A classic Southern Christmas living room is all about soft, layered fabrics and a tree with depth, rather than lots of extra decorations. Slipcovered seating with velvet or faux fur, a tree decorated with ribbon, and greenery used throughout the space create the look. Since you’ll likely need to seat more people than usual, it’s important to think about furniture before decorations. If you’re shopping for living room furniture in Covington, LA, start by planning your seating and then decorate around it.
Start With the Seating, Not the Tree
Guests notice the seating first in a holiday room, since that’s where they spend most of their time talking. Here are three reasons to focus on seating before the tree:
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What Seating Must Do: Hold more guests for longer, with fabric that handles plates and drinks.
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Soft Furnishings Carry the Scheme: Throws and cushions sit within reach and shape the room’s feel more than ornaments.
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Tree Placement Follows Seating: Arrange the seating first, then fit the tree where the main seats can see it.
A slipcovered sofa works well for this style because you can refresh it with a new cover each season. When shopping for living room furniture in Covington, LA, take a look at different slipcovered options.
Slipcovers, Velvet and Faux Fur
Using two or three materials throughout the room looks intentional, but using five or more can make things feel cluttered. Here are the main options:
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Material
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Where It Works
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What to Watch For
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Velvet
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Cushions, a throw or an accent chair
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Pile shows pressure marks and a brush lifts them
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Faux fur
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One throw per seating group
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Shake it outdoors first to remove loose fibers
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Slipcovered seating
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The base layer for everything else
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Check the care label before the season starts
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Wool and chunky knit
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Throws and floor cushions
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Loose loops can snag on jewelry and pet claws
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Natural greenery
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Mantel, stair rail and side tables
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Mist-cut garland or swap it as it dries
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Try to use each material you choose in at least two spots, like adding velvet to both a cushion and a throw.
How to Layer a Christmas Tree
To give your tree depth, place lights, ribbon, and ornaments at different distances from the trunk instead of just adding more decorations. Follow these steps:
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Lights First: Wrap each major branch from the trunk outward, and the tree glows from inside.
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Ribbon In and Out: Tuck one end deep into the branches, pull a loop toward the tips, then tuck it back in farther along.
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Large Ornaments Inside: Place larger ornaments toward the trunk to fill gaps and add depth.
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Small Ornaments at the Tips: Hang smaller pieces near the branch ends to catch the light.
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Statement Pieces Last: Finish with a few standout ornaments or floral picks on the outer branches.
Buy more ribbon than you expect to need, because a generous length looks deliberate.
Making the Room Hold More People
A living room that’s set up for everyday use needs to seat a bigger holiday crowd, and the right furniture plan can help. Here are four adjustments you can make:
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Conversation Groups: Pull seating off the walls into groups where guests face each other.
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Flexible Extra Seats: A storage ottoman or bench adds seats and can be moved aside after the gathering.
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A Clear Path: Keep an open route from the entry to the seating.
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Coats and Bags: Set aside a spare bedroom or a coat rack and the sofa stays free for guests.
Remember, the tree can take up floor space that might be needed for walking. Measure both the spot and the tree before you set it up.
Myths vs. Facts About Christmas Living Rooms
Some popular ideas about holiday living rooms can actually add extra work and clutter. Here are a few myths and the real facts:
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Myth
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Fact
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More decorations make a room feel more festive
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Two or three repeated materials look more festive
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Ribbon goes around the outside of the tree
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Ribbon tucked in and out of branches adds depth
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The tree belongs wherever there is a gap
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Plan the walkway first, then place the tree
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Velvet is too delicate for a family room
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Velvet suits family rooms and its marks are normal wear
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Decorate first, then think about seating
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Seating is where guests spend the evening
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Overall, these facts show that focusing on texture, technique, and good planning works better than just adding more decorations.
About American Factory Direct
American Factory Direct (AFD) traces its start to Bob and Billie Comeaux and remains a family-owned company today. Its living room selection includes sofas, sectionals, recliners, and accent chairs from brands such as Flexsteel, Bernhardt, Century and Hooker Furniture. AFD also carries many popular slipcover options.
American Factory Direct Furniture’s Covington showroom sits at 218 New Camellia Boulevard. Additional showrooms are in Gonzales, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and Long Beach Gulfport. The company has also won a Best of Tammany award, and visitors can test upholstered seating at any showroom.
Conclusion
A classic Southern Christmas living room is all about using texture instead of lots of decorations, weaving ribbon deep into the tree, and planning seating for a crowd. Each choice adds warmth and keeps the room comfortable for everyone. Start with your sofa and chairs, since everything else builds on them. If you want to see slipcovered and upholstered options before your next holiday gathering, stop by our Covington showroom or any American Factory Direct Furniture location near you.
FAQs
How do you decorate a living room for a Southern Christmas?
Start with the seating, layer velvet and faux fur over slipcovers, and repeat two or three materials.
How do you put ribbon on a Christmas tree?
Tuck it in and out of the branches at different depths instead of wrapping the outside.
How much ribbon do you need for a Christmas tree?
It depends on tree size and ribbon depth, and buying extra is the safer choice.
Where should the Christmas tree go in a living room?
Plan the walkway first, then choose a spot visible from the main seating that keeps the route open.
Is velvet practical for a family living room?
Velvet works for families, and a soft brush or steamer lifts pressure marks in its pile.
