13 Minimalist Living Room Ideas That Are Simply Chic

Frequently asked questions

What is minimalist interior design?

“Minimalist interior design means resisting the urge to fill every void with things,” says Clarimundo. “Whether one lives in a modern or a more traditional or historic home, thoughtfully selecting objects, colors, and patterns ultimately creates space for the important things and aspects of life—namely, comfort and peace of mind.” Clarimundo emphasizes that it’s not about painting every room stark white in the name of minimalism—it’s more about practicing restraint.

Marie-Joe Bouffard of JFY Designs in Nashville adds that scale is an important factor to weigh with minimalist decor, too. “When you have fewer items in a space, you really want to make sure that your pieces are the right scale,” she says. “Nothing is worse to me than furnishings that feel like doll furniture in an expansive space. If you get the scale right and you are careful to layer the right amount of texture, the result will be minimalist yet cozy.”

Are minimalist living room designs popular?

“Minimalism is becoming more and more popular right now because people are overwhelmed with the vast number of options they are presented with in every part of their lives,” says Cooney. It’s not so much about choosing modern design, which is often associated with minimalism and can make a space feel dated fast, but about simplifying. “Being minimalist shows a conscientious choice to live a certain way. People are tending towards being more intentional about having things with meaning and history versus buying stuff to simply fill a space.”

How do you make a minimalist living room feel cozy?

“Texture, both visual and tactile, is important in making a minimalist space feel cozy,” says Randolph. Incorporate a variety of textures in living room decor through area rugs, accent chair upholstery, and throw pillows. “Space planning and the layout of the furniture are equally important to create a straightforward and approachable conversation or TV-viewing area,” adds Randolph. Natural elements, like adding a bit of greenery through house plants, can make a room feel welcoming.

What colors are best for a minimalist living room?

As seen in the ideas above, black, white, neutral tones, and monochrome are all big in minimalist style. Bouffard says, “I tend to like the extremes, when it comes to minimalist spaces: either light and airy or dark and moody. Using a very monochromatic color scheme, whether you are playing with a lighter palette or a richer one, is a great tool for creating a space that will feel serene and minimalist, versus one where too many colors create tension in the space.”