Little living room ideas
51 small living room ideas to maximise your lounge
By taking inspiration from our small living room ideas, you'll find that you can make something unique, characterful and curated out of an awkward space. Cherry pick your favourite space-savvy solutions below, from furniture and colour schemes to window treatments and lighting to curate a living room you love being in.
Design decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when you're decorating a tight space, as it can all feel very 'Tetris'. Before buying anything, think about how the room will function. Who is going to be using the room, when are you going to be using it and what will you be doing in it?
Then, when it comes to design and styling, imagining how you'd decorate your own private room entered by a secret passage no one knows about can help you work out what you really want. Take your tiny space from cramped and cluttered to cosy and calming with our tips and tricks on how to design a living room that's on the smaller side.
Small living room ideas
1. Choose furniture with legs
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Kelly Collins from Swyft Home recommends furniture that’s raised off of the ground. 'Selecting a sofa or armchair that sits on raised legs will help to bring a sense of light and space and make even the smallest living rooms feel airy,' she says. When more of the floor is visible, the room appears bigger.
This trick lends itself well to any living room, as many of the best sofas and armchairs are finished with beautiful turned wooden legs. Lots of beautiful mid-century pieces are raised on legs, from sideboards and cabinets to sofas, keeping the floor on show.
2. Create a focal point with a gallery wall
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
Centre your lounge space with gallery wall ideas above the sofa. Frame photos, prints, wallpaper samples and pressed flowers to create something that brings personality. The visual interest created by a cluster of prints will distract from the fact the room is small and anchors the space.
3. Enlarge with wide flooring
(Image credit: Future PLC / Jon Day)
Elements of the room with large surface area, like the walls and floors, have a huge impact on how a small space feels. Consider flooring options that will expand the space.
'Use wide flooring planks or those laid on a diagonal tangent across the room,' advises interior designer Vanessa Morgan . Chunky floorboards will work better than slim ones, and a Berber rug with a diamond pattern will also create the impression of a broader area.
4. Break up a neutral palette with boho patterns
(Image credit: Future PLC / Anna Stathaki)
Like we mentioned earlier, neutral tones will help a small room to feel larger. Light coloured carpets, walls and furniture are a great way to keep a space feeling bright and airy, whatever the size of the room.
We love the little extra touches in this charming living room – the wall-mounted shelving unit provides the perfect space for personal mementos and accessories.
If you're prefer a modern small living room idea like this one, then simplicity is key.
5. Hide corners to enhance the sense of space
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen explains a simple bit of science around corners, and how to make a room feel larger by drawing the eye away from its edges. 'Our minds become confused in a room, if our eyes can't see corners,' he begins.
'If our eyes can see corners then our mind knows exactly what size the room is, but if you can find ways of disguising corners, hiding corners, drawing the attention of the eye to the middle of the wall rather than the edge of the wall, that will always help significantly.' He suggests placing a tall plant or even having a table lamp in the corner of a room to distract the eye from the perimeter.
6. Go oversized with artwork
(Image credit: Future PLC )
A gallery wall will always be a popular way to decorate the wall behind a sofa and display favourite artwork and photos.
But in a tight space, one large piece of artwork could stop the space from feeling cluttered and busy. Here, a large abstract print with tones of mustard and pink tie in with the sofa, while the rest of the space is kept bright and minimalist.
7. Hang easy breezy curtains
(Image credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore)
'Try to maximise the use of natural light with floaty window dressing and a statement/group of mirrors,' suggests Paula Taylor from Graham & Brown. Keep window treatments sheer and light rather than having anything too heavy, and it'll make the area around the window feel more spacious.
8. Soften with curved edges
(Image credit: Future PLC / Anna Stathaki)
When decking out your small living room, look for furniture with curved edges to offset all the harsh angles, from the doorframe to the windows. An oval midcentury coffee table in warm wood softens the look in this small, cosy living room, and the glass top prevents it from feeling bulky.
Circular cushions work well too, and we can personally recommend this circular jute rug from La Redoute , available in a range of sizes (go as big as possible). Curvy furniture, soft furnishings and even the cute rounded leaves of a money plant will make a small living room feel inviting.
