Before we share our list of family room ideas, let’s define the term family room first. The family room is a place to hang out and recharge with those closest to us. It’s a haven of game nights and movie screenings, reading sessions and cuddles by the fire. It’s a spot for sweatpants and sink-right-in sectionals, soft pillows and throw blankets. If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the family room is the lungs, breathing life into the abode and its inhabitants with the promise of togetherness and relaxation.
The family room sounds pretty dreamy, doesn’t it? And it totally can be, thanks to these 17 family room decorating ideas from top interior designers. From sourcing a comfortable sofa and including an ottoman to building a bar and adding a game table, these expert tips are guaranteed to help you achieve the family room you envision. Keep scrolling for all the advice you need, as well as the answers to your frequently asked family room questions.
What is the difference between a family room, a living room, and a great room?
At a quick glance, a family room and a living room can look quite similar. They both often feature a sofa, a couple armchairs, and a coffee table. But a family room is often a much more casual than a living room, which leans more formal. Typically, a family room is dedicated to playing games, watching TV, and spending time with immediate family, while a living room is reserved for entertaining and celebrating holidays. A great room combines a family room or living-room-like seating area (depending on how formal it feels), a dining room, and sometimes a kitchen in a huge open floor plan space.
What are the must-have elements of a family room?
The most important element of a family room is a comfortable couch or sectional that can support hours upon hours of lounging. A family room must be outfitted with cozy textiles in the form of upholstery, area rugs, throw pillows, and blankets. It goes without saying that a family room must be family-friendly, so it should have round corners, soft edges, and low-slung seating. You can’t be too precious about a family room—it’s meant to be lived in.
How do I style a family room?
There are countless ways to style a family room. You can go for a bold or neutral color scheme. You can opt for a traditional or contemporary design style. The right aesthetic for your family room is the one that evokes a sense of ease for you and your family. But no matter what look you choose, personal home decor like family photos and child-made artwork is the perfect finishing touch.