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5 tips to create the ultimate family room

Looking to furnish a living room that the whole family enjoys spending time in? These smart tips help create a room that is both functional and stylish, keeping everyone’s favorite activities in mind, whether that’s movie nights, crafting, or quiet time. Read on to discover how to create a multifunctional space that everyone will love.

A man and a child sit on a VIMLE 3-seat sofa bed placed back-to-back with a VIMLE chaise longue where a woman is sitting.
A man and a child sit on a VIMLE 3-seat sofa bed placed back-to-back with a VIMLE chaise longue where a woman is sitting.

1. Flexibility is key: Use multifunctional and moveable furniture

Create flexible areas for different activities like a study area with easy-to-move furniture such as a desk on wheels and a trolley. Store school stuff in the trolley, and easily roll it away when done. Set up a play area with a play mat and tents that fold up, freeing up floorspace when playtime is over.

Two BLECKBERGET swivel chairs, desks, desk lamps, and an ÖVNING trolley form a study nook under the stairs.
A HÖVLIG children’s tent is in the corner of a yellow living room with cushions and an octopus BLÅVINGAD soft toy in it.

2. Maximize storage

As the family room is the hub for plenty of different activities, storage is important to keep things tidy. Open storage is great for easy access, like for books and often-used toys. You can use boxes for a neater look. Or try closed storage to achieve an uncluttered visual expression.

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Black JÄTTESTA shelving units are placed against a light blue wall, with BARNDRÖM boxes and books on its shelves.
A white SMÅSTAD wall cabinet is on a yellow wall, with BARNDRÖM boxes on its shelves, and a folded children’s tent beside it.
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3. Create cozy corners for moments of calm

Allow for some privacy by creating cozy nooks that give everyone a bit of quiet time. A chaise longue – placed back to back with a sofa – or a children’s swivel armchair are wonderful pieces for this. Add cushions, throws, and soft toys to make it even more comfortable.

See all armchairs & chaise longues
A beige VIMLE chaise longue with cushions is in the middle of a living room with yellow walls close by a staircase.
A child is sitting and reading inside an IKEA PS LÖMSK swivel armchair next to a bookcase combination with glass doors.
See all armchairs & chaise longues

4. Create zones for different activities and add good lighting

Consider how your family will use the room, and zone the space accordingly. Here, we created an island for relaxation with a sofa back-to-back with a chaise longue and a study/craft area underneath the stairs. Use a mix of mood, task, and general lighting to make the space warm and inviting.

The basics of living room lighting
A REGNSKUR pendant lamp shade hangs above a beige VIMLE 2-seat sofa back-to-back with a VIMLE chaise longue in a bright room.
Two LAGKAPTEN/KRILLE desks with two FUBBLA LED work lamps on top, by an ÖVNING trolley form a study nook under the stairs.
The basics of living room lighting

5. Don’t forget to have fun!

Transform your family room into a cinema with a simple tug. Project movies on a block-out roller blind for an unforgettable, larger-than-life viewing experience. And don’t forget your favorite snacks – served on the ever-reliable trolley.

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A yellow living room has a FRIDANS block-out roller blind on one wall, in front of a VIMLE 2-seat sofa and two side tables.
A VIMLE 3-seat sofa bed is made into a bed with a cozy bed linen. An ÖVNING trolley is beside it with popcorn and drinks.
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See lots more inspirational living room tips

A girl singing into a microphone in front of a dark red curtain, with two persons in a light beige SÖDERHAMN sofa looking on.
Living room ideas making space for family fun