Eclectic living room design: The basics

by Ann Hayward 09/04/2022

If you have trouble choosing a living room design style, you might consider an eclectic living room. The eclectic style mixes many styles, embracing patterns and hues from a variety of sources.

Rather than cluttered or chaotic, eclectic spaces find the perfect balance of all the pieces to achieve a sophisticated and dramatic aesthetic.

This concept of controlled chaos is what makes eclectic rooms so exciting. However, there are some key elements to include in your design. Here is a short guide to the basics of an eclectic living room:

Combine eras, styles & materials

An eclectic living room allows you to get creative with mixing furniture and decor from a variety of eras and design styles. For example, you can use a contemporary sofa, a boho-chic area rug and a midcentury modern coffee table together in perfect harmony.

Mix patterns & textures

Patterns and textures are important elements of eclectic style, and you should feel free to experiment with different combinations. Try mixing organic and geometric shapes, or repeat the same patterns at different scales.

Incorporate vintage & antique pieces

Vintage and antique furnishings are key to making your living room unique and true to the spirit of the eclectic decorating style. Go for well-worn items with plenty of history to add depth and character to your space.

Add layers

Layering fabrics and even area rugs can further enhance an eclectic living room design. To keep the space inviting and cozy without creating clutter, stick to neutral and earth tones when adding layers.

Keep the layout comfortable & casual

An eclectic living space is warm, inviting and casual. Avoid overly formal furniture arrangements and instead focus on creating comfortable conversation. You can also use nontraditional and casual furniture choices like a pouf or floor pillow instead of a chair.

Have plenty of plants

An ideal eclectic space has plenty of natural elements, including houseplants. Bringing a bit of nature indoors with a few easy-care plants in unique, decorative containers will help to create a lived-in atmosphere and add a pop of green to any color palette.

Find global inspiration

If you love to travel, an eclectic living room is the perfect place to showcase treasures found on your journeys. Incorporate global accents like traditional art, woven baskets and tapestries to cultivate the adventurous spirit of eclectic design.

Are you ready to design your own eclectic living room? Keep these eclectic living room ideas in mind and create a unique and exciting living space to call your own.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]