9. Prioritise multifunctional designs
(Image credit: Future PLC / James Merrell)
Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill says multifunctionality is the number one rule to making the best of a small living room. 'Go all in with multi-functional furniture,' she says. A storage ottoman, at Wayfair is a great idea as it can triple up as a coffee table, footstool, and storage box.
'It's an aesthetic statement piece of furniture which is also storage savvy,' Nadia adds. Just add a tray and some coffee table books when using as a table.
10. Go dark
(Image credit: Future PLC )
Ideal Home Editor Heather Young has just painted her living room in Railings by Farrow & Ball, and if you're toying with the idea of a dark makeover, Lucy St George from Rockett St George says go for it.
'It’s no secret that we’re big fans of a dark and dramatic living room scheme at Rockett St George and it’s a common misconception that black will make your room feel smaller,' she begins.
'In fact, it has the opposite effect. Painting the walls and ceilings of your living room in black leans into the cosy feel and helps creates an illusion similar to looking up at the night sky.' Plenty of candles, table lamps and soft throws and you're all set for optimal cosiness.
11. Choose storage furniture with a small footprint
(Image credit: Future PLC/Fiona Walker-Arnott)
Whilst living room storage ideas are still very much needed, regardless of the size of your space, try to make the most of ceiling height and avoid using too much floor space.
'More and more customers have embraced ladder-style shelving to store and display, from paperwork and keys to houseplants and prized possessions,' says Kate Gibson, Home Buying Manager, Habitat . 'A versatile storage solution, this style provides valuable shelf space with a minimal footprint.
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12. Create space using mirrors
(Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Luscombe-Whyte)
It's the oldest trick in the book, but it really does work. You can instantly create the illusion of space by simply adding more living room mirror ideas. All the better still, like above, opt for an oversized mirror to cover an entire wall. The mirror will create the illusion of space by reflecting light and of course the interior decor – doubling up your small living room ideas.
'We always recommend going for the largest mirror you can afford to make the most of the reflection and bounce as much light back into the room as possible. Alternatively, create a feature on the wall of your living room with a mix of vintage, foxed or antiqued mirrors for a unique take on the classic gallery wall,' says Jane Rockett, Co-founder of Rockett St George.
13. Choose a broken plan layout
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
The modern interpretation of open-plan living, broken plan layouts are perfect for small living room ideas.
This contemporary look is well-suited to modern living room ideas. You'll have all the benefits of the sense of space that you get from open-plan. However, what broken plan also does if offer more of a visual separation between your zones without having to block them off with doors.
If a simple wall jutting out doesn't separate the spaces enough, look to glass doors, instead.
14. Use paint to trick the eye
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)
Living room feature wall ideas do much more than just add pretty decoration. Trick the eye into your room appearing taller by carefully considered painting. Coat the bottom half of the wall in your favourite bright shade, which will draw attention.
Then paint the top half and the ceiling in a more neutral colour so it seems to disappear by comparison, and blurs the lines of where the walls end and the ceiling begins.
15. Open up with a serving hatch
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Forget all those 70s connotations of serving hatches.
Instead, think of how this addition could bring light and space to your small living room ideas.
A simple rectangle cut in between your living room and kitchen will make both your rooms feel larger without having to commit to an open-plan living room layout. Plus, you can still use the space for its intended purpose, except leave the pineapple hedgehogs behind.
16. Boost light with floor to ceiling windows
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
There's nothing like natural light to make a space feel bigger. Amp up the sense of space in your lounge by giving your back wall totally over to floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows. If you have a lush garden beyond, this will only enhance the sense of light and space.
17. Open up to the hallway
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
While this might seem a dramatic move, you can increase the sense of space by opening up the wall behind the sofa, revealing the light-filled hallway ideas behind.
This is a clever idea if your front room feels dark and crammed, and won't impact too much on the structure of your rooms, as you'll only be opening up part of the wall. Always seek professional advice before grabbing a sledge hammer but keep in mind a 'hole in the wall' could be the answer to your small space issue.
18. Choose a neutral sofa
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
'A neutral sofa can help lighten the space, however it's worth remembering that neutral doesn’t have to mean selecting a plain design,' says Suzy McMahon, Buying Director, Sofology . 'Opting for styles with beautiful details, such as curves, buttons or fluting, will add character to a small space without overpowering your scheme.' Bear this in mind when looking for sofa ideas for small living rooms.
