The living room is a peculiar place. It is the most social room in the house. It the first place you brings guests when they arrive, it’s where you have conversations, and is basically made for entertaining. However when it’s just you, the living room is more of an indulgence. It is the place to play, a room where you can keep your favorite media, literature, or toys. This dichotomy leads to some decorating dilemmas, the resolution of which will depend on who you are as a person.

Seating is generally one of the main elements of a living room. You want to have places to put people. Couches, love seats, and arm chairs are all common seating elements. If you are a frequent entertainer you may also want to consider having additional folding chairs that you can store elsewhere for when you have a few extra guests over. If you have a dining room set up, the chairs set around that table can also be used for this purpose.

A coffee table is another common unifying element in the living room. It acts as a central location, drawing together the focus of a room. However it is also often a blockage to the flow of the space, diverting foot traffic to either side of it. Deciding to have a coffee table is a decision of flow versus function that has to be made on an individual basis.

Accessories in the space can be assorted. Many people use the living room as a media center, with a TV, sound system, and the occasional game console. Others prefer to personalize with works of art or decorative accessories. Still others prefer a functional approach, with coasters, ash trays, and coat racks ruling the day.

If you entertain guests often, you will want to make this room as accommodating as possible. Put out magazines for people to read when left alone, and make sure that there is plenty of seating, and room to move around.

The living room is a dichotomy of purposes. It is social, and self indulgent, entertaining, yet attractive. The task of making these many roles flow seamlessly will result in a space that adds to the attractive style of your entire home.