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20 Modern Apartment Décor Ideas to Suit Any Size Space

DESIREE BURNS INTERIORS

New Yorkers know this better than anyone: In a small apartment, the best solution is to make your space feel bigger and brighter. So how do you decorate for small spaces? While many petite apartments feel cluttered and dark, the best thing you can do with limited space is to give it the appearance of airiness. Think of all-white modern apartment décor with textured fabrics and little clutter.

This can be achieved with a minimal color palette, clever window treatments, and multipurpose furniture. There are also a few things to avoid—dark and bulky furniture, too many decorative accessories, and inadequate lighting. To achieve the simplistic look, you'll have to let go of unused items and hand-me-downs that don't perfectly fit your layout.

Your space is about to feel 10 times bigger: Read on to learn 20 modern décor tips for small apartments.

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BECCA INTERIORS

White walls aren't just a trend for clean, bright spaces—they're also a designer trick to make a room feel more open. By pairing sleek white paint with natural colors in the furniture, Becca Interiors makes this apartment feel larger without sacrificing the warmth of earthy tones. When it comes to choosing colors, stick to neutral palettes like tan leather, wood, and woven textures while keeping more colorful accents contained in artwork and décor.

02 of 20

HOUSE SPRUCING

In this space by House Sprucing, the use of simple, sheer white window shades lets more light in and makes the room appear brighter. Say goodbye to blackout curtains and those outdated blinds that came with your apartment: Sheer curtains or woven shades still provide plenty of privacy, but without darkening your rooms. This is especially important for those south- and west-facing windows that receive the most natural light.

03 of 20

SPACE EXPLORATION

If your ceilings are low, choose a white shade pendant light that won't visually clutter the room. Even without creating more living space, adding visual height draws the eye up to make an area feel larger. Because this light fixture blends into the ceiling, the room feels airy from top to bottom.

04 of 20

JESSICA NELSON DESIGN

Another long-lasting interior designer trick is the use of mirrors in small spaces. By bouncing natural light across the room, large mirrors cleverly make your space appear larger when you're working with low-light areas. In this living room, Jessica Nelson Design matches the fireplace mirror's finish to the coffee table for an elegant, uniform vibe.

05 of 20

BESPOKE ONLY

Layered lighting combines an overhead source with lights at eye level, like lamps, sconces, and unique table pieces. In this Upper East Side space, Bespoke Only uses uniform sphere-shaped lights at varying levels to create visual interest. A globe lamp brightens the room's darker corners, while hanging pendants and a large mirror bring attention to tall ceilings.

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WHITE ARROW

If your space is especially-limited, choose clear furniture that can virtually disappear in the room. Pieces made of glass, lucite, and acrylic all add an element of class with shiny surfaces and a sleek finish. Pair clear furniture with your favorite colorful décor and natural accents for a look that spruces up those tricky corners without standing out against bright walls.

07 of 20

CASA WATKINS LIVING

Rather than hiding your best dinnerware behind outdated cabinet doors, strip the hardware down and opt for open shelving on upper cabinets. Open shelves make your space feel larger and give the appearance of additional height. In this kitchen by Casa Watkins Living, natural wood shelves replace upper cabinets for an airy feeling.

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MILK AND HONEY LIFE

If you don't have room for a dining table, use comfortable stools to create cozy island seating in the kitchen. Not only does an island allow you to tuck the stools away when they're not in use, but it also adds another cooking surface for small kitchens with limited space. Milk and Honey Life matched this island with other wood details in the room to warm up the white walls, create plenty of surface area, and save space with stools.

09 of 20

THOMAS RICHTER; DESIGN: SPACE EXPLORATION AND WHITE ARROW

You don't have to have a green thumb to bring beautiful greenery to your space. In apartments that lack those lush, leafy views, bring the outdoors inside by incorporating plants in your interior. If you're not the plant parent type, opt for faux leaves staged in attractive vases for a touch of color without the upkeep.

10 of 20

HOUSE NINE

Keep a small bathroom's color palette to a minimum. Even if you want to go bold with a single tone, be sure to keep other accents in the room like towels, floor mats, and vanity storage simple. In this bathroom by House Nine, white tiled walls complement a natural wood mirror and dark vanity without overwhelming the space with color.

11 of 20

CHARLIE INTERIOR DESIGN

Keep all your linens white to make your bathroom feel like a five-star hotel. It's also helpful to mix different textures for visual effect when working with white rooms, like pairing fluffy rugs with sleek towels and sheer curtains. In this bathroom by Charlie Interior Design, built-in cabinets create the perfect place to display white linens alongside a hanging towel rack.

