Explore the look

A sophisticated and modern living room thrives on considered contrasts — clean lines next to textured materials, dark walls paired with white ceilings, and abstract artwork beside a vintage sofa. When generating living room ideas, begin by visualising your space: is it a contemporary and modern living room, a bright and airy space with ample natural light, or a more intimate drawing room with bold colours and a fireplace? Your seating area should be welcoming, layered with different textures and anchored by a statement piece like a modern leather sofa or area rug. Make clever use of furniture by mixing formal and casual, and always leave enough floor space for movement and balance. Wall colour, painted ceilings, and subtle contrast between furnishings will elevate your living room design from simply lived-in to truly inspiring.

A walnut coffee table adds warmth, texture, and architectural structure to your contemporary living room. The Bornholm coffee table is both sculptural and timeless, with simple lines and a tapered leg silhouette, it provides visual interest without overwhelming your furniture layout. Whether you pair it with a corner sofa or position it as the centrepiece of a sitting area, its refined shape adds character to a modern living room. This coffee table is ideal for showcasing contemporary art books, candles, or accessories in strong colours. Its natural textures work well in a neutral backdrop or against soft blue tones and white walls. In formal rooms or modern living room spaces with high ceilings, the Bornholm anchors your living space with clean lines and sophistication.

The seating area defines the function and emotion of a room. For sophisticated and modern living rooms, a layered furniture layout offers flexibility, style, and flow. Mix a modern leather sofa with accent chairs in bold colour or use a corner sofa to frame a spacious living room. A dining table nearby creates continuity in open-plan spaces, while floor cushions and textured accessories add a lived-in charm. When designing your seating area, use furniture with clean lines and mix in contemporary pieces like side tables, abstract artwork, or an antique rug for depth. Table lamps near white walls and dark floors add subtle contrast and help define the room feel. These modern living room ideas bring together practicality and elegance without compromising personality.

Colour is a powerful tool for shaping your living space. In sophisticated and modern living rooms, rich colour and soft blue tones offer subtle contrast, while painted ceilings and walls painted in warm tones ground the space. Use bold colours in small doses to add personality without disrupting balance. Start with a neutral space — white walls, clean lines, and modern furniture — then layer in tone through area rugs, textured cushions, and abstract art. Sapphire blue or forest green can serve as the focal point of a room or simply highlight architectural features like the fireplace or back wall. For full confidence in choosing your palette, use our colour guide to find inspiration.

Great storage makes a huge difference in how a room functions. In modern living rooms or eclectic living room settings, clever use of shelving, console tables, and hidden compartments supports both aesthetics and practicality. Choose storage furniture that complements your seating area — such as a low unit beneath the back wall, or sideboards near the dining table in a great room. Use log baskets, stylish boxes, and integrated drawers to maintain order without sacrificing your sophisticated statement. When designing around storage, ensure enough floor space remains visible to preserve the airy space feel. For modular and elegant solutions, browse our storage collection.

The right furniture layout defines the way your room flows and functions. For a contemporary living room with ample natural light, keep furniture away from the walls to create intimate zones. A leather sofa paired with a walnut coffee table in the centre can provide symmetry, while corner seating creates connection and comfort. Layer your seating area with high ceilings and dark walls to contrast the textures. Introduce eclectic feel elements with a vintage sofa and strong-coloured accents. Clean lines in the furniture layout maintain visual harmony, and a dining table at the edge of the room helps delineate function in open-plan areas. If you're unsure how to start, our interior design service can guide you.

Finding the right balance in your sitting room means understanding your needs and your style. From painted ceilings and bold colours to classic clean lines and modern storage, sophisticated living rooms require attention to detail. Pair a corner sofa with textured cushions and light-reflecting materials, or position a single armchair beneath your favourite contemporary art. If you're looking to furnish a formal room or add warmth to a neutral space, visit us in store, where you can speak with our interior designers. They’ll guide you through modern living room ideas and help bring your unique style to life with ease.