Want a living room that looks great for years, not just months? Follow these simple steps to create a space that never goes out of style. At TSB Living, we've helped thousands of Kiwi families build rooms they still love a decade later.
Start with Quality Basics
Buy the best sofa you can afford. Your sofa gets used every single day, so it needs to last. Look for solid frames and good cushions. Take our New Ronni Sectional Sofa with Left Chaise – its strong frame and quality velvet fabric mean it will look beautiful for years. The classic black colour works with any decorating changes you make.
Action step: Test any sofa before buying. Sit on it for at least 10 minutes. If it's comfortable now, it will be comfortable later.
Choose Neutral Colours First
Pick whites, greys, and beiges for your main pieces. These colours never go out of style. You can add personality with colourful cushions, throws, and art that you can change easily.
Action step: Paint your walls in neutral colours. If you rent, choose furniture in neutral tones instead.
Select Simple, Clean Lines
Avoid furniture with too many details or trendy shapes. Simple designs last longer. Consider the Sparre Coffee Table as an example – its clean wood design works with modern or traditional rooms. Good proportions matter more than fancy features.
Action step: Before buying, ask yourself: "Will I still like this in 5 years?" If you're not sure, keep looking.
Make Everything Functional
Every piece should have a purpose. Our Lennart Entertainment Unit doesn't just look nice – it stores your TV gear and keeps cables tidy. Choose furniture that solves problems in your room.
Action step: List what you need to store in your living room. Buy pieces that handle these needs while looking good.
Add Comfort with Classic Pieces
Mix in comfortable seating that fits your space. Our Bentwood Rocking Armchair offers both comfort and style. Its traditional design and neutral fabric mean it works in any room setup.
Action step: Create at least two seating areas in your room – one for watching TV and another for reading or chatting.
Layer Your Lighting
Don't rely on one ceiling light. Use table lamps, floor lamps, and accent lighting. Our Terrazzo Table Lamp provides warm light and adds texture to your room. Place it on a side table or console for the best effect.
Action step: Turn off your main light at night. Use only lamps. If your room feels cozy, you have enough lighting.
Include Natural Materials
Wood, stone, and natural fabrics age beautifully. They add warmth and character that plastic and metal can't match. Look for pieces that show off natural textures and grains.
Action step: Add at least one wooden piece to your room. It could be a coffee table, side table, or shelving unit.
Keep Personal Items Simple
Display things that matter to you, but don't overdo it. Too many decorations make rooms look cluttered and dated. Choose a few special pieces and give them space to shine.
Action step: Follow the "rule of three" – group decorative items in sets of three for the best visual impact.
Plan for Change
Buy flexible pieces that work in different arrangements. If you move house or want to redecorate, your furniture should adapt easily.
Action step: Before buying large pieces, measure them and try different arrangements on paper first.
Quick Checklist for Timeless Design
✓ Quality sofa in neutral colour ✓ Simple coffee table in natural materials ✓ Comfortable accent chair ✓ Storage that hides clutter ✓ Multiple light sources ✓ Some natural textures ✓ Personal touches (but not too many)
Ready to create your timeless living room? Start with one quality piece and build from there. Browse our living room collection to find furniture that will look as good in 10 years as it does today.
Remember: timeless doesn't mean boring. It means making smart choices that you'll love for years to come.
