase for your personal style. From creating a cohesive color palette to utilizing the layout to your advantage, there are many ways to transform a long rectangular living room into a chic and inviting space. Whether you're working with a modern or traditional aesthetic, we've gathered the top tips for decorating a long rectangular living room to help you make the most of your space. Dive in and get ready to turn your living room into a stunning oasis.

Decorating a Long Rectangular Living Room

When it comes to designing a living room, one of the most common challenges is dealing with a long and narrow space. Many homeowners struggle with finding the right layout and decor for their long rectangular living room. But fear not, with some creative thinking and strategic planning, you can transform your long living room into a stylish and functional space that you and your guests will love. Here are our top 10 tips for decorating a long rectangular living room.

Decorating a Long Rectangular Living Room

Rectangular Living Room Decor Ideas

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to have a clear vision of the overall look and feel you want to achieve in your living room. Do you want a cozy and intimate space or a more open and airy feel? Are you drawn to a particular color scheme or style? These questions will guide your decor choices and help you create a cohesive design.

Rectangular Living Room Decor Ideas

Long Living Room Layout Ideas

The key to a successful long rectangular living room design is finding the right layout. One of the most common mistakes is placing all the furniture against the walls, which can make the space feel disconnected and awkward. Instead, try floating your furniture to create a more intimate seating area in the center of the room. This will also help to break up the space and make it feel less like a bowling alley.

Long Living Room Layout Ideas

Rectangular Living Room Furniture Arrangement

When it comes to furniture, less is more in a long rectangular living room. Stick to the essentials, such as a sofa, armchairs, and a coffee table, and avoid overcrowding the space with unnecessary pieces. If you have a large living room, consider dividing it into two separate seating areas to make the space feel more inviting.

Rectangular Living Room Furniture Arrangement

Decorating a Narrow Living Room

If your living room is narrow, it's essential to create the illusion of width. One way to achieve this is by using mirrors. Mirrors reflect light and make a space feel more expansive. You can also hang curtains higher than the window and extend them beyond the frame to create the illusion of larger windows and a wider space.

Decorating a Narrow Living Room

Long Living Room Design Tips

Another design tip for a long living room is to use rugs to define different areas within the space. A larger rug can anchor the seating area, while smaller rugs can define a reading nook or entryway. Just make sure the rugs are proportionate to the furniture and leave enough space around the edges to avoid a cluttered look.

Long Living Room Design Tips

Rectangular Living Room Color Schemes

When it comes to color schemes, lighter shades are your best bet for a long rectangular living room. Light colors reflect light and make a space feel more open and airy. You can add pops of color with pillows, throws, and other accessories to add interest and personality to the room. Avoid using too many dark or heavy colors, as they can make the space feel even longer and narrower.

Rectangular Living Room Color Schemes

Decorating a Small Rectangular Living Room

If your long living room is also small, you'll need to be even more strategic with your design choices. Stick to light colors, minimal furniture, and incorporate multi-functional pieces such as storage ottomans or side tables with hidden storage. Avoid bulky or oversized furniture, as it will only make your already small space feel cramped.

Decorating a Small Rectangular Living Room

Long Living Room Wall Decor Ideas

When it comes to decorating your walls, don't be afraid to go vertical. Hang shelves, artwork, or a gallery wall to draw the eye upwards and make the room feel taller. You can also use large mirrors or a statement piece of wall art to create a focal point and add interest to the room.

Long Living Room Wall Decor Ideas

Rectangular Living Room Lighting Ideas

Lighting is crucial in any room, but it's especially important in a long rectangular living room. Avoid relying on just one central ceiling light, as it can make the room feel harsh and uninviting. Instead, mix and match different types of lighting, such as overhead lights, table lamps, and floor lamps, to create layers of light and add warmth to the space.

Rectangular Living Room Lighting Ideas

Maximizing Space in a Long Rectangular Living Room

decorating a long rectangular living room

Creating a Functional Layout

decorating a long rectangular living room When it comes to decorating a long rectangular living room, the first challenge is often figuring out how to make use of the narrow space while still maintaining a functional layout. The key is to create designated areas for different activities, such as seating, dining, and entertainment. Consider using furniture pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as a sofa bed or a storage ottoman. This will help save space while still providing the necessary functionality.

Utilizing Vertical Space

decorating a long rectangular living room In a long rectangular living room, it's important to utilize the vertical space to make the room feel more spacious. One way to do this is by incorporating floor-to-ceiling shelving or bookcases to add both storage and visual interest to the room. You can also hang artwork or install shelves higher up on the walls to draw the eyes upward and create the illusion of a taller space.

Playing with Lighting

decorating a long rectangular living room Lighting can play a crucial role in making a long rectangular living room feel more inviting and cozy. Utilize a mix of overhead lighting, such as recessed or track lighting, and floor or table lamps to create layers of light. This will not only add depth to the room but also provide different lighting options for different activities. Additionally, using mirrors strategically placed across from windows or light sources can help reflect natural light and make the room feel brighter and more spacious.

Choosing the Right Furniture

decorating a long rectangular living room In a long rectangular living room, the furniture you choose can make all the difference. When it comes to seating, opt for smaller pieces such as armchairs or loveseats instead of a large sofa, which can overwhelm the space. You can also consider using modular or sectional furniture that can be rearranged to fit the layout of the room. Additionally, choose furniture with clean lines and open bases to create an airy and spacious feel. Decorating a long rectangular living room may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can become a unique and functional space that you and your guests will love. By creating a functional layout, utilizing vertical space, playing with lighting, and choosing the right furniture, you can maximize the space and create a stylish and inviting living room. So don't let the shape of your living room hold you back – get creative and make the most out of your space.

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