Living room detail showing partial shots of the kitchen and dining room. Dark cabinetry makes the white marble countertop and backsplash pop against the white painted shiplap. The dining room features a mushroom board ceiling.

Ashford Signature | Modin Rigid LVP Customer Space | Waterville, Ohio

Flooret

Deep tones of gently weathered grey and brown. A modern look that still respects the timelessness of natural wood.
This is an example of a large midcentury formal open concept living room in Other with beige walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, coffered and planked wall panelling.

Oak Forest New Build

Marker Girl Home

Living Room open modern design with wood shelves and family-friendly upholstery.
Design ideas for a large midcentury open concept living room in Houston with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, coffered and planked wall panelling.

B House NW PDX

AlisonBVer

Cozy living room with Malm gas fireplace, original windows/treatments, new shiplap, exposed doug fir beams
Design ideas for a small midcentury open concept living room in Portland with white walls, cork floors, a hanging fireplace, white floor, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Mid-Century Modern

Jetton Construction, Inc.

A whole house renovation and second story addition brought this unique 1950s home into a mid-century modern vernacular. Light-filled interior spaces mix with new filtered views, and the new master bedroom is surprising in its “tree house” feel. This home was featured on the 2018 AIA East Bay Home Tours. Buttrick Projects, Architecture + Design Matthew Millman, Photographer

Living Room

Vicki Simon Interior Design

Original beam ceilings and expansive glass windows are typical details used by mid-century modernist John Storrs. The layout of the space optimizes the focal point of the giant stone fireplace and the surrounding lightness of the glass.

Midcentury Living Room

This is an example of an expansive midcentury open concept living room in San Francisco with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, green floor, exposed beam, wood, planked wall panelling, a plaster fireplace surround and no tv.

Pine Knoll Shores Remodel

Blue Green Construction, Inc.

Design ideas for a midcentury open concept living room in Other with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a built-in media wall, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Sheridan Rd Residence

Shift PHX

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Phoenix with slate floors, no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, black floor, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

Mid-Century Modern Living Room

Ashley Urban Designs LLC

Photo of a large midcentury open concept living room in Dallas with a home bar, beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

Living/Dining Room

Vicki Simon Interior Design

Living Dining space with an exposed hemlock and fir beamed ceiling.
This is an example of a large midcentury formal open concept living room in Portland with beige walls, brown floor, medium hardwood floors and planked wall panelling.

Sheridan Rd Residence

Shift PHX

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Phoenix with slate floors, no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, black floor, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

CS City Flat

Filippo Colombetti, architetto

Soggiorno pranzo con parete scorrevole
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Milan with blue walls, painted wood floors, a built-in media wall and planked wall panelling.

The Attic Bedroom

homebyn Annamaria Pivetta

Recupero di un sottotetto riadattato per un living arredato anni con mobili vintage. La piccola scrivania funge anche da postazione pc. I padroni di casa sono amanti dell'arte contemporanea e alle pareti del soggiorno hanno posizionato due opere di arte contemporanea. Questo untitled è una pregevole opera dell'artista contemporaneo Marco Paladini.

Residential Interior Design & Furniture Selections

Klingman's Furniture & Design

Midcentury open concept living room in Grand Rapids with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Ashford Signature | Modin Rigid LVP Customer Space | Waterville, Ohio

Flooret

Deep tones of gently weathered grey and brown. A modern look that still respects the timelessness of natural wood.
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury formal open concept living room in Other with beige walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, brown floor, coffered and planked wall panelling.

KR-HOUSE

向山徹建築設計事務所

計画地は東西に細長く、西に行くほど狭まった変形敷地である。周囲は家が近接し、西側には高架の陸橋が見える決して恵まれた環境ではないが、道路を隔てた東側にはお社の森が迫り、昔ながらの地域のつながりも感じられる場所である。施主はこの場所に、今まで共に過ごしてきた愛着のある家具や調度類とともに、こじんまりと心静かに過ごすことができる住まいを望んだ。多様な周辺環境要素の中で、将来的な環境の変化にもゆるがない寡黙な佇まいと、小さいながらも適度な光に包まれ、変形の敷地形状を受け入れる鷹揚な居場所としてのすまいを目指すこととなった。敷地に沿った平面形状としながらも、南北境界線沿いに、互い違いに植栽スペースを設け、居住空間が緑の光に囲まれる構成とした。屋根形状は敷地の幅が広くなるほど高くなる東西長手方向に勾配を付けた切妻屋根であり、もっとも敷地の幅が広くなるところが棟となる断面形状としている。棟を境に東西に床をスキップさせ、薪ストーブのある半地下空間をつくることで、建物高さを抑え、周囲の家並みと調和を図ると同時に、明るく天井の高いダイニングと対照的な、炎がゆらぎ、ほの暗く懐に抱かれるような場所（イングルヌック）をつくることができた。この切妻屋根の本屋に付属するように、隣家が近接する南側の玄関・水回り部分は下屋として小さな片流れ屋根を設け、隣家に対する圧迫感をさらに和らげる形とした。この二つの屋根は東の端で上下に重なり合い、人をこの住まいへと導くアプローチ空間をつくりだしている。

深沢のいえ

アトリエウィ/宇佐美愛建築設計事務所

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Tokyo with a library, white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, timber and planked wall panelling.

