How to Make a Formal Living Room More Usable (7 Ideas)

Formal livings used to be status symbols. The rooms replaced front parlors, but the purpose remained the same. It’s where you receive guests and showcase your expensive furniture. Over the years, formal living rooms have become unused spaces in the house. So, what do you do with the room? That’s what we’re going to talk about in this article. Here’s some ideas for how to make a formal living room more usable.

How to make a formal living room more usable – 7 ideas

Not sure what to do with your formal living room? Here are 7 tips that will help you get the most from the space.

1. Knock Down a Wall

Open floor plans are popular with homeowners. You get more light and space, especially in small dark rooms. The sense of flow in the house is also improved. Some walls you can knock down without hiring an expert. However, if it’s a load-bearing wall, you need to contact a structural engineer. You don’t want the roof to come down when you’re expanding your space.

Depending on what’s on the other side of the wall, you can expand your family room or dining area. Some living rooms are only separated from the kitchen by a non-load-bearing wall. You can finally have a large kitchen, with plenty of room for a table and breakfast bar.

Sometimes, you can’t take out the entire wall. You can still incorporate your formal living space into another room by creating a large arch. It’s also a good way to modernize the space, while still keeping it separate if you have other ideas for the room’s use.

2. Turn the Space Into a Library

Reading is a favorite pastime for many homeowners. It’s also not easy to find a quiet place to curl up with a book. Turning your formal living room into a chic and cozy library is one way you can use the space.

It doesn’t take a lot to change the room into a library. Chances are you have books stacked up around the house. You’ll also need a comfy chair and couch, along with plenty of reading lamps. The other items you need are bookcases, and you’ll find shelves to fit any style.

Whether you prefer a mix of antique and industrial or chic wooden bookcases, you won’t have any problems finding shelves that fit your unique sense of style.

3. Have a Home Bar

If you’ve always wanted a bar in your home, take a look at your unused living room. It’s not cheap to install a bar, especially if you want a functioning sink. There’s also electrical usage for beverage coolers to consider, along with the costs associated with hiring workmen. Installing a home bar in your living room isn’t usually a DIY project.

There are benefits to having a home bar. You have a place for family and friends to gather on game days. Add a dartboard and pool table, along with a TV, and you have a combined bar and game room.

4. Create a Home Office Space

With more people working from home, it makes sense to turn a seldom-used room into an office. Even if you have a traditional office, you may still bring work home after hours. Instead of trying to find a quiet corner to work in, why not take over the living room?

It doesn’t take much to convert a formal sitting area into an office. Depending on the furniture style in the room, you may not have to replace the chairs or couch. Most living rooms boast large windows, so light isn’t a problem. You can also add some inexpensive desk and floor lamps for nighttime work.

You will need a desk, and it’s not hard to find the perfect one. Whether you’re looking for traditional wood with plenty of drawers or a standing one to improve posture, you can find several models at affordable prices. You can even choose an L-shaped desk. You’ll have plenty of room for your work without taking up a lot of space.

5. Give Your Kids a Playroom

Any parent knows that it’s pointless trying to keep up with their kids’ toys. Even one toddler can leave a trail of toys around the house. Creating a playroom is one way you can keep everyone happy. Children have a place to play and you don’t have to worry about tripping over toys left lying around.

The hardest part in converting your formal living room into a playroom is dealing with the furniture. You want to remove the couches, tables, and chairs to make room for your kids’ stuff. A large colorful rug and kid-friendly tables and chairs is a start. You might also want to throw down a couple of bean bag chairs.

Bookcases and toy boxes help keep everything contained. You also want to consider the walls. If your kids are old enough, let them pick out some of the prints. Adding an inexpensive chalkboard is another great idea for the room.

6. Exercise Room or Yoga Studio

Your formal living room has the space to become a home exercise room/yoga studio. You don’t even need to go out and buy expensive exercise equipment. Yoga mats are inexpensive and there’s no shortage of styles. Add in an exercise ball, a step, and some free weights and you have a personal workout room at home.

If you have an exercise bike in the bedroom that has turned into a clothing rack. Now you have the space to store and use it. Hang some motivational artwork to keep you inspired to meet your fitness goals. A few houseplants add a touch of greenery and brighten up the room.

7. Swap Out the Furniture

Some people want to have a formal living room. The only problem the space is too formal for comfort. Something as simple as updating the furniture will transform the room. Try mixing and matching different pieces. Add in an industrial-style table with an antique shelf. Giving the space a fresh, updated look will make you want to use your formal living room again.

Conclusion

Your formal living room doesn’t have to be wasted space. There are several things you can do with the room. Use your imagination, consider what your home needs, and don’t be afraid to get inspiration from other sources.