Maximalist Living Room Decor: Bold, Beautiful, and Timeless + How to Get the Look

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Make a bold statement with your living room decor by embracing maximalist design.

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Maximalism is trending this season, offering a vibrant contrast to the modern farmhouse trend that has dominated our Instagram feeds in recent years. Bold, eclectic, and unapologetically expressive, maximalist décor combines layers of color, texture, and pattern to create a space that is as dynamic as it is welcoming. Whether you’re drawn to a boho look or prefer a darker, moodier style, maximalism can easily be tailored to your design aesthetic. This post has the tips and inspiration you need to master maximalist living room decor so keep reading to learn more!

Maximalist living room with tapestry, antique wall art, and patterned throw pillows — Source

What is maximalism in interior design?

Maximalism is a decor style that celebrates individuality and creativity through a layered approach to design. Rather than adhering to the “less is more” philosophy of minimalism, when it comes to maximalism, “more is more.” However, this doesn’t mean turning your home into a chaotic mess! Maximalism is about creating a curated collection of pieces that reflect your personality and tell a story. I personally lean towards this aesthetic in my own home because I love collecting pieces with a story.

Think bold patterns, rich colors, and a mix of textures. Maximalist living rooms often include statement pieces like wallpaper with vibrant motifs, ornate furniture, and curated gallery walls filled with art. The key is to create a cohesive theme, while maintaining the feeling of a lived-in and authentic space.

Red traditional living room with gallery wall — Source

Why maximalism is trending right now

The resurgence of maximalism can be attributed to a desire for comfort and self-expression in our homes. After spending more time indoors during the COVID era, many people began gravitating towards interiors that feel warm, personal, and inspiring. Influential interior designers, such as Miles Redd and Brittany Bromley, have also helped popularize maximalist design in recent years. If you read the Pinterest trend predictions report for 2025, you’ll see that many of the surging trends embrace over-the-top, eccentric, and bold aesthetics.

Chinoiserie wallpaper in living room with ochre velvet sofa, patterned accent pillows, custom window treatments — Source

The timeless appeal of maximalism

Regardless of whether it is trending now, a well-executed maximalist living room will remain timeless. Think back to the Victorian era and earlier – extravagant interiors, filled with treasured artwork and well-crafted furniture were highly desired. This demonstrates how layers of bold colors, luxurious materials, and artful arrangements can create spaces that feel both dynamic and enduring. The secret lies in balance. A maximalist room should feel deliberate and curated, not overwhelming. When done right, maximalism becomes a timeless celebration of individuality and design.

Colorful eclectic chintz living room decor in English country home — Source

How to create a maximalist living room

Creating a maximalist living room may seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. Here are some tips to help you achieve the look:

1. Start with a Bold Foundation

Choose a statement-making wallpaper or paint your walls in a rich, dramatic color. Dark tones like deep brown, navy, or plum can create a moody ambiance, while brighter hues like vibrant ochre or red can make the space feel lively and inviting. When it comes to maximalist wallpaper, chinoiserie prints are always a classic.

Don’t forget your ceiling! Painting or wallpapering your ceiling is a brilliant way to add a flair to a space. You can learn more about ceiling design here.

Vintage eclectic decor in maximalist living room with oriental rug , ochre walls, and blue painted ceiling — Source

2. Layer Patterns and Textures

Mix and match patterns to add depth and interest to your space. Think geometric rugs, floral curtains, and animal print throw pillows. Incorporate a variety of textures, such as velvet, leather, and woven fabrics, to make the room feel cozy and multidimensional. To make the space feel cohesive, stick to patterns in certain colors.

For example, in the lovely living room below, there are two very prominent colors: green and red. The sofa is solid green velvet and the patterned accent chairs are mainly shades of green. The throw pillows pick up both the shades of green from the sofa and chairs and the red from the x benches. Now, look at the chinoiserie wallpaper – the same shades are repeated here. The tiger print serves as a nice contrast, while also mirroring some of the colors in the mural. For more details on mixing patterns, read more here and here.

Chinoiserie mural wallpaper in living room with green velvet sofa, floral chairs, and animal print accents — Source

3. Embrace Maximalist Art and Wall Decor

Gallery walls are a hallmark of maximalist design. Combine framed artwork, mirrors, and sculptural pieces to create a visually dynamic display. Look for art that features bold colors, abstract designs, or intricate details. When it comes to gallery walls, it’s best to have an underlying theme so that your space looks cohesive, rather than chaotic. Take Mario Buatta’s collection of spaniel paintings for example. If you want more guidance on creating a gallery wall, learn more here.

Mural wall in vintage eclectic living room — Source

4. Choose Statement Furniture

Don’t feel pressured into buying only white or beige furniture! A tufted velvet sofa, a carved coffee table, or an antique sideboard can serve as focal points in the room. Accent chairs, throw pillows, and window treatments are excellent options for introducing pattern into a space without overwhelming it. Don’t be afraid to mix styles either because a modern chair or table can look stunning next to a vintage secretary desk.

Chintz chairs and accent pillow in living room with blue velvet sofa — Source

5. Add Decorative Accents

Smaller decorative accents are really how to add your personal touch to a space. Layer in smaller details like patterned throw blankets, eclectic vases, and unique table lamps. These accents can help tie the room together and add a touch of whimsy.

Boho maximalist living room with colorful vases, plants, and oriental rugs — Source

6. Incorporate Greenery

Plants are a great way to soften the boldness of maximalist decor while adding life to the space. Choose a mix of large statement plants and smaller potted varieties to create a lush, inviting atmosphere. If you have pets, you may want to consider nontoxic varieties of indoor plants.

maximalist wallpaper in layered living room with vintage furniture — Source

7. Lighting Matters

Maximalist living rooms call for statement lighting. Consider a dramatic chandelier, colorful table lamps, or floor lamps with ornate bases. Layer your lighting to create a warm, inviting glow. A good lampshade is the cherry on top of a beautiful lamp! Etsy is an excellent place to find beautiful lampshades. They are also quite easy to make. Here is a tutorial I filmed a few years ago and some tips if you want to try it yourself.

Chocolate brown living room with cherry red accents — Source

Why maximalist living rooms are perfect for any style

Maximalism is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes. For those who love a boho maximalist aesthetic, incorporate earthy tones, woven textures, and global-inspired patterns. If you prefer a more glamorous approach, opt for gold finishes, jewel tones, and luxurious fabrics. You can also create a dark maximalist living room for a cozy, intimate feel.

Dark maximalist decor in living room — Source

Maximalist living room decor is all about celebrating your unique style and creating a space that feels personal and inviting. By following the tips in this post, you can easily create a living room that you’ll love for years to come.

I’ve linked some inexpensive maximalist style living room decor below. Since maximalism is very much a slowly curated, individual style, I highly recommend frequenting your local secondhand shops too! If you’ve enjoyed this post, I’ve linked similar home decor posts below the shopping section for you to read.

If you’re interested in following along with my Victorian home renovation or garden projects, please visit my Instagram and TikTok pages.