Finished & Ongoing projects, Scottsdale, AZ

Bayside Home Improvement LLC

In this beautifully crafted home, the living spaces blend contemporary aesthetics with comfort, creating an environment of relaxed luxury. As you step into the living room, the eye is immediately drawn to the panoramic view framed by the floor-to-ceiling glass doors, which seamlessly integrate the outdoors with the indoors. The serene backdrop of the ocean sets a tranquil scene, while the modern fireplace encased in elegant marble provides a sophisticated focal point. The kitchen is a chef's delight with its state-of-the-art appliances and an expansive island that doubles as a breakfast bar and a prepping station. White cabinetry with subtle detailing is juxtaposed against the marble backsplash, lending the space both brightness and depth. Recessed lighting ensures that the area is well-lit, enhancing the reflective surfaces and creating an inviting ambiance for both cooking and social gatherings. Transitioning to the bathroom, the space is a testament to modern luxury. The freestanding tub acts as a centerpiece, inviting relaxation amidst a spa-like atmosphere. The walk-in shower, enclosed by clear glass, is accentuated with a marble surround that matches the vanity top. Well-appointed fixtures and recessed shelving add both functionality and a sleek aesthetic to the bathroom. Each design element has been meticulously selected to provide a sanctuary of sophistication and comfort. This home represents a marriage of elegance and pragmatism, ensuring that each room is not just a sight to behold but also a space to live and create memories in.

Culver City Project

AfterMade Design Studio

Living room redesign of Culver City home. Renderings show our design based of the clients, preferences and feedback. Inspo
This is an example of a large midcentury open concept living room in Los Angeles with white walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, beige floor, wood and planked wall panelling.

Midcentury Living Room Design Photos with Planked Wall Panelling

A living room, often referred to as a lounge room in Australia and New Zealand, is the hub of the home. If you only have one living room in the house, it’s likely to serve multiple purposes: be it a place to watch TV, play games, spend quality time with family or hang out with friends. If you have the luxury of two living areas, one is usually a formal living room or lounge room, reserved for reading, relaxing and entertaining. A successful midcentury living room design is inviting, has enough seating for the whole clan – a comfortable couch is a must – and encourages conversation. Browse photos on Houzz for living room layouts, furniture and decor, and strike up a conversation with the interior designers or architects of your favourite picks. For even more midcentury living room ideas, check out the Stories section on Houzz.

Which midcentury living room layouts will work best for you?

Every living area will have design challenges. A long, narrow lounge room, for example, risks looking like a hallway if furniture is lined up against the walls. Instead, opt for small furniture items, like a cosy two-seater couch, and create various focal points throughout the space. In square living rooms, a symmetrical layout encourages a formal setting. Place seating on either side of the room, with a focal point in the middle to pull the room together. For a truly intimate vibe, replace your couch with some occasional chairs positioned around a coffee table or ottoman. This will make the main focus conversation. An open-plan home – one where the lines are blurred between kitchen, dining and living – may require a layout that focuses on definition. You’ll want to make sure furniture doesn’t block the flow between spaces, and instead use something like an area rug to create zones.

How can you decorate your living room?

The living room can be a place in which to show off your personality, but if you want a timeless living room scheme, stick to neutral walls, couches and ottomans. Colour can be added through accessories, and is a lot more interchangeable! Rugs, cushions and throws are great for adding colour, while mirrors, lamps and ceiling lights will set the mood. Make your midcentury living room unique by including family heirlooms and photos. For a polished look, try creating a coffee table vignette – you could use books as pedestals or group items together on a tray. Try adding a vase, a mixture of round and rectangular objects and some books.

What are some small living room ideas?

Small living room designs can be tricky to work with, but aren’t doomed to fail. Often, you just have to get creative with furniture. An open-back chaise can create a sense of spaciousness, while small side tables paired together can substitute a coffee table. Even better, an ottoman can be used as a footrest, coffee table or extra seating. Big furniture items like the couch are best kept in light colours, and if there’s room for a coffee table, a glass-top one is best. If you have two spaces in one – perhaps your midcentury living room sits in front of a single-wall kitchen – make sure they are connected by decor, colour and style. For definition, just add area rugs, or use your couch as a dividing wall. It’s worth having a few furniture pieces, whether a bookshelf, couch or entertainment unit, in the same colour as the walls, too, so they blend into the room and visually expand the space.

Is open-plan living for you?

Today’s homes often embrace open-plan living, whereby the living room runs off the kitchen and/or dining areas. Open-plan living allows greater functionality, but can risk creating a vast, soulless space if not done right. To avoid a cavernous feel in an open-plan design, define areas with furniture, rugs and lighting, or consider using a wall divider. Also be sure to keep flooring, lighting and materials consistent throughout, for cohesiveness. Noise may be an issue – someone banging pots and pans while you’re watching TV, for example – so include lots of soft midcentury furnishings, such as rugs, curtains and couches to help absorb the noise. You will also need to factor in plenty of storage, so mess is kept at bay.