I’ve always liked decorating family rooms. Unlike some of the more utilitarian rooms in the house, family rooms are purely for rest and relaxation, and it’s always fun to create a space where families can relax and spend time together.

There aren’t a ton of rules when it comes to decorating family rooms, but there are a few things I’ve learned that I always suggest. Here are my top 5 tips for decorating family rooms.

Comfortable Furniture

The most important element of any family room is the furniture, and there are a few things to consider. For me it’s all about comfort and style, and fortunately, the two aren’t mutually exclusive.  In this room for example, I included a modern sectional sofa from Mobilia that every member of the family could feel comfortable falling into at the end of a long day. Accented with throw pillows and blankets, it’s the perfect spot for movie watching or family game nights. Also, this particular sofa (which is made in Canada!) pulls out into a bed, making it great for overnight guests.

Establish a Focal Point

One of the areas people have the most trouble with is establishing a focal point. Often when you walk into a room your eye is drawn to a natural focal point – usually a fireplace or an architectural feature. Typically, although not always, it faces the entrance of the room, and this is the spot that usually dictates furniture placement. If a natural focal point isn’t obvious, you can create one with artwork, a television set, or some other significant item. In a family room I pretty much always suggest decorating around the focal point so the majority of the furniture faces it. 

Use Side Tables

Do not forget the importance of side tables. People tend to forgo them in smaller spaces and opt just for a coffee table, but ideally, every seat in the room should have a table at arm’s distance. Everyone needs a spot to set down a drink, their phone, or anything else they might need, and they shouldn’t have to reach over anyone else to do so. It won’t be possible in every room, but in a family room try your best to make it happen.

Always Include an Area Rug

An area rug will always be important for anchoring a room and defining a space. In a family room it’s particularly important for adding a sense of comfort and coziness. While it doesn’t have to cover the entire space, I suggest trying to have at least the front feet of major furniture pieces on top of it. This room was so big that it posed a challenge, but you’ll notice the sectional is on top, as is the ottoman for the chair. This was a deliberate choice as it makes the accent chair and ottoman feel connected to the space, even thought they’re a little bit further away.

Don’t Forget the Personal Touches

Lastly, don’t forget to include accessories and personal touches. Every family room should give an indication of the family who lives there, whether it’s through photos, artwork, books or something else. In this room we turned a couple of old records into bowls as a fun touch for a music-loving family.

Items featured in this room include; ST-LAURENTFABRIC SECTIONAL SOFA-BED; WIMAR FABRIC ACCENT CHAIR; NEPTA FABRIC OTTOMAN; ELUSK MARBLE END TABLE; NETTIA METAL END TABLE; NAYLA ACCENT STOOL; EDISON GLASS COFFEE TABLE; NEHO WOOD SIDEBOARD; NICCA CUSHION; WILMA PAINTING ON CANVAS ; EMORI THROW; WARLI CERAMIC VASE