A festive living room does not need a full makeover to look really authentic as you can place a few good and trending items like warm lighting, a brass urli centrepiece, rich cushions, well-styled diyas and a rangoli or floor accent and each one changes how the room feels in the evening when most guests visit. So always start with what you already own and add small pieces where the room looks plain and here we have explained how to style each item and shared safety tips and quick fixes for last-minute decorating. It also includes DIY Diwali decoration ideas for a modern living room that will suit a small space and a tight schedule so read on to plan your Diwali makeover properly.

Comparing Diwali Decoration Items For Your Home

Decoration Item

Main Effect

Budget-Friendly Idea

Best Spot

Fairy lights and curtains

Warm evening glow

Reuse last year's strands

Windows, shelves

Brass urli

Reflective centrepiece

Use a wide steel or glass bowl

Centre table

Festive cushions

Rich colour

Change covers only

Sofa, diwan

Diyas and holders

Traditional light

Paint plain diyas at home

Trays, side tables

Rangoli and floor accents

Welcome and colour

Use petals or a readymade mat

Entrance, near seating

Diwali Home Decor Items to Give Your Living Room a Festive Look

1: Fairy Lights and Layered Curtains

Fairy Lights and Layered Curtains | Source: Pinterest

No lighting item does as much as a lighting decoration item does for a living room after dark and the use of white string lights on the shelves, window or mirror frames adds light in a cozy way without seeming cluttered. 

In a contemporary setting, the dupatta of sheer gold or off-white color may be placed over curtains and illuminated by white lights from behind to add uniform light to the fabric. Neon LED lights with a Diwali message can also be used as a picture wall.

Tips for correct arrangements—

  • Do not use cool white lights as they will seem too bright alongside brass and silk materials.

  • Always opt for plug-in or battery-powered strands to avoid having any electrical wires lying around walkways.

    • Brass Urli Centrepiece | Source: Pinterest

    One of the most commonly demanded home decoration items for Diwali is a wide and shallow urli that holds water and it can be decorated within less than ten minutes. Whether you choose brass, glass, or marble doesn’t matter, as long as it will fit your table. Add some petals of marigold and roses and place a couple of tealights in between. 

    Tips for correct arrangements—

    • The reflection of the flame in the water will make your simple decoration look bigger and brighter.

  • Replace the petals on the very day of the festival in order to keep them fresh.

  • Put down a tray or mirror under the bowl in order to avoid stains of water on the table.

    • 3: Festive Cushions and Throws

    Festive Cushions and Throws | Source: Pinterest

    Choosing exclusive cushion covers is one of the simplest methods of decorating your sofa without rearranging any furniture and covers that are made from silk, velvet or brocade fabrics with zari and gold threads appear luxurious under warm lighting conditions. 

    Two colours along with one metallic colour would be good enough such as maroon and emerald with gold. The living room becomes organised and sophisticated rather than chaotic. A woven throw over one armrest of the sofa along with a table runner with gold accents will give an authentic touch to the living room without buying anything new.

    Tips for correct arrangements—

    • Three to five cushions per sofa without overcrowding the sofa seat.

  • The size of the insert should match the cover for a well-filled cushion.

  • Use different textures like brocade mixed with velvet.

    • 4: Diya Designs, Candles and Holders

    Diya Designs, Candles and Holders| Source: Pinterest

    The use of diya designs completes the festival celebration. You need to arrange your diya design carefully to achieve the best effect. Arrange three or five diyas on a tray in a loose triangular shape and ensure that the size varies in order to look natural. 

    Earth diyas decorated in gold or maroon colours go well with a traditional interior, whereas metal diyas and glass votive candles go well with a contemporary interior. Lanterns help in lifting the illumination above.

    Tips for correct arrangements—

    • For a unique idea, paint your glass bottles and turn them into candles and tealight holders.

  • Ensure that all the candles kept in the room are at least an arm's length away from the curtains and cushions.

  • Arrange your diyas on metal or stone trays and never on wood.

    • Rangoli and Floor Accents | Source: Pinterest

    The creation of a rangoli near the living room entrance is an indicator that the guests have come into a festive household. Fresh marigold and rose petals not only look very pretty but are also easier to clean up afterwards. 

    In case of renting or lack of time, you can use a pre-fabricated rangoli mat made of either acrylic material or fabric which can be used each year. Stencils will help you to design a neat geometrical pattern using colours and a jute mat next to the rangoli design will provide some floor cover.

    Tips for correct arrangements—

    • Place the rangoli on a dry, flat surface out of the main walkway.

  • Instead of using loose colour in small flats go for use rice flour or petals.

  • Combine the rangoli design with an elegant tray containing additional diyas.

    • Must-Have Decoration Items for a Dazzling Diwali Living Room

    If you want a short shopping and setup list these items cover the room from floor to ceiling and they will suit Inspired Diwali Homes of any size and work with most interior design styles, from classic to modern.

    • Floor and corners—A rangoli mat or design and one figurine with a vase.

  • Lighting—One or two sets of warm white fairy lights and a pack of battery tealights.

  • Textiles—Four decorative cushion covers, a throw and a table runner.

  • Glow—One brass urli as six to ten diyas and two glass lanterns.

    • DIY decorations for Diwali would be best if there is a well-defined layout for the room and hence, warm lighting for the ambience, a brass urli on the centre table, colourful cushions, diyas for the cultural element and rangoli for inviting visitors. You may begin by using things that you already have and add some more according to the safety instructions, and the right setting can make your living room festive for the whole night.

    (Image credit: Pinterest)
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