If a minimalist living room with its clean lines and simple symmetry is your dream, we've got expert advice and ideas on how to turn it into a reality
Create a minimalist living room with our expert advice and design ideas(Image credit: Alternative Flooring)
A minimalist living room can mean different things when it comes to living room design. To some, it's about a clean, uncluttered space with a simple colour palette, to others it signifies an interior where industrial style finishes and angular shapes prevail.
Although designing a minimalist living room can seem tricky when the 'less is more' concept doesn't always pair with the reality of home life, there are still some key design principles you can apply in order to create a calm, paired back space that encourages relaxation.
Armed with expert advice we've sourced 12 minimalist living room ideas to help you create a space that's sleek, stylish and comfortable.
A minimalist living room doesn't have to be white
If the words minimalist living room fill your mind with images of white covered spaces with a distinct lack of character, you wouldn't be entirely wrong. It's certainly one interpretation of the style.
The good news is, it's not a concept that has to be totally devoid of colour. A minimalist living room can still use colour, but usually the difference between minimalist and modern living room ideas is that rarely will you see a riot of colour.
Instead, choosing one or two shades is the key to creating a paired down look that says minimal - without being bland.
Keen to learn more? Read on to find more ways of creating a minimalist living room that suits both you and your home.
1. Use metal and wood for structural features
Keep your structural materials to a minimum in open plan spaces(Image credit: DFS)
If you're embarking on a self-build project and dream of creating a home using a simple palette of materials, it's a great starting point for a minimalist living room.
Choose dark grey glossy polished concrete, black metal, untreated wood and choose a colour palette based on tonal shades of your key materials.
To maximise on the natural light from large windows and doors, choose off-white for your wall colour and add subtle soft touches to the room through cushions, plants and tactile sofa coverings.
If you're also looking to add an additional subtle splash of colour, consider opting for a decorative rug," says Kirsty Barton, brand storytelling manager at Alternative Flooring. "Not only will this add texture, but also help to anchor the rest of your design scheme.”
Kirsty Barton
Kirsty has been working at Alternative Flooring for over 20 years. Her comprehensive experience across different areas of the business have been instrumental in shaping Alternative Flooring's brand identity. And now as a Brand Storytelling Manager, Kirsty is committed to the company's core pillars: people, product, and planet.
2. Hang artwork in complementary tones
Match your artwork to your colour palette(Image credit: Aureous)
Choosing artwork for a minimalist living room doesn't mean only being able to have abstract artwork on display. Instead, look for pieces that show recognisable items such as this storm cloud framed canvas from Aureous, but choose it in matching tones to the rest of your interior to retain the overall sense of everything being more minimal.
"When creating a minimalist living room," says Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography & film at Cox & Cox, "the key to success is designing a soothing and relaxing space with neutral hues, understated pattern and a warm, natural finish. For a touch of cosy nostalgia, you can also add subtle curves."
Danielle Le Vaillant
Danielle is the creative mind behind the well-known clean visual style that is Cox & Cox and has spent her life immersed in the interiors industry. Her natural passion for interior design and styling, coupled with her excellent eye for detail, make her an expert on knowing just how to pull an interior scheme together.
3. Use simple floating shelves in a minimalist living room
Avoid fussy shelving brackets for a minimal approach to your displays(Image credit: Alternative Flooring)
Having a minimalist living room doesn't mean decluttering to the point of having nothing on display. Instead, start with your shelving design and choose floating shelves instead of anything requiring visible brackets or fixings.
Paint them in the same colour as your walls for a perfectly blended finish, and if it's a job you're tackling yourself be sure to use the best plasterboard fixings for your walls.
To complete your minimalist living room look, heed expert advice when it comes to arranging your display.
"I'd advise that when it comes to open shelving units, less is more," says Lena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker & Stonehouse.
"Cut the clutter by styling just one or two key pieces per shelf, complementing them with a stack of books here and there to introduce further depth and interest, whilst ensuring they look neat."
Lena Gierasinska
Lena is Head of Product & Displays at Barker and Stonehouse and has worked at the business for over 8 years. She has more than 13 years’ industry experience working with brands in the interiors and retail sector.
4. Use stripes for a clean carpet aesthetic
Stripes can work well in a minimalist living room(Image credit: Alternative Flooring)
When it comes to living room flooring ideas, if, like me, the thought of a cream carpet makes you recoil in fear, there are other options for carpet choices that still work well according to the experts.
“Introducing neutral patterned carpet into your design scheme is of course a great way of adding depth, texture and soft colour combinations to a minimalist interior," says Kirsty Barton. "But, if you're looking for an alternative, stripe designs, for example, come in a number of different styles from, wide to fine stripes, in multiple colourways. Not forgetting that stripes can instantly widen or elongate a room, depending on the positioning."
5. Build a sculptural surround for your log burner
Create a simple but stunning focal point for your log burner(Image credit: Direct Stoves)
A minimalist living room, like any other room, shouldn't be cold. So if you yearn for a cosy log burner, don't assume you can't have one in your new space. Instead, treat it as you would in cosy living room ideas and make it a focal point. But, to keep a sense of minimalism, build a sculptural chimney around the burner so that it partly blends into the wall.
Of course, practicality is just as important as design when it comes to heating your room, so while your eye may be drawn to a certain size or style, be sure to ask your retailer what size log burner do I need before committing to buying one.
6. Or recess your fireplace and TV for a simple streamlined look
Recessing appliances can add to the streamlined look of a minimalist living room(Image credit: Neolith)
If you'd prefer to heat your room using more modern fireplace ideas, take inspiration from this scheme featuring a fireplace surround built from a swathe of stone.
Using layers of stone, plaster and wood on the walls also adds to the overall aesthetic - it's a minimal palette of materials but one that creates visual interest with the different textures, colours and linear shapes.
7. Choose furniture with a simple aesthetic
Keep armchair designs simple but be sure they're comfortable to use(Image credit: Zinus)
“When choosing furniture for a minimalist living room scheme, it’s important to find pieces that not only reflect your chosen aesthetic but also offer comfort," says Stephany Aubrey, brand specialist at Zinus
"Look for furniture that is not only functional but stylish too. An accent chair or loveseat will create a visual statement whilst offering a cosy place to snuggle up with a good book.
"Perfect for an unused corner, these aesthetic pieces will add interest without overpowering the space or taking up too much room," says Stephany, "allowing for a larger sofa set or configuration if desired.
"For a pared-back, more minimalist scheme we would suggest opting for a neutral fabric such as oatmeal, beige or grey - these muted hues are extremely versatile and will complement an array of different colour palettes.”
Stephany Aubrey
As a brand specialist for a furniture store, Stephany is perfectly placed to offer style tips and advice on all things related to interiors. From bed frames to mattresses and stylish accent chairs, she is committed to bringing happiness to the home.
8. Look to mid-century design for a minimal scheme
Mid-century design with its clean and simple lines can be the perfect base for a minimalist living room idea(Image credit: Ercol)
Although mid-century design may not immediately spring to mind in a minimalistic living room idea, it can be a good basis for your scheme if you're looking to combine paired back design with more natural materials.
As this beautiful room featuring Ercol furniture shows, the use of wood, green and faded pink tones work together in harmony to give the impression that in this particular case, less is indeed more.
With the clean, unfussy lines of the table, sofa and chair design, the geometric artwork and the full wall panelling it's a beautifully curated and therefore minimal style scheme.
9. Pair back your decorative accessories but include texture
All cream is fine - as long as you add detail through texture(Image credit: Cox & Cox)
When it comes to choosing smaller furniture items and decorative accessories for your minimalist living room, follow advice from the experts to help you stay on track. While cream can seem an obvious choice, it's important not to end up with a room that looks too flat.
