9 Living Room Trends That Will Define 2026—and How to Use Them at Home

In 2026, designers will go big with living room décor. Minimalism is slowly exiting the scene, and more and more of us have been bitten by the maximalist bug. These new spaces feel curated, sumptuous, and perfect for relaxing—whether it's a cup of tea with a good book, or an evening cocktail with a friend.

However, diving into color and pattern can feel daunting for some, even as current trends move in that direction. To help guide you, we spoke with interior designers about how they're interpreting these bold décor elements.

Big, Saturated Color

Color drenching has been trending for the last few years; in 2026, the design world is going to embrace it further with a more vivid palette. If you're mulling a neutral color for your walls, try picking a bold hue instead.

"Dramatic blues especially—think deep indigos and electric cobalts—are being used on everything from walls and cabinetry to furniture," says Jessica Shaw, interior design director with The Turrett Collaborative.

Patterned Upholstery

Next year, designers will opt for more eclectic patterned upholstery. The look resembles the floral Laura Ashley sofas of the 1990s, or the geometric designs of the 1970s, but in a fresher, more playful style.

"Large-scale, upholstered pieces like sofas are showing up with more pattern, setting the tone and foundation for the living room's color palette and aesthetic," says Dusti Jones, founder and principal interior designer at Dusti J Design.

Vintage Collections

Vintage and antiques will continue to be popular 2026, and they lend themselves perfectly to homes that feel maximalist and personal. "Items that remind people of a nostalgic past, or visiting a family member or a friend, will be sought after," says Jones. "Look for furniture pieces, artwork, accessories, and lighting that are one-of-a-kind."

These secondhand finds also lend themselves to styling and décor that doesn't feel too perfect. "We’re seeing living rooms shift from sleek, minimalist cabinetry to bookcases and niches that look inherited," says Brieanna Cunningham, a project manager at C&C Partners.

Inviting, Conversational Layouts

Homes are meant to be enjoyed, and inviting friends and family to gather adds warmth and life into a space. This approach will be an even bigger priority next year. "Look for layouts with seating that faces each other, which encourages connection and relationships," says Jones.

Rosa Santiago Zimmerman, designer and general contractor at RSZ Design + Development, adds that there's now an emphasis on creating a parlor environment, rather than a formal living room.

"The parlors I'm creating are where life happens," says Zimmerman. "Think plush swivel chairs that cradle you and lighting that feels like art—maybe there's a bar cart for a Friday night gathering."

Mixed Furniture

It's time to bid adieu to furniture that's trying to match, rather than complement. "It's the year that people really embrace the mix," says Cheryl Stauffer, founder and principal at Crimson Design Group. "Different shapes, different scales, different fabrics—it all brings so much life to a living room."

The mix can span eras, styles, and materials. There's no reason that a modern sofa can't sit next to a traditional chair. "You get all this character, all this contrast, and it feels like a space that grew naturally, instead of being bought in one weekend," says Stauffer.

Curvy Lines

Curvy, sumptuous furniture is back. From kidney bean-shaped sofas to bubble-inspired chairs, this throwback look adds to the conversation-forward layouts that designers are prioritizing in 2026. "Soft, round corners on chairs and ottomans are really having a moment right now," says Nicole Roby, owner and lead designer of Nicole Roby Designs. "It adds a softer, more cozy look."

Dark Wood Furniture

Put down the paintbrush, and embrace natural wood. Deeper finishes are now ready for the spotlight—and they can stand up to the bold, maximalist look. "Darker, heartier woods are being used again," says Roby. "Mahoganies, walnuts, cherries, and ebonies add an extra layer of warmth that so many clients want right now."

Oversized Cocktail Ottomans

Next year, rather than a wood or glass coffee table, choose a cocktail ottoman. "Clients are craving comfort-driven layouts—[it] breaks up the expected coffee table silhouette, introduces soft texture at the room's center, and supports more flexible seating arrangements," says Ryan Mills, interior designer with Mark Kennamer Design.

Mills suggests looking for ottomans in mohair or other durable fabrics. These will stand up to wear and tear.

Built-In Details

The best way to create a beautifully styled, maximalist space? Start with an interesting base. A space should be just as striking without anything in it, and that means focusing on built-in elements. "Millwork, wainscotting, precast mantles, in-wall niches—these are the details that give rooms and homes character," says Cunningham. "The architecture is doing the heavy lifting."