Interior decorating for small living rooms

Alexandra Ribar; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

Resist the urge to push all of your furniture up against the walls. If you create space behind the furniture, it makes the room look wider than it is. An antique stool vibes well the Chesterfield sofa in this room designed by Leanne Ford.

41

Hang a Chair

Hecker Guthrie

Swing chairs are super fun and seem to be having a design moment right now. More importantly, they can be a life saver in a small living room or family room. You can add seating without taking up a ton of floor space, like you would with a traditional armchair. This mod style in a Hecker Guthrie-designed space is all the convincing we need.

42

Shrink Your Sofa

Douglas Friedman

In designer Ann Pyne's New York City apartment, a small red settee fills the entire living room with personality. A leopard print stool and matching pale yellow armchairs ensure plenty of seating, too.

43

Make It Multi-Purpose

Josh Franer; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

When space is lacking, the only option is to get creative and make things multi-purpose. For example, if you don't have room for a separate living room, family room, and home office, combine each concept into one space. This living room and office by Leanne Ford proves that the right layout and pieces can look great, no matter what shape or size the room.

44

Build Shelving

Trevor Tondro

Use ottomans in place of a traditional coffee table to make better use of your space (because a tiny house means your living room often does double or triple duty when people come over). You can top them with a tray to hold flowers and books, or use as extra seating. Then when it's family time, they become footrests. These red leather ottomans in a small family room designed by Redmond Aldrich strike that perfect balance between formal and casual.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

38 decor schemes for tiny spaces |

(Image credit: Studio Ashby)

Small living room ideas may be short on volume but they can be big on style. Our favorite interior designers share their top tips and tricks for tiny living rooms.

Though small living rooms can present challenges, there are several benefits to compact living. A well-designed scheme can feel just as comfortable as a larger space, with all the coziness and comfort associated with family living. 

One of the main advantages is the convenient accessibility of everything that’s needed. Easy maintenance is another bonus. 

In a small living space, zoning is key. So here are our favorite living room ideas for smaller sitting rooms and how to design and decorate a compact space with our best small living room ideas.

Make the most of a small living room by planning a hard-working layout, keeping accessories to a minimum and picking the right color scheme. 

There are tons of small living room ideas and tricks of the trade to help turn that awkward, small living room decor into something stylish and sophisticated, whatever its shape and proportions and make the most of space in your small living room. So whether you're working with a small apartment living room or a compact sitting room in a family home, you can make the space work best for you.

1. Use the same color on walls, woodwork and furniture

(Image credit: Studio Indigo / Andrew Beasley)

When a single living room color scheme is used on both walls and woodwork, a room suddenly feels bigger, because having no contrast means that you are less aware of the confines of the space. ‘The eye does not stop to register a second color and glides straight out of the window to the view, blending the garden and room together,’ says Joa Studholme, color curator, Farrow & Ball.

2. Expand a small living room by introducing nature

(Image credit: VSP Interiors)

We mention below how utilizing mirrors can really open up a small living room, and you can see how well it works here. However, other key elements combined with this design trick will also help. 

Choosing light and airy living room color schemes – including a pale wooden floor – with an accent shade will lift a small room. 

‘As well as the mirrors making the room feel bigger, they also reflect the greenery outside and bring it in,' explains Henriette Von Stockhausen, founder and creative director at UK-based VSP Interiors .

'So I have used botanical fabrics with green and a bright white background for a fresh spring feel. The emerald velvet green cushions create a contrast against a soft white backdrop, while the ottoman makes for a subtler distinction, then we used accents of green, inspired by the artwork, to help unite this elegant scheme. ’

3. Opt for a neutral scheme based around symmetry

(Image credit: Donal Murphy/Sara Cosgrove)

Symmetry in interior design is introduced to create balance and a feeling of calm. This works perfectly in long living rooms and is ideal for enhancing a small living space. Max the feeling of serenity to the limit if you use calm neutrals to decorate. 

The beautiful brass accents that are a major design feature in this space help to distract the eye from the size of the living room. Sara Cosgrove, owner of Sara Cosgrove Studio which has bases in both Dublin and London, explains how this luxurious scheme was put together. 

‘Our client wanted to create a more formal reception and entertaining space, but at the same time keeping it light and airy so it could be used throughout the day.

'Our solution was to keep the walls fresh and light in tone and bring in a more elevated feel through the antique brass accents, antique mirrored elements and a stunning Chesneys fireplace. ’

4. Cut the clutter 

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

If there’s one thing that’s going to create the illusion of more space, it’s decluttering – it can actually make a room feel wider in seconds. Make sure you keep your room tidy and organized by removing toys, plants, knickknacks and other unnecessary items, and your space will instantly feel bigger and more pleasant to be in. 

