Designing a living room—or as we often call it, the drawing room—can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s the space where your guests gather, first impressions are made, and cozy evenings unfold. Yet ironically, it’s often the most underutilized and overcomplicated space in the home. But what if designing a stylish, functional, and timeless living room could be made simple?
👷♂️Let us take you through a step-by-step living room design guide that works for homes of all sizes. Whether you’re planning a full makeover or just a subtle refresh, this blog unpacks all the expert secrets—so your space doesn’t just look great but feels like home.
📏 Space Planning: Master the 60:40 Rule
One of the golden rules in living room interior design is keeping 60% of the floor area open, while dedicating only 40% to furniture. Why?
Open space = breathing room + better movement
Overfilling = cluttered, smaller-looking room
💡 Pro Tip: In compact homes, use raised furniture with visible legs to make the room look more spacious. This smart illusion of floor visibility visually expands your space!
🎨 Pick the Perfect Palette with the 60-30-10 Rule
Color can make or break your living room’s vibe. Here’s the designer-approved formula:
🔹 60% Dominant color – neutral walls/flooring (think beige, grey, off-white)
🔹 30% Secondary color – sofa, curtains (soothing contrast tones)
🔹 10% Accent color – cushions, artwork, accessories (pop of personality)
🎯 Choosing muted, timeless shades ensures your living room stays stylish across seasons and trends.
💡 Layer Your Lighting Like a Pro
Lighting isn’t just about brightness—it sets the mood.
✨ Ambient: Hidden LED strips in false ceilings for soft, diffused light
💡 General: Main ceiling lights for overall illumination
🎯 Task/Focus: COB spotlights over reading areas or key decor
🪔 Decorative: Floor lamps or wall sconces to add warmth and style
🌟 Choose warm white over cool tones for a cozy, homely feel.
🏢 False Ceilings: Style Meets Function
False ceilings not only hide wires but also define lighting zones. Here’s what to keep in mind:
📏 If your ceiling is under 9’2″, opt for minimal designs
📐 Higher ceilings? Try perimeter designs with LED strips for ambient elegance
False ceilings are not just aesthetic but also elevate how lighting plays in the space.
🛋️ Furniture: Comfort Meets Calculation
Smart sofa sizing and placement is essential.
🪑 Allow 2 feet of seating space per person
📐 Sofa + chairs + ottoman combos work best in medium spaces
☕ Coffee table should be ¾ the sofa’s size—preferably with slim legs to keep the floor visible
💡 Fabric Tip: Use non-shaded sweat fabric—easy to clean, durable, and stays looking fresh longer.
📺 TV Placement: Avoid Neck Cranes & Eye Strains
TV time should be relaxing—not a neck workout.
📏 The TV-to-sofa distance = twice the diagonal size of your screen
📺 Mount the center of the TV screen at 42 inches from the floor for optimal viewing comfort
🧩 For larger TVs, align the lower third at 42 inches and let the top extend upward
This makes for a clutter-free, comfortable and ergonomic TV wall setup.
🪟 Curtain Game Strong: Go Ceiling-to-Floor
Curtains have the power to visually expand or shrink your space.
🪄 Always go full height—yes, even for smaller windows!
👑 Hide rods in false ceiling pelmets for that luxury finish
🎭 Double up: use sheer curtains + blackout curtains to control light and mood like a pro
Stick to plain, elegant fabrics with minimal patterns for a classy, timeless effect.
🖼️ Wall Design: Say No to Texture Overload
Once trendy, now tricky—textured paints trap dust and age quickly.
✅ Try these instead:
Subtle paneling
Classy wall moldings
Neutral-toned wallpaper
🎯 For large spaces (400+ sq. ft), you can add heavier elements, but always balance it out to avoid overwhelming the room.
🔑 Final Takeaway: Timeless > Trendy
Design trends may come and go, but a well-planned, thoughtfully styled living room will always impress. Follow these simple yet effective rules to transform your space into a sanctuary of comfort, beauty, and balance.
✅ Whether you’re designing a small apartment in Delhi or a sprawling bungalow in Gurgaon, these tips work across all layouts and budgets.
💬 Need Help Designing Your Living Room?
At 91 Homes, we specialize in customized interior solutions that blend form and function, style and soul. Whether you need full-scale design or just a little expert advice, we’re here to help bring your dream living room to life.
📞 Book your consultation today!