Living room designs for small spaces photos
45 Small Living Room Ideas for Maximum Space and Style
By
Kaitlyn McInnis
Kaitlyn McInnis
Kaitlyn McInnis is a lifestyle expert and writer specializing in global interior design trends and styles which she is able to experience first-hand through her extensive travels. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, Homes & Gardens, and Real Homes. Kaitlyn also worked for AskMen.com, where she managed an international team of writers and experts.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 09/21/22
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
There's no reason that a small living room can't be as functional and stylish as a big one. Check out these small-space decor tips and tricks—everything from furniture selection and layout to wall color and lighting—that will help you to maximize every last square inch of your compact living room while elevating its design.
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01 of 45
Limit the Color Palette
@thevisionairyhusbands / Instagram
“The primary thing to remember when designing a small room is to ensure all tones stick to the same color palette—thus creating flow throughout the room,” says Gian Moore, former interior designer and partner at Mellowpine. “Make sure to shift your focus around monochromatic and tonal hues that will accentuate the scheme further.”
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Layer Your Lighting
@thelasthouseonbedfordlane / Instagram
“Layering the heights of your lighting is key—so ensure you have a pendant light overhead with a dimmable control, lots of lamplight and wall lights,” says Moore.
“Choose shades that can both direct light for tasks like reading, and create pools of light for the atmosphere. Having wall lights that direct soft shafts of light up and down will also make the space look taller.” -
03 of 45
Open Up Walls
@reflektiondesign / Instagram
Homeowners can add a contemporary feel to a small living room by opening up walls. “A bright and fresh feeling is created when you open up the space, allowing natural light to enter,” says interior designer Kate Diaz of Swanky Den. “You can install floor-to-ceiling windows or doors, or side panels. You can also paint your walls in light colors with white trim, which will make it seem large.”
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Consider Mirrors
@love_in_1000_square_feet / Instagram
According to Diaz, adding a mirror leading into your living room will help give the space a more light and airy feel. You can also try hanging mirrors facing one another on opposite walls to increase sightlines and create the impression of a bigger space.
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05 of 45
Install Open Shelving
@darbywallisdesign / Instagram
Open concept shelving might not seem like the best idea if you’re trying to minimize clutter—but this type of airy shelving unit will do much better than closed off or boxy shelving if you’re hoping to create a more light-flooded living space. Just be sure to keep it tidy and well styled.
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06 of 45
Opt for Neutral Walls
@love_in_1000_square_feet / Instagram
Paint walls in a single neutral shade, says Diaz. If you do want to add more personality, you can always add pops of color in select furniture pieces and accessories.
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Contrast Walls and Floors
@love_in_1000_square_feet / Instagram
Light colors are great for your walls—but you can opt for a darker floor color if you’re looking to create a sense of warmth. “Using light colors on the walls with dark floors will create a clean look,” explains Diaz.
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08 of 45
Be Strategic with Artwork
@darbywellisdesign / Instagram
The right wall art can add visual interest to a small space. Diaz suggests hanging artwork directly above your sofa rather than all around the room to add visual interest while keeping visual clutter to a minimum.
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Opt for Multi-Purpose Furniture
@reflektiondesign / Instagram
Multi-purpose furniture is a great way to save space while still ensuring your living room is as cozy and functional as possible. According to Diaz, this could look like placing bookshelves near windows so they can double as window seats or using an upholstered ottoman as a coffee table that can also be used as seating.
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10 of 45
Use a Variety of Heights and Depths
@thecollectivedallas / Instagram
Choose furniture with varying heights and depths to give your small living room a sense of dimension, helping it to feel more visually interesting.
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11 of 45
Hang Small Artwork
@oursouthwestnest / Instagram
“You’ll want to keep any pictures or wall art small and only hang them if they are meaningful,” says Diaz. This will allow your walls to breathe and actually make the room look much more expansive than it is.
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12 of 45
Decorate With Vases
@oursouthwestnest / Instagram
You don’t need to forego decorations in order to make your space feel neat and tidy. “Adding vases to your space can offer visual interest without looking cluttered,” says Diaz. “I suggest using a glass or porcelain vase for a tall, clean look.”