And, of course, brilliant small living room storage ideas are key to maintaining this clutter-free, space-enhanced feel.

With accessories and essentials neatly arranged and out of sight, the space will soon feel orderly and open. A room that's crammed full of 'belongings' takes up space, making it feel disorderly, busy and small. Try and keep the floor as clear as possible, too, as it’s one of the easiest ways to maintain a sense of spaciousness, so remove any oversized rugs.

5. Use pattern as accents to perk up plains subtly

(Image credit: Henry Prideaux)

This small, yet perfectly formed living room in a stucco fronted townhouse in London’s Chelsea was created by interior designer Henry Prideaux for an American client. He wanted Henry to bring a flavour of ‘the English country in the city’ to his London residence. 

Henry says, ‘Don’t be afraid to go for bold color and pattern in a small space. It’s all about balance. A scheme featuring cleverly selected furniture pieces layered together with textured rugs and tactile fabrics can create a really inviting and comfortable space even if square footage is compromised. 

'Sophisticated artwork and eye catching accessories can be displayed to provide lots of interesting little vignettes throughout.'

Henry also explains that clever small living room lighting ideas can not only make a room lighter, but feel larger too: 'A lighting scheme that includes light sources at varying levels enhances the room and helps to create mood at different times of the day.’

6. Light up a small living room

(Image credit: Future / Matthew Williams)

Light helps to brighten up a room instantly, so first and foremost allow any natural light to stream indoors by taking down heavy, dark window coverings. Try sheer window treatments or install white wooden blinds or shutters to let the natural light flow into your room during the day, while simultaneously providing nighttime privacy. 

Plus, wide horizontal slats help to magnify the illusion of a wider room. Dark corners can make a room appear small and cramped so position a floor or table lamp in a bare corner to visually expand the area, while recessed ceiling lights can illuminate an entire room without taking up much space.

7. Use a color-blocking trick to detract from a living room's size

(Image credit: Kelling Designs)

Finding the perfect couch for a small living room is key to the feel of your space. 

If you can't find a brand new sofa you love, but your old couch looks a little tired and a little tatty round the edges, then why not have it re-upholstered instead of investing in a new one? It’s more sustainable and if you love the comfort and style of it then give it a new lease of life. 

And this is where the trick comes in – if you make your sofa the focal point of your living room it will detract the eye from the size of your space. A bold and vibrant shade will give your living room impact – then accessorize accordingly to pull the key colour throughout the rest of the scheme. 

8. Be fussy with furniture

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)

Furniture can be a cumbersome business, especially in narrow rooms, so it pays to arrange and buy items correctly. 

One great way to make the most of a smaller space is by using multi-function furniture, like a chest that can be used as a coffee table, nest of tables, and folding chairs that can be tucked away when you don’t need them. 

Another important pointer is to place large pieces of furniture against walls so the open space in the middle is not broken up.

9. Use mirrors to expand a compact space

(Image credit: Future)

Not surprisingly, mirrors can make a room look a lot larger. When decorating small spaces, hang a mirror on a wall opposite a window or very near one to reflect the outdoors, broadening the feel of your room.  

You can also try using a focal point and angle your mirrors towards it, which will give the illusion of depth.

Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter during the day and night and they bounce light deep into the room, making it appear larger. Mirrors on the walls and glass tabletops will make it seem like there’s a more open flow. You can also use mirrored cabinet doors to make spaces feel large and uncluttered.

10. Balance the ying and yang in your small living room decor

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

We love the design contradiction between this beautiful feminine shade called Nancy’s Blushes and the visually heaviness of the mahogany sofa and eye-catching Old Master’s style portraits in the bohemian living room pictured above. 

Keeping the floor the same color as the furniture also helps to blend the room together – if nothing stands out, then your eye will flow around a space and in a small living room this can be key to making it feel larger.

11. Get creative with paint

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lewis)

You can visually widen a rectangular-shaped room with clever living room paint ideas such as painting the two end walls a darker color than the other two walls. 

The gradation of shade and color of paint on opposing walls can either lengthen distance by using a lighter shade or shorten a distance with a darker shade.

Light colors such as creamy white or light grey help to brighten a room, making it appear larger and wider. Satin paint finishes tend to reflect more light. 

You can also paint horizontal stripes on a wall to make a room feel wider. Use two alternating colors to paint each stripe about 12 inches wide.

