A beginner's guide to designing an eclectic living room

by Ellen Garcia 01/16/2025

If you have trouble choosing a living room design style, you might consider an eclectic living room. The eclectic style mixes many styles, embracing patterns and hues from a variety of sources.

Rather than cluttered or chaotic, eclectic spaces find the perfect balance of all the pieces to achieve a sophisticated and dramatic aesthetic.

This concept of controlled chaos is what makes eclectic rooms so exciting. However, there are some key elements to include in your design. Here is a short guide to the basics of an eclectic living room:

Combine eras, styles & materials

An eclectic living room allows you to get creative with mixing furniture and decor from a variety of eras and design styles. For example, you can use a contemporary sofa, a boho-chic area rug and a midcentury modern coffee table together in perfect harmony.

Mix patterns & textures

Patterns and textures are important elements of eclectic style, and you should feel free to experiment with different combinations. Try mixing organic and geometric shapes, or repeat the same patterns at different scales.

Incorporate vintage & antique pieces

Vintage and antique furnishings are key to making your living room unique and true to the spirit of the eclectic decorating style. Go for well-worn items with plenty of history to add depth and character to your space.

Add layers

Layering fabrics and even area rugs can further enhance an eclectic living room design. To keep the space inviting and cozy without creating clutter, stick to neutral and earth tones when adding layers.

Keep the layout comfortable & casual

An eclectic living space is warm, inviting and casual. Avoid overly formal furniture arrangements and instead focus on creating comfortable conversation. You can also use nontraditional and casual furniture choices like a pouf or floor pillow instead of a chair.

Have plenty of plants

An ideal eclectic space has plenty of natural elements, including houseplants. Bringing a bit of nature indoors with a few easy-care plants in unique, decorative containers will help to create a lived-in atmosphere and add a pop of green to any color palette.

Find global inspiration

If you love to travel, an eclectic living room is the perfect place to showcase treasures found on your journeys. Incorporate global accents like traditional art, woven baskets and tapestries to cultivate the adventurous spirit of eclectic design.

Are you ready to design your own eclectic living room? Keep these eclectic living room ideas in mind and create a unique and exciting living space to call your own.

About the Author
Author

Ellen Garcia

Ellen Garcia Broker, GRI, SRS, ABR, RSPS, SRES, RENE, MRP, LRS, LSE, LSS, AHWD, e-PROÒ Ellen believes that listening and understanding her clients' needs are the foundation of a successful business partnership. Her knowledge of the many unique communities in Fairfield County is an invaluable asset to clients new to the area, and she is able to help anyone moving to, from or within Fairfield County make an easier transition into a new home and community. For clients who are preparing to sell their homes, Ellen offers her first-hand knowledge of how to leverage the strength of a "brand" in showcasing and marketing their properties. Ellen offers a powerful advantage in bringing her skills and resources to work for her clients. With over 10 years, of full-time experience in the real estate industry, she is well-versed in the Fairfield County real estate market. Ellen has successfully completed: · Over 130 closed sales and rental transactions · Representing a dollar volume of over $65 million Ellen’s people skills lead the way in building a strong network to assist and support her clients in achieving their goals through every step of the real estate process: · Negotiations both local and global · New business development (sales & marketing) · Creative problem solving · Building partnerships · Tapping into Halstead Property’s network of 1100 agents in NYC and Lower Fairfield County Her career in Real Estate has been recognized with many awards including: "Agent of the Year” for Halstead Property Wilton and "Most Closed Sale and Listing Transactions” numerous times. Within Connecticut, Ellen has been recognized over the past several years as a "Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor”. Awards 2016 & 2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR – HALSTEAD WILTON – HIGHEST GROSS SALES 2016 - 2011 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE 5-STAR REALTOR AWARD 2016 - 2013 MOST CLOSED LISTINGS – Wilton Office 2016, 2014 - 2012 MOST CLOSED SALES – Wilton Office 2016, 2015, 2014 HALSTEAD PROPERTY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 2013, 2012 & 2011 HALSTEAD PROPERTY DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL 2014 HALSTEAD – PLATINUM CIRCLE 2016 HALSTEAD - GOLD CIRCEL 2015, 2013 HALSTEAD – SILVER CIRCLE 2007 COUNTRY LIVING ASSOCIATES OUTSTANDING RELOCATION SPECIALIST PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2005, 2006 & 2007). Leading Real Estate Companies of the World PREMIER CLUB – SILVER AWARD FOR REFERRAL ACHIEVEMENT (2006) Sales Associates Recognition Program Professional Associations: · Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) · National Association of Realtors (NAR) · Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) · Connecticut State-wide MLS (CTMLS) · Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors (MFCAR) · Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) · Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) · Seller’s Representative Specialist Council (SRS) · e-PRO Professional Designations: · BROKER · ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) · SRS (Seller’s Representative Specialist) · RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) · GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) · RSPS (Resort and Second Property Specialist) · MRP (Military Relocation Professional) · SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) · LRS (LeadingRE Relocation Specialist) · LSS (LeadingRE Sales Specialist) · LSE (LeadingRE Service Expert) · AHWD (At Home with Diversity: One America) · REALTOR e-PRO · CONNECTICUT TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION