There was a time when the living room was something like the holy grail of good taste – or at least what people thought it was at the time: In the 1970s, you didn’t just walk into this room. You were invited in. And woe betide you if you sat down on the “good sofa”, which was generally more decorative than seating.
Today, however, the living room is more than just a room – it is an expression of personality, lifestyle and sometimes also a survival strategy in a hectic everyday life. It is a movie theater, office, playground, meditation room, banquet hall, retreat and social media-ready photo studio all in one. But how has this central place in our lives changed over the decades?
From heavy curtains to smart sofas – the evolution of the living room
Anyone recalling the living rooms of the 1970s will probably immediately think of brown and orange patterned wallpaper, a massive built-in wardrobe and a carpet in which you could have easily lost several generations’ worth of change. The seating arrangement was clear: the largest armchair belonged to the master of the house, from where he directed the TV program with the remote control – the sceptre of modern family life. The TV was a massive box, as deep as a moving box, and the undisputed center of the room.
Then came the 1980s and 1990s, and with them the first modular living landscapes. Furniture became more flexible, lighter and more practical. The stereo system was given a place of honor, VHS cassettes were piled up in sideboards, and for the first time, open floor plans ventured into urban apartments. Anyone who was modern owned a sofa set in light shades of gray or, if things got really, really wild, in deep Bordeaux.
The 2000s finally brought the living room into the era of individuality. Clearly separated rooms became open living concepts in which the kitchen, dining area and living room flowed seamlessly into one another. It was no longer just about furniture, but about an overall concept of light, colors, technologies and decoration. The extremes appeared on the scene: while minimalists opted for clean rooms with few, but strongly designed elements, maximalists piled up collector’s items, plants and statement furniture to create a stylish, but chaotic collage of life.
The living room of today – what it really needs
A living room is not a living room without a sofa – the heart of the room. Whether it’s a classic leather sofa, a cozy XXL landscape or a modular system with storage space: the main thing is that you can let yourself fall into it. If you want to create the perfect living room, you need a mixture of aesthetics and functionality. Some swear by velvet-covered Chesterfields, others by Scandinavian simplicity.
Next to it is usually a coffee table, which is no longer just a place to put coffee cups, but storage space, presentation area or mobile home office, depending on requirements. The ensemble is complemented by armchairs, poufs or perhaps a floating hanging chair – for anyone who wants the feeling of working in a designer hammock (and then never sitting in it).
Another must: textiles. The right carpet not only makes a room warmer, but also more homely. Whether it’s a subtle understatement or a bright statement – the main thing is that it feels good. Add cushions and blankets in colors that either blend gently into the overall concept or serve as a bold contrast.
Technology meets comfort – when the living room becomes smart
Today, living rooms are not only visual masterpieces, but also technical ones. The television? Ultra-thin, mounted on the wall or placed on a stylish sideboard. The sound system? Wireless, room-filling and smarter than many a resident. Light control via app? A must for anyone who wants to switch from “Netflix mode” to “Romantic dinner” with the swipe of a finger.
Plants, art and that little bit extra
But a living room would be nothing without personal accents. Plants are booming like never before – from the easy-care monstera to the graceful olive in a pot. They bring the room to life, act as room dividers and also ensure a better climate in the living room. Art on the walls, whether in the form of large-format prints or eclectic picture galleries, reflects the character of the residents.
And then there’s the icing on the cake: a fireplace. Whether it’s a real fire or a modern electric solution with a deceptively real flame look – it brings instant coziness. Add matching accessories such as fireplace cutlery or an elegant wood rack and you have the ultimate hygge factor.
Living room styles – the right concept for everyone
Minimalists love clean lines, neutral colors and furniture that is more works of art than seating. Scandinavian living rooms on the other hand, rely on light wood types, pastel shades and textiles that are so cozy you could curl up in them. Those who prefer the industrial look combine concrete with metal and dark colors, while boho fans go for a wild mix of textures, warm tones and lots of plants.
Whether minimalist or opulent, well-designed or full of random finds: The living room is the room where our lives take place. It’s where plans are made, movies are watched, guests are received and feet are put up. And while styles, trends and technologies change, one thing always remains the same: it’s the place where we arrive – no matter how hectic the day has been.
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