The living room is usually where you welcome visitors into your home. As such, it’s imperative for this room to make a lasting impression on your guests. Here are some things you can do to make this room cozier and more welcoming for both your family and your visiting loved ones.

Use natural light.

Are your living room’s window curtains always drawn shut? If you want to make your room more inviting, you better do something about that. Few things are quite as welcoming as morning sunlight spilling into a room with wide windows. Throw those curtains open, and let the light in!

Add throw pillows, cushions, and blankets.

These accents add an element of softness to your living room, tempting people to take a break from their on-the-go lives and make themselves as comfortable as possible. Because really, few things are as relaxing as snuggling on the couch, a glass of wine nearby, to watch your favorite TV show or read your favorite book. Speaking of books…

Install a bookshelf.

Books—ones you’ve actually read, not pretty ones for display—give off a comforting ambiance. An interesting title invites the reader to pick it up, leaf through it, and linger while reading a few pages. If you have a large collection of novels, consider making the living room their home.

Personalize with family pictures.

Give your living room a warm, personal touch by displaying your favorite portraits! Aside from your printed picture frames and artwork, you can have a few Nixplay Digital Photo Frames around the room to put your family’s stamp on your home, truly making it yours. As a bonus, Nixplay Frames can display up to 2,000 photos per playlist, letting you showcase all of your favorite memories without having to switch printed photos out.

Use a light, warm color palette.

Warm brown and cream shades can make a living room—or any room, for that matter—a lot more welcoming. Feeling a bit brave? Use punchier colors like orange and yellow to accent the room. A cream couch with sunflower yellow pillows sounds inviting, don’t you think?

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.