'Additionally, cushions and throws in bolder shades and patterns can keep the look from feeling too pared back. Alternatively, an accent chair is a great way to add a pop of colour and will effortlessly lift a darker space.
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19. Keep it cohesive
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
When working with small living room ideas, try and keep your colours cohesive, when it comes to furniture, accessories and wall colour too. 'A cohesive colour palette boosts light creating a tranquil, snug oasis,' says Nadia from Wayfair.
Sticking to two or three key colours will mean everything seamlessly sits together and nothing will jump out too much, making it dominate the room. Use living room paint ideas to zone spaces within the room and add plenty of plants to bring a feeling of life to the room.
20. Opt for built in everything
(Image credit: Future PLC)
If you need a lot of storage space in your living room, why not opt for built in everything!
Built in shelving and cupboards are much better space savers than freestanding. But a built in seating area too, will mean no space is wasted at all, especially if you add under-bench storage too. Choosing a coffee table with an open, wire base will also make the space feel roomier.
21. Save space with wall lights
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
In small spaces, it's all about saving precious floor space so the room doesn't seem too cluttered. Bear this in mind when choosing your perfect living room lighting ideas.
'Opt for wall mounted lighting with a sleek profile to regain valuable floor space that would be lost to floor lamps or lamp topped side tables,' advises Anna Cross, Home Living Buying Manager, Habitat. 'We’ve seen high demand for plugin designs, as customers seek to create a cosy glow without the hassle of rewiring.”
23. Choose light colours for the walls
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Wooley)
Dark colours are definitely having a moment right now, but they can be tricky to work with in small spaces. Light colours tend to work best so stick to pale tones such as white, cream, and grey to keep your room scheme light, airy and open – especially effective in spaces with minimal natural light sources.
Light shades will make any small living room ideas feel fresh and inviting – cosy, and yet not closed in. Steer clear of brilliant whites and instead pick those with a subtle green, grey or taupe tone. With so many different shades available choosing the best white paint can feel like a minefield – be sure to try tester samples in the space before you paint.
24. Use simplistic window treatments to boost light
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Make the most of natural light in the room by keeping window treatments simple. Shutters are a brilliant alternative to curtains, providing privacy and light control without taking up space. If you do choose to go for living room curtain ideas, keep them light and make sure they can be swept away from the window for light or alternatively go for Roman or roller blinds.
25. Paint the skirting boards
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)
Breaking with convention, the trick to make a space feel bigger is to paint the skirting boards in the same colour as the wall.
No more bold white borders. 'One little tip, paint the skirting boards,' advises interior designer Kelly Hoppen . 'It will make the whole wall look a lot taller. When you paint them white it's a bit like wearing a sock and your trouser leg being too high. It kind of looks a bit odd!'
A brilliant analogy for the look of bold white skirting boards standing out from the wall colour, for all the wrong reasons – especially prominent when using a dark living room colour scheme. This trick will prevent the wall from being divided – helping to elongate them, so the room feels taller and therefore bigger.
Kelly Hoppen's advice for painting skirting boards is a real game-changer in small spaces.
26. Add a feature wall in a warm colour
(Image credit: Future PLC/Fiona Walker-Arnott)
We all want our living rooms to feel cosy and restful. However, in a small space, you may feel apprehensive about introducing too many dark colours for fear of making the room feel cramped.
In that instance, pick a rich warm colour as a backdrop to a part of the room that's all about relaxation, such as behind the sofa or your favourite armchair. So if you're after cosy living room ideas, that deep shot of colour is a visual 'hug' that relaxes and draws us in, without making the room feel smaller.
27. Seamlessly transition to an outdoor space
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
If your small living room has an adjoining outdoor area, embrace the feeling of extra space. Sliding or bifold doors that open out fully will open up the space and create a sense of flow between the indoor and outdoor space. Choose coordinating furniture and furnishings to decorate the two areas to unite them and make the journey from one to the other feel seamless. This will help to make any small living area feel more generous by simply knowing the outdoor area is just beyond the threshold.
Alternatively, you could blur the boundary between indoors and out by painting your window frames the same colour as the walls, suggests Catharina Björkman, Scandi interiors expert at Contura .
