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It doesn’t matter whether you’re a party animal or you live alone, in at one time or another, your lounge or living room will end up as the gathering spot in your home. This could be because you have an impromptu ‘all back to mine’ evening, an invitation-only movie night or simply have someone over for a quick cuppa. So it’s always a good idea to have a lounge that makes your guests feel relaxed and welcome, and want to stay for as long as you’d like them to.
This article will offer you advice on how to create a sociable and welcoming space. We’ll suggest ways to arrange furniture to encourage conversation and how to incorporate comfortable seating options. We’ll recommend how to use lighting to create a cosy ambience, and add accessories to personalise the space. We’ll also provide tips on how to make the lounge or living room a functional space for different activities. Let’s begin!
This is the major way to transform your living room or lounge into a sociable space. If you arrange the furniture in a pattern that encourages conversation, you’ll more likely to get people feeling relaxed and want to start talking to each other.
We’d suggest making sure the seating is close together so people don’t have to shout to make themselves heard above music or other guests. If you have the space, set up your seating so it creates small pockets of togetherness, rather than in a long line. You don’t want your lounge to feel like the dentist’s waiting room!
Try these simple ideas to change up your lounge whenever you have company:
A harsh overhead light can make people feel they’re about to be interrogated or examined. That’s the opposite effect you want to achieve. Instead, create as much warm lighting as you can to reflect the atmosphere you want. That means switching off the ‘big’ light, and relying on wall-fixed lights, table or floor lamps to provide pools of light and shade and set the mood. For more tips on choosing the right lighting, head on over to our handy guide.
Think about switching up your bulbs for warmer-toned ones, changing the lampshades, or having an accent light on somewhere you want to draw attention to, for instance, the buffet. However, if you want to inspire a party mood, create a club at home by making the lounge dark, adding some flashing lights and turning the music up loud. Use existing mirrors to reflect and bounce back the glow of candles or fairy lights.
It’s not strictly a lighting option, but having a fire is a wonderful addition to any sociable space. You may have an open coal fire or a wood burner, you may have a gas or electric fire. They’re also a great conversation starter and will keep your guests warm and cosy. As an alternative, place a collection of candles safely on a high surface. As the flames flicker, your guests will be drawn to them.
Add accessories to personalise the space
Everyone unwinds once they feel comfortable, so the following tips will help to create a sociable space that allow friends and family to relax. It’ll also make your gathering more memorable if you personalise the space.
So, you’ve rearranged your furniture, lit the candles or the fire, turned on the lamps, added some rugs, comfy cushions or throws… what’s next? Here are some ideas to create a space that works for everyone as well as being a sociable hub.
We hope you’re buzzing with ideas on how to convert your lounge into a sociable space, and we can help you make the transformation with ease. Drop by your local store, and speak to our experts about buying rugs, carpets or smooth flooring and they’ll provide you with a free, no-obligation quote and lots of advice on the best way to create the living room you deserve.
Alternatively, for more ideas and inspiration, head on over to our Ideas Hub, where you can discover guides on how to host a brunch party, through to tips on holding an engagement party, and much more.
Published: 25-05-2023
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