Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

by Sunday, June 19, 2022

Modern living room ideas are definitely in-demand these days. After all, having a modern living room means you’re updated with the latest interior design trends. So read on for 21 of the most stylish modern living room ideas for your home.

Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

A round-up of the best modern living room ideas

The word “modern” refers to anything that’s current—designs that are trendy right at this moment. Which also means that modern design is always changing. However, modern living room ideas are generally all about clean spaces, clean lines, bold graphics, and a much-needed homey atmosphere. Gone are the days of complicated wood carvings and decor from far off lands. Modern interior design is minimalist at its core.

1. Basics

Modern living room ideas stick to the basics. So whether you have a small living room or you just want more space to move around, all you need are a sofa, some extra seating, a coffee table, and essential lighting. A few touches of decor are welcome, like a flower vase and some books to make the space more personal. But aside from those, just stick to the bare minimum.

2. Solid Colors

Solid Colors | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via muuto

Use prints with caution. Modern minimalist design leans towards the basics, even when it comes to colors. Solid colors look cleaner than elaborate prints. They also make it easier to play with shapes, silhouettes, and shadows of the furniture and decor you use.

3. Neutrals

Neutrals | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Olga Banaszyk

Much like the idea behind solid colors, neutrals are also modern living room ideas that allow you to pay attention to what matters: design, form, and function. You can go for all grey, black, and lightwood without going anywhere near boring. The character of the living room can come from the shapes of the furniture, the graphic prints, and an eye-catching modern chandelier.

4. Matching Furniture

Matching Furniture | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via muuto

One of the modern living room ideas that’s borrowed from the past is matching furniture. Traditional living rooms have vintage furniture sets, and modern design has its own. Matching furniture looks clean and cohesive. Try getting your sofas and accent chairs from the same store. Or look for furniture with similar design elements.

5. Soft colors

Soft Colors | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Ikea

While fiery red and hot pink furniture will definitely make a statement, if you’re looking for more subtle and relaxing modern living room ideas, try pastels. Use the basic ideas of minimalist design—clean lines, solid colors, and cohesive design elements—only in less striking colors. A cozier alternative to black or grey is using solid pastel throw pillows and light wood tables.

6. Modular Furniture

Modular Furniture | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Ikea

One of the biggest innovations in modern living room ideas that you should definitely take advantage of are the modular furniture. A three-piece sofa set is a great idea for formal living rooms that need lots of seating, or small living rooms that don’t have the space for a full-sized sofa.

7. Wooden Accents

Wooden Accents | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Ikea

If you’ve had enough of metal furniture, wood furniture are a great option. Scandinavian design uses a lot of lightwood to make living rooms cozier. Just make sure to choose furniture with more modern shapes.

8. Old-Meets-New

Just because you’re going modern, doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon traditional elements. Geometric prints and traditional colors like teal and pink can work well with modern elements. You can incorporate modern design elements like a black brick wall, glass doors, and metal floor lamps. It’s all about striking a balance between the two designs.

9. Mid-Century

Mid-Century | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Design Sponge

Mid-century design elements are modern living room ideas you should definitely consider. They’re a lot very homey while giving off a slight vintage feel. You can use a mid-century seating and add details like a carpet and a natural wood coffee table.

10. Black and white

Black and White | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Style Me Pretty

Black and white never, ever fails. It’s such a versatile color combination that’s used for various modern living room ideas. Try using graphic prints in black and white, or instead of the golds, opt for metal furniture painted black. It gives your home a more intense, modern feel.

11. Old Space, New Design

Old Space, New Design | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Style Me Pretty

Looking for remodelling-friendly modern living room ideas? Try incorporating modern design into older spaces. This bright living room has older elements like window moldings and an intricate stone fireplace. But it’s given a modern twist with a statement floor lamp, modern seating, a glass coffee table, and modern art.

12. Feminine

Feminine | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Style Me Pretty

News flash! You can definitely use pink in your modern living room ideas. This bright living room uses the feminine color as an accent to the all-white furniture.

13. Breathing Space

Breathing Space | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Style Me Pretty

Clutter-free spaces make it easier to bring modern living room ideas to life, so don’t bring in any decor you don’t genuinely like.

14. High Contrast

High Contrast | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Style Me Pretty

Sometimes, using colors on opposite ends of the spectrum can succeed. White walls make dark furniture stand out. While dark furniture emphasizes how clean and minimalist the walls are.

15. Prints

Prints | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Interior Design

If you’re looking to add some character and more interesting features to your living room, certain kinds of patterns can look great too. Lean towards graphic prints with more solid shapes.

16. Organic Touch

Organic Touch | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Interior Design

Wood pieces are some modern living room ideas that add an organic, natural touch to the space. You can also try plants, and even animal decor. Take this chance to bring interesting elements in.

17. Custom Furniture

Custom Furniture | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via West Elm

Choosing furniture you like is really important, but sometimes store-bought furniture won’t cut it. If you want a standout design, you can either DIY your furniture, or have it custom-made. Unique furniture that still fit into modern living room ideas will definitely set you apart from other homes.

18. Modern art

Modern Art | Modern Living Room Ideas: 21 Stylish Spaces To Inspire You

image via Interior Design

There’s more to modern art than just paintings. Bring out the artsy in modern living room ideas with wall sculptures, interesting paintings, and other types of artworks.

19. Homey

Just because many living rooms have sofas, doesn’t automatically mean yours should have one too. Go against the norm with a daybed and double carpets. Evaluate what you need out of your living room, then choose from the many modern living room ideas.

20. Mixed Materials

Contrast in modern living room ideas doesn’t just apply to colors but also to to materials. You can definitely mix wood with concrete, metal, glass, and cloth.

21. Lots of Options

Modern living room ideas really are made for current times, as well as current needs. You can opt for a whole variety of seating options—a couch, matching ottomans, an accent chair with a stool. If you have the space for it, bring in a whole range of furniture to give you all the options possible.

 

To see some great modern living room ideas come to life, check out more videos from Emily Henderson:

We hope that these gorgeous modern living room ideas inspire you to make your space the best it’s ever been. Take your cues from these ideas, but don’t forget to inject your personal style into it as well.

Looking for more modern living room ideas? Check these out!

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Originally posted on June 30, 2016 @ 9:36 AM

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