'This directs your gaze towards the view as opposed to the window, which is now uninterrupted by the shock of a different colour frame and can be incredibly peaceful for the mind. Connecting with nature is vital for wellbeing, so allowing your home to blur into the view from the inside out is a great way to start,' she says.
28. Use lighting to your advantage
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
In order to make the most out of your space ensure you have at least three working lights in the room. Light should be located at different heights, be indirect and allow your eye to move about the room. More light and more varied light is always good for a compact room.
29. Take storage to new heights
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme)
Don’t let vertical space go to waste. Hang pictures, choose tall furniture and think about practical living room shelving ideas. A striking picture or wall hanging will draw the eye up, making a space feel more expansive than it actually is.
Just because your living room is verging on the small side, it doesn't mean that you should hide away all your favourite belongings in storage.
If you have objects that are worthy of showing off then display them along an open shelf, above the sofa. This idea is great for when floor space is at a premium.
30. Replace curtains with blinds
(Image credit: Future PLC/Alexander James)
Kelly Hoppen's design advice for small spaces is to ditch the curtains and go for a living room blind idea instead. 'Often people focus on something which really doesn’t need to be changed,’ explains Kelly. She suggests it can be as simple as changing a few little tiny things to make all the difference – such as the curtains.
If you are wondering how to dress a bay window, particularly one that is small and challenging then steer away from curtains. 'I would put blinds up rather than curtains,' advises Kelly. 'This would actually make the room seem taller.’
What a great insider design tip to help make any small space feel instantly larger.
The free space either side of the windows would create the illusion of airy space.
32. Up the storage potential
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
The key in a small space is to make the most of every inch available. When it comes to storage think outside the box and create bespoke storage solutions that use the free vertical space on walls and unused corners and nooks created by living room fireplace ideas as an advantage.
An affordable way to use a recess space for storage is to fit stacked floating shelves. Staggering them allows you to use both sides of the wall. The openness helps to keep the look light and airy, rather than boxed in. Just don't overwhelm the room with clutter, warns Lisa Cooper from Thomas Sanderson . 'It may look like you can fit a lot inside, but in the long run, your room may look messy,' she says. Use the shelves for displaying your very favourite books and trinkets.
34. Wall-mount and conceal a TV
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)
A wall-mounted TV is always going to be the better option for small living room ideas.
Firstly we don't want it taking up valuable space! Secure your modern flatscreen to the wall to create a streamlined look, freeing up the space beneath where you would otherwise have to accommodate a TV stand. Above a disused fireplace helps to use up otherwise redundant wall space too.
Look for smart ways to disguise your TV to prevent it standing out as point of focus. Cleverly concealing the large black oblong, that looks like a black hole, will help to stop it encroaching on a small space.
35. Make your own media centre
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
Free up floor space, from storage units, by creating your own media centre that takes up minimal space. Fix an MDF panel to the wall and mount your TV screen and floating shelves on it, one above and one below if needed.
The space saving shelves will allow for storage without taking up too much needed space. The area underneath the bottom shelf allows for extra storage for items such as slim drawer units or drum storage stools.
36. Utilise awkward architectural spaces
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Cleveland)
Does your living room lack space due to awkward room proportions? Often with period properties the features which we love the most, such as bay windows, present a logistical nightmare for arranging furniture. If you have a compact sofa it should fit neatly into the position, without taking up valuable floor space.
Alternatively use the awkward area to house larger, bulkier furniture pieces such as sideboards and TV units. This prevents the pieces overpowering the rest of the small living room ideas, because the space would be otherwise unused anyway.
37. Hang baskets to provide extra wall storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)
If you are faced with small space living the only way really is up! Make the most of any floor space by keeping it as clutter-free as possible. That includes any small bits and bobs you might otherwise have laying around.
Willow baskets are an attractive way to solve the storage problem. Ideal because one they look great and two they are sturdy enough to hold all manner of clutter – a storage idea for a family living room.
Hanging from decorative hooks that can take a lot of weight, these baskets are great for quick end-of-day tidy-ups for toys, books, magazines, iPads and all the other stuff that tends to lay around.
38. Add storage near the ceiling
(Image credit: Future PLC/Georgia Burns)
Mount some carefully camouflaged white storage units at the top of the living room walls to stash clutter out of sight. Off-the-shelf kitchen wall cabinets are ideal for this. That said, be very careful about the maximum load that each unit can take when wall-mounted – you don't want everything crashing down.
