A cosy living room or snug is less about following a look and more about how the space feels at the end of a long day. Below you'll find practical ideas for comfortable seating, beanbags for every age, rugs that soften the floor and lighting that sets a relaxed mood, all suited to busy family homes.
Start with seating you can sink into
The sofa is the heart of any snug, so prioritise depth and softness over formality. A generous sofa invites everyone to pile on together for a film night.
The Comfy Sofa by Seletti, designed by Marcantonio, has oversized, generously filled cushions on a strong frame with slim metal legs. At three metres wide it makes a relaxed centrepiece for a living room or snug, and it comes in White, Turquoise or Charcoal Grey. There is a matching Comfy Armchair if you want a second seat in the same style.
A statement chair can sit alongside for guests or a quiet corner. The Qeeboo Ribbon chairs use a ribbon as the backrest and come in pink, white and black, adding a playful, romantic note to a room that might otherwise be all about comfort.
Beanbags for children and grown-ups
Beanbags are ideal in family spaces because they can be moved, stacked against a wall or dragged in front of the television as needed.
- For children: the Junior Stonewashed Beanbag by Fatboy is the iconic Original in a junior size, for reading, gaming or flopping down. Its stonewashed cotton cover is water and dirt repellent, so a quick wipe deals with most spills.
- For a gentle rock: the Rock n Roll Beanbag Rocking Chair by Fatboy is a frame with firm webbing: put your Fatboy Original on top and you have a giant rocking chair. It is easy to put together and take apart, so it can move between rooms.
- For the garden room or terrace: the Buggle-Up Outdoor Beanbag by Fatboy is an elongated beanbag lengthwise and a lounge sofa for two when turned sideways. Two adjustable straps hold it in position, and its Olefin fabric is UV, water and dirt resistant, which makes it a good choice where a family space opens out onto the garden.
Rugs that soften and add character
A rug makes a room feel warmer instantly and gives children a comfortable spot to play on the floor. It is also a chance to add a little personality.
The Himani Leopard Head Rug Large by Doing Goods is a handmade, friendly-faced leopard head rug that makes a cheerful feature in a snug or playroom. As each one is handcrafted, expect slight variations, which is part of the charm. For more ideas, browse our leopard rugs.
Layered, low lighting
Cosy rooms rely on several soft sources of light rather than one bright ceiling light. Aim for a table or floor lamp near each seat, plus something decorative to glow in a corner.
The Peacock Lamp by Seletti is crafted in intricately detailed resin, with a peacock holding an elegant light. It is dimmable, so you can lower it for evenings in, and it brings a touch of theatre to a living room. Fatboy also has plenty of relaxed, easy-going designs in its lighting range.
Walls and details that feel welcoming
Wallpaper on one or all walls helps a snug feel enclosed and comforting. Pimpernel Wallpaper by Morris & Co was designed by William Morris in 1876, with swirling tendrils bowed as if by the wind. It is available in 13 colourways, from soft Linen/Coral to deep Cobalt/Mineral and Woad, so you can choose between a light, airy feel and a dark, cocooning one.
For a more playful wall, English Equestrian Stamps Wallpaper by Mind The Gap shows horses on the track, in the field and at the stable as a set of postage stamps, with a hand painted feel.
Small touches finish the room. Classics On Acid Tablemats from Diesel Living with Seletti in cork and PVC give traditional florals a surreal twist and protect a coffee table during family snacks. See the full Classics on Acid collection to mix and match.
For more ideas, browse ferm LIVING or visit the shop in Somerset, where the team will be happy to help you plan a living room or snug the whole family will enjoy.
