26 Inviting Family Rooms That Are Full of Style
From small spaces to modern and traditional setups.
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Out of every room in your home, the family room is where comfort is key. Plush sofas, kid-friendly coffee tables and accessories like throw pillows are just a few must-haves to create a relaxing atmosphere. And, there's room to express your style, whether that means arranging a gallery wall to showcase your art collection or displaying unique travel mementos on a bookshelf.
Here, we've gathered our favorite family room ideas, which are all designed for lounging in style. Steal these practical decorating tricks (there's a clever way to hide a TV!) to make your family room, or any other space your loved ones tend to use for unwinding, the best it can possibly be.
Touch of Vintage
Don't let the vintage trunk you snagged at a flea market collect dust in a corner. Give this double-duty piece a prime spot in your family room. Store throw blankets and pillows inside of it, then use its surface to display books, flowers and small decor accents.
Bold Ceiling
Interior designers often talk about the "fifth wall" and for good reason. The ceiling is the perfect spot to experiment with painted stripes, graphic wallpaper, you name it.
Built-in Shelves
Bring the library right to your living room with built-in shelving organized to perfection. Add a wooden ladder to make even more of a design statement.
Striped Accent Wall
If your space is on the neutral side, pack in some personality with a striped accent wall. Maintain a cohesive look by sticking to the same color scheme for area rugs and seating.
Mix & Match Seating
To create contrast, pair a rattan armchair with upholstered seating in neutral colors. Amp up the look with an assortment of throw pillows.
Gallery Wall
Create a focal point above your sofa with a gallery wall filled with your favorite photos and paintings. Plus, if you have the space, you can keep adding to your collection over time.
Pattern Play
Combining vibrant patterns is an easy way to bring a dose of playfulness into your family room.
Well-Decorated Mantel
Make your mantel a major point of interest with a brass wall clock, lush plants, and decorative objects.
Textured Walls
Wall coverings, like grasscloth, can instantly bring a sense of warmth to your space. Choose an earthy hue to make even more of an impact.
All White
Go for an all-white palette with pops of greenery and natural textures, such as a woven coffee table or sofa with a wooden frame, to play up your family room's relaxed vibe.
Two-Tone Walls
If you're up for a fun weekend project, consider two-tone walls for your family room. A beige-and-green combination is guaranteed to make your interior more visually appealing.
Strategic Furniture
Create a den out of nowhere by delineating an open floor plan keep the space feeling intimate instead of cold.
Styled Shelves
Globes, books, even toys — anything goes when it comes to decorating the shelves. Try stacking tomes horizontally for a lighter look.
Bright Hues
Stop worrying about Cheeto fingers and spilled coffee. Sturdy surfaces like plastic, leather and lacquer mean you can indulge in white furniture anxiety-free.
Hidden TV
Tucked into built-ins, the flat screen doesn't seem like so much of an eyesore. This Toronto homeowner enhanced the effect by using symmetrical decor to draw the eye towards the dining room.
Plush Sofa
Don't let the formal lines fool you. A comfy sofa — topped with plenty of cushions, of course — goes a long way come family movie night.
Vertical Storage
Every family needs a stash spot for blankets and board games. Tall bookshelves outfitted with cute fabric boxes keep supplies tidy, without looking cluttered.
Fun Extras
Keep things fresh with a batch of new accessories. A potted plant, patterned pouf or cute throw pillow will do the trick.
Quick DIY
Running out of room for that stack of magazines? Lay salvaged planks across the base of a coffee table to double up on storage space.
Reading Nook
Overhead light? Check. Snug seat? Check. Just add a side table for resting that mug of tea while you flip the pages of a new suspense novel.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
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