12. Mimic the symmetry of the room's architecture

(Image credit: Yellow London)

Smaller living rooms benefit from order and a more de-cluttered feel. This is where symmetry can be your best friend. Keeping furniture in line eases the mind as Liv Wallers from British design studio, Yellow London explains:

‘Symmetry provides balance within a room and it often starts from a focal point like a fireplace or windows in the sitting room. It brings a sense of comfort and rhythm to a space which is an integral part of our design approach. It can be used right down to the smaller details of the room, cushions on the sofa to lamps on a dresser.’

13. Repeat a pattern to enhance space

(Image credit: Colefax)

Matching your blind or curtain fabric to your sofa is becoming a trend we love, especially when pattern and print is really to the fore in the design world currently. 

It works in a smaller living room when the background color to the print is pale, and in this instance with Colefax & Fowler’s Callista fabric it also brings the outside in so that helps to create an airy feel in tandem with the white painted walls that act like a blank canvas.

14. Zone a narrow but long living room

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Long living room ideas rarely feel homely, but there are tricks you can use to zone the space to make it feel far cozier. A rug can visually draw together the furniture in a space, giving a room focus and adding comfort.  

While a focal point that contrasts with the rest of the scheme can be visually interesting, disguising the awkward layout, something like quirky piece of art, coffee table or striking lampshade.

15. Be inventive with color

(Image credit: Paint & Paper Library)

Painting ceilings in a color is huge right now, and you can make a room feel cozier by painting it in a warming shade, great for living room ceiling ideas.

Another design trick is to paint the same color outside of the room – like the hallway here for example. It plays on the visual aspect and draws your eye through to another space – and not having a door helps to make a room feel large too. 

16. Hang art in a small space

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)

When it comes to planning a living room feature wall, quite often, bigger is better. Walls that are covered with pictures and other wall hangings tend to make a room feel closed in, narrow and busy, so simply hang one or two large pieces of artwork on your walls to make the room feel wider and more spacious.  

Avoid hanging pictures high on the longer wall as they will just highlight the imbalance in the proportions, instead choose art that can sit wide but low over the couch for example, to bring the eye level down and help make the room seem wider.

17. Think: scale and proportions

(Image credit: Future)

Select furniture pieces that are in proportion to the size of your room – oversized cabinets, living room sofas and chairs can make a small room feel narrow. 

Living room furniture that is the same color as your walls tends to blend into the wall, making it look wider. 

Make sure you arrange your furniture at an angle to create a sense of depth to the room, otherwise if you place all furniture against the walls you might end up with a narrow 'bowling alley' look.

18. Create a focal point in a small living room

(Image credit: Amy Bartlam)

When decorating a small living room, create a focal point – one area or feature that will draw the eye, so there’s less emphasis on the room’s layout. In the living room, the focal point will most likely be the coffee table, so make sure that focal point is the star of the room.

19. Unite two rooms

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

If you’ve got a long narrow room that’s divided in two – like a living room one end and a dining room the other – it might be worth picking a favorite color and using it as a key tone to coordinate the one space. This also works to make a small dining room feel bigger, too.

For example, linking navy blue walls in the dining room end with the same wall color in the living room for a space that feels united and cozy.

20. Decorate with a light color palette

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

It’s always effective to use a palette of light living room colors, but in different materials and textures. A common misperception is that the less furniture and features you have in the space, the bigger it will look. 

But in fact, multiple zones and features create a perception of different spaces within one room. It’s all about the right furniture size, the right swatch and the right small living room lighting ideas. Try to stick to a neutral living room scheme in smaller spaces, introducing splashes of color with accessories.

21. Paint the fifth wall in a small living room

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

The fifth wall is often an afterthought when it comes to redecorating, but done right, it can make a real difference to a small room. As long as your ceiling is painted in a paler color than your walls, no matter what the color, your ceilings will feel higher, helping a narrow living room feel more spacious.

22. Keep a small living room organized

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

The key to compact living is to be exceptionally well organized. In my experience, small spaces can actually transform personal habits for the better, as they require careful editing and storage. 

'Open up the space as much as possible to allow for comfortable circulation. Every centimeter of a small studio has to be cleverly utilized, so that it doesn’t look cluttered, yet provides a functional layout with optimized living room storage,' says Irina Townsend, interior designer at Keir Townsend .

23. Make it monochrome

(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis)

A monochromatic color scheme, using different tones of the same color, will help to make the furniture and other features recede and appear to take up less space. You can soften the palette by adding a warm grey-blue rather than a harsh black or white.

24. Play with scale in a narrow scheme

(Image credit: Future / Jody Stewart)

Choose one large-scale piece – a huge cabinet, an oversized lampshade or a wall to ceiling mirror for a small living room. By choosing carefully these large accessories will draw attention away from the lack of space and focus the eye onto other things.

