Working with a limited space should never mean having to compromise on comfort or style. Whether you’re furnishing a smaller apartment, downsizing or just looking to refresh a smaller living room, using the right design strategy can help you maximise your space to its full potential.
These modern small living room ideas are perfect for making even the tiniest lounge feel bright, stylish, and functional.
Colour schemes for small living rooms
Soft neutrals
When exploring ideas for small living rooms, a soft neutral palette can make a smaller space feel much more airy and open. Having a neutral colour scheme for walls, ceilings and large furniture pieces can create visual continuity in a room and give the illusion of a larger space as there is less visual contrast.
Try combining cream, warm beige and soft taupe for a cosy and inviting neutral palette or for a more modern and minimalist look, combine cool neutral tones like soft grey, white and charcoal.
Warm pastels
Pastels have the same light-reflective qualities as a neutral palette without being too stark and clinical. They are a great way to inject some colour and personality to a small space without becoming overwhelming.
A bold statement wall
Having just one statement wall with patterned wallpaper or a bold paint is a great way to introduce some colour to a small space without making it feel too chaotic or cluttered. For modern small living room ideas, an accent wall in a trending colour can really elevate the space.
Try olive or sage green for an on-trend, calming colour or a terracotta orange for a warm and grounding atmosphere in your living room.
Small Living Room Layout Ideas
Choose a focal point and arrange seating around this
Creating a strong focal point is one of the simplest ways to draw the eye and give the illusion of a larger space, especially in a small living room. While the television often takes centre stage, opting for a striking piece of modern wall art or a classic fireplace can lend a more curated, timeless feel.
Arranging seating around this focal point brings structure to the room, helping to visually anchor the layout and avoid a cluttered or disjointed look. The result is a space that feels cohesive, intentional, and spacious.
Be savvy with storage
Adding shelving to your walls is a great way to make your small living room feel bigger. It saves valuable floor space making the room feel less cramped and can keep everyday items within easy reach, whilst avoiding messy cluttered surfaces.
Less is more
A minimalist approach can help create the illusion of more space in a small living room, especially when it comes to the furniture you choose. Choosing less bulky furniture saves space and prevents the room from feeling enclosed or overcrowded. Think clean lines, clutter free and an effortlessly refined space.
A minimalist approach creates a great base to work on, use well placed home accessories and soft furnishings to add some personality or colour into your small living room.
Create traffic paths
A traffic path in interior design is the route people use to move through a space and thinking about it intentionally improves the flow of the room and enhances functionality. This is imperative to making a small living room feel spacious and liveable.
Pulling furniture away from walls can help to create a traffic path effectively without forcing everything to the perimeter and having an empty space in the middle of the room.
Small Living Room Furniture Ideas
Choose compact furniture
In a small living room, proportion is everything. Slimline or compact living room furniture can help to maximise the space by leaving more visible floor space which helps the room feel more open. Low-profile sofas, narrow coffee tables, or open-legged chairs can make a space appear less crowded and more thoughtfully designed.
Steer clear from larger pieces of furniture for your small living room. Choosing large, bulky furniture tends to give the illusion of shrinking a small room. It can visually dominate the room and overwhelm it.
Add multi-purpose furniture
By combining storage with style, you can maximise every square inch without sacrificing design. Ottomans with hidden compartments are a perfect example, offering a place to put your feet up while keeping clutter out of sight.
Similarly, choosing a media unit or coffee table with built-in storage helps maintain a clean, organised feel while still serving as a design feature.
Add mirrors
Using mirrors can give the impression of more space in a small living room. When placed opposite to a window, mirrors reflect the natural light making the space appear larger, more open and airy.
Mirrors also add more depth and dimension, they help to expand the room and make it feel less enclosed when placed in narrow areas or darker corners.
Make clever use of lighting
Layering multiple lighting sources can be useful in small spaces as it helps to avoid harsh shadows that divide the space. Try combining table lamps, ceiling lights and wall lighting to layer up your lighting for a soft, cosy, ambient look.
Another way to make the space feel more open and airy is by maximising the natural light in your living room. Keep windows clear of thick, heavy curtains and instead opt for more sheer, light coloured materials or blinds that can be drawn back completely.