The 10 Best Vases to Decorate Your Space
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13 of 45
Consider Wall Sconces
@weepingwillow.farmhouse / Instagram
Wall sconces are a great way to add mood lighting without taking up floor space. Diaz suggests grouping sconces together for a bold wall statement or positioning them over picture windows for a gallery-like effect.
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14 of 45
Double Space with a Floor Mirror
Design by Alvin Wayne
Leaning a large decorative floor mirror against the wall of a small living room will reflect the rest of the room, visually doubling its size. In this apartment living room from NYC-based interior designer Alvin Wayne, dark wall paint adds coziness and the floor mirror bounces light around.
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15 of 45
Take Advantage of Alcoves
@darbywallisdesign / Instagram
“If you have the space, put your sofa in an alcove to make it feel cozy,” says Diaz. If you have a smaller alcove you can hang shelves or create a smaller seating nook to maximize space.
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16 of 45
Go for Neutral Rugs and Carpets
@little_weavers_cottage / Instagram
Neutral colorways will make a tiny space appear larger—but that’s especially true for your carpets or rugs. You’ll want to opt for light-colored textiles, which will make a room look light and spacious, regardless of the size.
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17 of 45
Use an Anchor Piece
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photo
You might be tempted to opt for smaller furniture in order to make your space look bigger—but sometimes an abundance of small pieces can actually make your space feel more cluttered. Instead, opt for a large anchor piece like a sectional sofa and keep extra seating to a minimum, like this San Francisco condo living room from Cathie Hong Interiors.
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18 of 45
Reorganize
@reflektiondesign / Instagram
Decluttering your living room is a great way to clear out extra space—but you don’t have to get rid of anything you don’t want to. In fact, Diaz suggests decluttering by putting items in different places around the room to keep the space interesting.
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19 of 45
Hang It Up
@sanctuaryhomedecor / Instagram
“As much as possible, you’ll want to focus on hanging cabinets or open air coffee table storage,” says Jeneva Aaron of The House Wire.
“The floor space can still be used for something else, so choosing hanging cabinets or coffee table storage that isn’t too bulky is key.” -
20 of 45
Keep It Minimalist
@sorenshome / Instagram
Using a minimalist design approach works well in a small living room. “Choose multifunctional furniture,” says Aaron. “Be creative and try to mix and match.”
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21 of 45
Use Mirrored Furniture
Home Made By Carmona
Another way to use mirrors to decorate a small living room is by incorporating mirrored furniture pieces that reflect views, expand sightlines, and bounce light around. In this cottage-style living room from blogger Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona, a pair of round mirrors illuminate a dark corner and a vintage-inspired mirrored buffet with criss-cross painted wood detailing and hidden storage does the trick.
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Work Those Weird Angles
@lasthouseonbedfordlane / Instagram
A living room with an awkward layout might seem like a challenge to decorate and furnish—but it’s actually a great opportunity to take the emphasis off the small size.
Opt for a salon-style gallery wall or jewel box-inspired decor to help make your quirky space shine. -
23 of 45
Minimize the TV
Design by Brexton Cole Interiors
Decorating around the TV is a constant challenge for interior designers. In this small open plan living room from Brexton Cole Interiors, the black-and-white palette and rounded modern furnishings create a streamlined feel and preserve flow. A floor-to-ceiling accent wall clad in vertical shiplap painted in a dark shade of navy helps to obscure the large flat-screen above the contemporary gas fireplace insert.
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24 of 45
Optimize Natural Light
@darbywallisdesign / Instagram
Smaller living rooms can seem a whole lot bigger when flooded with natural light. Optimize natural light using mirrors, sheer curtains, regularly cleaning windows, and clearing window sills of clutter.
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Reflect Natural Light
@weepingwillow.
farmhouse / Instagram“Colors such as white have a higher reflectance, and this can make your room seem a lot bigger than it is,” explains Roman Ramona, Founder of Living Beyond Design. “This trick works well when we're dealing with small spaces as it lets the light bounce around the room.”
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Embrace Beige
@oursouthwestnest / Instagram
If you're not a fan of white, light beige or a pale shade of taupe paint will also will reflect rather than absorb light, helping to make the room feel larger.
