Living rooms are where we relax, work, entertain, and scroll — so it makes sense Canadians want spaces that feel comfortable, look great on camera, and work for everyday life. In this post I’ll walk you through the top living room trends Canada is loving in 2024–2025, show simple ways to adopt each look, point to local brands and stores where you can shop, and give real-life examples and budget-friendly options. This guide is written in plain English, with practical tips you can use right away.
Quick overview — what’s driving living room trends in Canada now
Three big forces shape current living room styles across Canada:
- Comfort + function — people want cozy rooms that work for remote work, kids, and guests. (House Beautiful)
- Nature & sustainability — biophilic touches, natural materials, and second-hand finds are popular. (Decorilla)
- Warm minimalism + personality — styles like Japandi (Japanese + Scandinavian) blend calm minimalism with warm wood, curved forms, and textured fabrics. (Homio Decor)
Now let’s unpack the actual looks, how to use them, and where to shop in Canada.
1) Japandi & Warm Minimalism — calm, uncluttered, cozy
Why people like it: Japandi mixes Scandinavian coziness with Japanese simplicity. It gives you a calm living room without feeling cold. Think clean lines, low furniture, warm wood tones, and one or two simple accents.
How to do it:
- Choose a neutral palette (soft creams, warm greys, muted greens).
- Add one wooden coffee table and a low-profile sofa.
- Use textured cushions (linen, wool) and a single bold plant — less clutter.
- Keep decor mindful: one good pot, one piece of art, no dozens of small trinkets.
Local shopping: EQ3 (modern wood-forward pieces) and Structube offer good starter pieces that fit Japandi aesthetics. For handcrafted smalls, check local makers on Etsy Canada or small design shops featured in House & Home. (EQ3)
Real-life example: Convert a corner into a reading nook — low wooden side table, linen throw, curved lounge chair. It’s cheap but instantly adds that Japandi calm.
2) Biophilic & Natural Interiors — bring the outdoors in
Why people like it: Plants and natural materials boost mood and air quality. In Canada, with long winters, bringing nature indoors is both aesthetic and emotional. (Decorilla)
How to do it:
- Use potted plants of different heights (fiddle-leaf fig, snake plant, pothos).
- Pick furniture in oak, walnut, or rattan.
- Layer natural fibre rugs (jute, wool) and linen curtains.
- If space is tight, try hanging plants or a wall-mounted shelf for greenery.
Local shopping: Urban Barn, Bouclair, and Wayfair Canada carry natural-look furniture and plant accessories. Local nurseries (look for community garden centres) often have healthier, locally acclimated plants. (Urban Barn)
Real-life example: A living room in Toronto I visited used a large fiddle-leaf fig beside a sectional, an oak media console, and woven baskets for throws — instantly warmer and calmer.
3) Curves, Velvet & Soft Shapes — comfort with a touch of glamour
Why people like it: Curved sofas and velvet textures feel inviting and photograph well — great for social media and for cozying up. Designers say curving furniture is a big 2024–25 trend. (House Beautiful)
How to do it:
- Swap a boxy sofa for a curved loveseat or add a curved accent chair.
- Use a velvet cushion or a small velvet accent chair for luxe feel without a full splurge.
- Round coffee tables and arc floor lamps complete the look.
Local shopping: Leon’s, The Brick, and Urban Barn often stock curved sofas and velvet pieces in seasonal collections. Watch for end-of-season sales to snag higher-end styles at better prices. (EQ3)
Budget tip: Buy a single standout chair in velvet rather than a whole velvet sofa — same vibe, less cost.
4) Maximalism & Personal Collections — bold, curated, lived-in
Why people like it: After years of strict minimalism, many Canadians want personality — bold art, patterned rugs, and layered textures. Canadian Living and Style at Home note a comeback of expressive interiors. (Canadian Living)
How to do it:
- Mix patterns (one bold rug, patterned cushions).
- Create a gallery wall from thrifted frames, prints, and photos.
- Mix old and new: a vintage lamp with a contemporary sofa works well.
Real-life example: A Montreal apartment I saw layered a colourful kilim rug, mismatched art, and a mid-century sideboard — the room felt energetic and uniquely personal.
5) Modern Cottagecore & Cozy Farmhouse — soft, homey, approachable
Why people like it: This trend favors comfort — slipcovered sofas, soft florals, muted pastels, and vintage finds. It’s relaxed and family-friendly. (House Beautiful)
How to do it:
- Use slipcovers or washable linen upholstery for easy care.
- Add layered rugs and soft throw blankets.
- Hunt for a vintage wood coffee table or small dresser to repurpose.
Local shopping: Bouclair and IKEA Canada have budget-friendly cottage/farmhouse pieces. Check local vintage stores (many cities have great small antique shops highlighted in House & Home). (Urban Barn)
6) Art Deco & Patinated Luxury — small touches, big impact
Why people like it: Art Deco elements (bold geometry, brass, mirrored surfaces) bring drama without needing a full renovation. This look is trending as people mix luxury accents into casual spaces. (House Beautiful)
How to do it:
- Add brass or aged-metal lamps and a geometric mirror.
- Choose a statement rug with repeating geometric patterns.
- Balance opulence with neutral furniture so the look doesn’t feel heavy.
Where to shop: Look for art-deco inspired lighting and mirrors at local boutique shops and online at Wayfair Canada and Urban Barn. Small lighting/upholstery stores in major cities often carry unique pieces. (Urban Barn)
7) Flexible & Multi-use Spaces — zoning for living + working
Why people like it: Many homes now need to serve multiple functions — living, working, schoolwork, and exercise. Canadian Living and Style at Home highlight the move toward dedicated zones and built-in solutions. (Canadian Living)
How to do it:
- Use rugs to define zones (work vs. lounge).
