20 Stunning Great Room Ideas to Make the Most of Your Space

Embrace Historic Roots

Just because a great room is undeniably the most versatile room of the house doesn't mean it has to be devoid of personality. Instead, use this space to pay tribute to its historic roots.

"The client took part of a Vermont home from the 1800s and integrated it with a new structure," designer Christina Kim says. "Though I was not involved in the renovation part of this project, its rich history was always top of mind and we didn't want to lose that."

Style Separately

Want to create well-defined areas within your great room? The magic lies in how you style it. In this space, Leslie of Deeply Southern Home added two rugs to create the illusion of a designated dining and living space. Rounding out the look are two modern chandeliers, which conveniently hang right over the each area.

Experiment With Texture

Looking to up your great room's cozy factor? Experiment with different textiles. In this great room, designer Jenn Pablo juxtaposed soft cloths with distressed wood and rattan. Since she stuck with a neutral color palette, the space is bursting with charm without feeling over-the-top.

Layer Up

Speaking of rugs, why not layer them up as Leah O'Connell did in this space? The larger rug covers plenty of ground, while the top layer gives this great room a more grounded vibe.

Add a Gallery Wall

The great room is arguably the most-frequented area of any home, so why not beautify it with some great art?

"My DIY accent wall transformed our room from a big white rectangle to a cozy room for movies and board games," designer Kristin Dion shares. "I chose budget-friendly art to create a gallery wall and finished it off with two sconces I found on Amazon for $40."

Grab a Surplus of Seats

Why settle for one sitting area when you can have a few in your great room? We love how West coast-based design firm Massucco Warner added several couches, armchairs, and ottomans to this airy space. Whether you want to participate in family game night or have an intimate conversation in the corner, there's room for everyone_literally.

Add a Pop of Color

As this great room from New York-based designer Alexander Doherty proves, you can refresh your space without undergoing a pricey renovation. Sometimes, it can be as easy as adding a bold pop of color. The chartreuse coffee table breathes a new life into this neutral area. Speaking of which, here are more ways to decorate with the sunny shade.

Paint Your Walls

Want to turn your great room into a "wow" factor? Paint your space a bright hue. White might be the go-to shade for most open-concept layouts, but this blue room by Doherty is making us want to explore the rest of the color wheel.

Offset Your Screen

We don't know who needs to hear this, but your television should not be the focal point of your great room. Instead, schooch your screen one side of the space, opening up the are rest of the area for face-to-face interactions. Let this space from Maite Granda show you how it's done.

Fill Up Empty Space

When a great room is so big, it can feel a little awkward to leave a big chunk of space bare. So, why not maximize your square footage with a table and some chairs?

Though this home has a formal dining room, Canadian designer Reena Sotropa added this second set and made the great room feel more welcoming in the process. And, let's be honest: it's likely this is where her clients gather for family meals, Zoom calls, and homework help.

Break it Up With a Barrier

A great room might be one, large space, but you can always break it up into smaller areas. Designer Monica Wilcox used a fireplace to create the illusion of separate spaces here, but you can always achieve the same look with a room divider or bookshelf.

Section it Off

Or, if bookshelves and room dividers aren't your thing, create the illusion of a separate space with a sectional. Let this chill great room from Etch Design Group show you how it's done.

Create Contrast

What's black, white, and ridiculously chic all over? This great room by Karen B Wolf. This high-contrast duo is a timeless color palette that packs on the drama. To keep this space from feeling cold and sterile, the New Jersey-based designer added subtle patterns and brass accents.

Make a Statement with Symmetry

Consider a symmetrical layout the design equivalent to ASMR. In this gigantic great room, Wolf split the space with coordinating sofas, console tables, and blankets. Rounding out the space is colorful pillows and a book-clad coffee table, which gives an orderly layout a quirky edge.

Pack on the Personality

Since the great room is where you spend most of your waking hours, shouldn't it be a reflection of your personality? Here, Sarah Fultz decked out the built-ins with framed pictures, tomes, and family trinkets.

Seal the Deal With Storage

In case you didn't get the memo, a great room should have a lot more to offer than good looks. Fortunately, designer Katie Martinez bridged the gap between form and function by adding these sleek floating shelves. The assortment of books and chopped firewood gives this great room a cozy touch.

Play With Patterns

Want to embrace your bold side? Mix and match patterns, just like Erin Williamson did in this space. Here, the designer offset a vintage Turkish kilim with zesty throw pillows. The white walls and neutral furniture keep the space from veering into kitschy territory.

Work Those Angles

If you want to make your large great room feel a little cozier, consider moving your furniture. In this posh penthouse, San Francisco-based designer Kendall Wilkinson angled the sofas and armchairs facing each other to create an intimate conversation nook.

Light Up the Room

Most design enthusiasts know that lighting, or lack thereof, can make or break a room's vibe. But, physical light fixtures are just as important—especially in a great room.

Don't believe us? Just take a look at this space by Pure Salt Interiors. Not only does the varying pendants break up the open space, but it also draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of high ceilings.

Make Room for Fun

Just because a great room is the hardest working room in the entire house doesn't mean it has to be all because. Take a cue from designer Rebecca Rollins, who added a well-appointed pool table to this open space. Let the games begin!