Add a rug in the centre of the room
Rugs are a great way to organise your space, making it feel more intentional and structured. Adding a rug to the centre of the room or using it to centre larger furniture pieces such as sofas can create the illusion of a larger space.
They can be used to define zones such as a clear seating area or walkway through a room. This can make a small room feel more spacious and improve the visual flow. Choosing a large rug that extends beneath furniture can make the room appear wider or larger whereas smaller rugs tend to chop up the space and make it feel smaller.
Curious about living room lighting? Explore our complete guide to living room wall lighting.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Tips & advice
Every October, we celebrate our annual Festival of Light, an illuminating and inspiring display of the best lighting brands in the business, from Frandsen and Tom Dixon to Tala and &Tradition – alongside plenty of our own creations. Better still, we’re offering 15% off all Lighting meaning you can switch up the look of your space for less this season.
To provide a guiding light, we asked Claire Anstey, our Senior Lighting Buyer, to show us how to layer your lighting like a pro – just in time for the dark autumn months ahead.
Why is layering your lighting important?
Claire says: “Layering your lighting is the easiest way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a space – just look around your favourite restaurants and hotels and you’ll notice they always have a layered scheme.”
When it comes to illuminating your home, it’s similar to how you layer colours, textures, fabrics and materials to create rooms full of depth and character. But layered lighting doesn’t only create ambience; it’s also key to creating a multi-functional space, whether you’re curling up with a good book, watching a movie, or engaging in deep-and-meaningful.
“Mixing-and-matching your lighting means your room will work both during the day and come evening,” adds Claire.
What types of lighting are there?
“There are three main types of lighting,” Claire reveals, “- ambient, task and accent.” In short, ambient is general lighting that illuminates a space in a functional way to avoid you knocking into things in the dark.
This can come in the form of pendants, wall lights and chandeliers – and doesn’t have to derive from a single source. Meanwhile, accent lighting is more for aesthetic purposes and enables you to create a mood - think warm and cosy table and floor lamps for a soft glow, or to highlight specific features like a period fireplace.
Finally, task lighting is the most functional of all by helping you with specific activities, from desk lamps to kitchen pendants and vanity lights. Claire says: “A combination of all three types will help you create a space that’s as atmospheric as it is practical.”
What tips are there for layering your light?
“Have at least three to four light sources in a room you want to create atmosphere in,” Claire advises, “or more if it’s a darker-hued room that’s painted or papered.”
She adds: “Choose table and floor lamps with shades for diffusing the lighting. And invest in dimmable lights to dial up and down the mood as required.”
“Portable lights are super flexible, perfect for spaces with no plug sockets, but not just for outside, as most of our portable lamps last for at least 8 hours, allowing you to recharge them at the weekend (or overnight).
Claire says: “Light the corners of a room to make it feel bigger. And create layers with a combination of ceiling, wall, floor and table lamps to add visual interest.”
Do you have any thoughts, ideas, or advice on whether bedroom light fixtures need to match?
“There has been a definite movement away from matching wall lamps, pendants, and table lamps, which can feel a little hotel-like. Rather than looking for uniform pieces, I would recommend co-ordinating lighting with the overall room décor to achieve a cohesive and considered look...
Functionality should be the main priority. For example, large, dramatic lamps next to the bed might look impressive, but if you have small bedside tables cluttered with essentials like books, a phone, and a glass of water, they can prove to be impractical. In such cases, understated wall lamps or pendants can be a stylish and space-saving alternative, allowing you to instead make a statement with the central ceiling fixture...
“If you enjoy winding down with a good book, instead consider directional light sources on either side of the bed. The goal is to create an intentional scheme that feels natural, rather than overly curated.”
Are there any rules to follow when approaching bedroom lighting?
“The bedroom should be your personal sanctuary. When it comes to lighting, the most important consideration should be to create a scheme that promotes relaxation while catering to your individual style and practical needs...
This can be easily achieved by layering different elements to achieve the perfect level of illumination from dawn to dusk. Focused task lighting can be ideal when reading before bed or getting ready in the morning, while accent lighting can gently highlight darker corners of the room as you wind down for sleep."
Can you give some general thoughts on the do's and don'ts of mixing and matching bedroom lights?
