New York City living rooms are as diverse and dynamic as the city itself, often serving multiple purposes in spaces ranging from compact apartments to historic brownstones. However, outdated design choices can make these spaces feel less functional or out of sync with contemporary styles, especially in the city where Space is often at a premium. Here are four living room features that might be holding your NYC home back, and what you can do to give your space a modern refresh.
Oversized Fireplace Mantels
If your apartment or brownstone includes a large, traditional fireplace mantel, it might dominate the room in a way that feels outdated and impractical. Oversized mantels can take up precious wall space, competing with necessities like shelving, artwork, or a mounted TV. For many NYC residents, the living room often doubles as a media room, so mounting a TV above the mantel is a logical solution, but a bulky
Mantel can make this tricky or visually unappealing.
What to Do Instead: Opt for a sleeker, slim-profile mantel or skip it altogether. A minimalist mantel or even a floating wooden shelf can act as a statement piece without overwhelming the limited square footage of your living room. If the fireplace
itself isn’t functional, use it as a decorative alcove by styling it with candles, plants, or an arrangement of books. This not only modernizes the look but also lets you incorporate personality into your space.
Super Expensive Rugs
Living in NYC means dealing with lots of foot traffic, inevitable spills, and, for many, the comings and goings of pets and children. Splurging on a delicate, high-end rug may feel tempting when aiming for luxury, but it’s not always practical for city life. The fast pace of the city (and the occasional pizza night disaster) can lead to wear and tear that will make you regret spending a fortune on something so fragile.
What to Do Instead: Invest in durable, stylish rugs that are designed to handle the messiness of city living. Washable rugs are a great option, combining functionality with good looks. Opt for patterns or textures that hide dirt and stains—perfect for high-traffic areas. With so many options available today, you won’t need to sacrifice style to achieve practicality. Plus, you’ll feel more at ease entertaining friends or
lounging with family without worrying about every spill.
Matching Furniture Sets
Once considered the standard of polished design, matching furniture sets have fallen out of favor for feeling impersonal and predictable. NYC living rooms, with their one-of-a-kind layouts and quirky dimensions, especially benefit from a more curated, eclectic approach rather than cookie-cutter sets that fail to reflect your personal style.
What to Do Instead: Mix and match textures, materials, and furniture shapes to create a room that feels intentionally collected. For instance, pair a sleek, modern sofa with a unique vintage chair or artisanal coffee table. Incorporating a variety of pieces not only adds character but makes your space feel more sophisticated and layered. Take your time sourcing furniture—a piece from a local antique shop in
Brooklyn or a modern find in the Flatiron design district adds a story and personality to your space.
For renters working with smaller budgets, consider hunting for pre-loved treasures on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or NYC flea markets—you’ll find distinctive pieces that fit your unique layout without breaking the bank.
Wall-to-Wall Carpet
While cozy, wall-to-wall carpeting in living rooms is no longer the go-to option for modern design. Carpeting tends to show wear quickly, trap dust and allergens, and doesn’t hold up well to NYC’s fast-paced lifestyle. If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood floors under your carpet, you’re already sitting on a much more contemporary and versatile design element.
What to Do Instead: Expose and refinish hardwood floors if your space allows. They’re easier to clean and work well with a variety of rugs to pull your look together. If you’re dealing with rental restrictions and can’t remove existing wall-to-wall carpeting, don’t despair. Cover it up with a large area rug that better aligns with your aesthetic. This workaround allows you to add texture and color to your living room, and the rug can move with you to your next home.
Designing Your NYC Living Room
Living rooms in New York City come with their share of challenges, from maximizing limited space to working around rental restrictions. However, with thoughtful updates like modern mantels, versatile rugs, curated furniture combinations, and stylish alternatives to carpet, your space can be both functional and contemporary.
No matter the size of your living room, it’s important to design with purpose, making it a space that reflects your style and meets the demands of NYC living. By avoiding these outdated features, you’ll create a living room that’s not only on trend but also uniquely yours.
