Expert Tips On How To Make Your Living Room Look Expensive

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Caroline Soriano
April 28, 2025
6 minutes, 21 seconds
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If you've always wanted a living room that seems luxurious, know that you can definitely accomplish this style on your own without breaking the bank. The secret is a few well-considered, expertly recommended improvements that will quickly transform your area into a "luxe" haven.

For a more sophisticated look, you should use these six easy yet effective suggestions from three interior designers.

Note: Don't be shocked if your friends and relatives begin to compliment you nearly right away.

6 Ways To Make Your Living Room Look Expensive

Use Molding To The Walls

You may simply add architectural flair to your home after you move in, even if it doesn't have much. Installing molding will also make your living room look much larger.

According to Rebecca Ward, the founder of Rebecca Ward Design, "Nothing says 'expensive' like adding molding to a feature wall. It’s a custom detail that adds an extra touch of intrigue and character to the space, but doesn’t have to cost a lot!"

If you like DIYing, you can install the molding yourself, which renters can appreciate as well. You can use temporary glue to apply renter-friendly picture frame molding, which you can then remove after your lease, according to several online tutorials.

Add Greens

Never undervalue the impact of adding some striking flora to your house. For a posh touch, Ward loves to place a potted tree in the living room.

"Live or faux, the green is an enriching neutral color for any palette," Ward states.

Consider alternatives to a typical terracotta planter and choose one that more closely matches your style. For the ideal vessel, you may also browse vintage stores. To make the arrangement look a little more authentic, you might also want to buy some moss to put on the top of your planter if you decide to go the false plant route.

Mix Textures Like A Pro

According to Elissa Hall, co-creator of Sojourn Interiors and founder of EDH Interiors, adding a range of natural textures to a living room is crucial to creating an opulent appearance.

"Working in neutrals helps create that sumptuous, elegant feel," she claims.

To further add depth and visual intrigue that conjures quiet elegance, she suggests using elements such as stoneware, wood, wool, and other materials in the room.

Studio Burgoon founder Ali Burgoon Nolan concurs, pointing out the importance of layering textiles in particular.

"Mixing high-quality natural fibers like linen, nubby wool, or mohair through drapery, throw pillows, blankets, and upholstery creates a rich, collected look," she explains.

According to Nolan, you should use the same color scheme throughout your living area to avoid making it look overly busy even with so many distinct textures.

a well designed living room

Keep Scale Top Of Mind

The secret to a living room that is well-designed? Hall explains that they pay great attention to scale. Making sure the furniture you choose fits your room properly will give the impression that you hired a professional designer, even if you did all the work yourself!

The designer advises adding lots of seating to a large living area, possibly in the form of a sectional sofa and a few poufs or accent chairs. Compact seating is necessary in small living areas. Hall advises going with luxurious furnishings, such as leather or velvet.

Use Oversized Arts

"Say yes to oversized art pieces for a luxurious look," Nolan advises.

"A statement piece, whether an oversized painting, a hanging tapestry or textile, or mixed media, adds instant sophistication and makes the space feel intentional," she explains.

Even better, Nolan advises against purchasing your large-scale artwork from a print shop or big box store and instead recommends choosing the original or vintage approach. According to Nolan, doing so will immediately increase the feeling of luxury.

Add Window Treatments

A window without drapes may appear underdressed, but one with drapes has countless benefits. In addition to providing seclusion and a simple method of blocking out sunlight, window treatments will make your ceilings appear higher and your room appear more luxurious overall.

Julie Mitchiner of JAM Interior Design says that the best way to make a space appear more expensive is to add window curtains. According to her, "Window treatments, and particularly drapery, really add a finishing layer that makes a room feel more complete."

Don't worry if you're thinking about drapes and seeing dollar signs flashing in front of you. According to Mitchiner, custom drapes aren't necessary to create an opulent atmosphere. For a cozy, opulent style, choose velvet panels and begin with common areas such as your dining room and living room.

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