“While there are no strict rules, I would recommend coordinating your lighting through common elements like colour, texture, or material to maintain a harmonious feel. Mixing styles can create a wonderfully eclectic look, provided there is a unifying element tying them together...
Most importantly, choose lighting that resonates with your individual style and personality. After all, it will be among the last things you see at night, and the first thing you notice in the morning!”
It’s almost time to throw open the doors and enjoy the great outdoors, if recent glimmers of sunshine amidst the clouds are anything to go by. You can almost smell the barbecues, taste the Pimm’s and hear the birdsong of a not-too-distant spring, can’t you?
Thankfully, we’ve got everything you need to get your outdoor space ready for a season of entertaining friends and family, specifically accompanied with great food and drink.
Garden dining ideas
Just in time for sunnier times, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor dining ideas for your garden.
Mix and match outdoor furniture
While we’ve got complete garden sets for those looking to create a cohesive scheme in their outdoor space – from Eos to Tanso – why not mix and match individual garden dining and tables for a gloriously eclectic look? But don’t just throw individual styles together without much thought.
To mismatch effortlessly but elegantly, take your cues from similar materials – wood vs. metal, for example – or like minded tones (for instance, earthy vs. muted) to still create a sense of synergy in even the most opposite of pieces. Sure to spark conversation.
Host a crowd with a large garden dining table
An outdoor dining table sets the stage for many an al fresco feast over the spring and summer months so it’s worth investing in a quality one that will stand the test of time (and endure British winters).
The Pelagus dining table by Fritz Hansen is just the thing with a sturdy but stylish teak and aluminium design that’s available in two distinctive colourways. Better still, the extension plate can be used in ones or twos to convert the table from a six- or eight-seater to a 10- or 12-seater, meaning everyone can be invited for fun in the sun. Surely one of the brightest outdoor dining ideas.
Inject colour with bright garden dining chairs
If your outdoor palette is natural and subdued – black and white, or grey and beige – make a sparing but vibrant statement with a splash of colour in the form of your dining chairs.
The Eos outdoor side chair is now available in Brewer Green, exclusive to Heal’s and developed in collaboration with COAT Paints, which will certainly dial up the drama.
Roll out an outdoor rug
With your table and chairs acting as the jewel in the crown of your outdoor dining space, it’s time to add texture with an outdoor rug, the hottest way to take the inside out. Luckily, we’ve got a collection of floor coverings to suit every outdoor space, layering texture, colour and pattern.
The Romilly recycled rug comes in an earthy terracotta colour that adds Moroccan flair; while the Diamond kilim outdoor rug features an unusual octagon shape emblazoned with a graphic print. Pop one under your dining table and chairs to zone the area while adding texture under bare feet.
Bring atmosphere with outdoor lighting
Add a little ambience to your outdoor dining area with lighting that’s specifically designed for al fresco spaces. Our own-brand Orion portable LED table lamps are perfect for illuminating outdoor tablescapes while casting a flattering glow and offer up to eight hours of battery life from a single charge.
For additional impact, why not add string lighting to your scheme? The Tobias from Sirius comprises 10 LED bulbs suspended from a five-metre cable that can be wound around trees or draped over fences. Lastly, add candles for atmosphere. Line them in varying heights down the length of a rectangular table or cluster together in the centre of a circular table.
Add texture with layered fabric
To soften your dining space further, layer on luxurious fabrics, from linen for your table to cushions for your seating. New for summer, the Heal’s + L.F.Markey stripe tablecloth in a vibrant yellow-and-white colourway.
Part of the latest collection from our collaboration with the independent London fashion brand, it’s a surefire talking point and can be teamed with the napkins in the same collection (the green will add a touch of contrast).
Otherwise, our linen tablecloth – in neutrals like pink or cream – offers a more laid-back aesthetic. For comfort under-cheek, why not plump for an outdoor cushion that adds panache as well as padding? The colours in the Greenwich collection provide a style for most spaces while this cushion from Edinburgh Weavers allows your passion for art and design to escape the four walls of your home.
Finally, why not offer dining companions a chance to cosy up by filling a basket with a selection of quality throws to drape over their shoulders? Our pure Alpaca throws or two-tone Merino throws are sure to do the job.