25. Swap curtains out for blinds

(Image credit: Stefani Stein)

Curtains can look bulky, so it is worth considering swapping them out for blinds instead. These, in this lovely small living room designed by Stefani Stein , allow daylight to filter through, too, which will help the room feel still larger and brighter. 

26. Choose dark colors but balance them with light

(Image credit: Stefani Stein)

There's no rule that says you can't have dark colors in a small living room – in fact, if the room is lit well and has large enough windows and a south- or west-facing aspect, dark colors on small living room walls can look beautiful and make the space feel really welcoming. 

However, if the living room lacks warm daylight, you can create plenty of impact with dark colors on the focal wall and beyond, but that it's a wise move to balance that with paler shades, both on walls and furnishings.

27. Draw the eye to a focal point

(Image credit: Future / Jody Stewart)

This small living room is a busy space, but still, the living room fireplace wall is drawing all the attention, and, as we all know, having a strong focal point within a room can make it feel larger than it really is.

'The lines created by the area rug, the trunk coffee table and the bookshelves all direct the eye to the fireplace wall,' says H&G's Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. 'The huge main picture and those around it accentuate the width of the wall, uncomplicated by a fire surround. This creates a simple visual trick of making a really quite (beautifully) cluttered room feel very well planned – its size isn't even an issue.'

28. Accentuate the vertical

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Another useful visual trick has been created in this living room, with floor-to-ceiling curtains creating a panel of color that emphasizes the height of the room. The height of the picture and of the pots sat at ceiling height further exaggerate the room's proportions.

29. Keep the scheme neutral – but add bursts of color

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

Decorating with primary colors is a wonderful way to add to create a successful small living room scheme because it allows you to create a space-stretching neutral room, but with more exciting pops of color in accessories that you can swap in and out depending on your mood.

30. Decorate with stripes to make small living rooms feel bigger

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

Decorating with stripes is another clever way to make small living rooms feel larger. The direction the stripes run will have distinct effects – vertical stripes, like on these armchairs above – will make a room with a low ceiling feel taller. Run the stripes horizontally and it will feel longer or wider, depending on your perspective.

31. Create a sense of infinity

(Image credit: Future)

Paint is a great tool when you need to maximize the feeling of space in a small room. Matching the clean white paint – used on the walls – of this compact living room with the same color on the ceiling helps to blur the lines between the different surfaces, pushing them back so that the room feels more spacious and lofty. 

Use dark, richly colored furniture, flooring and statement artwork to add depth and interest to an otherwise simple scheme.

32. Stick to a simple palette

(Image credit: Future)

Channel this contemporary take on a classic look by making bold and vibrant patterns the stars – even in a small living room. Combing a variety of prints but all in greens and whites ensures this room feels calm and not overwhelming. 

33. Opt for compact furniture – upholstered in patterned fabric

(Image credit: Future / Jon Day)

A sense of scale is a key principle for successful interior design – try mixing it up to have fun with your small living room. 

Be guided by the room’s proportions and architecture when setting the scale for furniture. They key to good living room seating ideas in small spaces is to avoid a couch that is too large. Instead, invest in a compact design, then have it upholstered in a gorgeous fabric for instant appeal. 

34. Instil coziness with a taupe color scheme

(Image credit: Future)

Go for a more understated style with a timeless taupe color scheme. Not quite a brown, not a grey, either, taupe falls somewhere between the two. Go for warmer taupes in rooms where you want to create coziness, and cooler taupes where you need a calm feel.   

To avoid colors merging into one and looking bland, layer on the texture with lots of tactile finishes and weaves with plush damasks and chenilles on curtains and upholstery. Invest in good-quality lighting to highlight different textures, sheens and finishes.

35. Keep furniture away from the wall

(Image credit: Future)

A common misconception in a small living room is to push furniture against the wall. Give the room space to breath by leaving gaps between the furniture and the walls. Enlarge a small living room by pulling the furniture away from he walls, even by just a couple of inches, creates bathing space that will make your room appear bigger. 

36. In a dark living room, choose a light furnishings

(Image credit: Albion Nord)

It’s important in any scheme to have a good balance between light and dark. Choose a lamp that is paler in color so it contrasts with dark walls. We love how this trio of the lamp, vase and painting all link together visually.

‘Keep the lighting as soft and warm as possible too, use wall lights or table lamps and avoid too many spotlights, as they can make a small living room feel stark and imposing in a space that’s purpose is for relaxation,’ advises Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord .

37. Play with scale to create impact

(Image credit: Kelling Design)

We asked Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs her thoughts on working with scale in a small living room:

‘When it comes to small living room lighting ideas it is all about being clever with the placement of your light sources and playing with scale. A statement ceiling light can be just as effective in a compact space, helping to create a focal point, and using floor and table lamps to supplement this will brighten up corners to make the room feel brighter whilst giving the illusion of space. You should also not be afraid of using bright colors and bold patterns – they can help a smaller living space feel bigger by adding brightness.’ 

