Here are seven common culprits and tips to bring life into your living room.

Choose one main element to emphasize and build your decor around it.

Adding a statement mirror or large framed artwork can instantly draw the eye and give the room more structure.

empty looking room

Photo by Westend61 / Getty Images

Want more design inspiration?

Furniture Is Too Small

Small or undersized furniture can make even a well-decorated room feel sparse.

Choose furniture that suits the scale of your space.

In larger rooms, opt for substantial sofas or sectionals, larger coffee tables, and fuller armchairs.

Anarea rugdefines the seating area, pulling everything together.

Rugs can help create separate areas or zones in an open-concept home or larger room," Marie says.

As a result, your living room will feel more cozy and intentional."

This can make a huge difference in grounding the space and making it feel complete.

However, even a few small pieces can help bring warmth and personality to your space.

“Art work and accessories in a big room should be bigger and bolder,” Michaels says.

Go group larger pieces together to make an even more bold punch."

Go for large-scale art if you have high ceilings or spacious walls.

For smaller rooms, try agallery wallor a few medium-sized prints that reflect your style.

double-check the art is hung at eye level for the best visual impact.

Lack of Layered Lighting

One ceiling light often isnt enough to make a room feel inviting.

A single overhead fixture can leave areas looking shadowy and bare.

Layeredlighting, like table lamps and floor lamps, adds warmth and dimension.

Use multiple light sources around the room.

Without them, a space can look stark and empty.

Layering different fabrics softens the room and brings in color and comfort.

A rustic ladder layered with blankets or other textiles may be just what your corner needs.

Empty Corners

Unused corners make a room look incomplete, as if the space isnt fully lived-in.

A tall plant like a fiddle-leaf fig or a potted palm can breathe life into an empty corner.

If plants arent your thing, a small accent chair or a statement lamp can fill the gap beautifully.

These finishing touches make a space feel lived-in and layered.

Small decorative items on tables or shelves add warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.

Your living room should feel cozy, welcoming, and reflective of your style.