How To Finish Styling A Room

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After replacing or rearranging your furniture, the next step is to finish styling the room. There is a finishing phase in decorating, which is the process of adding character and comfort.

Begin by walking through the room with fresh eyes and trying to identify any blank spaces, empty corners, or areas that look unbalanced. Does it feel finished and reflect your style?

No? Then you have more work to do.

What To Do About A Tired Couch:

You can see how I improve the look of a couch where my three kitties run and play. I always cover what I don’t want to see or wish to protect from sharp little claws!

When you add quilts to layer over your couch, you’re not only adding texture and color to a piece of furniture, but also protecting it from wear and tear. Tucking these quilts around and over the couch means there is a three-layered cushion to protect it.

And personally, I like the way it looks. I can change the design style with a different quilt. The look is slightly boho, grannycore chic, and absolutely me!

Though I’ve sewn many quilts, I typically cover my furniture with quilts I’ve purchased. This is because the acquired quilts don’t have the same sentimental value.

A Little Work But Worth It:

Occasionally, I need to straighten or re-tuck the quilts on the couch. I’d rather do that than see it get torn up or have to buy a new one.

I also have the backs of a couple of chairs in the living room covered with a throw and a throw quilt. It gives me peace of mind.

The kitties don’t scratch the furniture, as they have many scratching posts. But kittens will run and play across furniture, and that’s a part of being young and mischievous that I don’t want to attempt to interfere with.

What’s The Next Step?

If you haven’t already done this, consider adding window treatments. Window blinds are suitable for privacy, but fabric curtains can complement and soften the look.

Adding curtains is like adding jewelry to a favorite dress. It gives your windows a finished look and provides some protection from sun glare, heat, and cold.

Once I have curtains hanging over the blinds, the room looks more finished and decorative to me.

Layering with Textiles:

Add throws, pillows, and rugs when styling a room.

Layering textiles when decorating involves combining different fabrics and textures to add depth, visual interest, and a sense of coziness to a space. This technique can transform a room by creating a more inviting and personal atmosphere.

Adding an area rug will anchor the furniture in a room.

3. Personalize with Art and Decor:

To select wall art that complements your room, consider the room’s style, color scheme, and size.

Select art that reflects your personal taste and desired ambiance, and ensure the size and scale of the artwork are suitable for the wall and furniture it will be near. Also, consider the lighting and how it will affect the artwork’s appearance. 

This is where you can add statement pieces to reflect your personality

Add Lighting Layers

The idea is to mix ambient, task, and accent lighting around the room. I prefer table lamps and one or two floor lamps per room, and I add lighting around the room fairly evenly.

If that chair is where you or someone else typically reads, you’ll want to place a good light source there.

Consider sconces and dimmers to set the mood. Use the lighting to highlight your favorite features, such as a cherished painting or a framed photograph.

Style the Surfaces:

Now, it’s time to style the surfaces by decorating the coffee tables, bookshelves, and other furniture. Use trays to corral smaller items. Add books, candles, and plants to finish styling a room.

Your shelves, tables, and mantels shouldn’t be cluttered, but also shouldn’t feel bare.

The Rule of Threes:

Embrace the “rule of threes” while varying the height to draw the eye up, down, and all around. The decorating rule of threes, also known as the rule of odd numbers, is a principle that suggests grouping decorative elements in sets of odd numbers (such as three, five, or seven).

Somehow, odd numbers are more visually appealing and harmonious than even numbers. This concept applies to various aspects of interior design, including furniture placement, color schemes, and accessory arrangements.

Three pieces of artwork create balance and establish a collection, while two pieces are simply a couple. This tip helps when finishing the styling of a room.

Adding Greenery:

In my opinion, there is a place for nature everywhere. Bring in a few plants or fresh flowers to add a splash of color. Use baskets, pots, or planters that suit the style of your room.

Plants are among the most underrated styling tools. When styled with finishing touches, even just one leafy plant can add color and softness to a room.

A houseplant or bouquet brings life to the room.

Reflect and Edit:

Now, stop and live with the room’s styling for a few days and see how it feels. I like to have things a certain way for a day or more to study what works and what doesn’t.

Does it feel balanced? Is something missing?

Rearrange and remove items as needed. Trust your instincts. I do this all the time because finishing a room is a process, not a single moment in time.

Please invite friends and family over, because rooms come alive when they’re lived in. It will never be perfect, but it can be cozy and appealing.

The Art of the Finish: Styling a Room to Feel Complete

Styling is the final, transformative step that turns a room from “almost there” into “this feels like me.” Once the main pieces are in place, add details that breathe personality and life into the space.

Consider adding a piece of driftwood from a favorite trip to a table. You’ll have the memory plus the visual connector to that memory. Maybe you took a trip to the beach and collected lots of seashells. Consider putting them on display to remember that trip every time you see them.

Final Thoughts & Finishing Touches:

Remember, your room should feel collected, not crowded. Finishing a room doesn’t mean filling every inch with something. Styling a room is where color and comfort meet. Style your room slowly and with care. Let the space speak.

You’ll know it’s finished when it makes you feel contented and satisfied every time you walk into this room.