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27 of 45
Avoid Statement Rugs
@trevorfulmerdesign / Instagram
According to Ramona, you’ll want to avoid using bold or statement rugs when possible. The logic behind this is that if you, let's say, have light flooring, like oak, and add a black or dark brown rug on top it will create a focal point and make the room seem smaller. “Try to make everything as uniform as possible," Ramona says, "because that contrast can draw attention to that rug and your room will seem even smaller,”
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28 of 45
Add Color With Statement Art
Design by Alvin Wayne
In this tight but high-ceilinged city living room from interior designer Alvin Wayne, a neutral and earth-toned palette keeps the seating area feeling pulled together and sleek, while an oversized wall hanging adds an energizing dose of vibrant color.
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29 of 45
Hang Mirrors Opposite Windows
@lasthouseonbedfordlane / Instagram
“Placing a mirror on a wall doubles the space visually," says Ramona, but if it's hung opposite a window, it will reflect and bounce around natural light, making the room feel more expansive.
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30 of 45
Allow the Room to Breathe
@revealmydiy / Instagram
“The effective use of space is the most important element in designing a small living environment,” says interior designer Heather Higgins of Higgins Design Studio. “Although it is tempting to try and use every square inch, maintaining a balance with open, empty space is key to creating a personal, high-functioning design that provides comfort and visual appeal.”
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31 of 45
Use Modular Storage
@masha_kindjer / Instagram
Providing enough and the right type of storage is crucial, says Higgins. “Modular-style storage with cabinets and drawers will conceal clutter and streamline a space,” says Higgins.
“I often create a ‘storage wall’ that runs the length of a space. Because the units are usually just 15-18” deep, they require very little floor space, but provide copious storage.” -
32 of 45
Create a Focal Point
Design by Brexton Cole Interiors
Creating a focal point in a small living room can make it feel grander than it is, and give you a roadmap for laying out furniture. In this 1920s Tudor home living room from Brexton Cole Interiors, the classic fireplace is a natural focal point, embellished with a black-and-white patterned tile surround. Some kitschy contemporary art and a decorative bust add personality.
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Consider a Low Sofa
@homesweetlakehouse / Instagram
The visual impact of a low-slung sofa and other furniture will help make your ceilings look much higher, creating more open feel.
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34 of 45
Add Texture
@itshomeyall / Instagram
In a small space with a neutral color palette and minimal furnishings and decor, focus on adding texture by using a mix of textiles or finishes in order to keep the space visually interesting and inviting.
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Use Cool Shades
@thecollectivedallas / Instagram
Opting for warm colorways might seem like a cozy idea—but it can also make a room feel more congested. Instead, stick to cool shades and classic colors that will establish a flow throughout the whole room.
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36 of 45
Go Monochromatic
@our_little_brodick_ / Instagram
Consider using monochromatic and tonal hues. “Using different colors makes the room look divided, which ultimately makes it look smaller,” says Richard Fung, Owner of Forever Homes. “Even if you use more than one color, limit that to two.”
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37 of 45
Commit to Black and White
@darbywallisdesign / Instagram
A black-and-white palette works in any size space, but it can give a small living room a polished, pulled together feel that takes the focus off of size.
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38 of 45
Float the Furniture
Design by Alvin Wayne
Many people are tempted to push all the furniture up against the walls of a small living room.
But that move can actually make a small space feel even smaller. In this New York City apartment living room from interior designer Alvin Wayne, the plush velvet sofa floats in the center of the room, anchoring the open plan space and leaving the floor-to-ceiling windows free and clear to show off the view. -
39 of 45
Maximize Vertical Space
@thenewsmallhouse / Instagram
Maximizing vertical space by installing tall shelves or floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, or drawing the eye upward by hanging a decorative chandelier or pendant light will give the room a sense of space by making the ceilings appear higher and adding visual interest without taking up much floor space.
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Consider An All-White Design
@thecollectivedallas / Instagram
All white might seem a little bland—but it’s the easiest way to add light and the appearance of more space to a room. White reflects light which can help make the space feel much more light and airy.
An all-white room also offers a clean and modern effect. -
41 of 45
Lose the Drapes
@darbywallisdesign / Instagram
Drapes and curtains are a great way to add visual interest to a space while controlling light. But thick drapes can easily obstruct the view from outside, hence making the space feel much more closed off. Floor-to-ceiling drapes can also take up valuable floor space whereas blinds take up no space at all.
