35 Family Room Ideas That Are Both Cozy and Elevated

Designed by David Mann, this family room really packs it all in, from the desk to the built-in reading nook—the definition of cozy. If your living room doubles as the family room, a reading nook will make it feel homier without counteracting the formal feel.

Instead of a classic gallery wall of photos and artwork, put something quirky on display. This gallery of hats in a family room designed by Tamsin Johnson, for example, spruces up the walls while also making the room feel more personalized and unique.

The best way to merge family-friendly and grownup style with one piece? Display pop art. The bright colors and cheeky streak inherent in these works will speak to both audiences. For some inspiration, look no further than this family room by Raji RM.

What's cozier than sheepskin throws? Throw them over your armchairs, layer them with your area rug, or drape them over an ottoman. The warm tones in this family room designed by Benjamin Vandiver add an extra dose of approachability.

Okay, well, you don't have to upholster literally everything, but if you have little kids running around, the softer your anchor items the better. A fabric-covered ottoman with a tray on top, for example, is much more family-friendly than a glass coffee table (and did you know? You can even upholster walls!). It can be kid-proof and upscale if you use a mix of classic and playful prints, traditional pieces, and unexpected colors. This polished space by Nick Olsen is a great example.

This simple family room designed by Robert McKinley Studio incorporates tons of texture, from the rug to the shades and the sofa. These casual materials make it feel family-friendly while still be fresh and stylish.

Add a home bar in the family room to make it equal parts kid- and adult-friendly. It'll be the perfect place to entertain guests but won't overtake the space if you tuck it off to the side or elevate it. This family room by Reath Design also makes us want to mix paint for walls and ceilings mint green for a fresh feel.

No room for an actual full home bar? That's okay! Just deck out a bar cart instead, as Beata Heuman did in this eclectic parlor.

If your space is large enough, think beyond the basic sofa plus coffee table plus television design formula for the family room. In this Malibu home by Romanek Design Studio, the many windows create a modern canvas for the kid-friendly ping pong table and adult-friendly stools that separate the game zone from the sitting area.

Too outrageous? No such thing. With a gold statement ceiling, tangerine walls, floral motifs, and pops of color everywhere, this family room designed by Katie Ridder isn't afraid to have fun.

A game room isn't complete without instruments. Take notes from this space designed by Peti Lau for one half of musical duo The Chainsmokers. The Yamaha grand piano anchors the room and sets the stage for the other instruments and music memorabilia lining the shelves.

If you don't have room for both a sofa and club chairs, forgo the sofa and opt for two cozy armchairs like designer Jae Joo did in this sitting room. If there's a fireplace, angle them towards it to encourage cozy hangs and conversation while also drawing the eye to it.

Consider making a spacious family room multi-purpose by adding a table with a banquet for snacking and casual dining. This will keep the crumbs from accumulating on the sofa, too. A build-in bench like this stylish one designed by Arent & Pyke will help save space.

With plenty of comfortable seating, built-in wall storage, a traditional rug, and playful yet neutral upholstery (including the printed tented ceiling, not just the blue velvet blue sofa!), this family room designed by Jeannette Whitson strikes the perfect balance between on-trend and timeless. The sliding glass barn doors walls also help make it feel extra intimate.

Nothing ramps up the fun like a playful touch in the family room. This hanging chair in a media room designed by Romanek Design Studio proves our point—but the handsome leather upholstery also ensures a more sophisticated look. It's the perfect blend of cozy and cool (particularly for the color-averse).

If you don't a spare room to use as the designated family hangout space, bring it outside or to a screened-in porch. In this one designed by Corey Damen Jenkins, the outdoor fireplace, throws, and carpet make sure it's cozy and warm enough for people to hang out in.

A super soft and comfy sectional with plenty of space to spread out on movie night is a must in the family room. We're digging the whimsical pendant light and colorful throw pillows in this Studio DB-designed room.

Paint the walls a darker shade to make the family room feel intimate and cozy. Then opt for brighter furniture, like an orange sofa and green armchair, to introduce some cheer, as decorator Andrew Flesher did here.

Up the cozy factor in your family room in a major way by layering materials and textures. Keep them a neutral color so they look elevated. If you want to dabble in the art of all-white decorating, take note from this space designed by Leanne Ford Interiors.

This fireplace in a GRT Architects-designed room is made for family gatherings. To make it even more inviting, lean some instruments against the wall and ensure there's plenty of seating space. The floating shelves give it a more lived-in feel while also increasing storage.