38. Get the lighting just right

(Image credit: Milo Brown)

‘Some people feel the need to flood small spaces with ceiling lights to make them feel brighter and therefore larger,' says Claire Sa, director, De Rosee Sa . 'However, I think atmosphere and dimension can be added to small spaces with different levels of controlled lighting. The lowest level might be lamps on side tables; the next would be lamps on a desk, console or chest. Finally, add fewer rather than more directional ceiling lights, positioned closer to the walls and angled away from the centre of the room to create a feature glow on, for example, a piece of wall art.’ 

How do you decorate walls in a small living room?

Make the most of reflective surfaces in a small living room. 'Consider finishing the walls in polished plaster, a material that reflects light and increases visual perception of space. Any other reflective decorative surfaces, such as patinated mirrors, silver leaf or lacquer will make the space seem bigger too,' explains Irina Townsend, Keir Townsend .

How do you make a small living room look bigger?

Homes that are short on space can still be big on style. A carefully designed living room that incorporates plenty of concealed storage and furniture that is tailored to the space as in the living room pictures above can achieve a sense of comfort and convenience that belies a modest square footage. 

The key to perfectly executed small living room ideas lies in a little forward planning.

Scale the furniture to fit the size of the room and don’t block walking pathways – oversized sofas or too much furniture will make the living room look smaller, while furniture and accessories blocking the view into a room will make the space look cramped – if you can see the floor, the room will look larger. 

A great tip is to choose a couch and chairs with open arms and exposed legs, and a glass coffee table, both will keep the appearance of a much more open and free space, allowing light to filter under and around the furniture far easier.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

60 interior photos, renovation ideas

A small living room is not a problem. Even the cramped, at first glance, room can easily be turned into a cozy place for evening relaxation in front of the TV, chatting with friends and family holidays. Our ideas and tips will help you to ensure comfort, as well as create a relaxed atmosphere!

Interior style for a small living room

The living room is the face of the house and its arrangement should be given special attention. It is always a pleasure to relax in a beautiful interior, as well as invite friends. To visually increase the space of the room, it is advisable to opt for one of the styles described below. They are united by lightness, unloaded details and predominantly light colors in the finish.

Contemporary living room

This style combines functionality and neatness. Clear graphic lines, soothing monochrome colors, cutting-edge materials and the latest in electronics are the perfect environment for busy people. Modern style is reminiscent of the office, but it can always be complemented with cute home decor, textiles, cushions or houseplants. nine0005

Classic living room

The luxurious classic style is characterized by harmony and symmetry. The abundance of white, crystal chandeliers and sconces, mirrors in gilded frames will fill the room with a soft glow.

The main decoration of a small living room in a classic style is carved furniture in ivory color or expensive wood polished to a shine.

Stucco molding, relief cornices, arches, columns are required. The windows are covered with heavy curtains with vertical drapery and jewelry-made tiebacks. nine0005

Provence style living room

The charming simplicity of southern France is the best solution for a small romantic living room. The distinctive features of Provence are lace, floral prints on the wallpaper, as well as pastel beige, peach, blue and gray shades. It remains only to get a beautiful service, put a vase with homemade jam and have a tea party!

Loft style living room

The design of a small loft-style living room provides for bare walls, panoramic windows and a minimum amount of furniture. Abstract paintings, black and white photographs, metal floor lamps can act as decor. nine0005

Minimalist living room

The name of this direction speaks for itself - a minimum of things, no decorations, only the necessary compact furniture and modern appliances.

Only one of the colors is used, in extreme cases - two. Available in white, grey, beige, silver or blue. Accents can be saturated, but always in a calm range.

Scandinavian style living room

Scandinavian interior style - a snow-white background with a slight admixture of beige, bright accents, as well as a lot of natural light. This design will create a feeling of freshness in a small living room. nine0005

Color matters!

To visually enlarge a small living room, it is necessary to keep the design in two or three light or neutral colors. Darker ones can be used in flooring, furniture, neat decor. The pattern should be on one thing - if the walls are decorated, then the textiles are plain, and vice versa. Restrained palette, conciseness, lack of flashy details - this is the secret of a room in which nothing will distract or annoy.

White living room

Gray living room

Neutral grays tone down objects that are too bright. For vertical surfaces, a bleached tone of dry asphalt, silver, is suitable. Furniture and decor could be darker.

