to brighten up your living room

While you ideally want your home’s decor to remain timeless throughout each season, a few summer living room ideas could be used to breathe new life into the space and bring a brighter, airier layout.

By now, you’ve probably already embarked on a summer wardrobe makeover to feel summer-ready, but it can be a little more challenging with summer decorating ideas for your home. Sure, a good spring cleaning works wonders, but with these small, thoughtful changes, you can ensure that your living room ideas will be fresh and rejuvenated just in time for summer.

Whether you have a small living room or a large living room, these summer living room decorating ideas can be adapted to any style and space. Here are five easy, expert-approved seasonal swaps to help you create a more cheerful, welcoming environment that reflects the joy of summer.

Summer Living Room Ideas

summer living room with curated door vignette and floral wallpaper

(Image credit: Carley Summers)

Summer living room makeovers don’t have to be big or expensive. Simple changes, like adding more colorful throw pillows or incorporating fresh greenery, can instantly upgrade the vibe of your living space with minimal effort. We asked interior design experts to share their favorite ways to welcome summer into the living room.

1. Introduce a splash of happy color

summer living room with blue printed sofa

(Image credit: Vaughan Design & Development / Photography Chris Snook)

Choosing just one accent piece, like a colorful armchair or a vibrant rug, can instantly transform the feel of your space. Color has a profound impact on our mood and energy levels, so incorporating a bright, cheerful hue like sunny yellow, verdant green, or sky blue can give your living room a completely different feel.

“Add sunny accents to your space,” suggests interior designer Abbie Naber of A.Naber Design. “We’re incorporating a lot of yellow tones into living spaces to brighten them up and add a summery, playful vibe.” The goal is to make your living room a sunny retreat, a place where you can relax and enjoy the long days.

Holly Vaughan, interior designer and founder of Vaughan Design & Development, suggests, “Opting for a lighter, brighter fabric on a focal piece will create a sunny backdrop for your living room,” like the blue sofa seen above. “Then, as the seasons change, you can decorate your space with upholstery that reflects what’s happening outside.”

2. Bring in natural textures

Coastal cabin style living room with wood burning fireplace and woven rug

(Image credit: Neptune)

Natural textures have an organic, tactile quality that’s perfect for creating a relaxed, serene summer vibe. Pieces like woven rugs, sheer window decor ideas, and rattan light fixtures can add depth and warmth to your space, creating a connection with the outdoors.

“I love the look of woven materials like rattan, ricker, cane, and seagrass for summer if you’re looking to make seasonal swaps,” suggests interior designer Kathy Kuo. “Many natural woven materials are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and they also tend to be very lightweight, making them easy to mix, match, and move around as needed. Instant coastal chic and perfect for summer.”

When summer rolls around, you want to embrace a lighter, airier aesthetic. Swapping out heavy fabrics and dark hues for lightweight, breathable materials can completely change the feel of a room. Opt for neutral or pastel hues to enhance the airiness of your space and complement your other summer decor elements.

Lina Sheer Curtain Panel by Sunbrella

Sunbrella Lina Sheer Curtain

Erin Gates by Momeni Orchard Ripple Handwoven Wool and Jute Natural Area Rug

Hand-woven Orchard Ripple natural wool and jute rug from Erin Gates by Momeni

Net table lamp

3. Refresh your decorative cushions

vintage style living room with conservatory and patterned cushions and accent chair

(Photo credit: Carley Summers)

Cushions are one of the easiest elements to renew throughout the seasons. They can change the feel of a room without requiring a major investment. Replacing your existing cushions with new covers with lighter fabrics, brighter colors or invigorating prints can be done in an instant.

“I always like to switch out my couch cushions for the summer season,” Kathy continues. “I put away my cozy cashmere and faux fur pillows and pull out my cotton and linen pillows.” Cotton, linen, and lightweight blends are great choices because they’re breathable and comfortable, perfect for the warmer months.

Additionally, consider a mix of nature-inspired designs, such as floral, botanical, or coastal designs. “I also love the idea of adding a vase of fresh summer flowers or greenery to my living room to bring the outside in,” adds Kathy.

RHODE Toulon striped cushion cover

Imogen cushion cover

yellow anthro cushions

4. Take the time to declutter the excess decoration

veranda living room with a blue sofa and large windows

(Photo credit: Alexandra Kaehler / Photography Aimée Mazzenga)

“In the summer, I like to declutter—less stuff, more comfort is always my goal in warm weather,” suggests Heather of Heather Peterson Design. And it makes perfect sense. In the summer, you may want to consider simplifying your environment, as a clutter-free space is sure to promote a sense of calm and clarity.

“When you’re doing things like swapping out summer textiles (a lightweight throw for a heavy winter option), also consider removing or lightening your art,” she suggests. “I’ve also been known to lay down a room-sized sisal or jute rug and layer a patterned wool one only when the season calls for it.”

Taking a minimalist approach not only makes your space more open and welcoming, it also reduces visual noise, allowing you to enjoy the warm weather with a clear mind. Once you’ve eliminated the unnecessary, take the opportunity to highlight a few key pieces that embody the essence of summer, like a vase of fresh flowers or a bowl of seasonal fruit.

5. Add special, personalized touches

Blue living room with veranda and striped sofa, rattan accessories and built-in decorative shelves

(Photo credit: Alexandra Kaehler / Photography Aimée Mazzenga)

Personalized decor makes a house feel like home, and summer is the perfect time to showcase items that remind you of happy times and adventures. Displaying meaningful objects can bring a sense of joy and connection to your space.

Framed family photos are a great way to start. Select images from memorable beach trips, outdoor adventures or summer vacations that capture the spirit of the season. Shells, pebbles and other treasures collected during the holidays can also be displayed in glass jars or bowls, while keepsakes like postcards, cards and tickets can be framed and hung as works of art .

Holly Vaughan also recommends having initials or personal messages embroidered on some of your fabrics. “You can add embroidery to anything you want: curtains, towels, pillowcases, to name a few. These little details are brilliant conversation starters and quickly make a home more interesting. To make it even more special, you can even ask your embroiderer to do it with a loved one’s handwriting,” she suggests.

Creating a summer-ready living room is all about making thoughtful seasonal adjustments that bring joy, light and comfort into your home. Whether it’s introducing a pop of color or adding personalized touches, these simple swaps can transform your living room into a more welcoming space for the warmer months ahead.

For more summer decorating inspiration, we explore summer decorating trends from interior designers.