10 Balanced Living Rooms with Feminine and Masculine Touches

I don’t know about you, but the idea of decorating with masculine and feminine styles is an interesting one for me. While some design elements feel distinctly feminine, I do not feel quite ready to label every decor piece in that way.

This year though, I ignored my hesitation and decided to try adding what some might call masculine touches to my feminine living room. Today I’m sharing a few easy decorating ideas for a fresh, balanced look.

1. Play with Textures

texture masculine — *Texture can show up in so many different ways, even as wallpaper! I just love the idea of using a textured wallpaper to make the main statement in the room.*

If you pay close attention to home decorating, you’ll notice that texture is what really makes a room come together, especially when you’re trying to add a masculine feel.

For me, it’s so important to mix a few different textures to get that seamless look. Try combining some edgier, more masculine materials with softer, gentle pieces to create a healthy dose of depth.

2. Get the Lighting Right

masculine lighting in the living room — *To get that warm and inviting feeling, try swapping your bulbs for a warmer setting. This brings in an eclectic, cozy vibe that feels simple yet masculine.*

You should always think about your lighting; it’s absolutely essential to have great lighting no matter how you decorate. The main difference here is that you want to find light fixtures that give the room a warmer feel.

Think about standalone lamps, chandeliers in darker colors, or even just changing the light bulbs in your current fixtures.

3. Embrace Simplicity

keep it simple masculine — *The absolute best way to keep things simple is with an open layout that just makes sense and adds beauty to the space.*

To give a room that traditional masculine look without totally taking away from the feminine aesthetic, you’ll want to be mindful of patterns. Patterns are often loved and used a lot in a living room with feminine decor.

For a masculine touch, try to keep the patterns minimal and stick to classic geometrics like plaids and stripes. If you’re ever unsure, using solid stripes is a great way to display pattern.

4. Make a Statement with Art

art decor in the living room — *Pay attention to the art pieces you’re using. The bigger the pieces, the grander the effect they’ll have. The whole space will feel larger and more cohesive.*

Take a moment to look at the art pieces you currently have. If they are mostly “pretty images with quotes,” it might be time for a change. Add some strong, meaningful pieces for that masculine touch.

No matter what kind of art you decide on, go for bold and daring options with rich frames.

5. Add Some Books

books with masculine — *The great thing about a bookshelf is that it lets you show off the best love stories ever told while adding texture to the room in a totally seamless way.*

If you want to keep the feminine feel throughout your living room but still want a unique masculine touch, try displaying some books. Putting in a bookshelf is a great way to break up your feminine decor while keeping an elegant, intellectual vibe.

You could also just display a stack of books. This approach can brighten the room while being simple and easy to rearrange.

6. Think About Furniture

large sofa masculine — *Keep your living room looking crisp with clean lines, but add large sofas to bring in that masculine feel. Plus, grounding the pieces with a rug helps make sure the space stays masculine yet feminine.*

Masculine furniture often tends to be a bit larger in size and bulkier than feminine furniture. For that reason, it just makes sense to get a bigger piece of furniture for that masculine touch.

You could think about getting a large sofa, an accent chair, or even both. Create a sense of balance by pairing your larger furniture with your more dainty pieces for that perfect feminine and masculine mix.

7. Focus on Outlines

masculine decor living room Elegant Awesome Masculine Living Space Design Ideas In Different Styles — *Your outline should be clean and clear without feeling cluttered. The goal is for it to feel open and airy in a really elegant way.*

Most rooms with a feminine style are full of soft edges and frilly decor, while a masculine room often has crisp outlines and more space.

To take a totally feminine room and give it a masculine feel, you’ll want to declutter the area and choose lighter decor that makes the space feel warmer. Warming up the room will basically make it feel more masculine and personal.

8. Welcome in Wood

masucline with wood — *If you don’t want to bring in wooden furniture, think about adding wood flooring instead. Wood floors are such a great way to bring in that masculine vibe without overwhelming the space.*

Wood is a fantastic transitional element. Depending on the color, it still has a light, airy quality and will bring a seamless sense of masculinity.

Try placing wood elements around your living room for a masculine touch that feels right and doesn’t take away from your existing decor.

9. Prioritize Comfort

masculine comfort — *Comfort is so important when you want a masculine touch that’s also super versatile and sleek. Keep it simple while making it comfortable.*

Masculine decor tends to revolve around comfort, while feminine decor is often big on textures. For that classic signature that just screams masculine, comfortable pieces are definitely the way to go.

Add some unique, comfy items to make sure you get that relaxing feel. This works especially well if you have a fireplace, since you can focus on decorating your mantle.