HOW TO STYLE AN OLDER BROWN COUCH

Do you have an older brown couch and want it to look great? Maybe you are like me and you have a brown couch AND a brown coffee table that has seen better days. We have younger kids and a dog so I don’t want to get rid of the leather couch and I definitely don’t want to spend any money right now on a new coffee table. Everywhere you look on Pinterest and Instagram are beautiful living rooms with white furniture and lighter colors and my brown couch doesn’t seem to be in style and neither is my coffee table! We all know that white couches with kids and pets are difficult to maintain, but here are some tips on how to style an older brown couch so that it looks trendy and brings your living room back to life again!

Tip #1: Add a white or light-colored throw

Adding a neutral lighter-colored throw will help make the couch look more modern and also coordinate well with other lighter items in your living room. There are so many great options on the market for throws and they are functional too. In the summer, I use lighter weight throw blankets and in the fall I switch it out with heavier weight blankets to keep us all warm and snug. Our kids love to sit on the couch wrapped up in a blanket on colder days. A throw with some texture is great too and will give the couch more interest.

Tip #2: Add pillows to style your brown couch

How many times have you seen beautiful pillows on a couch? It’s amazing how such small details can pull your whole living room together. Pillows don’t have to be expensive as there are so many choices. You’ll likely need two sets of pillows for a larger sofa (or just use one if there’s not much space). Remember to buy lighter colored pillow covers so that it lightens up the brown couch. In this picture, I used a white pillow cover with a hydrangea motif that is eye-catching and gives the couch a more airy feel.

Tip # 3: Add flowers to your space

This is a great way to make your living room look amazing. It also focuses the eye away from the brown couch and servers as a focal point in the space. Flowers don’t have to be fresh as they come in many different options – I’ve seen people use fake flowers, silk flowers, and plants for their coffee table arrangements! Do you like the idea of using real plants instead of just faux? Consider using lighter-colored flowers or plants that pair well with your cushions and throw. This will serve to lighten up your space even more. In the spring/summer, I love adding fresh flowers from my garden or purchasing them at the market for my arrangements. For winter months, try using fake flowers or dried arrangements that will last longer without having to water them every day! Creating floral vignettes is a great way to use fewer flowers but have maximum impact. You may enjoy our free flower arranging ebook for helpful hints on how to arrange seasonal flowers.

Tip #4: Style your coffee table

Styling your coffee table will make your living room look even better. Pay attention to the colors you plan to add to your coffee table. The easiest way to lighten up the space and draw the eye is to add some white magazines or books. Place them strategically on top of an end table with other items (like books) so that there’s not too much clutter around your brown couch. This will help add interest, color, and give it that “pop” we all want! Objects collected from travels or your favorite decor pieces could also make a statement on your coffee table.

Tip #5: Change your rug

How many times have you seen a beautiful living room with an old, worn-out rug? Sometimes it’s the best idea to simply change up the rug in order to freshen things up. You’ll likely want something lighter so again remember those patterns! I love lighther beige or sand-colored rugs that go well with our brown couch as it adds just enough pattern but doesn’t take away from what is already there. It’s easy to change out an old rug and bring new life to your space.

Helpful Links

At Sara and Effie, believe in helping you add beauty to your day by creating spaces that lift up your spirits. We have several wonderful products available in our store each month to help you achieve these goals. Our store is online for a limited time each month as we bring curated product selections to help you embrace beauty in your daily life. Click here to access our store. Follow our blog on both Pinterest and Instagram for more styling tips and pin these images to your Pinterest board so you have it for future reference. We’d love to see how you style your brown couch so please tag us on Instagram!