Image of a modern living room with all the essentials and a window to the right

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Whether you're furnishing your first apartment or giving your home a much-needed refresh, the living room is the heart of any home. It's where you unwind, host friends, and create memories. To help you design a space that balances style, comfort, and function, we’ve curated a list of living room essentials, with options across budget-friendly, mid-range, and premium tiers to suit every style and price point. Let’s dive in!

Must Have Living Room Essentials

While arguably each of the items listed is a living room essential, we want to be sure to separate which items can set up the foundational living room. Afterward, we also listed the nice-to-have living room essentials to help you further elevate your living room space.

1. A Comfortable Sofa or Sectional

Your couch is likely the centerpiece of your living room. Choose one that fits your space and offers comfort and durability. Look for features like stain-resistant fabric or modular seating for versatility. There’s a reason why couches are a staple of the living room essentials. They tie the room together and can help set the tone for the rest of the room.

Budget-Friendly: Flamaker Futon Sofa Bed Modern Folding Futon Set

This budget-friendly option ties the ability to relax with the ability to convert into a bed. The perfect option for those also searching for an extra bed.

Mid-ranged: Furmax U-Shaped Sectional Sofa

This mid-range sectional sofa allows you to enjoy your living room with extra comfort and space.

Premium Pick: Weture Store - 108” Modular Sectional Sofa

This premium pick is the perfect option for those who are looking for a mix of comfort and modern style.

Image of a coffee table with a notebook and coffee on it

2. Coffee Table

A stylish yet functional coffee table serves as a place for drinks, remotes, and decorative items. Opt for one with storage or nesting options to save space. I personally will put my camera supplies in the storage areas or blankets for easy access.

Budget-Friendly: Sweetcrispy Coffee Table

This budget-friendly coffee table has space for storage and lifts the top portion to act as a raised table. Perfect for working from the couch, eating at the couch, or generally having extra space for your living room items.

Mid-ranged: VASAGLE Round Coffee Table

This mid-range coffee table to great for U-shaped or L-shaped sofas.

Premium Pick: Round Coffee Table with Storage, Mid Century Modern Coffee Table

This premium pick is a great mid-century styled round coffee table that has extra storage space and matches with any living room!

3. TV Stand or Media Console

Even if you wall-mount your TV, a media console helps organize electronics, hide cords, and store extras like games or books.

Budget-Friendly: Furologee TV Stand

This open concept TV Stand is a great option for those searching for a budget-friendly modern style.

Mid-ranged: SUPERJARE TV Stand

This country rustic style TV stand is great for storing items in your living room.

Premium Pick: JUMMICO TV Stand

Built with sliding doors, this Jummico TV Stand is the perfect option for those looking to build a farm-style living room.

Image of a tv showing various apps on it

4. Smart TV

Even if you wall-mount your TV, a media console helps organize electronics, hide cords, and store extras like games or books. While a living room can still be used without one, the TV is one of those living room essentials that tie it all together.

Budget-Friendly: INSIGNIA 32" Class F20 Series Smart HD Fire TV

This smart TV is a great option for those who live in a smaller space or are looking for a cheaper option. Great quality and 32 inches for you to enjoy watching your favorite shows or movies.

Mid-ranged: INSIGNIA 55-inch Class F50 Series

This TV is more expensive than some others out there, but this TV goes on sale for Prime Day and other events throughout the year. Ultimately, making this TV a great option for those who are looking for a good deal and can time the sales.

Premium Pick: Amazon Fire TV 65" Omni QLED Series

This smart TV is a great option for those who are looking for crisp and quality TV with a larger screen for larger groups.

5. Floor Lamps

Layer your lighting: use a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and ambient lighting to create a cozy, versatile atmosphere. It could also be helpful to have these to light up certain areas of the room that may not be fully immersed in light, whether artificial or natural light.

Budget-Friendly: Modern Floor Lamp Simple Design with White Shade

This is a simple modern floor lamp that can help brighten spaces like your living room.

Mid-ranged: Addlon Floor Lamps with Shelves, 4-Tier Modern Shelf Floor Lamp

These floor lamps are great and have three brightness settings that can be cycled through to match the vibe of your space.

Premium Pick: Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp Basic

These corner lights can help to set the living room apart by providing easy filtering for various colors that can run along side your walls.

6. Throw Pillows

These make your space feel cozy and lived-in. Swap them seasonally for a quick refresh. Just be sure that you have the correct sizes since throw pillows will typically come with a cover, and the pillow may be separate. Below are a few throw pillow covers that we enjoy along with our recommended 18x18 pillows.

Budget-Friendly: MIULEE Decorative Throw Pillow Covers

Mid-ranged: Fancy Homi 4 Packs Neutral Decorative Throw Pillow Covers

Premium Pick: MIULEE Pack of 4 Couch Throw Pillow Covers

18x18 Inch Pillows: EDOW Throw Pillow Inserts, Set of 4

Nice To Have Living Room Essentials

The items we listed above are great for setting the foundation of a great living room. Now let’s look at how we can elevate your space with some nice to have living room essentials.

Image of two accent chairs next to a stair case with an open door to the left

7. Accent Chair

An accent chair is an extra step to modernizing your living room space. It provides additional seating, more space for your blankets, and generally can help make a room feel like home. However, we consider it a nice to have because while it is great for many reasons, depending on your style, you may not need one.

Budget-Friendly: Yaheetech PU Leather Accent Chair

This mid-century modern accent chair can help you add a flair of sophistication without breaking the bank.

Mid-ranged: NIOIIKIT Nursery Rocking Chair Teddy

This cute rocking chair is a great mid-range chair to help fill in your living room space.