Stay cool in the sun with a parasol
For daytime soirées, ensure you and your guests keep your cool with a stylish but practical outdoor umbrella to shield everyone from the strength of the afternoon sun. The Messina round outdoor umbrella by Fritz Hansen is built from long-lasting fabric and features a classic blue-and-white striped design.
Work on a garden sofa for lounging
Finally, give your guests somewhere to retire after dinner by carving out space for a dedicated outdoor lounge area. From an Eos sofa or armchair to the Virkelyst sofa or Roy Cocoon chair, something laid-back but luxurious provides the perfect excuse to while away the evening until the small hours (preferably with a digestif in hand).
Prepare your garden for al fresco dining
Browse and buy from the latest and greatest luxury garden furniture to make the most of your great outdoors and inspire more outdoor dining ideas.
To many, bringing your cherished box of Christmas tree lights down from the loft signals the beginning of Christmas, but it’s not all fun and games once you tear it open. Inside, a tangled mess of lights may await, while finding the one faulty bulb that’s letting the whole string down can be a nightmare.
And that’s before you’ve even started to think about getting the lights on the tree. Horizonal? Vertical? Bottom-to-top? Top-to-bottom? Before the decorations or after?!
Have a glug of mulled wine and relax. We’re here to show you how to put lights on a Christmas tree while demonstrating the best ideas to make yours shine the brightest. It’s time for the big switch-on.
The basics of Christmas tree lighting
How many Christmas lights do you need?
Firstly, figure out how many lights you need for your specific tree. As a general rule of thumb, 100 lights for every foot of tree, but it’s always a case of the more the merrier – especially if you want the professional look of a dressed spruce in a department store or boutique hotel.
Luckily, we’ve got sets featuring up to 720 LED lights in a single pack, so it’s easy to make yours look abundant. Next, plug in your lights to check that all the bulbs are working before you go to all the trouble of putting them on your tree only to find something’s wrong (we’ve got a wide range of Christmas lights if you need new ones).
Leave them on while you’re working so you can see how they’re looking and address any dark spots as you weave the string over and under the branches. Then, start from the bottom-up closest to the power outlet so you don’t have to run an extension cord to the top – the opposite is true when removing them after Christmas – and always add your lights before your decorations.
If you want to install your Christmas tree in a space without a power socket, use multiple sets of battery-powered lights, such as these from Sirius.
Vertical VS horizontal: which method suits you?
We’d recommend wrapping your lights around your tree horizontally – the most traditional and popular way – by placing lights over and under branches as you work your way around and up.
For a professional look, nestle some lights further back into the tree and others closer to the front for depth and interest, alternating so the arrangement looks natural. But how do you put lights on a Christmas tree vertically? Vertical arrangements started as a trend a few years ago as a modern twist on the traditional method.
The technique makes the lights shine brighter because more of them are on show as they’re less likely to be covered up by branches. Starting with the end of the strand without the plug, simply cascade lights from the top to the bottom of the tree in an ‘S’ shape or zig-zag down the front.
Certainly, this arrangement is easier to remove once Christmas is over. For best results, choose something with a ‘loose’ string over a structured wire – such as these with weighty sultan-shaped glass lights – as they’ll hang better.
Safety tips for Christmas tree lights
There’s nothing quite like Christmas lights to get you into the festive spirit, but take the time read our list of precautions to keep you safe, ensuring yours bring you nothing but comfort and joy.
Replace missing or broken bulbs.
Use a ladder if decorating outside your home or hard-to-reach spots.
Choose the right kind of light – outdoor for the garden; and indoor for the home.
Similarly, use an outdoor extension cord for the garden, not an indoor one.
Don’t overload power outlets.
Avoid feeding cords through doors and windows.
Always turn off lights when you’re not home or overnight when you’re asleep.
Integrating your tree into your home décor
It’s not only your tree that can be integrated into your home décor – traditional VS contemporary, for example, or green VS white – but your Christmas lights, too. Consider the style of your interiors and existing lighting scheme.
Does a layered mix of wall lights and table lamps emit a golden glow? If so, choose warm lights with a yellow tinge. Alternatively, does a combination of ceiling lights and floor lamps create a silver wash? Then opt for cool lights with a blue tinge.
