September is a transitional time of year… the kids are going back to school, the weather is getting cooler and the landscape is changing. Which means that it’s a great opportunity to give your living room a refresh too. One of the best ways to do this is by adding texture – so take a cue from Scandinavian decor and add some beautiful layered texture to your space this fall.
1. Add Faux Fur
Toss a faux fur throw on chairs and/or sofas to add some depth to your furniture as Lacey has done. Not only will your space look more inviting, but it will feel extra cozy too. I love the Tejn from IKEA… it’s affordable and super versatile.
2. Layer Your Rugs
Do you have a jute rug in your living room? Add a smaller patterned rug on top as they’ve done in this modern farmhouse style living room, leaving a couple of feet of jute showing on all sides. You might also consider an irregularly shaped rug for the top layer, like a faux animal skin rug.
3. Swap In Chunky Blankets
Put your thin summer throws in the closet and add a couple of thick, chunky blankets to your space. Drape them over the arm of the sofa, hang them on a blanket ladder or put them in a basket. Don’t you just want to climb underneath the one in the image above?
4. Add An Accent Wall
Set aside an afternoon to paint a textured accent wall on one side of your living room. We love this denim technique, but there are all kinds of different textures you can achieve using only paint. Just hop on Pinterest and search “textured wall painting techniques.”
5. Beef Up Your Window Treatments
If you don’t have window treatments at all, adding curtains is a surefire way to add some serious texture to your living room. But even if you do, you could always add blinds or decorative shades. Check out what a difference it makes. And get the IKEA curtains that every designer swears by.
6. Layer Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are a great way to experiment with texture and pattern… there are plenty of affordable options available, so you can mix and match different styles without blowing your entire paycheck. Try combining textured pillows (cable knit, faux fur, etc.) with patterns as they’ve done here, making sure to vary the scale.
7. Just Add Books
Do you have lots of books laying around? Perhaps you’re like me, and you have boxes of them wasting space in your basement? Use them as texture! Add them to existing shelves, orienting them both horizontally and vertically or even as risers underneath interesting objects. Check out more ideas here.
8. Experiment With Interesting Materials
Rattan is popular lately, and velvet is a very tactile material that can elevate a space. Distressed wood and jute are other good options. If you’re in the market for new furniture, consider these sorts of items… or you can start with accents for a smaller financial commitment.
9. Add Natural Elements
Plants are a great place to start… add a large potted plant in one corner, and put a couple of smaller ones on a bookshelf or end table. Live edge wood, crystals and floral patterns would work well too. This living room from New Darlings has many of these elements.
10. Add More Lighting
Lighting might not be the first thing you think of when you’re trying to add texture to your living room, but it can really add a new dimension to your space. The key is to vary your light sources… make sure you have at least three different kinds, i.e. floor lamps, table lamps, ceiling lights, candles, etc.
How do you add texture to your living room? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments section!