39. Avoid a corridor effect with a corner sofa
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
If your small living room ideas are based around a long, thin space, then it can be prone to feeling rather corridor-esque. Dark sofas will enhance this, so look for a pale L-shaped design to both open up the space and create a useful and cosy corner.
Choosing the best corner sofa set up means there will also be more room for extra seating by way of large floor cushions or a footstool.
40. Draw attention to the windows
Walls in Cream White and Mustard Jar Easyclean Matt emulsion, £25 for 2.5ltrs, Crown Paint
(Image credit: Crown Paint)
To let as much light in as possible make sure there is nothing obscuring your windows. Painting the window surround can help to draw attention to the source of natural light, which aids the feeling of space.
Also, remember to keep on top of cleaning windows, this will lighten and brighten up the room beyond.
Make your coffee table work harder
When it comes to small living room ideas, hard-working, multi-functional pieces of furniture are key. Coffee tables are often overlooked as items which can double up their use. Look for versions which have integrated storage, allowing you to clear away any clutter at a moment's notice.
Some options also come with removable trays in addition to the storage, providing an extra surface which can be added as and when needed.
42. Lead the eye away from the door
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Whether a country cottage or a studio flat, it can be tricky to create a relaxing bolt hole when your front door opens straight into your living room. Take the emphasis away from the entrance by creating a focal point with thoughtfully arranged living room seating. Arrange your seating and surfaces facing into the centre of the space, visually blocking the door.
45. Factor in textural pieces
(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)
Decorating with white on walls, ceiling and floor always wins for small living room ideas, but it can leave it feeling clinical and stark.
Take the chill off a compact nook by mixing and matching fabrics and textures. Think leathers, woods, sisal and raffia to add both a tactile dimension and warmth with the natural tones. This is perfect for a country living room idea.
46. Distract the eye with characterful furnishings
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
While banishing clutter might help small living room ideas feel more open, if you're a fan of the cosy, lived-in look such a pared back scheme will do little for you. But small doesn't have to mean bare and characterless. Try the classic combination of dark leather furniture and traditional fireplace - there's nothing like it for creating a warm, cosy environment.
Add much-loved items and accessories - in an interesting, character-filled scheme, no one will be thinking about how small the room is.
47. Make storage fit in seamlessly
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Use architectural features to incorporate smart storage. Build storage seamlessly into alcoves either side of a fireplace, for example. Give the surrounding original features a modern update with a fresh coat of paint and light retouching to keep things contemporary.
Small living room ideas need to be kept fresh and uncluttered with well-chosen storage. A great way to make a small living room feel larger is to keep it meticulously tidy and in order to do that, everything in the room needs to have its proper place. Bespoke fitted floor-to-ceiling shelves and cupboards that make use of every inch of spare space in alcoves beside a small living room fireplace.
48. Keep it to scale
(Image credit: Future PLC/Oliver Gordon)
If you have a little living room, don’t go overboard with a huge L-shaped sofa that’s big enough for the whole family, the dog and the neighbours when they pop round for a cuppa. There are plenty of living room sofa ideas that could be a better fit for your space. 'Oversized pieces will create a crowded effect which can be unsettling in a relaxing environment,' agrees Paula Taylor from Graham & Brown.
So keep it simple – a two-seater sofa is often all you need. Especially when paired with other seating solutions such as floor cushions or an ottoman. Ask yourself if you could manage with an equally comfy but far less invasive 'snuggler' or 'loveseat'. Otherwise known as a 1.5 seater, this small living room ideas staple can easily accommodate a parent and child – or a cuddly couple.
50. Choose a daybed
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
If your living room doubles up as a place for guests to stay, make sure your seating can accommodate them. If you're too tight on space for a sofa bed, however, there are other options. Day beds tend to take up less floor space and still provide a cosy bed and comfy sofa.
How do you make a small living room look bigger?
'If you are short for space in the living room, adding some height to your key pieces of furniture will help create an airy, open feel to help enlarge the room,' advises Patricia Gibbons, Designer, Sofa. com . 'Not every piece needs to be elevated but adding legs to your sofa would be most effective for bringing in the illusion of space. There is something about being able to see more floor which creates the feel of spaciousness especially when you aren’t spoiled for it.'
