Top 10 Living Room Styling Tips with Ashley Sofas

Your sofa is the anchor of your living room, but the pieces you place around it are what bring your style to life. Whether you've just purchased a new Ashley sofa or want to refresh your current space, these ten styling tips will help you create a beautiful, cohesive, and inviting living room.

1. Create a Foundation with the Right Rug

A rug defines the seating area and adds color, pattern, and texture. Ensure your rug is large enough that at least the front legs of your sofa and any accompanying chairs are on it. This grounds the space and makes it feel unified.

2. Master the Art of the Throw Pillow

Throw pillows are the easiest way to inject personality. Use a mix of sizes, shapes, and textures. A good formula is: two large solid-colored pillows in the corners, two medium-sized patterned pillows, and one smaller lumbar pillow in the center.

3. Drape a Cozy Throw Blanket

A soft throw blanket, casually draped over a corner of the sofa or an armrest, adds a layer of comfort and a pop of color or texture. Choose a material that complements the season, like a chunky knit for winter or a light linen for summer.

4. Anchor the Space with a Coffee Table

Your coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa and roughly the same height as the seat cushions. Style it with a tray to corral smaller items, a stack of beautiful books, a candle, and a small plant or vase of flowers.

5. Add Accent Seating

Complement your sofa with one or two accent chairs. They don't have to match your sofa, but they should share a similar style or color palette. This creates a more dynamic and interesting seating arrangement.

Design Tip: Pull your sofa and chairs slightly away from the walls to create a more intimate and conversational setting. Even a few inches can make a big difference.

6. Incorporate Side Tables

Place a side table at one or both ends of your sofa. This provides a convenient surface for a lamp, a drink, or a book. The table should be approximately the same height as the sofa's armrest.

7. Layer Your Lighting

Don't rely on a single overhead light. A well-lit room has multiple light sources. Combine an overhead fixture with a floor lamp and a table lamp to create a warm, layered ambiance.

8. Hang Artwork at the Right Height

Hang a large piece of art or a gallery wall on the wall behind your sofa. The center of the artwork should be at eye level (about 57-60 inches from the floor), and the bottom edge should be 6-8 inches above the back of the sofa.

9. Bring in Natural Elements

Plants and flowers breathe life into a room. A tall fiddle-leaf fig in a corner, a snake plant on a side table, or a fresh bouquet on the coffee table can make the space feel fresh and vibrant.

10. Don't Forget the Walls

Consider painting the wall behind your sofa a slightly darker or complementary accent color to make it a focal point. Alternatively, elegant curtains that match your decor can frame the space and add a touch of softness.