How to Decorate a Living Room Like a Pro

The living room is where life happens—relaxing, entertaining, and everything in between (1). Whether you're starting fresh or just updating a few things, decorating your living room can make your home feel brand new. But where should you start? 

In this guide, we’ll explore ways to enhance your living room with color, lighting, and layout recommendations. And if you’re looking for the right furniture or electronics to bring your vision to life, we’ll show you how Acima Leasing can help you shop for sofas, TVs, and more with lease-to-own. 

What You'll Learn 

• How to balance style and function for a living room that looks great and works for you. 

• Tips for styling furniture, electronics, colors, and decorations complementing your space. 

• How Acima Leasing can help you get what you need while sticking close to your budget. 

Making Your Living Room Work for You 

A beautiful living room isn’t just about looks—it should also fit your lifestyle. Look into rearranging furniture to create a functional living room layout that allows for easy movement and comfortable seating (1). Incorporating versatile seating like ottomans and accent chairs can help define different areas within your living room while keeping the space open and inviting (2). Considering a focal point—like a statement piece of art or a media center—can also bring structure and balance to your space, even without a fireplace (3). 

Quick Tips: 

• Rearrange for better flow 

• Add versatile seating  

• Define spaces with furniture 

Blending Electronics with Style 

Electronics can be a big part of how you use your living room, especially if you enjoy watching TV or listening to music. Where you place your television matters—many people prefer to avoid mounting it too high or placing it where there’s glare from windows (4). For sound, arranging speakers at ear level and spacing them thoughtfully can help make the experience more immersive (5). And if you’re aiming for a cleaner look, some setups incorporate media cabinets or shelving that hides cords and keeps gear ventilated (6). 

Quick Tips: 

• Think about screen placement 

• Plan for good sound 

• Keep electronics organized 

Choosing the Right Colors and Style 

Your color choices set the mood for your space. Start by collecting color and style ideas that reflect how you want the room to feel—relaxed, bold, or somewhere in the middle. Warm tones are gaining popularity and may help create a cozy, inviting foundation for your space. Once you’ve set your palette, layering different textures and patterns—like throw pillows or rugs—can add dimension and make your living room feel thoughtfully styled. (7)(8) For more ideas on coordinating colors with your furniture, check out this guide.  

Quick Tips: 

• Make it personal 

• Choose a color mood 

• Mix textures and tones 

Adding the Final Touches 

Once the big pieces are in place, it’s time to add personality with your decor. Start from the ground up—a well-placed rug can help define your living room layout and tie everything together (1). From there, consider how mirrors can brighten the space and create a sense of openness by reflecting light (9). To add depth and style, wall decor like textiles, framed prints, or sculptural pieces can reflect your personality and complete the look (10). Layering in cozy accessories such as blankets and plants adds texture and warmth. Coffee tables, in particular, can be a perfect spot to show off a few of these touches. If you’re looking for inspiration to bring these elements together, especially on your coffee table, check out this guide to styling one. 

Quick Tips: 

• Ground your living room with a rug 

• Use wall decor to expand the space 

• Layer in texture with accessories 

Lighting Matters 

Lighting can shape the entire feel of your living room. One way to enhance the atmosphere is by layering different types of lighting—such as overhead fixtures, floor lamps, and accent lighting—to create a warm and inviting space (7). To support this, consider the role of natural light. Arranging furniture to avoid blocking windows and choosing light curtains can help sunlight brighten your room throughout the day (11). Complement this setup with a floor lamp to bring style and function—especially in dim corners where overhead lighting falls short (1). 

Quick Tips: 

• Layer your lighting sources  

• Let sunlight shine through 

• Brighten corners with lamps 

How Acima Leasing Can Help 

Furnishing your living room can feel more manageable with the flexibility Acima Leasing provides. If you're looking for a lease-to-own option to shop for the items you need—without using credit*—Acima Leasing may be the option you're looking for. 

• Apply with Ease: The application process is simple. If approved, you can lease up to $5,000 in merchandise** 

• Explore Thousands of Retailers: Shop for sofas, tables, and more from a convenient location 

• Lease Renewal Payments: Benefit from lease renewal payments that align with your payday  

• Own It Sooner: Access to early purchase options that allow you to choose your path to ownership ^ 

Bring Home the Look You Love 

Your living room should be a place that feels like home—comfortable, functional, and uniquely yours. Whether browsing colors, arranging furniture, choosing electronics or exploring your style, the right mix of elements can bring your vision together. 

As you're planning your living room, consider lease-to-own with Acima Leasing. It's a confident step toward getting the items you need—in a way that fits your budget. 

FAQs: What You Need to Know about Acima Leasing 

How can I apply to use lease-to-own with Acima Leasing? 

You can apply in-store, online, or through the Acima mobile app. Our application only takes minutes to fill out. To speed up the process, you need a few things: 

• An active checking account with at least $750 of income per month 

• Three-months of income history with your current source of income 

• A government-issued photo ID and a Social Security number or taxpayer identification number 

How can I make my lease renewal payments? 

You can make your lease renewal payments through our mobile app with one of these various methods: 

• ACH: This can automatically be processed from your bank account. 

• Credit, Debit card or most pre-paid cards: You can set these up automatically. We accept Mastercard, Visa and Discover. 

What steps can I take if faced with difficulties making my lease renewal payments with Acima Leasing? 

If you find yourself needing help to make payments to Acima Leasing, it's essential to get in touch with us at least three business days before your payment is due. Connect with our support team if you have questions. 

 

 

Sources: 

1. Better Homes & Gardens (BHG). Living room furniture arrangement. 

2. Apartment Therapy. Living room layout ideas. 

3. Design Times. (2024, August 8). 10 innovative ways to add a focal point to your living room without a fireplace. 

4. Better Homes & Gardens (BHG). Where to put a television. 

5. WIRED. (2016, February). How to optimize your surround sound system. 

6. Business Insider. Home theater ideas: My entertainment setup. 

7. House Beautiful. Living room makeover guide. 

8. Better Homes & Gardens (BHG). (2025). Living room trends for 2025. 

9. Homes & Gardens. Living room mirror ideas. 

10. Architectural Digest. Wall decor ideas. 

11. Better Homes & Gardens (BHG). How to arrange furniture.