And in terms of a flooring choice, David Snazel, Hard Flooring Buyer at Carpetright offers this advice, 'For small rooms, a light wood finish floor with a single plank design will help create the perception of space within small living room ideas. In a broken plan layout carry the same flooring through from the kitchen to conjoining areas to create a consistent flow between the rooms. Chevron wood flooring can be especially effective running from a narrow kitchen into a separate dining or living space to help these areas feel harmonious. '
How can I decorate my living room when it is small?
It's all about making clever choices when buying furniture for small living room ideas. 'Linear furniture designs with a minimal profile are ideal for smaller rooms,' explains Rachael Fell, Furniture Buying Manager at Habitat .
'The open lines of a wire metal coffee table gives the illusion of more space as the surrounding scene is visible through it. Look out for designs that incorporate shelving into their silhouette to maximise storage capabilities.'
And when it comes to colour, be brave and go for that bold shade you love, regardless of the size of the room. 'Some fear that adding a deep or bright colour to a small room will make it appear claustrophobic, opting instead for light neutrals to keep the space open,' says Helen Shaw, UK Director, Benjamin Moore .
'However, when working with a small area, dark colours cleverly absorb the light of a space, making the division between walls appear blurred. This ‘blurred edges’ effect adds depth and dimension to a room, making it appear larger.'
Where do you put a TV in a small living room?
If your living room is more of a snug, and you use it generally for cosying up and watching movies, you don't need to worry too much about where the TV goes, as it's all about being comfortable.
Céline Erlam of Indie & Co advises, 'A TV needs to be at the correct height in relation to your sofa- you shouldn't need to look up to view, and ideally, place it central to your sofa.'
She goes on to say, 'Before you start work on your snug or small living room ideas, think about the audio systems and TV that you have so you can conceal any cabling'
But if you're not keen on having your small living room TV idea on show, think about hiding it away. 'Don't rule our concealing your TV- you can even fit a projector in the ceiling, which drops down when in use, as well as concealed built-in speakers,' Céline advises.
You could look at hiding your tv behind a set of framed prints or a screen, or even in a TV cabinet.
What colour furniture goes in a small living room?
'Any colour furniture will work in a small living room as long as it creates visual harmony with the rest of the space,' comments Paula Taylor, Head Stylist at Graham & Brown . 'A contrasting piece will create boundaries and divide the space so opt for colours that will blend and create a visual colour block.
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Is a sectional good for a small living room?
'A sectional sofa slots into a small living space perfectly due to its versatility,' says Nadia from Wayfair. 'Weave in a few plush scatter cushions to enhance a sectional and lift the cosy character of a small living room.'
44 Best Small Living Room Ideas
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1
Work In Twos
Sometimes smaller spaces actually allow for bolder color and pattern experiments. Here, Katie Rosenfeld worked in pairs. She used the same floral pattern for the sofa and drapes, corresponding (and wilder!) cheetah prints on the carpet and throw pillow, and then coupled the springy green paint with the striped ottoman. If you love this look but prefer something a touch more modern, try this formula but then swap in the traditional prints for edgy, modern photography or an abstract painting.
Read McKendree2
Separate Zones With Lighting
David Frazier carved out both a formal sitting and dining room within the same small space.
A statement pendant over the pedestal table helps separate the dining zone, and stackable dining chairs can also double as extra sitting in the living room. Pops of dark yellow speak to the warm antique wood pieces and break up the monochromatic color scheme, and a ceiling-high curtain rod adds depth.
3
Orient for Visits
Ditch the sofa altogether if you'd rather use the living room as a place to catch up and chat with others as opposed to lounging horizontally. Four blue-painted rattan chairs are oriented towards each other for visits, but they're comfy enough to recline and stretch out on during life's quieter moments in this fun small living room designed by Avery Cox.
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4
Play Up Period Details
In a Parisian apartment designed by Lichelle Silvestry, luxe, warm, and texture-rich velvet seating further enhances the elaborate period elements.
“I adore using materials that add character and authenticity to my interiors,” Silvestry says. “It’s a sensory feast.”
5
Use refreshing Colors
In this small bungalow living room designed by Another Human, the contemporary linen-covered loveseat gets a bohemian treatment surrounded by a mix of granny-chic accents and '70s details. A surprising and rejuvenating shade of purple keeps things fresh and exciting.
