Decorating Ideas for a Den

Let the light into a den used as a home office.

There are many ways to decorate a den, and they depend, in part, on the size and use of the den. Some dens are small home offices. Others are huge family rooms. Some are more like formal libraries. Although there are a wide variety of den styles, there are some ideas for decorating that work for every type of den. Use these ideas to begin the decorating process, and finish with techniques that make your den your own unique haven. Dens are one of the most personal rooms in the home, and your decor should reflect this.

Furniture

There are some basic elements of furniture that all dens should have. All should at least have a couch, as well as some bookshelves. Formal dens might have a series of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves covering one wall. Modern home-office dens might have a series of floating shelves to hold books and other items. Other common items in a den include a desk and television. Consider using an armoire to hold the television, so it can be hidden when not in use. Most dens are warm, private places, and a television can distract from that feel. Finally, consider installing a fireplace. This can be a gas stove or even an electric fireplace. It will give your den a cozy touch.

Colors and Window Treatments

Most people think of dens as being dark, heavy, masculine rooms. Common wall colors in such rooms are dark neutrals, greens, maroons and grays. The den, however, is a personal space. If you don't want dark colors, don't use them. Use whatever colors you are comfortable with and enjoy. Lighter walls make a stunning contrast against dark woods and leather furniture. Window treatments range from blinds to thick, heavy drapes. Again, think about the use of the room. If your den is being used as a home office, you will want lighter window treatments that let a lot of light into the room, such as sheer curtain panels. If the den is used as a media room, you will need dark blinds that cut out the light.

Decorative Accents

Plants look great in a den, especially when placed on bookshelves. The curving lines of green plants soften the cold, straight shape of shelving and help warm up a room. Dens, often used as sitting or reading rooms, benefit from a variety of lighting choices as well. Set a floor lamp in the corner next to a comfortable reading chair. Next to the chair, place a small table with some books on it and a plant. Place a table lamp on the desk and on the shelves. Avoid using harsh, overhead lights. Because dens are personal spaces, the art on the wall should reflect your personal tastes. Photographs are a great choice. Black and white photos of loved ones lend a friendly but elegant look to the wall. Alternately, consider artwork that highlights your hobbies, such as paintings of mountains if you are a hiker.

References

• Ideas on how to decorate dens

Resources

• Tips for decorating a small den