Decorating Tips to Update Your Living Room: New Paint, a Fireplace Mantel and More
by: C. Agee

Your living room is the entertainment and living center of your home. Chances are that you've had some very memorable gatherings there, and it is where you relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Because this room tends to be such a high traffic area, and has so much time spent in it, it is often the first room to show signs of wear and tear and to begin to look dated. Luckily there are small changes (like switching out light bulbs) and big changes (like installing a new fireplace mantel) that can give your living room a new look and won't turn into a major DIY project, or turn your home into a construction site.
Consider painting your living room. A splash of paint can brighten things up or give your living room a different vibe altogether. You can repaint your living room the existing colour, which will refresh the colour and get rid of any scuff marks and dings. If you decide to paint the entire room, starting from the ceiling and working down is a good idea. On the other hand, if you'd like a bit of a colour change without covering everything in plastic, a feature wall could be an option for you. Picking an interesting colour that goes well with the room but adds a little spice can be an excellent way to transform your living room in no time at all.
The fireplace is an often neglected area of many living rooms, and this is a pity because it can be such a lovely focal point if handled properly. Installing a new fireplace mantel – either buying one for the first time or replacing an existing one – does not take as much work as you think. If you don't have a fireplace mantel, consider getting one as it will give your fireplace a more finished, polished look. If you have a fireplace mantel, replacing it with something a little different can have a major impact on your living room. A wood fireplace mantel is easy to install so you don’t have to hire a contractor. You can paint or stain a wood mantel to match the décor of your room. Fireplace mantels are excellent places to display items of importance to you and your family such as heirlooms and family pictures. A fireplace mantel is also an excellent place to hang stockings and display cards around Christmas time.
Changing the lighting in your room can also make a major difference. Different lampshades can create a different atmosphere as they diffuse soft light with a hint of colour about the room. If you find your living room a little dull, adding a few more lamps can brighten it up, and also add accent to certain areas. For an even simpler modification, try changing the wattage of your existing bulbs. Going from 60 to 120 watts makes a big difference; you might see things you had forgotten were there at all! Changing to a lower wattage can create a cosier, intimate feel.

A little heavy lifting can change your living room; rearranging the furniture can create a totally different feeling in the room. Create a new focal point to the room by orienting the seating around the fireplace and not the television, or perhaps put the couches and chairs so that people are more encouraged to talk to one another. And don’t just think about the seating: moving the coffee table, the end tables and bookcases can make a difference. If you need a new look without buying new furniture, consider switching the living room furniture with items from other rooms of the house.

Finally, taking a look at what you have on display in your living room can give you some ideas for small changes that have a high impact. Do you have a vase of fake flowers that has been there for a decade? Perhaps now is a good time to replace it with something a little more modern. The artwork you have on your walls might also be due for some scrutiny too. Prints can be obtained fairly cheaply, and can really change the ambiance of your room. Remember that every little item and picture adds something to the room – it is up to you to decide whether or not it should be changed out for something new.