20 Simple Living Room Updates That Make a Big Impact

Skip illumination with traditional table or floor lamps and try hanging a pendant light above your side tables. A modern trio, like these, adds height to the space and brings in a sculptural quality, courtesy of an extra-long cord (and a low-heat bulb).

Create a stylish bookshelf by choosing items that work together and create balance. Pick two or three colors, then space the hues throughout the shelves evenly, but not symmetrically. Add stacks of books throughout the shelf to stagger the height of your accessories.

Inject playfulness into your living room with pillows. The key to combining a variety of fabrics is finding prints in similar colors, like the navy, light blue and white options designer Sarah Richardson chose for her summer house.

Add subtle definition — and create a sense of division without compromising an open floor plan’s airy character — with floor coverings that function as room dividers. Matching rugs, like these, help the eye differentiate between living and dining areas.