Having a boring and bland couch can really bring down the look of your living room. Even if you have beautiful decor elsewhere, a drab couch sticks out like a sore thumb. The good news is there are plenty of easy and affordable ways to dress up a boring couch!
Add Throw Pillows
One of the easiest ways to inject life into a boring couch is to add some colorful and patterned throw pillows. Go for a variety of different shapes, sizes, colors and patterns to create visual interest. Try mixing solids with prints and textures too. Just make sure to choose pillows that complement your existing decor. Arrange the pillows in an alternating pattern rather than just lining them up. Try using between 5-10 pillows on a standard sized couch. Place some pillows upright against the armrests and scatter others horizontally along the back and seat. Remember to fluff the pillows regularly to keep your couch looking fresh.
Throw Pillow Tips
- Choose a variety of colors and patterns
- Mix solids with prints and textures
- Complement existing decor
- Use 5-10 pillows on a standard sized couch
- Arrange pillows alternating rather than lined up
- Fluff pillows regularly
Layer Throws and Blankets
Layering your couch with cozy throws and blankets is another easy way to make it look more inviting and dressed up. Choose throws and blankets made from natural materials like wool, cashmere, alpaca and cotton in colors and patterns that match your existing decor. Drape them over the back and arms of your couch. You can also fold one horizontally across the back as a runner. For the seat, loosely fold a throw into thirds and drape it across the length of the couch. The layered look instantly makes it feel more warm, inviting and cozy. Rotate your throws and blankets seasonally to keep your couch looking fresh.
Throw and Blanket Tips
- Use natural materials like wool, cashmere, alpaca, cotton
- Choose colors/patterns to match existing decor
- Drape over back and arms of couch
- Fold as runner across back
- Loosely fold into thirds and drape over seat
- Rotate seasonally
Add Accent Tables
Flanking your couch with accent tables is a great way to make it feel more styled and finished. Try placing a pair of matching side tables on either end. Or do mixed heights and styles for visual interest. Round, square, rectangular or oval shaped tables will all work. Just make sure to leave about 12-18 inches of space between the couch and each table. Style the tables with lamps, books, trays, flowers or other decor. You can also place a larger coffee table in front of the couch. Choose one that’s about 2/3 the length of your couch. An accent table behind the couch is another option. Use it to display decor or even as a space for a floor lamp. The tables provide surfaces to style and anchor the couch.
Accent Table Tips
- Flank couch with matching side tables
- Or use mixed heights/styles for interest
- Leave 12-18 inches between couch and tables
- Style with decor – lamps, trays, books, etc
- Coffee table 2/3 length of couch in front
- Console table behind couch for decor
- Anchor and style the couch
Update With Slipcovers
An easy way to instantly transform your couch is with a stylish slipcover. Choose one in a color, print or texture that complements your existing decor. Solid colors or subtle patterns tend to work best for slipcovers. Make sure to get one that’s specifically sized for your couch. For help, check the dimensions against your furniture or look for slipcovers that list dimensions they are made to fit. Slipcovers come in washable fabrics so you can easily remove and clean as needed. Change them seasonally or swap out prints/colors when you want an update.
Slipcover Tips
- Choose solid colors or subtle patterns
- Make sure it’s the right size for your couch
- Washable fabrics
- Change for seasonal updates
Add Skirts and Legs
For couches that sit directly on the floor, adding a skirt around the base instantly gives the illusion that your couch is floating. It also hides anything underneath. Choose a skirt in a pattern and length that complements the couch and your decor. If your couch already has visible legs, you can still disguise them with leg covers. Wrap them around each leg for a quick update. Choose colors and fabrics like cotton, velvet or linen that tie into your decor. If you have a sectional, use one continuous cover wrapped all the way around the base.
