The living room: where to splurge and where to save

Is your living room north-facing? Find out how to lighten it up.

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The living room is the hub of the home and the location of many a great night in.

When it comes to furnishing this special place, we all want to get it right, but it can be difficult to decide what items you can save money on and which you should invest a little bit more in.

So, whether you're looking to create a calming Scandi-inspired space or a mid-century haven, we have the perfect splurge‑and‑save tips to help you style your living room so it feels just right.

Splurge on the sofa

Splurge on the sofa

Comfort is everything in a living room, which is why we always suggest investing in a high‑quality sofa - the kind you can’t wait to sink into after a long day. Investing now will mean you'll have a sofa that ticks all your boxes for years to come. Now all that’s left is choosing what show to binge-watch...

Save on the cushions and throws

Save on the cushions and throws

Whilst the sofa is your investment piece, there’s a great opportunity to save on the complementary accessories. Soft furnishings offer a simple way of changing up your colour scheme or refreshing your space for a new season at a low cost.

Splurge on the coffee table

Splurge on the coffee table

A coffee table helps to tie your living room together, and finding one that's the right size and style for your space is important. Equally important is how durable your coffee table needs to be so that it can stand up to daily wear and tear. That's why spending a little extra on your coffee table to ensure longevity is vital, offering you a place to enjoy your beverage of choice for a long time to come.

Save on accent furniture

Save on accent furniture

Side tables, pouffes, small benches and lightweight occasional chairs are brilliant for adding personality and making your room feel more complete. These pieces don’t need to be expensive to look good. They are easy to move around, tend not to see a great deal of wear and tear, and are well worth seeking out at a bargain price. It is also a great way to experiment with a new trend or introduce a bold shade without committing to a higher spend.

Splurge on the quality greenery

Splurge on the quality greenery

Whether it’s real or high‑end faux, greenery brings instant life and warmth to any living room. Large leafy plants, sculptural branches or beautifully crafted faux stems add a fresh, natural feel without you needing to decorate or repaint.

Save on lighting

Save on lighting

Accent lighting - such as table lamps, clip‑on lights and small floor lamps - have plenty of budget‑friendly options while still keeping your space stylish. Think simple fabric‑shade table lamps or compact LED clip‑ons for an affordable update that will feel stylish. You can still invest in a standout statement light if you’d like, but smaller lamps are quick to refresh and easy to swap seasonally. Soft, warm lighting elevates any room beautifully, all while staying firmly within budget.

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