Decorating Around a Red Sofa

Red furniture, especially a large piece like a couch, is a statement piece in any living room. Choosing paint colors for the walls, accent furniture pieces, and a rug to compliment a red couch is a difficult prospect for novice decorators. Since red is a strong, dynamic color, it works best when paired with softer, warmer accents. Filling the room with natural accent pieces also helps soften the rooms look, making it feel lived in and cozy, rather than a room that's simply a show piece. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Tape off the edges of molding and baseboard with painter's tape. Open the taupe colored paint with a paint can opening tool or a flathead screwdriver. Stir with a painting stir stick. Cover the floor with a plastic drop cloth.

2

Pour a small amount of taupe colored paint into a paint tray. Roll a paint roller through the tray and paint the walls taupe. Allow the paint to dry and apply another coat if necessary. The warm, soft brown provides a compliment to the red sofa.

3

Allow paint to dry for at least 48 hours. Cover the edges of the painted walls with painter's tape. Open and stir the cream-colored paint. Dip a wide angle sash brush into the paint can. Paint all of the trim, moldings, doors, and window frames in a cream tone. Cream will brighten the space but is softer than a bright white trim.

4

Place a sisal rug on the floor. The rug can cover the majority of the floor space or can be small enough to cover the couch and coffee table area.

5

Place an oil-rubbed bronze and glass coffee table in front of the red sofa. This adds a modern look, with a reflective surface without being jarring against the sofa or competing with the relaxed design of the room.

6

Anchor the space with walnut side tables on either side of the couch. Place an oil-rubbed lamp on one table. Place a tall glass cylindrical vase on the either. Fill the vase with a collection of large, sculptural branches.

7

Place several walnut bookshelves against the wall opposite of the red couch. Fill the shelves with a collection of old books. Stack some books horizontally rather than vertically. Add large shells or small, oil-bronzed sculptures to the stacks.

8

Add a shorter, stockier glass vase to the coffee table. Fill the table with an arrangement of cream and red flowers. A piece of driftwood set on the coffee table makes a nice accessory.

9

Use a walnut armoire to hide the TV, stereo equipment, games, DVDs and music collections. Choosing one with a distressed finish compliments the style of this living room.