Contemporary Christmas décor concepts
Every year, trends dominate our trees – from disco to underwater and gothic (yes, really) – and Christmas lights are no exception. This year, it’s all about ‘quiet luxury’ in every aspect of our lives, with a less-is-more approach that whispers rather than shouts.
To get the look, why not consider a tree that’s only decorated with lights rather than a cacophony of baubles? Choose a set that’s beautifully simple, such as a festive string of LED lights on a gold wire, and let your lights be the loudest thing in the room.
Other creative Christmas tree décor ideas
On the opposite end of the spectrum, maximalism is back with a bang, eschewing a minimalistic approach in favour of all things outrageous. In the spirit of excess, dress your tree with more lights than it needs, and consider a combination of different styles for an abundant and eclectic aesthetic: throw together the Millie, Trille and Knirke.
For something altogether more traditional – a big trend as we seek comfort in nostalgia during tumultuous times – try the Molly cone battery garland with a rustic, country vibe.
Remember: lights don’t just have to be wound around or draped down Christmas trees. They can fill vases; snake between banisters; wind around windows; or even hang down doors.
The more ‘pockets’ of Christmas you can create, the more festive your home will feel, so think big and get creative. Once you know how to put lights on a Christmas tree, you’ll save time and stress each and every year, while being able to dress your spruce like a stylist.
Find more bright ideas by browsing our collection of Christmas lights.
‘Tis almost time to deck the halls – whether you decorate the tree, dress the table or do everything – but how do you make sure your home shines with originality and reflects your style?
Luckily, we’ve rounded-up the boldest and brightest ideas for how to decorate at Christmas to help you on your merry way, whatever your taste and space. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all.
Christmas tree decor ideas
Luxury Christmas baubles are best when it comes to Christmas tree decoration ideas. Classier than tinsel and easier than lights, they usually come with a convenient metal hook or string loop that you can slide on to branches, while they add instant colour and texture to green foliage.
Top tip: for less delicate baubles, we recommend nestling them among branches rather than hanging, which adds more bulk and depth. Simply rest larger baubles furthest inside the tree and smaller ones towards the end of branches for a professional ‘layered’ look.
Opt for the 'vintage' look
Retro never goes out of style, so stock up on a collection of vintage-inspired decorations to recreate all the splendour of Christmases past, such as these colourful Glass Spot Baubles by Thie, this quirky Glass Santa Riding a Dinosaur Shaped Decoration by Sass & Belle or this classic Wool Mix Brown Christmas Pudding Decoration.
Look for baubles with a handcrafted feel in delicate glass or soft wool materials for elegant Christmas décor.
Let your personality shine
From hobbies to favourite animals or places and interests, baubles allow you to express your personality, while incorporating the colours, motifs and textures you hold dear.
This Metallic Resin Dinosaur Decoration Brontosaurus by Gisela Graham is a case in point – sure to be a talking point on the tree – while this Glass Glitter Lobster Shaped Decoration from Sass & Belle is a tongue-in-cheek take on the tangerine crustacean.
London-lover? This Glass London Bus with Garland Decoration will let everyone know. Christmas tree decoration ideas don’t get more fun.
Try Scandi minimalism
Quiet luxury is having a moment right now with neutral colours, understated motifs and a less-is-more approach, so why not try Scandi minimalism for classy Christmas decorations?
Consider these modern Deko Decorations by Broste Copenhagen, this simple Robin Clear Bubble Effect Decoration from The Original Winters Tale and these Glass Lines Ornaments by ferm LIVING.
Alternatively, a couple of crisp white Honeycomb Ball Decorations tucked between branches or stacked at the base of the tree will add simple Nordic charm.
Go full glam with all that glitters
On the opposite end of the spectrum, maximalists may want to go all-out with glitz and glamour, such as this shimmering Silver Mirror Ball Bauble, pearlescent Glass Jellyfish Shaped Decoration or sequinned Clear Glass Ball Decoration.
Focus on statement finishes, rich colours and unusual shapes for a tree that’s as eclectic and as it is fabulous. The star of the show when it comes to Christmas tree decoration ideas.
Christmas table decor ideas
Once your tree is up – sparkling like a diamond in the centre of the living room– it’s time to think about Christmas table decoration ideas. Tablescaping has become quite the art in recent years, whether a festive flourish here and there or a full-scale winter wonderland, adding a touch of drama and a sense of occasion to proceedings.