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JESSICA HELGERSON

In bathrooms with neutral color schemes, a touch of color in the hardware adds an expensive-looking flair. Use antique brass or gold accents in your lighting and hardware to make the space feel more luxe and layered. Simple tones like white walls, marbled tile, and a bit of greenery pair well together for an elegant vibe that won't feel busy.

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HOUSE NINE

If you don't have a dedicated home office, try creating a multipurpose dining area and office with clever accessorizing and storage. In this clever use of space by House Nine, a nook in the corner of the living room can serve as a family dining table or comfortable office bench. Pendant lights and lush pillows brighten the area while keeping it functional for mixed use.

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MARY PATTON DESIGN

While you may not have the space to dedicate an entire room to your home office, there's still a way to embrace color without making it feel busy. If you can't live without those bright, vibrant hues, keep your palette to a minimum. In this office by Mary Patton Design, a monochrome tone cleverly blends seating with painted bookshelves for a burst of personality that still feels uniform.

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AMBER INTERIORS

Use wall-mounted storage to organize your books and maximize the height of your space. In this home office, double bookshelves in a white finish add storage solutions while creating a chic, clean vibe. Add pops of greenery and natural tones throughout shelving to bring colors together for a dynamic overall look.

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THOMAS RICHTER; DESIGN: SPACE EXPLORATION AND WHITE ARROW

A low-slung bed gives your ceilings the appearance of height, so by choosing furniture that's low to the ground, your rooms will automatically feel larger. This floor bed doesn't lose even a hint of style with its textured linens and patterned throw, and the use of a large white area rug feels sleek against the walls. A large pendant lamp exaggerates the ceiling height to complement the bed's low level.

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MILK AND HONEY LIFE

Layer multiple soft textiles like rugs, blankets, and bedding in shades of white to blur the lines and create a coherent whole. In this bedroom by Milk and Honey Life, a mixture of linen, plush blankets, and natural wood grains combine for a dreamy farmhouse vibe. White walls match the dominant bedding, while unique bedside tables bring out colors from accessories and the bed's frame.

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THE HOUSE ON HILLSIDE LANE

Accessorize minimally with ambient lighting and greenery to keep your space feeling calm, organized, and functional. Bedrooms with simple linen sets look airy and open, and incorporating plants makes the room feel fresher. In this space by The House on Hillside Lane, bright linen bedding complements trailing plants and neutral wood tones for a clean finish.

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DESIREE BURNS INTERIORS

If you're lucky enough to live in a space with plenty of large, bright windows, use them as your focal point. Organize the room to place furniture near windows for an open, airy look that won't feel closed-in (even if you're working with limited space). In this living room by Desiree Burns Interiors, a green couch styled in front of floor-to-ceiling windows complements outdoor greenery and houseplants.

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TRUE HOME

To save space on side tables and other valuable surface areas in a small apartment, mount your lighting directly on the walls. Not only does it make more room for plants and other décor (goodbye, floor lamps!), it also creates a sleek, modern look. In this space by True Home, industrial sconces hang above the couch to brighten the room with a calming, clean vibe.

Here's How a Fashion Editor Gave Her Generic Brooklyn Apartment an Upgrade

27 Best Modern Living Room Decorating Ideas (With Inspiring Photos)

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Living Room

by Kelsey Clark

updated May 7, 2022

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Of all the rooms in a standard home or apartment, the living room invites the most creativity and experimentation. This is still true if you’re a disciple of modern design—a stylistic movement birthed at the turn of the 20th century that’s based on the idea that form follows function. Characterized by clean lines, neutral colors, and simplistic decor, every piece in a modern space should serve a clear purpose. 

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10 Fresh Modern Living Room Ideas

While we certainly respect the principles of traditional Modernism, design today is all about breaking the rules—we now have mashup styles like modern bohemian, organic modern, modern Scandinavian, mid-century modern, modern traditional, and countless other interpretations of this classic style. We’ll see how modern design morphs in the top 2022 living room trends. Below you’ll find inspiration for your modern living room, whether you’re a diehard modernist or more of a hybrid design person. 

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1. Design with black and white.

The combination of black and white makes just about any space look more modern. This stunning Texas renovation showcases how effective this combination can be. Here, a dramatic black floor-to-ceiling fireplace contrasts nicely with the white ceiling and accent pieces. 

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2. Go light on accessories.

For a clean, modern look, cut down on the number of accessories you display. Per Marie Kondo’s method, pare down on clutter and only display items that mean the most to you. We love how this mid-century modern living room does just that. 

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3. Stick with lighter tones.

Light-colored furniture was the right choice for this stunning modern living room in Seattle. Floor-to-ceiling windows are the focal point of this space, so the combination of light wood and blush pink accents is totally on point. 

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4.

Small but cohesive.

