Creating the comfort zone of your dreams - Your Life - living room

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), March, 2003

Since it is where you and your family do most of their living at home, the living room is perhaps the single-most-important area in your residence. We're not talking about the living room of yore--the hands-off room that, as a child, you weren't allowed to venture into. We're talking about the room where you and your family gather for watching TV and movies, playing games, reading by the fire, or just enjoying being together.

Because it's meant to be lived in, the living room should be inviting, warm, and cozy--your very own comfort zone. At the same time, it's the perfect place for you to express your personal style, and you should be proud to use it and show it off when entertaining guests.

To help ensure you are on the right track in creating the living room of your dreams, the American Furniture Manufacturers Association offers the following guidelines:

Consider your lifestyle. Do you have young children who will be jumping on the sofa or teens who will be bringing their friends over for fun, games, and snacks? Or do you live alone or with a neatness nut who desires a clean, pristine look with white upholstery and glass-topped tables? It is important to think about how the area will be used before deciding what furnishings to buy. Your goal is to create a room that is practical and convenient for everyday living, but one that you love and that you want to share with family and friends.

Develop a buying plan. Knowing how much money you can spend over time will help you prioritize your purchases.

Think first about seating. Start with a sofa or sectional since it will serve as the centerpiece of your room. If you have children and/or pets, you may want to select leather, chenille, or another highly durable cover. A chair and ottoman make a good choice for relaxing, as do recliners.

Choose occasional tables. End tables and cocktail tables can serve as places to rest your feet or set a book or drink down. If there's room, a sofa table is handy for lamps and can display framed family pictures or collectibles.

Stash your electronic gear in an entertainment center. Measure your room and evaluate your audio and video pieces to determine your needs for storing your electronics plus your tapes and CDs, as well as decorative accents.

Get ready to shop. When shopping for upholstered pieces, don't be shy about trying them out, since comfort is key. Sit and lie down on them. Bounce up and down on the cushions to make sure they are soft enough or firm enough.

Look for quality. When checking an upholstered piece, wiggle the arms to see if they hold firm, indicating good workmanship. Lift the frame to see if it feels heavy and sturdy. Examine the fabric. Are the seams straight? Does the fabric line up properly? Does it feel pleasing to the touch? On tables, make sure the legs are sturdy and well-attached, and the finish is smooth and even. On entertainment centers or wall units, examine the front, sides, and back. Check joints to see if they are secure. Lift a corner to make sure the piece feels heavy and sturdy.

Create a safe haven. For fire safety, look for the gold UFAC tag on all upholstered pieces, which indicates that the manufacturer certifies that it is made in accordance with methods designed by the Upholstered Furniture Action Council to reduce the likelihood of upholstered furniture fires.

Add finishing touches of lighting and decorative accessories. Lamps are a must for a comfortable living room. They will provide light for reading and other tasks as well as contribute to the cozy ambience. Pillows and a decorative throw on the sofa not only look great, but will help make your space even more cozy and inviting. Area rugs will add color and character, as will wall decor.