Premium Pick: COLAMY Mid Century Modern Accent Chair Set of 2

This set of mid-century modern accent chairs comes with a lumbar support pillow and can match any style of home.

8. Bookshelf

A bookshelf is great for those who read books, yes. However, they can also be great for showcasing your pictures and other miscellaneous items as well. I personally use mine to hold cameras, books, coffee-making tools, and plants.

Budget-Friendly: Furinno Luder Bookcase

This simple design is great for those who may want that extra space without the commitment of a larger shelf.

Mid-ranged: SUNMORY 6 Tier Tree Bookshelf, Small Bookcase with Storage Cabinet

This popular tree bookshelf format helps to add a level of sophistication and flair to the room.

Premium Pick: NUMENN Bookshelf

This premium bookshelf offers you more space for placing your books, plants, or other items you may want to showcase.

9. Area Rug

An area rug anchors your space and adds warmth and texture. Choose the right size to define your seating area without crowding it. Below are a few options for you to consider.

Budget-Friendly: Deerhoo Large Shag Area Rugs

This softer style rug is great for those who may not like rougher materials.

Mid-ranged: Releany Floral Vintage Distress Print Pattern

This floral vintage rug is great for those who are looking for a vintage feel in their living room space.

Premium Pick: Gent Drizz Large Modern Abstract Living Room Rug

This modern abstract rug is great for those looking for ways to tie together their modern or mid century modern living room layouts.

Image of multiple colored throw blankets stacked on the floor

10. Throw Blankets

A throw blanket can always come in handy for various reasons. Whether you are housing some family or friends, looking to keep warm while watching a movie, or simply to enjoy a good book, a throw blanket is a great living room essential to have.

Budget-Friendly: Bedsure White Throw Blanket

This budget-friendly throw blanket is sure to help you stay warm while livening up your space.

Mid-ranged: Snuggle Sac Buttery Ivory Throw Blanket

This knit style throw blanket is a great option for those looking for comfort and class.

Premium Pick: Homemate Heated Blanket Electric Throw

Let’s be honest, the home can sometimes get a little chilly throughout the year. This heated electric throw can help you stay warm while enjoying the indoors.

11. Table Lamps

We already mentioned floor lamps, but table lamps are also a great way to liven up your living room. Table lamps are a living room essential since they can help enhance not only the light, but also add personality to the space.

Budget-Friendly: Echo Glow - Multicolor smart lamp

This smart lamp from Amazon is a great option if you are looking for ways to also start building a smart home functionality.

Mid-ranged: PoKat 23" Modern Ceramic Table Lamp

These modern table lamps are great options for those who are building a modern or mid-century modern living room.

Premium Pick: AIEAMPDO Farmhouse Lamps for Living Room

12. Wall Art or Mirrors

Blank walls make a room feel sterile. Add personality with framed art, canvas prints, or mirrors that reflect light and make the space feel larger. We have listed a few options below, but art and beauty are in the eye of the beholder, so we’re sure you’ll find one that matches your style.

Budget-Friendly: Pretty Jolly Boho Wall Decor

Mid-ranged: Pigort 3 Pieces Metal Flowers Wall Arts

Premium Pick: Glamativity 4 Pack Black Abstract Metal Wall Art

13. Candles

Candles are another great opportunity to liven up your space. Not only do they smell great, but they can also be helpful if you ever have a power outage.

Budget-Friendly: Candle-lite Scented Candles, Sunlit Mandarin Berry

Mid-ranged: Chesapeake Bay Candle Scented Candle Joy + Laughter

Premium Pick: Lulu Candles | Jasmine, Oud & Sandalwood

Couch, pillows, plants, and an end table, in a living room

14. Side Tables or End Tables

Perfect for placing drinks, books, or a reading lamp next to your couch or chairs. It’s no wonder that people like to include a side or end table in their living room essentials checklist.

Budget-Friendly: VASAGLE Side Table

Mid-ranged: Fultyle Round Side Table

Premium Pick: VASAGLE Side Table

15. Curtains

While blinds are traditional, curtains can be another way to elevate your living room or any room to be frank. You can turn an eh space into a great space by adding color, blocking natural light, or simply adjusting the style of the curtains. Below are a few of our favorites.

Budget-Friendly: Joydeco Blackout Curtains

Mid-ranged: LEMOMO Blackout Curtains

Premium Pick: Estelar Textiler Navy Blue and Greyish White Blackout Curtains

Image of indoor plants on living room furniture

16. Indoor Plants or Greenery

Even faux plants add life and color to your living room. Choose low-maintenance options if you’re new to plants to add a little more green naturally to your space. Below are a few options for fake plants that you can use. We usually recommend purchasing plants in person, but you can also find live plants on Amazon as well.

Budget-Friendly: Der Rose 4 Pack Fake Plants

Mid-ranged: Der Rose Fake Plants Tall 28'' Artificial Monstera

Premium Pick: Nearly Natural 48in Dracaena Silk Plant

17. Drink Coasters

This is a small thing, yes, but drink coasters can definitely help protect your new living room furniture from water damage. While you don’t necessarily need them, you’ll be glad you do. Plus, they add a little extra modernness to any space and are relatively inexpensive.

Budget-Friendly: ME.FAN Silicone Coasters with Holder

Mid-ranged: Hoewina Marble Style Ceramic Drink Coaster

Premium Pick: McKanti Wooden Coasters with Holder

Final Tips

When shopping for living room essentials, prioritize function and comfort, then build your style around that. Investing in a few high-quality pieces and mixing in budget-friendly finds can help you create a space you love without overspending

17 Must-Have Living Room Essentials For Your Home or Apartment