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Pick a Sofa with Legs
@flynnhaus / Instagram
Ramona suggests using furniture that is raised off the ground—such as a sofa with legs—to help create more visual space, tricking the eye into thinking the living room is larger than it is.
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43 of 45
Choose a Coffee Table With an Airy Base
Design by Brexton Cole Interiors
Choosing a coffee table with slender legs or an otherwise an airy base will allow light to flow through and help create a sense of airiness.
In this snug historic row house living room from Brexton Cole Interiors, a modern coffee table with a solid wood top and a delicate base helps to make the space feel functional and current. You can also opt for a transparent lucite or acrylic table that will virtually disappear when not in use. -
44 of 45
Add a Wall of Shelving
Home Made By Carmona
In this cottage living room from blogger Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona, a large shelving fills most of the wall, creating a concentrated spot to store books and display decorative objects that adds warmth without encumbering the rest of the space.
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45 of 45
Add a Bar Cart
Design by Forbes + Masters
In this highrise living room from Forbes + Masters, every corner is exploited to its fullest potential, increasing functionality and creating a sense of luxury in the small space. A well styled vintage bar cart and an inviting curvy armchair by the window creates a sweet spot for after work cocktails.
How to Decorate a Small Living Room
Watch Now: 5 Clever Tips for Decorating a Narrow Living Room
35 Best Small Living Room Ideas
1
Use an Upholstered Ottoman
Paul Raeside
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.
2
Use Acrylic Furniture
Thomas Loof
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.
3
Strategize With Mirrors
Lisa Romerein
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.
4
Upholster the Walls
Francesco Lagnese
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.
5
Be Flexible With Seating
AMY NEUNSINGER
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.
6
Take Advantage of High Ceilings
Eliza Carter
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.
7
Keep It Cozy
Tamsin Johnson Interiors
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.
8
Skip the Sectional
ERIC PIASECKI
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.
9
Forgo Armchairs
Robert McKinley Studio
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.
10
Think Outside the Box
Leanne Ford Interiors
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.
11
Separate Zones With Area Rugs
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ
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.
12
Install Smart Lighting
Tamsin Johnson Interiors
Choose lighting that can be attached to the walls or hung from above to save room on floor space like in this room designed by Tamsin Johnson Interiors. Swing-arm sconces also free up space on the floor and bring dimension to the walls, an ideal situation for small living rooms.
13
Let the Light Pour In
Heidi Caillier Design
This living room triples as an open kitchen and small dining room, so Heidi Caillier stuck with an edited selection of just a few items in the lounge area: A sofa, coffee table, and chair.
And she used semi-sheer curtains to let the light pour in throughout the entire room. Even if you don't have large windows and tons of sunlight, choose lighter shades to maximize the light you do have.
14
DIY a Barn Door
Mylene Fernandes
City apartment dwellings give "small" a whole new meaning. But designer Shari Francis has plenty of tricks up her sleeve to outsmart limiting floorplans. Tip number one: Separate an alcoved bedroom from an adjoining living room with a sliding barn door to enhance privacy and give yourself dedicated spaces for different activities (it's a relatively DIY project and there are plenty of cool, affordable options on Etsy, like this one). Tip number two: A smaller sofa is better than a bulky one that takes up the entire room, and one armchair is better than two if it means keeping a pathway clear—plus, asymmetry is chic.
15
Choose a Coffee Table With Storage
DAVID A.
LAND
The carefully collected yet laidback vibe in Elizabeth Georgantas's Nantucket living room is the perfect setup for a small space. An upcycled trunk stands in for a coffee table and provides hidden storage for extra throws and loose gadgets and a small sofa is an appropriate scale for the proportions of the room.
16
Choose A Large Rug
Shade Degges
Choosing a larger rug—even in a bold pattern—is a trick that makes a room feel bigger. Unlike smaller rugs, the large size doesn't visually break up the floor. This can also help anchor the space and give you a good staple piece to design the rest of the room around. Corner seating can also help you get more out of your space, as it does in this room designed by designed by Katie Ridder.
17
Layer Coffee Tables
Fantastic Frank
So a set of nesting tables are too small for your room but a super large and bulky coffee table is also out of the question.
Layer two streamlined coffee tables for a sleek Scandinavian approach like the firm Fantastic Frank did here.