Brown living room

Brown color looks great in autumn colors - from sand to chocolate. Interspersed with orange, red, burgundy or light green shades are possible. nine0005

Blue living room

Blue color has a calming effect on the human psyche, cools. A white ceiling, blue walls and light furniture are a magical option for a small living room interior design.

Green living room

Green color has a good effect on vision and improves well-being. Looks beautiful surrounded by natural elements in shades of wood, stones, water and flowers.

Lilac living room

Shades of sunset and lavender fields. A small living room in lilac color will set you in a romantic mood and will become a favorite vacation spot for all the inhabitants of the apartment. nine0005

Small living room decoration

To make the living room look impressive, you should choose high-quality, but not necessarily expensive materials for its decoration. The main criterion in this case is aesthetics.

Floor

For flooring in a small living room, natural parquet, laminate and carpet are most often used.

An extravagant design can also be created with self-leveling floors, artificial stone, tiles or porcelain stoneware. A glossy or polished surface will visually add height to the room. nine0005

If there are small children in the house, it is worth laying carpets - they will soften falls and warm the kids while playing on the floor, and protect expensive finishes from damage.

Walls

The side background of a small living room should be light, without noticeable color spots. Monochromatic painting, seamless wallpaper (with narrow vertical patterns), brick or stonework, polished stone, plastic panels are suitable.

Panoramic wallpaper with 3D effect, mirror and glass partitions, artistic painting can be an interesting addition. nine0005

You can make interesting illuminated niches in plasterboard walls to place appliances, an aquarium, a collection of souvenirs or books.

Ceiling

Best of all in a small living room will look stretch mirror ceiling, two-level plasterboard or combined.

In an economical version, it is enough just to level it and paint it white. All kinds of plastic panels should be abandoned - squares and stripes will visually reduce the height of the room. The same goes for massive hanging chandeliers. nine0005

Decor and textiles

The choice of fabrics will largely depend on the overall style of the interior. So, for the classics, satin, silk, velvet textures are ideal; for the loft - translucent white, for Provence and country - in a small flower.

To visually increase the space of a small living room, it is recommended to use light and shiny textiles. Curtains should be in harmony with the rest of the finish, partially repeat the patterns on the wallpaper, emphasize the color of the walls or merge with it. nine0005

Attaching a cornice to the ceiling and lowering the curtains to the floor will make the room appear higher. A good solution for a small-sized hall is curtains throughout the wall, always light and with vertical drapery.

Large perspective paintings, mirrors, modular images, family photos and interesting panels are suitable for decoration. Vases with flowers or branches, indoor plants will also be appropriate in the living room.

Collector's editions of books, figurines and interior candles can be placed on open shelves. In order not to disturb the harmony of a small space, it is advisable to use the decor very sparingly. nine0005

Placement of furniture and equipment

The location of the sofa, TV, coffee table, shelves and other important things in a small living room largely depends on its layout. So, in a studio apartment, you will have to combine a recreation area with a dining room, and perhaps also provide for a folding bed; the walk-through living room should somehow be protected, made more comfortable; a rectangular room will need to be balanced using geometric techniques.

Small square living room

The symmetrical harmony of the square allows you to beautifully arrange any furniture under the wall or in the center. Using corner structures, the situation can be made diamond-shaped.

Narrow (rectangular) small living room

In such rooms, usually the door is located opposite the window and the effect of the corridor is obtained. You can improve the situation as follows: curtain the window with white curtains with a smooth horizontal drapery, make the front door large and light - this will increase the narrow walls. Free areas should be trimmed with elements like brickwork or racks with elongated shelves should be arranged. nine0005

The broad sides should be mirrored, glossy, with prominent vertical lines of contrasting color and clear form from floor to ceiling.

Plank flooring should be laid parallel to narrow walls.

It is advisable to choose furniture with high backs - a squat one will “smear” the room.

Small irregular living room

If the living room turned out as a result of complex zoning or the owners decided to equip the attic for this purpose, the problem of non-standard planning arises. nine0005

In this case, it is worth ordering corner or semi-circular furniture, walls with beveled edges, unusual tables and taking care of the access of light to every part of the space.

Small living room lighting

Proper placement and aesthetic appearance of luminaires can greatly transform any small space. The living room definitely needs at least one powerful lamp on the ceiling, but you should not hang a bulky chandelier if the actual height of the room is less than 4 meters. nine0005

Neat spot diodes can be installed along the perimeter, wall lamps can be attached to the wall near the sofa (for example, to make it convenient to read books), and decor or shelves with favorite things can be illuminated with flexible ribbons. In some design options, stylized lanterns, garlands and luminescent elements will look very nice.

