We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
Touch of Vintage
Good Housekeeping
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
Bold Ceiling
Ken Hayden
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Built-in Shelves
Randy O'Rourke
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Striped Accent Wall
Jessica Glynn
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Mix & Match Seating
David Tsay
To create contrast, pair a rattan armchair with upholstered seating in neutral colors. Amp up the look with an assortment of throw pillows.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
6
Gallery Wall
David A. Land
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Pattern Play
Dana Gallagher
Combining vibrant patterns is an easy way to bring a dose of playfulness into your family room.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
8
Well-Decorated Mantel
Michael Partnio
Make your mantel a major point of interest with a brass wall clock, lush plants, and decorative objects.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Textured Walls
Helen Norman
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
All White
David Tsay; Styling by Janna Lufkin
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Two-Tone Walls
Quentin Bacon
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
12
Strategic Furniture
Jason Hartog
Create a den out of nowhere by delineating an open floor plan keep the space feeling intimate instead of cold.
Stop worrying about Cheeto fingers and spilled coffee. Sturdy surfaces like plastic, leather and lacquer mean you can indulge in white furniture anxiety-free.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Hidden TV
Justice Darragh
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
Plush Sofa
Art Streiber
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
Vertical Storage
Kate Osborne
Every family needs a stash spot for blankets and board games. Tall bookshelves outfitted with cute fabric boxes keep supplies tidy, without looking cluttered.
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.