18
Use One Part of a Sectional
Joshua McHugh
Fewer but better pieces is the winning formula in a small living room. So ditch the classics and opt for smaller alternatives, like a daybed or one piece of a sectional and a small side table instead of a coffee table. Raji RM added one to complete this reading nook so there's a home for books and tea.
19
Build In Shelving
Robert McKinley Studio
Whether you inherit a place with an awkward nook or you're making some renovations to an existing space, build in shelves for extra decorating and/or a storage zone (floating shelves are also an option if you can't build in). Or, build the bottom shelf so it has enough room to be an extra seating option.
Keep them the same color as the wall, as Robert McKinley Studio did here.
20
Pick a Dark Paint Color
Paul Raeside
Dark, glossy walls create a sophisticated backdrop for simple, clean-lined pieces and even colorful, bold items. Use the small space to your advantage and make it feel like a jewel-box. Painting your ceilings the same color can enhance the sense of intimacy even further. Then have fun with brighter furniture throughout, as in this small living room designed by Andrew Felsher.
21
Play With Scale
Nicole Franzen; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
Don't be afraid of making a big statement in a small space. There's a difference between clutter and well-curated collections or dramatic design moments. In this modest living room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, we love how the over-the-top, formal chandelier creates contrast and intrigue.
22
Fill the Room
Heidi Caillier Design
Admittedly, this contradicts some of our previous tips, but, when done well, you can fill the whole space with furniture without making it feel overcrowded or claustrophobic. Take this living room designed by Heidi Caillier for example. The cozy modular seating (sectional and chair) fits neatly in the space while the neutral carpet, grasscloth wallcovering, and full drapes enhance that sense of intimacy and warmth. The coffee table provides surface space but visually disappears and there's no need for a floor lamp when you can attach a matching sconce.
23
Use Unexpected Furniture
Winnie Au
Choose strategic furniture and decor that accommodates your smaller space and helps you achieve the look you're going for. In this case, Anthony Dunning slid a slim, tall pedestal into the corner to prop up a large floral arrangement and draw the eye up, accentuating height instead of cluttering the floor with a squat side table.
24
Display Artwork Strategically
Eric Piasecki
Bring your artwork up to trick the eye and expand or accentuate the height of the room. A gallery wall might seem too busy for a small space, but it can actually make it feel larger if it extends to the ceiling. In this family room designed by Katie Ridder, the mirrored effect of this glossy red paint on the ceiling makes the small space feel larger—and more glam.
25
Swap a Sofa for Club Chairs
Shade Degges
If you don't have room for both a sofa and club chairs, forgo the sofa and opt for two cozy armchairs like designer Jae Joo did in this sitting room. If there's a fireplace, angle them towards it to encourage cozy hangs and conversation while also drawing the eye to it.
26
Get Creative With Low Seating
Paul Raeside
A lower sofa or settee creates the visual effect of higher ceilings.
Playing with proportion and scale—like using a tiny side table next to a daybed—will also help. Just add pillows to make it more comfortable for lounging.
27
Customize Seating
Laure Joliet
If you're working with an oddly-shaped and small living room but you think you'll be in the space to stay, it's worth investing in custom furniture that suits and elevates it. This curved sofa in a light-filled sitting room by Reath Design is proof enough.
28
Build Banquettes
Romanek Design Studio
If you're trying to transform a little bonus area into a small living room, take a cue from this swanky little nook designed by Romanek Design Studio. Banquette seating instantly transports you to a speakeasy or European train car (we'll happily take either option). Bonus points if you equip your coffee table with a classic game.
29
Stick to a Tight Color Story
James Merrell
As we've mentioned a few times already, a small space doesn't mean you can't have fun with color. So if you love incorporating pretty pastels or vivid brights but want to make sure your living room doesn't look chaotic, the trick is to stick to a tight color palette. Mixing patterns is also fair game, especially when done as masterfully as this cheerful room designed by Ellen Kavanaugh.
30
Paint Your Walls White
Paul Raeside
Keep walls and ceilings all white to brighten up the space. Large black-and-white artwork is eye-catching but won't add clutter, as shown in this room designed by Andrew Flesher. That way you can make a colorful piece of furniture the focal point of the room, and it won't feel like the walls are closing in on you.
31
Float Your Furniture
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.
32
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.
33
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.
34
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.
35
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.
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 appliances
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
Small living room design (80 photos)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