Get rid of the feeling of hanging overhead ceiling will help the light coming from below, vertically from the floor. Reflected in a glossy film, it will make the room look higher. nine0005

Design of a small living room in Khrushchev

In Khrushchev, as a rule, one cannot do without redevelopment - in such cases the living room is often combined with the kitchen. This helps to increase the area and turn a familiar room into a modern studio.

To save space, it is recommended to stick to minimalism: use compact narrow racks, doors without handles, hang a flat-screen TV on the wall, and not install it on a bulky cabinet.

Upholstered furniture is better to choose folding - so in case of spending the night guests will have an extra bed. nine0005

A free corner of a small living room in Khrushchev should be equipped as a workplace: put a computer, a lamp and attach hanging shelves for books.

Integration with other premises

In cramped conditions, a good way to increase the area is to combine the living room with adjacent rooms.

Combination of a small living room and kitchen

This is a very logical option - in the living room they receive friends, relax, and can not do without tea or festive feasts. It is enough to visually separate the cooking area with a bar counter, and on the other hand put a sofa, TV, wall - and you get a comfortable multifunctional studio. nine0005

Combination of a living room with a balcony or loggia

By removing the partition between the small living room and the loggia, due to the latter, you can significantly expand the space, as well as arrange a greenhouse or work area. To prevent heat from escaping from the apartment, the balcony will have to be glazed, the cracks closed and well insulated.

Combination of a living room with a hallway or a corridor

This redevelopment option is often found in private houses, but it is also quite suitable for apartments. A few square meters at the entrance can be left for storing clothes and shoes, separating this area, for example, with ceramic floor tiles (to make cleaning easier), and cover the rest of the space with carpet or parquet and use it as a living room. nine0005

Small living room design ideas - photo

Our gallery contains the most interesting design solutions for small living rooms. In the photo you can see what effect this or that finish gives, how different combinations of colors look, where it is better to put furniture and appliances. Get inspired!

Video: Small living room design

In small-sized apartments, the renovation of the living room causes a lot of problems, because this room most of all needs competent design. Quiet family evenings are held here, guests gather for celebrations, and sometimes business negotiations are conducted. Each apartment owner understands that the living room is a business card that demonstrates good taste and material wealth. But what to do if its dimensions do not allow you to install chic furniture and decorate the interior with rich decor? In our article, we will look at how you can turn a small living room into a stylish, comfortable room that can become a real pride of its owners. nine0005

Enlarge space

Renovation of a small living room should begin with the consideration of opportunities to increase the area. This can be achieved by combining a room with adjacent rooms. The easiest option is to connect a loggia or balcony to the layout. True, it will be necessary to additionally insulate the attached area, but it will be a great place to organize a dining, desktop or relaxation area with armchairs and a coffee table. When attaching a balcony, most often only window and door frames are demolished, and part of the wall is converted into a bar counter. The opening can be beautifully beaten with an arched vault, creating a decorative highlight in the interior. nine0005

A more troublesome but effective way to increase space is to combine the living room with the kitchen. In this case, you can not do without zoning - you can separate the working area from the guest area using finishing materials, lighting or furniture in the form of a sofa or bar counter. One-room small-sized apartments are often turned into studio apartments, where almost all interior partitions are demolished, with the exception of the bathroom. Such a room will look light and spacious.

If there is no possibility or desire to engage in redevelopment, you can use techniques to visually expand the area of ​​the room. To do this, choose light colors of finishing materials, install only the necessary interior items, endow the room with a variety of light sources. Glass and mirror surfaces help to make the space lighter and freer: a glossy stretch ceiling, lacquered furniture fronts, mirrored wardrobe doors, glass tables, shelves. nine0005

In a small living room there is an opportunity to "push" and "raise" the walls due to the peculiarities of finishing materials. One of the walls can be decorated in a solid dark color - it will give depth to the space, focusing on itself. The same effect is created by photo wallpapers and large prints. Placing patterns on the walls vertically will create the illusion of a high ceiling, and horizontally will expand the plane of the walls. Such techniques can be combined in a single room. Small drawings, as well as those arranged in a diagonal order, create dynamics, lightness of the atmosphere. nine0005

Color solutions for a small living room

A small room will look much more spacious if you choose a light palette for its decoration. Dark tones are also present in the interior, but not as the main background, but as auxiliary elements that focus on a particular area.

You can use a white color scheme that visually expands the space, gives a feeling of cleanliness and freshness. Against such a background, any dark and bright details harmoniously look. White is able to emphasize cold tones and muffle warm ones, streamlining the situation. nine0005

Beige tones will add more coziness and warmth to the atmosphere, creating a neutral background for a confidential conversation. In such an environment, you can relax and rejuvenate after a hard day's work. At the same time, the beige palette harmonizes perfectly with any cold and warm colors that help diversify the interior, make it more dynamic.

