Modern living rooms are comfortable and inviting, built for today’s lifestyles. While “modern” and “contemporary” are often treated as synonyms and used interchangeably, there is a technical difference between the terms. For interior designers and architects, a modern interior has roots in modernism and 20th century midcentury modern architecture and design, while a contemporary interior refers to styles that reflect the period from the late 20th century to the present. But to everyone else, the word “modern” is simply a shorthand for interiors that feel fresh, inviting, and livable in the here and now.

Modern living rooms draw from past design styles and aesthetics, reinventing traditions to create spaces that are less a particular style than a sensibility. Built for relaxed family time and casual entertaining, today’s living rooms have evolved to include elements like ultra-comfortable seating, a focus on natural light, and flexible layouts that may be part of open plan spaces, combined with dining rooms or share space with kitchens, a far cry from the stuffy and formal living rooms of the past.

Check out these modern living rooms in a range of sizes and styles for inspiration.