The Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist: The Living Room
LIVING ROOM — FULL SHOPPING LIST
Purpose: Comfort, connection, joy, snacking, reading, gentle activity
Vibe: Cozy, warm, welcoming, lived-in, emotionally safe
1. CORE LOUNGING FURNITURE
Seating
Sofa or sectional (deep seat, washable covers)
1–2 accent chairs (comfortable for long sitting)
Ottoman or pouf (storage preferred)
Tables & Surfaces
Coffee table (rounded edges)
2–3 side tables (within arm’s reach of seating)
Optional tray table (for snacks, games, laptop use)
Furniture Protection
Furniture floor pads (felt or rubber)
Anti-slip pads (ottoman / rug overlap)
2. COMFORT & COZY LAYERS (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
3–5 throw blankets (varied textures: knit, fleece, woven)
5–8 cushions (washable covers)
Large area rug (soft pile)
Thick rug pad (sound + comfort)
Curtains or drapes (even if mostly decorative)
Curtain rods + mounting hardware
Draft blocker (door or window, if applicable)
3. LIGHTING — COZY + TASK + AMBIENT
Overhead
Ceiling fixture (dimmable)
Dimmer switch (installed)
Ambient Lamps
1–2 table lamps (side tables)
1–2 floor lamps (soft shade, diffused glow)
Task Lighting (Allowed & Encouraged)
Reading lamp near chair
Adjustable lamp near sofa (puzzles, knitting, games)
Optional clip or swing-arm lamp
Bulbs & Controls
Warm bulbs only (2700–3000K)
Smart bulbs OR smart plugs
Spare bulbs (matching warmth)
4. FAIRY LIGHTS / PEBBLE LIGHTS (JOY LAYER)
Warm white fairy lights OR pebble lights
Timer plug or built-in timer
Remote control (if applicable)
Adhesive hooks or clips
Extra batteries (if battery powered)
Glass bowls, jars, lanterns, or shelf placement pieces
Suggested placements
Inside glass bowls on console or coffee table
Along shelving edges
Behind sofa or media console
Near floor for soft nighttime glow
5. SNACK PREP + DRINK BAR (IN THE DINING ROOM)
Appliances
Mini fridge (quiet model)
Optional: kettle or coffee maker
Furniture
Bar cabinet, console, or sideboard
Optional bar cart
Snack tray table (movable)
Snack Storage
Airtight snack containers
Clear stackable bins
Shelf risers
Drawer organizers
Drink Setup
Beverage organizers
Pitchers or drink dispensers
Cups / mugs + organizer
Coasters (washable)
Cleanup
Lidded trash bin
Recycling bin
Paper towel holder
Dishcloths
Surface wipes
Hand soap dispenser (if near sink access)
6. SOUND, SENSORY & MEDIA (LOW STRESS)
Fabric wall art or acoustic panels
Books or closed shelving (sound softening)
Optional TV
Soundbar (low vibration)
Remote holder
Headphones (quiet listening)
White noise machine (optional evening use)
7. STORAGE (CLOSED FIRST, EASY ACCESS)
Media console or cabinet with doors
Basket with lid (games, throws)
Blanket storage ottoman
Drawer bins inside cabinets
Minimal open shelving only if styled + controlled
8. PETS
Dog beds
Cat towers
cat toy basket
dog toys basket
9. JOY & PERSONALIZATION (THIS IS WHAT MAKES IT FEEL ALIVE)
2–4 framed art pieces or photos
1–2 plants (real or faux)
Decorative trays (coffee table, bar area)
Decorative objects (ceramic, wood, stone)
Books or magazines
Seasonal textiles (throw, pillow, runner)
At least ONE playful, sentimental, or whimsical object
10. POWER, HARDWARE & FINISHING
Surge protector (hidden)
Easy-access outlets near seating
Cord concealment channels
Light plate covers
Plug-in plate covers
Wall anchors (installed)
Furniture floor protectors
Outlet safety covers (unused)
11. CLEANING & LONG-TERM CARE
Cleaning cloths
Furniture polish
Lint roller
Vacuum attachment (noted)
Trash bags (stored nearby)
Spare batteries (remotes, lights)
Touch-up paint (color noted)
FINAL CHECK — LIVING ROOM IS DONE WHEN:
✔ Everyone has a comfortable place to sit
✔ Lighting feels warm at night
✔ Snacks & drinks are easy to grab
✔ Fairy or pebble lights are glowing
✔ There is softness everywhere
✔ Clutter has a home
✔ The room feels welcoming immediately
✔ You actually want to be here
What Comes Next
If you’re at the point where you no longer want to think about your home — and you’re ready for it to quietly support your life instead — you can learn more about working together here:
