The living room is the heart of the home, so if yours is feeling tired or sparse, updating it can make your everyday that much more enjoyable. If you’re looking for modern living room ideas to create a comfortable yet stylish space, there are a number of directions you can go in. From contemporary living rooms to classic mid-century spaces, the term "modern" can encompass quite a lot. While you browse modern living room decorating ideas, consider the sorts of colors, finishes and furniture pieces that would work best in your home.

Classic Modern Living Room Ideas

If you’re looking for classic modern living room design ideas, think sleek surfaces, straight lines and minimalist decor. White, gray, black and brown are all great shades to go with, and you can add in pops of color for visual interest. While you browse modern living room furniture ideas, consider oversized floor lamps, long and slender couches and squared off coffee tables. Overall, to achieve a modern look, you’ll need functional yet chic furniture pieces. To warm up the space, add in a high-pile shag rug. If you’re looking for small modern living room ideas for an apartment, consider wall-mounting your TV or TV console. Round or hexagonal coffee tables can save space, and adding in a large area rug can demarcate the space from the rest of your apartment.

Modern Contemporary Living Room Ideas

If you’re trying to create more of a modern glam living room look, incorporate bold colors and patterns into the space by way of contemporary accent pieces. You might choose a coffee table with gold hardware. In addition, creative light fixtures, lamps and vases can all help you create a modern chic vibe in your living room. Cowhide or sheepskin rugs can add a sense of contemporary style and comfort. Pair these accents with sleek modern furniture, and you’ll nail the look.

Midcentury Modern Living Room Ideas

To incorporate aspects of midcentury style in your modern living room, focus on the classics, like an Eames chair or a triangular coffee table. Rich brown leathers and creamy whites can help you achieve a sophisticated midcentury modern look without going too retro. Colorful abstract art prints or objects can also add character to a modern living room.

Modern Organic Living Room Ideas

If you’ve got a small space, try going for a modern organic living room look. Modern organic rooms emphasize natural materials like wood, make use of browns and whites and often feature plenty of house plants. Lighter and brighter than classic modern style, it’s an ideal look for a small modern living room. While these style rooms are great for letting natural light in, if you live in an apartment, you may also need some added privacy. If you’re in need of some modern living room curtain ideas that won’t look frumpy, just remember to keep it simple. Floor-length white curtains will give the space a breezy feeling while Roman shades will keep the space looking trim and uncluttered.