A living room can serve many different functions, from a formal sitting area to a casual living space. As you start browsing living room decorating ideas for your home, think about the space's desired purpose and focus on a few staple items, such as a comfortable sofa and a coffee table, then choose the rest of the accent furniture and decor accordingly.

You’ll want to be sure to incorporate a variety of different furniture pieces to cover all possible activities. When considering living room ideas, start with your space. If built-ins aren’t part of your living room design ideas, start with the big pieces, like an entertainment center or TV stand to house any electronics and accessories, or a bookcase to keep books, picture frames and knickknacks in check.

A place to put down drinks or snacks, like side tables or a coffee table, is a must. If you have the depth for it, an ottoman or coffee table where people can prop their feet up is always a welcome living room decorating idea, but skip out on this if the living room is on the narrow side and go for a deeper sofa instead.

Living rooms were originally intended to act as sophisticated settings for hosting and entertaining, while family rooms were used for more casual, everyday activities, like lounging, playing or watching TV. However, many homes today will only have one larger room that acts as both an entertainment and primary living space. If yours is the former, you’ll likely be utilizing it as a sitting room to have drinks and good conversation with guests, without distractions like television.

As often shown in living room photos, a bar cart, formal furniture and an eye-catching focal point, such as a sophisticated fireplace and mantel, will help achieve this look and feel. On the other hand, if it's your primary living space it should see more daily use, often functioning as a TV room, complete with sofa sectional, media console and gaming spot (that cleans up nicely for guests, of course!). In the end, think about your needs when considering different living room ideas; after all, a family with small children will likely need a playroom more than a formal sitting room.

Don’t forget about the mid-sized living room decorating ideas, like rugs and curtains, which can double as functional and decorative when done right. Lighting is also an important feature to consider when decorating a living room. Do you have the ability to do overhead lighting, or will you need to use table and floor lamps? Either one can be design features in themselves, as well as putting the spotlight on other decor you want to showcase.

In your living room design, position lighting in accordance to any art you want to illuminate, and remember to have a well lit spot for reading-related activities. You can also change the light of the space by the paint color you choose; a room with little natural lighting will benefit from a light and airy color, while one with plenty of sunlight may have more leniency in color choice.