The base color for designing a small living room can be gray, which is very popular with modern designers. It is great for any style decision, and using its various halftones, you can create unique fashionable interiors. Pastel colors look best against the background of an ashy palette, but bright contrasts will blend in no less harmoniously. nine0005

To design a small living room, you can also use color solutions, decorating the room in blue, light green, lemon, pink colors. The introduction of their brighter shades should be moderate and combined with a white palette.

Finishes and materials

The modern market is full of various materials for interior decoration, and for a living room that does not have microclimate features, you can choose absolutely any. But it is worth considering that in small rooms it is better to avoid decorating with finishes that will steal part of the space, such as plasterboard wall coverings or PVC panels installed on a metal frame. nine0005

Floor

It is better to lay a warm material on the floor, such as laminate or compacted linoleum. Self-leveling and porcelain tiles are also used, but they are quite cool, so you will need a warm carpet. If the living room is combined with any other room, you can create different combinations of materials by highlighting areas.

Walls

Walls in a small living room are available in a variety of finishes. In most cases, the choice depends on the personal preferences of the owners, the style concept and financial capabilities. Before finishing the wall, it is necessary to carefully align and eliminate existing defects. They can be wallpapered, combining plain and patterned surfaces, painted, decorated with decorative plaster or PVC panels. On accent areas, artificial stone, photo wallpapers, as well as cork, leather canvases are used. nine0005

Ceiling

The easiest way to decorate the ceiling is plasterboard sheathing followed by painting. You can use stretch fabrics, glossy coatings that create a reflective effect will be especially good in a small living room. With the help of drywall, you can create various stepped structures, highlight functional areas.

Small living room furniture

The choice of furniture for a small living room is an important point that requires special attention to detail. It is important here to prioritize correctly and select only the necessary elements. A sofa, armchairs, a TV panel remain mandatory interior items. nine0005

You can purchase a transforming coffee table, which, if necessary, turn into a large dining table, install a suspended modular set with glossy fronts. If you can’t refuse a closet, give preference to a compartment design with mirrored doors. For some styles (classic, Scandinavian), a false fireplace would be a good solution.

Lighting and decor

In a small living room, the lighting must be intense enough so that no corner is left unattended. You can arrange multi-level lighting: install a chandelier, spotlights, hidden lighting around the perimeter of the ceiling and local lighting of individual areas, for example, a floor lamp or a wall lamp by the sofa, hanging appliances above the bar counter. nine0005

Do not oversaturate a small room with decor, so as not to bring confusion into the atmosphere. Choose details that match the style. Live flowerpots, bright decorative pillows, family photos will be appropriate in any interior. You can use decorative finishing materials as decorations: voluminous or patterned wallpapers, fabrics, photo images, etc.

Interior styles

For a small living room it is very important that the environment is as ordered as possible, so you need to choose a certain style direction. We propose to consider several options that will perfectly fit into the conditions of a compact hall. nine0005

Minimalist small living room

Perhaps the best option for a small living room can not be found. The minimalist trend, which has gained great popularity recently, involves a light interior design, equipping it with only useful furnishings. Clear lines and the correct geometric proportions of all details, the absence of decorative excesses - such conciseness does not prevent the interior of the living room from being cozy and welcoming.

Japanese style small living room

The interiors of the people of the Land of the Rising Sun are a combination of Japanese traditions and European practicality. Natural motifs are quite popular in the premises, as the philosophy of culture is based on the harmonious reunification of man with nature. In the design, natural colors and materials, landscapes and natural ornaments are preferred.

Japanese-style living room furniture is limited to the presence of extremely functional squat pieces. The spirit of Japan is ideally emphasized by hanging chandeliers-lanterns, traditional shoji partitions or their authentic imitation, bamboo wall coverings, philosophical sayings made in hieroglyphs. nine0005

Scandinavian style small living room

Northern peoples, who, due to climatic conditions, experience a lack of sunlight, most of all needed and still need bright spacious rooms, which clearly confirms the Scandinavian style of interiors.

Here, light tones of decoration are welcome, among which the white palette occupies a leading position. The ethnic orientation is emphasized by a deliberately rough finish - the walls are plastered or decorated for brickwork even without prior leveling, the ceiling is whitewashed, and the floor is laid with a wooden board (can be replaced with laminate or parquet). Warm decorative details give a special comfort: pillows, rugs, wooden furniture, green flowerpots. nine0005

Small Loft Living Room

Fans of extraordinary design of their homes should pay attention to the loft trend in design, where you can find amazing combinations of careless finishes, aged furniture with modern products of technological progress.

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