A well-designed family room is the heart of the home. A space where you can bond with family and friends, watch movies, play games and unwind in comfort.
But can you design a family room that is both practical and beautiful? For interior stylist, content creator and mother of three boys Sarah Pickersgill-Brown, the “secret ingredient” is texture. And of course, her two Zaza Sofas.
While having children at home does mean prioritizing durability and functionality, it doesn’t mean foregoing style. Here Sarah shares her expert insights and family room decorating tips and ideas.
1. Dark colors and textures can help cover marks
Choosing darker toned fabrics and textured materials is a great solution to help mask everyday wear and tear in busy family spaces. Shades such as deep blues, charcoals, and earthy neutrals provide a sophisticated look while cleverly disguising stains or imperfections that develop on your furniture covers.
“I am a big fan of texture, and this is a bit of a secret ingredient when managing beautiful homeware and rambunctious busy children! Certain textures can be very forgiving,” Sarah explains. “I prefer earthy shades like tobacco, ochre and pops of fresh blue to mix in with neutrals, oak and white.”
Opting for textured fabrics like bouclé or velvet on sofas and armchairs can disguise minor stains and wear. Matte and marble finishes on tables and cabinets can also help reduce visible smudges and fingerprints.
"Our Costantino island bench can handle all sorts of grubby paw prints without anyone noticing because of its travertine appearance."
2. Choose fabrics that can be removed for cleaning or machine washing
Opting for fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain help to keep your family room looking fresh. Life with kids can get messy, so invest in fabrics and leathers that can handle spills and stains without stress.
“Our tobacco-coloured velvety Zaza Sofa has already had a green fabric marker drawn all over it,” Sarah shared “But it wiped off completely using a baby wipe.”
Performance fabrics, removable covers, and machine-washable materials make all the difference when it comes to maintaining a stylish and functional family living room. To aid with maintenance and longevity, all King Living furniture with fabric or leather features removable covers that can be replaced or removed for cleaning.
Remember that if spills happen, the important thing is to act fast before it soaks in and causes a stain that is harder to remove.
3. Select statement pieces that don't need additional styling
One of the best ideas for family rooms is choosing furniture that stands out on its own without needing extra decorative elements. A beautifully crafted sofa, a sleek coffee table, or a textured accent chair can hold their own without requiring excess styling—perfect for homes with children who love to explore.
Sarah recommends balancing style with practicality, especially when it comes to styling pieces that are regularly used like, coffee tables. "There is no such thing as coffee table styling when the kids are at home!”
While you can choose to follow all the family room decorating tips and ideas, it’s important to balance choosing items you love with factoring in how they will suit family life.
“I try to choose furniture pieces that are family friendly, but ultimately, I still can’t resist choosing certain things even if they’re not particularly practical and just pay a bit more attention to that part of the house when the kids are home.”
4. Choose durable furniture that is designed to last
Invest in well-made, durable furniture that can withstand daily family life. Quality craftsmanship ensures your pieces will last through the years, maintaining both function and style. Solid wood, steel frames, and high-performance fabrics are must-haves when looking for family room furniture ideas.
“I choose quality furniture that is sturdy and robust, so I don’t need to fret about things getting damaged or broken,” Sarah explains. “I also want to avoid fad trends and am particularly drawn to King Living for its timeless style and aesthetic, all the while providing incredible comfort and practicality.”
Understanding how your furniture is made from the inside is a great starting point to being able to identify true quality. With sofas for example, it’s important to check what the frame is made from, as this is the foundation of support. All King Living sofas are crafted with a durable steel frame and backed by a 25-year Steel Frame Warranty for peace of mind.
5. Pay attention to rugs and window dressings
Rugs anchor a space, adding warmth and texture, while window dressings set the mood by controlling natural light. Both of these elements can greatly impact the ambiance of a family room.
"Choosing the right rug and window dressings makes a significant impact on the room’s atmosphere, so it’s important to pay attention to these details," Sarah recommends.
You may wish to consider deep-toned rugs with patterns to minimise the appearance of spills, which are unavoidable with busy-family life.
6. Mark out furniture placement before purchasing
Always ensure your furniture selections fit in your home by mapping out your space before committing to a purchase. While this advice isn’t specific to family room furniture ideas, it’s vital to ensuring your interiors look and feel balanced.
“Mark out the furniture dimensions on the floor to visualise scale and flow,” Sarah advises. “Oversized furniture can overwhelm a room, while pieces that are too small can feel lost.” Proper planning ensures a balanced layout that maximises both function and aesthetics.
With larger furniture, it’s also important to ensure the furniture will fit through your doorways and hallways. If in doubt, you can book an access check with the King Living team for peace of mind.
By following these expert family room decorating tips and ideas, you can create a home that is both stylish and practical. Whether it’s investing in quality furniture, selecting easy-to-maintain fabrics, or incorporating inviting textures, your family room interior design can be a beautiful and functional sanctuary for years to come.
Learn more styling tips from Sarah Pickersgill-Brown on her Instagram or explore more articles:
