They say staying in is the new going out, and that’s especially true when you buy a house. Whether you go out for dinner and drinks or head to the cinema, going out can be expensive. When you’re in the midst of DIY or saving for your new kitchen, nights in can become the norm.
But a night in doesn’t have to be boring. From game nights to cocktail hour, you can make those nights in as special and memorable as nights out – but at a fraction of the cost! And with your living room all set up to host these magical evenings, you’ll soon find it’s your favourite place to be!
With some simple touches, you can create a living room that’s warm, inviting and ready for whatever your perfect night in looks like. Read more about how it’s done and get ready for the best nights in.
Focus on comfort
Your living room is your sanctuary – your place to relax after a long day. Comfort here is key, and you should focus on creating a space that is relaxing, uncluttered and warm. Consider using a minimal approach to decor, and adding some cosy touches like a rug and extra cushions to help you instantly unwind at the end of a long day.
Choosing the right furniture
The right furniture can make you feel excited about spending night after night in your living room. Consider the space you have and what kind of furniture you can fit into it. Choose a sofa that fits your space, whether it’s a corner sofa or some smaller two and three-seater sofas and consider whether you want armchairs too. A coffee table or footstool can also help create your living space, giving you somewhere you can place drinks or snacks, as well as some decorative items.
When it comes to your sofa choice, comfort is everything! Denelli deep sofas made in fabric are a fantastic choice for something soft you can sink into, made even better with some soft cushions and a blanket or two! You should also think about adding in some occasional chairs if you tend to have guests visiting – these can add some elegant and stylish touches to your space.
Think about your layout
The next thing to think about is your living room layout. There are different ways to lay out your living room according to the space you have. Some people like to have their furniture facing the TV, others like it facing each other to create a more sociable setting. You could even have a mix of the two if space allows. Consider the size and shape of your living room and play around with different layouts to help you find the perfect fit.
Set the mood
The perfect night in is all about creating the right mood. Whether you want to fill your space with music for a lively evening or make sure your living room is ready to relax in, there are simple ways of setting the scene. Start with your lighting – adding wall lights and lamps can help you create more atmospheric lighting instead of relying on bright ceiling lights all the time. Then you can add candles, draw the curtains and get ready to settle in. Adding a fireplace is another great option for keeping things toasty, and there are a lot of modern fireplace ideas you can look at for some inspiration. A little fragrance can also help enhance the mood, so consider some diffusers and room sprays that will help set the mood.
Transforming from day to night
Transforming from day to night isn’t as simple as going from light to dark, it’s about creating a space that helps shift effortlessly with your mood and plans. During the day, your living room can be a bright and open space ideal for doing some work or catching up with friends, but at night, you’ll want things to be a little more intimate and inviting. Smart lighting can be a great help here, helping you adjust your lighting easily to revolutionise your home. Bring out the blankets, light the candles and get ready to snuggle up in your evening-ready space.
Choose slick entertainment options
Nights in require some top-tier entertainment, and you can start with your TV. It’s worth investing in a good TV – you’ll be getting a lot of use out of it! And smart options mean you’ll need fewer additional boxes and wires to get the choice you want. Make sure you position your TV in the best spot for your space, avoiding common mistakes.
A good sound system can also help enhance the mood, creating surround sound or simply giving you the boost you need for a fantastic party with friends! For those looking to take their home entertainment to the next level, professional audio visual solutions can integrate your speakers, screen and lighting into one seamless system. This kind of setup ensures optimal sound and picture quality whilst keeping cables hidden and the room looking clean.
Create a bar area
Warning: adding your own bar may mean you never want to leave the house again! Creating a bar area in your living room can be a great idea if you like to entertain or have your own happy hour. And there are a lot of ways to create a home bar, including bar cart options that are ideal for smaller spaces. Stock it up with your favourites and add some stylish glassware for a chic addition to your living room.
Add some special touches
It’s the little details that will really make your living room feel like home. From adding photos to some coffee table books on your favourite topics, you can add some personal touches to make things a little more special. Fresh flowers also make a nice addition, bringing some colour and fragrance to your space.
Creating your ideal living room doesn’t have to be expensive or follow strict rules – it’s about creating the space that’s right for you. A living room that will help you enjoy the perfect night in will allow you to make the most of your home, and maybe even help you save some money, too! Whether you prefer to relax and read a book, have drinks with friends or watch a box set on TV, you’ll have everything you need to make staying in just as good (if not better!) than going out.