- Add a small desk behind a sofa or a fold-down wall desk.
- Use storage ottomans and media cabinets to hide cables and gear.
Local solutions: IKEA Canada’s small-space desk units and Urban Barn’s modular shelving are useful. For built-in work nooks, local carpenters or custom shops (EQ3 offers some semi-custom options) can help. (EQ3)
8) Textures & Tactile Fabrics — bouclé, wool, and layered textiles
Why people like it: Textured fabrics read as cozy and expensive. Bouclé, boucle-look throws, ribbed ceramics, and tactile weaves are everywhere in 2025. (King Living)
How to do it:
- Add a bouclé pillow or small chair.
- Use a wool throw and a textured rug for instant depth.
- Mix matte ceramics and rough wood to avoid shine-heavy rooms.
Where to buy: Structube, EQ3, and local craft markets often have textured accessories. For ethically sourced textiles, check Canadian artisans and small brand pop-ups. (Structube)
9) Smart + Subtle Tech — convenience without the hotel vibe
Why people like it: Smart lights, discreet speakers, and hidden chargers make life easier without ruining the look. Designers emphasize discreet tech integration in 2025. (Decorilla)
How to do it:
- Replace bulbs with smart bulbs and use dimmer schedules.
- Use media consoles with cord management.
- Choose speakers that double as decor (small, fabric-covered smart speakers).
Where to buy: Best Buy Canada and Canadian Tire carry a wide range of smart home gadgets; many furniture stores now list media furniture with cable management. (MarketResearch)
10) Colour moves — warm neutrals, deep accent tones, and ‘color capping’
What’s happening: While neutrals remain popular, designers are experimenting with deep greens, warm terracottas, and a technique called color capping (using one color across walls, trim, and ceiling in tonal layers) — expect richer, cozier palettes. (Real Simple)
How to do it:
- Paint an accent wall in deep green or warm clay.
- Try color capping on a nook or a built-in to avoid painting the whole room.
- Use pillows and smaller decor in the accent color first to test the vibe.
Small-space Canadian homes: practical tips that actually work
Many Canadian apartments and townhouses have smaller living rooms. Here are practical, tested tips:
- Choose multi-use furniture: sleeper sofas, nesting tables, storage ottomans. (Available at IKEA Canada, Structube). (Structube)
- Use light and mirrors: mirrors reflect daylight and make rooms feel bigger.
- Pick slimline furniture: low-profile, legged sofas create a sense of space. EQ3 and Urban Barn have good slimline ranges. (EQ3)
- Zone with rugs: a rug can define a seating area without walls.
- Vertical storage: floating shelves and tall bookcases make use of height.
Budget breakdown: how to update a living room in three price tiers
- Under $300 (small refresh):
- New throw cushions, a textured rug (small), and a plant.
- Swap old lampshades for new ones.
- Thrift one statement frame or mirror.
- New throw cushions, a textured rug (small), and a plant.
- $300–$1,500 (noticeable change):
- Replace a coffee table and add a new accent chair.
- Add layered lighting (table lamp + floor lamp).
- Buy one or two mid-range pieces from Structube or Urban Barn. (Structube)
- Replace a coffee table and add a new accent chair.
- $1,500+ (big update):
- New sofa or sectional from EQ3, Leon’s, or The Brick.
- Custom built-in shelving or a pro-designed layout. (EQ3)
- New sofa or sectional from EQ3, Leon’s, or The Brick.
Where to shop in Canada — quick vendor guide
- EQ3 — modern Canadian designs, good for mid-to-high range wood-forward pieces. (EQ3)
- Structube — trendy, affordable modern furniture and accessories. (Structube)
- Urban Barn — stylish seasonal collections and decor. (Urban Barn)
- Leon’s / The Brick — wide selection for sofas and larger items, frequent sales. (EQ3)
- IKEA Canada — smart small-space solutions and budget textiles. (MarketResearch)
- Bouclair / Wayfair Canada — fast-moving decor, affordable accessories. (Urban Barn)
- Local vintage shops & makers — for character, check House & Home roundups of Canadian vintage stores. (House & Home)
A simple checklist to update your living room this weekend
- Declutter surfaces and cables.
- Swap 1–2 cushions and a throw for new textures.
- Add one plant (or more if you love plants).
- Update lighting to layered lighting (overhead + lamp + accent).
- Place a mirror to reflect light.
- Try a small paint sample on a wall or a color-capped nook.
Final thoughts — pick one change and run with it
You don’t need to redo the whole room. Pick one trend that matches your life: Japandi for calm and order, biophilic for nature and wellbeing, curves & velvet for warmth and style, or maximalism if you love colour and collections. Canadian retailers make it easy to try these looks in small steps; thrift and local makers add personality without breaking the bank.
If you want, I can:
- Suggest a shopping list (under $500 / $1,000 / $2,000) based on your city and room size, or
- Make a 2D layout showing where to place furniture for a better flow in a small Canadian living room.
Sources & further reading (sample of authoritative places I used)
- Style at Home — 2025 design trends overview. (Style at Home)
- House & Home — Canadian projects, vintage shop roundups, and trend features. (House & Home)
- Decorilla — Living room trends 2025 (biophilic & natural materials). (Decorilla)
- House Beautiful — Top living room trends (curves, velvet, Art Deco). (House Beautiful)
- Retailers: EQ3, Structube, Urban Barn, IKEA Canada (product examples and availability). (EQ3)