12 swaps everyone should make in their living room, according to an interior designer

According to Joyner, an easy way to change up your living-room design is to swap out matching pillows that may have come with your sofa for coordinating ones.

"Mix velvet and linens, add in silk, and bring in an animal print to keep the couch fresh," Joyner told Business Insider. 

Joyner also recommended collecting throw pillows from your favorite shops to create your own bespoke or custom-made look. 

Though artificial plants can make your life easier, Joyner recommends swapping out all faux foliage and flowers for real ones to enhance your space and even your life.

"Live plants are key to any good room," Joyner told BI. "They clean the air and can sharpen the focus."

To give your living room a little more flair, consider changing up your lighting. 

"I love a good sconce because it adds such interest to a room," Joyner said. "I use them often in bedrooms with adjustable arms, so you really have task lighting for reading."

Joyner also suggested using scones to add light to a dark hallway or to frame a mirror.

Not only is going the custom route a great way to avoid poor-fitting window coverings that don't control the sunlight as you may wish, but also it tends to look nicer.

"Store-bought drapes are usually pretty thin and not very luxe," Joyner told BI. "Custom drapes upgrade your space immediately."

Joyner also said that with custom window treatments, you can also add puddling and widths together to create a more full appearance.

Swap out your old throw blankets that don't match your interior aesthetic and invest in something that does. 

"Think cashmere or linen," Joyner said. "Spend a little more money on one great throw blanket that works with the room, and then you never have to hide them."

Though your sofa may not be expensive, a quality throw blanket could upgrade the look.

Joyner suggested making a statement by getting lamps that are either oversized or super scaled-down. 

"I love a good lamp, and search high and low for the right ones for the right space," Joyner said. "Lately, I have been obsessed with lamps in the kitchen. They could not be more perfect for adding low light to any kitchen."

According to Joyner, the glow from LEDs is softer and prettier, and much more energy-efficient

"I want my rooms to read clean, not yellow," Joyner told BI. "Plus, they last so much longer."

"Find up-and-coming local artists that you love and start a collection you can grow over time," Joyner said.

Joyner recommended ordering affordable art prints from places like Juniper Print Shop and Artfully Walls and having them custom framed to make a lovely piece for your walls.

"While I do love a good paint color, wallpaper can transform the space," Joyner told BI. "Textured papers specifically can add so much warmth to a space."

Though there are many options to choose from, Joyner recommended adding texture to a space through a print or grasscloth.

It's free to rearrange your living space. For instance, you can move your sofa to face the fireplace in the winter and the windows in summer. 

Joyner suggested also suggested angling your furniture and adjusting your sofa and chairs before you have guests.

"I touch every piece of furniture before guests arrive to make the room feel fresh," Joyner said.

To bring more character to your living room, swap any manufactured rugs for something vintage. 

"Find a great vintage rug at an estate sale to bring in character and age," Joyner told BI. "I recently found two 10-by-14-foot rugs at an estate sale for $200 each. They aren't high quality, but they have lovely colors and a beautiful design." 

Machine-made, manufactured rugs are great, but if you really want to add some character, Joyner said, think about incorporating a hand-knotted rug.

One way to (literally) brighten a room is with a beautiful ceiling-light fixture.

To do so, Joyner suggested swapping your ceiling fan out in your living room for a marvelous light fixture.

Even if it needs to be ceiling-hugging, Joyner said, just finding something unique or vintage is a great way to add character to a new home.

This story was originally published on April 2, 2022, and most recently updated on May 17, 2024.