Stephen Paul6
Hang Plants
Amber El-Amin worked around an odd overhang above the sofa area by hanging a plant from it. It enlivens the nook and brings a touch of unexpected whimsy without forgoing light—the two vintage lamps are strategically placed to brighten the tonal and laid-back yet upscale living room.
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7
Use Fewer But Brighter Pieces
Located by the entry and kitchen in the Novogratz family home, this bonus sitting room is a crash pad for any loitering kids or guests.
It's also a great design formula for anyone looking for a formal setup in a smaller space: Colorful artwork, minimal decorative objects, and streamlined furniture... Just the basics! But in bright colors.
8
Display Heirlooms In Open Shelves
Old books and heirlooms will instantly make a room feel more personal, and exposed shelving and/or glass-enclosed cabinets will really let them shine. In this living room designed by Oliver Thornton, they add character and speak to the layered warmth of the furnishings, even though the space isn't huge.
Oliver Thornton9
Let a Room-Spanning Rug Do the Work
If you're feeling stuck and uninspired, a room-spanning rug or piece of artwork can be a great jumping-off point for the rest of the color scheme. Everything in this small living room is inspired by the gorgeous Art Deco rug, from the plaster color-blocked paint to the masculine leather sofas.
A lucite table keeps a lower visual profile while speaking to the mirrored ceiling.
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10
Forgo Armchairs
This simple living room designed by Robert McKinley Studio incorporates tons of texture, from the rug to the shades and the sofa. These casual materials make it feel casual while still being fresh and stylish.
Robert McKinley Studio11
Use an Upholstered Ottoman
A reupholstered ottoman will play the role of a coffee table, footrest, and even extra seating depending on what you need it for. It's also a great option for anyone with small children or pets since the edges are soft, and it allows for extra pattern plays if you choose something fun like this triangle print in a sitting room by Les Ensembliers.
Paul Raeside12
Use Acrylic Furniture
Call on lucite and acrylic furniture in small spaces that start to feel visually chaotic.
Thanks to their transparent nature, you can count on them to disappear into the background. A waterfall coffee table in this small living room by Ashley Whittaker is a prime example.
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Strategize With Mirrors
Mirroring all your walls to bounce light may seem like a tall task, but what about just hanging a few separate wall-spanning mirrors and then customizing the frames with one paint color to make them cohesive? The green monochrome situation in this small living room designed by Benjamin Dhong is also inspiring use to layer various shades of one color.
Lisa Romerein14
Upholster the Walls
Bring on the cozy vibes with plenty of soft fabrics, and even apply them to your walls! A fabric-covered ottoman, lush blue velvet sectional, room-spanning rug, fun armchair, and upholstered walls. This polished space by Nick Olsen is all the convincing we need.
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Be Flexible With Seating
In a bohemian living room, pretty much anything goes—but if you need some guidance, try applying this formula: daybed plus side chair, armchair, floor pillows, and a couple of stools. In this case, Commune Design also incorporated a statement rug and task lighting.
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Take Advantage of High Ceilings
Eliza Crater Harris, the great great-granddaughter of Sister Parish, doesn't let limited square footage stop her from incorporating plenty of personality-packed patterns. Ceiling-high curtains elongate the room to make it feel larger and clean-lined furniture prevents the room from feeling too full.
Eliza Carter17
Keep It Cozy
Leaning into the smallness of a space can actually be what makes it feel genuinely cozy and inviting. Keep seating close together and intimate, pile one textile and rugs in neutral tones, as Tamsin Johnson did here.
Then utilize your walls for everything else, from task lighting to colorful artwork.
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Skip the Sectional
If you're short on space, you might have the urge to fill all usable floor space with furniture. But sometimes less is more, especially in small rooms that can quickly start to look over-crowded. Instead of a large sectional, which can sometimes look bulky, float two smaller sofas across from each other with a two-tier coffee table in between, as David Mann did here.
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Think Outside the Box
Eclectic and organic spaces like this one designed by Leanne Ford Interiors call for quirky seating arrangements and out-of-the-box furniture. Two small stools are painted white for a softer, cohesive, and personalized look in lieu of coffee tables, cushions are piled on top of a ledge as a makeshift softa, and a swing is hung from the low ceiling.
