5 Tips for a Calming Living Room

There are several rooms to which a person can retreat after a long, stressful day, and the living room is one of these rooms. But what if your living room is just adding to that stress? How can you tell if it is? If your living room has a lot of clutter, a bad layout or colors that do not soothe, it may be sending stress signals to your subconscious. You can help create a calming atmosphere in your living room by clearing the clutter, arranging furniture so it enhances traffic flow and by using some of the following tips.

1. Choose soft, calming colors. Because this is a room shared by the family, the color scheme should be pleasing--and soothing--to everyone. This may mean you need to choose neutral colors. Light hues with cool undertones are very soothing; beige is always a good choice for the main color. You can always add small pops of color around the room to keep it from becoming boring. Think blue, green and purple, among others. Just be sure to avoid too much red or yellow, as they can get to be agitating after a while.

2. Block out negativity and stress. This means getting rid of clutter and colors that are known to give feelings of anxiety. It means getting rid of any reminders of work, school and responsibilities outside the home. Take out the bad and bring in the good, which may come in the form of candles, soothing colors and even your favorite family photos.

3. Incorporate soft textures and smooth finishes. Rounded objects without any sharp edges are the most soothing in a living room. Instead of a square or rectangular table, consider getting a round or oval one. Hang curtains or draperies instead of blinds. Choose furniture and accent pillows with soft, smooth fabric. It will be much more calming and comforting than rough fabric or furniture that has little to none at all.

4. Hang up pictures of meditative scenes. Look for photos and paintings of landscapes, such as fields, mountains and rivers. Look for pictures that use soft, soothing colors. Basically, look for wall hangings that make you feel calm and comfortable. Avoid anything too stimulating with sharp edges; they will do just the opposite of calming you.

5. Layer the lighting. While bright general lighting is sure to light up the entire room, layered lighting will give you the most cozy, comfortable atmosphere. It is ideal if you are able to install dimmers for your ambient lighting. Then, add some task lighting in the form of lamps or sconces that can be used for reading. Finally, add a little accent lighting to highlight your artwork or architectural features in the room. As they say, the lighting can make or break a great design.

Now, take some time to relax and curl up with a good book or your significant other--and enjoy your new, calming living room.