Whatever event you’re hosting, from a dinner party in the build-up to the main event itself or a festive soirée during ‘Twixmas, our christmas tableware will make yours the talk of the town.
Plump for candlelight
Candlelight makes all the difference when it comes to setting the scene for a festive get-together. Cluster a group of pillar candles of differing heights in a tray on a circular table or line them up down the length of a regular table for dramatic effect.
Nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like the flicker of a flame between friends. A festive scent such as our Frankincense & Pine Short Pillar Candle or Winter Spice Tall Pillar Candle can be used to fill the room with seasonal fragrance before or after dinner to avoid fighting with the aromas of food.
Incorporate natural elements
If you’ve got an outside space, a quick forage will unearth all kinds of festive spoils, from pinecones to branches and winter flowers. Otherwise, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference in our range of realistic faux foliage, such as this Pine Branch and Mimosa Grass by designer superstar Abigail Ahern.
Display in a vase as a gorgeous centrepiece or lay down the length of the table as a makeshift garland. Top tip: a spritz of a seasonal fragrance will make them smell as authentic as they look.
Discover the art of layering
Have you noticed the one thing that professional tablescapes all have in common? Lots of layering. Start with a tablecloth as a blank canvas for your creativity – our classic linen style in a rich colour like midnight blue, pool green or wine red is a stellar choice – then simply add placemats (select the same colour as your tablecloth for a tonal look), statement plates – Nordic Sea, Ottolenghi Feast Face or Pearl White – and a series of glamorous glasses (for water, white and red wine, plus fizz) in an inward diagonal from the top-right of the place setting. Finish with gleaming cutlery on either side of the plate (laying from starters to desserts from the outside in).
Add a festive centrepiece
With the rest of the table set, there’s only one thing left to do, and that’s add a spectacular centrepiece as a sure-fire conversation-starter.
The easiest way to do this is with an elegant vase, like Moon by up-and-coming ceramicist Talia Nidam Warshawsky, Thyra from Broste Copenhagen or Buée by renowned French brand Ligne Roset.
Look to wintery colours, interesting shapes and warming textures to suit the season and avoid filling with foliage to let their designs do the talking.
Christmas light ideas
You don’t have to wait until ‘the big switch-on’ in your city, town or village to have your own switch-on at home, as it’s never too early. Whether wrapped around your tree, snaking between the bannisters on your staircase or enveloping your entrance, Christmas lights add twinkle, magic and warmth to Christmas decorations, whether indoors or outside.
Here’s our most illuminating Christmas light ideas.
Make your Christmas tree sparkle
The golden rule is to add Christmas lights before decorations, but how do you know what kind you need? First, decide if you prefer a classic or contemporary style, from simple Warm White LED Lights for the former to ornate Millie LED Glass Garland Lights for the latter.
Next, are you after a warm, yellow glow or a crisp, white light? Both give off very different effects. And, finally, do you want a set you can plug into a power socket or a cordless style that operates via a battery pack? Nova LED string lights by Sirius are perfect for lighting up a tree that’s in the centre of a room like a grand hallway, for example.
Add twinkling lights to your staircase
You don’t have to festoon a garland around the staircase to style it up for Christmas, as string lights will look just as stylish, while being significantly quicker and easier to decorate with.
Molly Cone LED garland will lighten and brighten your landing while adding interest with its nature-inspired design; while the Knirke LED indoor string lights will fill any space with an ethereal glow.
Light up your entrance
Welcome one and all with an entrance that ushers loved ones inside with the warm embrace of a long-lost friend. No less than 160 LED lights are attached to a subtle green wire that blends seamlessly with nature on this set by Sirius which can be easily manipulated into the shape of your doorway to pick out striking architectural features.
Otherwise, why not invest in a battery-powered set you can weave around a wreath that you hang on your door?
Don't forget about window lights
Finally, why not get inspired by an advent calendar with an illuminated feature in every window of your home to get the neighbours talking? The Hanging Circle Light in silver will look spectacular against glass while a cluster of Sara Flameless Candles creates the cosy on internal windowsills.
Get inspired by browsing and buying our collection of Christmas decorations.