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Separate Zones With Area Rugs
Area rugs separate the different zones in this studio apartment designed by Peter Frank. There's also plenty of accent seating on deck but out of the pathways when not in use, a small space strategy that always delivers.
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZHadley Mendelsohn
Senior Editor
Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House. When she's not busy writing about interiors, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, researching ghost stories, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again. Along with interior design, she writes about everything from travel to entertainment, beauty, social issues, relationships, fashion, food, and on very special occasions, witches, ghosts, and other Halloween haunts. Her work has also been published in MyDomaine, Who What Wear, Man Repeller, Matches Fashion, Byrdie, and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
White color is ideal for the background (walls, ceiling), goes well with other colors - gives them contrast. Makes the living room more spacious and brighter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Design of a small living room, 127 photos. Beautiful interiors and design
Designing a small space is always a challenge for a designer. After all, here we are talking not only about creating an interesting interior, but first of all about making the interior not just beautiful, but ergonomic, comfortable in absolutely everything. And, of course, I want to avoid this unpleasant feeling, as if the walls are “pressing” on you: the room, despite its small size, should still seem spacious. This is exactly what we will talk about today - how to create the right design for a small living room.
Interior of a small living room - light walls
In any small room, walls are best painted in light, light shades like beige or light gray. Thanks to this technique, the room will appear larger, and beautiful modern furniture will come to the fore.
Interior design for a small living room - choosing a sofa
A low sofa is best suited for the interior of a small living room. Place a seemingly weightless coffee table with a glass top on an aluminum frame in front of the sofa. However, solid wood will also look good.
Read also: ideas of beautiful magazine tables, 48 photos
The interior of a small living room with a glass coffee table
Small living room, combined with a kitchen
Design of a small living room in black and red-white, 9000
Complete the interior with furniture or accessories made of transparent acrylic or on thin legs that take up almost no space visually and give the room a modern look. Coffee tables, bookshelves, desks, even acrylic plant pots are easy to find in stores. Place a floor lamp with a clear acrylic base and a black or white shade next to the reading chair.
Small living room interior - mirrors
Hang a mirror above the sofa to make the room appear larger. A mirror in a silver metal frame or frameless will perfectly cope with its task, besides it will give the interior a modern touch. And different-sized mirrors of a round or oval shape can be interestingly grouped, forming a whole composition.
Photo of a small living room with color accents
Opt for an accent color that will brighten up the neutral color scheme of the entire room. Scatter bright decorative pillows on the sofa, put an eye-catching carpet on the floor. Place a large glass vase of sunny yellow tulips on your coffee table. There are many options, as well as bright colors.
Bright colors for a living room in a small apartment
The most suitable colors for the design of a small living room are blue, green, orange and yellow. Cold shades of blue and green may seem too pale, but pastel shades of the same colors will create the perfect spring atmosphere. Warm orange and yellow, depending on the intensity of the color, will give the interior either a calm and cozy mood, or energize the room. Pink can also be used to design a small living room, but in small quantities and not very bright, unless you really, really like this color.
Blue walls in the interior of a small living room
Combination of green and orange for a small living room
Walls painted in different colors can always “revive” the design of a small living room. By painting one wall, you will create a bright accent; if you want to paint all the walls at once, which is also possible, consider a more neutral color scheme for furniture and accessories.
Design of a small living room in neutral colors with a separately painted wall
Another interesting technique is to use the combination of different color palettes, for example, to combine the cool tone of the walls with the warm tone of the furniture. Thus, you can create an unusual creative environment.
The combination of warm and cold colors in the interior of a small kitchen-living room
In general, the bright interior of a small living room is by no means a taboo. A carpet of flashy shades, decorative pillows of cheerful shades will refresh the room and improve your mood. And the best thing is that these decorative elements can be put away in the closet at any time and replaced with others that best suit your mood at the moment.
Sofa in the interior of a small living room
What living room is without a sofa, right? This is the central element of each living room, the arrangement of all other pieces of furniture will “dance” from the location and configuration of the sofa. But when choosing a sofa for a small living room, you must, of course, take into account its size: choose two or three-seater models, no more. However, multi-seat corner sofas, despite their bulkiness, can be very useful in terms of space zoning, especially in studios.
