Much as we might hate to admit it, the living room of 2020 was good to us. It was a space that became our office, our classroom, and comforted us during all the stay-at-home orders of the past months (and months).
But as a result of all that time at home, the way we want to decorate, design and, well, live, in our living rooms has changed.
No, 2021 is not the year for haute decor—even as stay-at-home orders are lifted, we’ll be slow to get out of the house and shed our sweats. Instead, this year is all about a functional, authentic, relaxed environment that prioritizes comfort, warmth, and a feeling of safety.
Here’s exactly what you can expect to see in terms of living room design trends in 2021.
Double Duty Furniture
“The biggest living room trends in 2021 are pieces of furniture that have more than one function, since not everyone has a spacious living area,” says Susann Goerg, interior designer and founder of New York City–based happyhomes.
Multipurpose furniture will also be favored because it will help turn the living room into a makeshift classroom, office, gym, and even home bar.
For example, think of a sofa that converts to a bed—perfect for when you have guests but don’t have the extra space for another bed frame. Other living room furniture that does double duty includes ottomans that you can move around, floor poufs, and modular sofas. Also look for pieces that have hidden storage space, which helps keep your living room tidy.