Whether wool or velvet, a throw can be one of the simplest ways to cosy up a space for the season, from your bed to the sofa.
Certainly, they’re a quicker way to refresh a room than a piece of furniture, while being significantly more economical than cranking up the central heating.
That said, they can be notoriously hard to style when not in use, often looking messy rather than chic. Here, we show you how to style them up so they’re as pretty as they are practical.
Choose the right throw
First thing’s first: choosing the right throw. As with everything, there are endless options out there to ponder, but as a general rule of thumb we’d recommend starting by selecting the size. If you’re after a throw for your sofa, you don’t want it to drown the frame or mask the fabric, so choose something that’s generous but not oversized; if you’re looking for a throw for the bed, then you’ll need a large one to make an impact, especially if you’re folding it.
Colour-wise, go tonal – beige on beige, grey on grey, or blue on blue, for example, albeit a different shade - or choose something that contrasts or clashes (in a good way) with the hue of your sofa or bedding. Plain sofa? Consider pattern. Patterned bed? Plain is best.
Fold it neatly
So, how to arrange a throw on a sofa or bed? Arguably, the easiest way is to fold it lengthways and drape it over the back of the former or width of the latter, creating a neat and tidy silhouette and displaying its texture, pattern or colour beautifully.
For best results, keep your sofa clear of too many scatter cushions to allow the throw to take centre stage, and drape it off-centre to avoid an overly-fussy look.
On the bed, drape it about one-third of the way from the bottom, perhaps over a bedspread for a layered aesthetic.
You can never have too many throws on a bed, so play with multiples of varying textures and colours, while alternating between neat and looser iterations.
Drape it casually
If you’re crazy about cushions and want to keep a generous collection on your sofa, there’s an art in how to drape a throw on a sofa over one arm.
Create a neat-and-tidy fold – not dissimilar to how it can be styled over the back – by folding in lengthways into thirds and halving in the other direction.
The longer section should be hanging over the side of the arm – tassels, pom-poms or fringing look great on display – with the shorter section tucked neatly into the seat cushion on the inside of the sofa.
Alternatively, plump for a casual-and-crumpled appearance by bunching it up for a look that’s a little less perfect and more ‘lived-in’.
Create a corner
For those who prefer their styling a little less put-together, the cosy-corner method is the best, resulting in an organic and flowing look.
Simply fold your throw in half along its length, draping part over the back and extending down onto the seat, then open the fold where it cascades from the back to the front and fiddle a little until it looks pleasing to the eye.
For the more structured amongst you, create a tidy version simply by folding the throw into thirds lengthways and repeating the same steps, albeit keeping the fold rather than loosening it towards the front of the sofa.
To finish, add cushions on front of the throw so it takes a backseat behind them, adding to the cosiness of the corner – something you can’t help but sink into after a hard day at work.
Get the edge
For a bed, why not drape your throw over the edge at the bottom of the mattress, either folded or crumpled, for a dramatic and luxurious look? Pull it down from the bed at the corner until it hangs at just the right level on the side. For added panache, add a small tray with accessories or a couple of coffee table books onto the top of the throw to recreate the feel of a five-star hotel.
Fashion a ‘waterfall’
Don’t worry – this isn’t as complicated as it sounds. To create a ‘waterfall’ effect with your throw, simply fold it lengthways into thirds so the sides are crisp and clean. Then, drape it over the back of your sofa, down the front of the back cushion, onto the seat and just beyond. A cushion can be added in front of the cascade or not – it looks effective either way. Minimum effort, maximum impact.
Display in a basket
For something altogether different, keep a convenient and decorative basket near the sofa or bed for storing your throw when it’s not styled on your furniture or wrapped around your shoulders. Throw it in the basket with one of the corners hanging over the edge for a stylish flourish; or roll and place together with others for a chic collection. You could also roll up your throws and lean against the wall if you don’t have a basket to hand.
Ladder up
Finally, if you don't want to display your throws on a sofa or bed, but equally don’t want them stored away out of sight, then invest in a small ladder or shelving unit beside either to hang beautiful throws and blankets from. A clever storage solution that means they’re within easy reach, too.
Now know how to put a throw on a sofa? Browse and buy from our collection of luxurious throws.
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Trends & Lifestyle
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At Heal's
