How to Furnish a Den

Co-authored by Taya Wright, NAPO, RESA

Last Updated: February 10, 2021

A den should be the perfect place to relax, but what works for your neighbor may not work for you. Pick a color scheme and furniture style that you find comfortable. As you arrange the furniture, think about how the space will be used by each person in the house.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Furnishing a Den

1
Choose a color scheme. It's your den, so choose colors that make you relaxed. Keep in mind that dark walls make a room look smaller, which may make a small den feel cramped. A large den, on the other hand, might benefit from the coziness of dark wall paint.
- If you're not sure what to choose, go with a neutral color for the wall paint. Cream, light gray, or light brown are unobjectionable and work with most furniture.
- If the walls are already painted and you're not sure which colors they go with, get white or light-colored furniture. You can easily add color later with cushions and throws.
- Bright, fluorescent colors are harsh on the eye, especially reds, oranges, and yellows. Even in a bright, high-energy den, keep these to pillows and throw rugs, not entire walls and couches.
2
Divide the room with rugs. If you have a large, open plan den, start by deciding how to divide it. One easy way to do this is to lay down one rug for each area of the den. For instance, lay down one rug where couches will surround it, and another where the game table will go.
- Thick, plush rugs make the den more comfortable and luxurious.^{[1]
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Each room or area of a room should have a focal point to design around. For a den, this is usually a television or fireplace. If you don't have any large objects like this, choose a wall and make it stand apart with a different color, heavy curtains, or large wall art.
Arrange seating so it faces the focal point, but place it in a semi-circle or rectangle to encourage conversation. L-shaped couches work great here. Provide coffee tables or side tables within reach of each seat.
Assuming there's room, keep a couple comfortable chairs or a small couch arranged away from the focal point, for people who prefer solitary activities such as reading.
You might need a television, bookcase, or gaming table, depending on what you use the den for. For extra fun, install a movie projector or a minibar.
Place a lamp about every ten feet (3 meters) throughout the den, or next to any reading seats. Keep the overhead lighting warm, and consider installing a dimmer switch. Harsh overhead lighting kills any sense of comfort.
8
Finish with additional decor. To add more color and coziness to the room, add pillows and decorative objects. Decorative glass jars, candles, and flowers are all good ways to add color. For a more austere look, go with a small number of objects all in the same shade.
- Decorate the walls as well. Wall hangings, paintings, or photographs add character to the room.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Example Dens

1
Furnish a classy den. For a sophisticated place to relax, use rich, warm wood tones. Arrange a bookcase, a brown leather couch, and a dark wood side table over a thick plush rug. Install a dimmer switch and a great speaker system for a movie theater effect.
- If the result looks gloomy or harsh, hang patterned curtains along one wall, or add a solid color throw rug in front of the couch.
Even a den with a more masculine design needs a little shine and lightness. Keep the thick rug and soft couch, but add a glass and metal coffee table. Keep a minibar underneath a thin, tall legged side table, and hang metal wall art as a focal point.
Position enough seats for the whole family, in a circle around a fireplace or television. Include activities for everyone: games, books, television, and music. Make the space a little warmer with light-colored throws over the couch, and a bookshelf with decorative knickknacks between the books.

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What should I put in a den?

Taya Wright, NAPO, RESA
Professional Home Stager & Organizer
Taya Wright is a Professional Home Stager & Organizer and the Founder of Just Organized by Taya, a BBB Accredited Home Styling Company based in Houston, Texas. Taya has over eight years of home staging and decorating experience. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and a member of the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA). Within RESA, she is the current RESA Houston chapter president. She is a graduate of the Home Staging Diva® Business program.

Taya Wright, NAPO, RESA

Professional Home Stager & Organizer

Expert Answer

Putting a high pile rug that's thick and soft can make your den feel really cozy.

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If you're building the den from the ground up, hardwood floors are one of the most attractive options. For less expensive alternatives, you can mimic a hardwood floor with the right laminate or linoleum floor.

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Use curtains instead of blinds.

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