Danielle LeVaillant shares her top tips:
Incorporate natural materials like wood, marble, linen and rattan for a touch of warmth
Limit decorative accents to a few carefully chosen pieces to maintain a clean and uncluttered look
Introduce texture through textiles like cushions, throws and rugs, to add depth and visual interest to the space
Introduce a touch of nature with dried flowers
Choose simple arrangements of dried blooms in neutral tones, such as dried eucalyptus or poppy seed and grasses, displayed in simple vases or glass jars
10. Embrace boldness with brutalist interior design
Choose greys and rust like tones for a brutalist inspired scheme(Image credit: Furniture Village)
Historically a term applied more to architecture, brutalist design is used to describe a building where raw materials such as concrete form a major part of the visual aesthetics.
Over time, it's slowly worked its way into interiors, and along with industrial design, is often referred to as a minimalist concept, which is why it needs to be included on our minimalist living room ideas.
If you like the idea of creating something more architectural in your living room interior, look to grey sofas, polished concrete walls and floors and black accessories.
Personally, I also love the touch of rust orange which makes me think of rusty nails - maybe it's not intentional, but for me is a clever way of adding to the theme, but in a softer, more indirect way.
11. Opt for voile window coverings to help prevent glare
In a lighter minimalist living room, add voile for a simple way of avoiding window glare(Image credit: Iliv)
Although an unfussy window scheme is more suited to a minimalist living room idea, if you've colour-drenched your space in lighter shades of oatmeal and cream, you could find yourself struggling with the amount of brightness this creates.
And while simple blinds can be one option, if you're dressing a room with floor to ceiling windows or doors that just won't work with blinds, keep your scheme simple by opting for plain voiles and fabrics.
"Voiles are a great option for windows in a minimalist living room as they provide shade and protection from the heat of the sun, by diffusing the strength of the rays, but also maximise available light," says Debbie Leigh, design manager at Iliv.
"Install the voiles close to the window to allow diffused light to permeate the room throughout the day. Then, layer the simple dress curtains over the voiles, and when drawn aside, they will frame the windows gracefully," explains Debbie, "without obstructing the natural light flow."
Debbie Leigh
Debbie is an expert in creating beautifully coordinated fabric collections that can be easily combined to create harmonious interior schemes. With more than 30 years of experience, she takes every design from conception right through to the finished textile - inspired by the latest trends and techniques from every continent.
12. For a curtain-free look use window film for privacy
If your windows and doors are too stylish to be hidden, window film can offer a minimalist approach to privacy(Image credit: Purlfrost)
It's likely that if you've opted for a minimalist living room idea, maximum thought will have gone into every element of your design. After all, it's often careful and considered curation that defines a minimalist scheme.
With types of windows an integral part of any self-build or renovation, crittall style doors lend themselves to a variety of interior concepts, including minimalistic design. However, as a key feature of your room, you may be loathe to cover the doors with curtains or blinds, even if you're over-looked by neighbours. The good news is, there's a simple solution.
“Window film is the perfect addition to minimalist living rooms; often recognised for their pared-back colour palettes and calm, tranquil feel," says Joanna Baumard, co-founder of Purlfrost.
"Enhancing privacy without blocking out natural light, a frosted film will seamlessly enhance the space, creating a focal point that adds style and depth in an understated and sophisticated way.”
Our expert's final tips for creating a successful minimalist living room? Pay careful attention to your storage needs.
‘’Storage should be both practical and beautiful," says Lena Gierasinska. "Of course, it needs to serve a purpose but it also needs to be in keeping with the style and design of your home.
"Sideboards are a perfect double act, offering a surface on which to showcase your favourite decorative pieces, whilst also providing plenty of storage to tidy away clutter.
"For smaller space saving solutions, consider simple trunks, boxes and baskets as these are a fantastic option to give you that extra storage you require without taking over a space," she adds.
If as a way of decluttering your living room you're considering a dedicated wall to your home media needs, take a look at our media wall ideas for more inspiration.
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Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs. Although she said she would never buy a listed property again, she has recently purchased a Grade II listed apartment. As it had already been professionally renovated, she has instead set her sights on tackling some changes to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as adding some personal touches to the interior.