Skirts and Legs Tips
- Skirts give floating illusion
- Hide under-couch space
- Choose length and pattern to complement
- Leg covers disguise visible legs
- Wrap around each leg
- Use matching fabrics
- Continuous cover for sectionals
Incorporate Greenery
Placing potted plants and fresh flowers around your couch instantly livens up the look. Greenery brings life and a natural element to spaces. Choose low maintenance houseplants that suit your lighting conditions. Snake plants, pothos ivy, ZZ plants and philodendrons are great options for low light areas. Ferns and succulents can handle brighter spaces. Place a few small plants on your accent tables. Hang trailing ivy or floating shelves with plants above your couch. Set a larger floor plant in one corner. Cut flowers in vases also add freshness. Rotate what’s in bloom seasonally for an ever-changing look.
Greenery Tips
- Plants and flowers bring life
- Low maintenance houseplants
- Snake, ivy, ZZ, philodendrons for low light
- Ferns, succulents for bright light
- Small plants on accent tables
- Hanging ivy or floating shelves
- Floor plants in corners
- Fresh cut flowers in vases
- Rotate blooms seasonally
Incorporate Color
Color is an easy way to dress up a boring couch. If your couch is a neutral solid, brighten it up with bold and colorful decor. Choose accent pillows and blankets in complementary colors like shades of blue, green and yellow. Look at painted canvases, ceramic pieces, glassware and trays in bright colors. You can also hang tapestries or macrame wall hangings above your couch for a splash of color. For patterned couches, stick to solid colored accessories in similar color families. The bold contrast adds vibrancy and visual appeal.
Color Tips
- Bold colors if couch is neutral
- Pillows, blankets, accessories in complements
- Paintings, ceramics, glassware, trays
- Wall hangings add color
- Solid accessories for patterned couches
- Color contrast creates vibrancy
Layer Rugs
Layering rugs is a great way to anchor your couch while adding color, texture and warmth. Use an area rug a few inches wider than your couch as the base. Then layer a few smaller rugs on top. Choose rugs that complement each other and your decor. Mix similar color palettes and patterns or contrast them for visual interest. Natural fiber rugs with texture like jute, wool and cotton work best. Avoid rugs with thick carpet padding underneath. The layered rugs create a cozy seating area and define the space.
Rug Tips
- Anchor and define seating space
- Base rug wider than couch
- Layer 2-3 smaller rugs on top
- Complementary colors and patterns
- Natural fibers like jute, wool, cotton
- No thick carpet padding
Use Furniture Covers
For couches that are worn or damaged beyond quick fixes, furniture covers come in handy. They act as an affordable alternative to reupholstering or buying new furniture. Choose a cover made from soft, durable fabric with a color and pattern that fits your decor goals. Solid colors make good versatile options. Measure your couch carefully for a custom fit. Many covers have elastic edging to hold them in place. Use velcro or ties to further secure them. You can find covers specifically made for sectionals too. Change them seasonally or whenever you need an update.
Furniture Cover Tips
- Affordable update for worn couches
- Soft, durable fabrics
- Custom fit to measurements
- Elastic edging, velcro, ties to secure
- Options for sectionals
- Change seasonally
Hide With Baskets
Large decorative baskets are a pretty way to hide anything you want to tuck away. They can be used underneath, behind and alongside couches effortlessly. Choose woven baskets, cloth bins or rattan hampers in colors and textures that blend into your space. Use them to store extra blankets, pillows, books, toys and remotes. The baskets keep clutter out of sight while complementing your decor. Just be sure to regularly tidy the contents so they don’t become messy themselves. When styled properly, baskets create the illusion of an intentionally decorated space.
Basket Tips
- Woven, cloth and rattan baskets
- Hide behind/underneath/alongside couch
- Use to store blankets, pillows, books, toys
- Keep contents tidy
- Create illusion of decorated space
Conclusion
Dressing up a tired and boring couch is easy to do on any budget. A few new throw pillows, blankets and accent tables can instantly breathe life into the space. For more impact, don’t be afraid to layer on color, texture, patterns and greenery too. Simple updates like slipcovers, leg covers and skirts also go a long way. And don’t forget the power of strategic organization using bins and baskets. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform any boring couch into a showstopping focal point.