Room to Breathe: How to Style Your Living Room Like a Pro

Sofas, side tables, and everything in between—design a living room that looks effortless and feels like home.

Designing a living room is about more than just where things go—it’s about how they make you feel. Whether your space is open-plan or compact, every piece should have a purpose. At THE One, our living room furniture blends personality, presence, and practicality—helping you create a layout that flows, functions, and looks effortlessly styled.

1. Start With Your Statement Piece

Every living room needs a focal point—and your choice of sofa or accent chair sets the tone. A modular sofa is not only a practical option, but also an elegant way to define the space. It offers flexibility for real life: from movie nights to hosting guests, you can reconfigure it to suit your needs. Prefer something bold? An eye-catching accent chair can instantly elevate a corner and bring character to the room. Whatever you choose, your hero piece should guide the rest of your styling decisions.

2. Let Your Layout Guide You

Work with the space—not against it. Instead of defaulting to pushing furniture against the walls, try “floating” key pieces to create natural zones for relaxing, reading, or entertaining. Use rugs to anchor each area—especially in open-plan layouts where they help define visual boundaries without needing physical dividers. Your layout should feel intuitive and flow effortlessly, making the room as functional as it is beautiful.

3. Add Smart Side Tables

Side tables are the unsung heroes of a great living room. Beyond holding your coffee or favourite book, they help balance your layout and add interest. Position them next to sofas or chairs to keep things practical—but think beyond symmetry. Mixing shapes, sizes, and materials (like wood, glass, or marble) introduces depth and contrast. A well-placed side table can transform a seating area from basic to intentional.

4. Layer in Texture and Tone

Your colour palette does more than set the mood—it ties everything together. Start with soft neutrals as your base, then bring in texture through your choice of furniture materials, textiles, and décor. Think linen, velvet, boucle, and wood—all in harmony. Cushions, throws, and rugs are a simple way to soften the space and create a sense of warmth. Even in a muted scheme, thoughtful layering can add all the personality you need.

5. Don’t Overcrowd

Great styling isn’t just about what you add—it’s also about what you leave out. A well-designed living room has space to breathe. Prioritise fewer, better pieces over trying to fill every corner. Allow enough room for walking and movement so the space feels open and inviting. When furniture “floats” rather than being crammed against the edges, the room instantly feels more considered and calm.

6. Style with intention

It’s the finishing touches that bring a living room to life—but only when they feel authentic. Add a statement lamp, a curated shelf, or oversized artwork that speaks to your style. Even the smallest items—like a ceramic bowl or a well-placed stack of books—should earn their spot. Aim for accents that are beautiful and personal, not just decorative for the sake of it.

Find Your Living Room Flow at THE One

Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your layout, THE One’s living room collection is designed to inspire. From adaptable modular sofas to distinctive side tables and chairs that bring comfort and character, our furniture makes styling simple.

Explore the full collection online at theone.com or visit us in-store to find your perfect living room flow.