Even in the tiniest space, you can pull off the modern living room look. It’s all about keeping it cohesive throughout. This micro-apartment in NYC is only 140 square feet, but the living room has a modern, upscale feel that’s accomplished by only adding the essentials and sticking with a brown and white color palette. 

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5. Marble accents.

Stone and marble have a place in a modern living room, as shown in this beautiful renovation by @nataliehagerinteriors. Here, an ultra-modern fireplace is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling marble in a black and white design.

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6. Try using colorful furniture.

We admire Lauren MacLean’s bold use of ochre, light pink, and violet in her modern, Parisian-inspired Montreal apartment. The vibrant furniture works especially well against the stark white walls. It’s a slightly funky take on modern design that feels very right now.

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7. Bring the outside in.

Large, floor-to-ceiling windows are a hallmark of traditional modern homes. Designer Emily Henderson executed the look flawlessly in her “modern organic” Los Angeles project. Maybe you can’t recreate this exact look in your space without construction, but you can leave your windows undressed to let more sunlight into your space.

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8. Opt for low-slung furniture.

Give your living room a distinctly modern feel with simplistic, low-slung furniture. Interior designers Arent & Pyke nailed the look in this chic modern-industrial Sydney home, as featured on We Are Scout. Materials matter—look for leather, marble, iron, and other tactile touches to nail the modern, minimal aesthetic.

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9. Fuse modern and contemporary.

Sometimes the best spaces are a mix of two slightly different but complementary styles. This modern-contemporary living space by designer Emily Henderson features elements of both styles. The couch and light fixtures have a more modern flair, while the accent chairs and curtains add a contemporary flourish.

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10. Experiment with statement lighting.

Lots of modern rooms focus on a singular striking accent, and lighting is a great place to explore. Here, a sculptural statement chandelier lends a playful touch to an otherwise simplistic modern space. Consider a starburst fixture, like the one featured in this stunning Stockholm home, which is a hallmark shape of the modern aesthetic. 

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11. Mix hard and soft furniture

We love interior designer Brittany Shields’ rounded, 80s-inspired couch, especially as it contrasts with her sharp modern plinth table. This mix of textures—hard and soft, plush and linear—is very on-trend.  

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12. Add personality with funky artwork.

Don’t feel beholden to just statement paintings and photographs for your wall art. Homeowner Jess Bunge got creative in her small space living room with a three-dimensional abstract line squiggle from Katie Gong Design and mushroom lighting that looks like sculpture. The more you can mix up what you choose to display as “art”, the more exciting your modern living room will be.

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13. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

With its “less is more” philosophy, modern design is well-suited to small space living. Take notes from Rachael and Ryan Lambert’s NYC studio and opt for a tonal, very white color palette and simplistic furniture to open the space up. 

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14. Embrace mid-century modern vibes.

While mid-century modern may be losing steam, we still swoon over a full-blown mid-century space. Gather inspiration from this Sydney home and opt for natural wood, shades of green, and clean-lined furniture.

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15. Add boho flair with fun throw pillows.

While Arlyn Hernandez’s space effortlessly combines modern, traditional, and contemporary design elements, her throw pillows, blanket, and rug warm up the space and give it a nice bohemian touch. Modern and boho are not mutually exclusive, especially in a well-designed living room.

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16. Leave your natural wood exposed.

Modern homes are ideal for natural materials and tend to feature plenty of exposed wood. Consider refinishing the wood on your fireplace mantel, ceiling, or windows instead of painting. That’s what Emily Henderson did in her modern mountain house living room, and it made all the difference.

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17.

Try a plinth table.

In our humble opinion, the gorgeous marble plinth table is the stand-out feature in Julie and Matt Stephenson’s monochromatic home. Go full-on modern and build your color palette around the neutral hues in a stunning marble piece like this. 

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18. Select a tonal color palette.

Bring your modern aesthetic into the 21st century with an of-the-moment tonal color palette. Don’t be afraid to paint the walls a deep shade of blue or green, like this Dulux home featured on We Are Scout. It’ll make furnishing so much easier, because you can shop for pieces in a tightly edited, tonal palette.

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19. Play with accent chairs.

Many of today’s living rooms tend to feature a more modern style sofa with accent chairs from a different time period, as seen in Mel Burstin’s Silverlake home. The rounded chairs contrast nicely against the linear couch, coffee table, and shelving unit.

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20. Breathe life into your space with greenery.

Meet modernism reimagined for the 21st-century urban dweller. This aesthetic isn’t complete without plants, plants, and, well, more plants, as seen in this Montreal home. Clichés aside, we’re totally in favor of softening your modern look with greenery, whether it’s oversized trees or smaller potted succulents.

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21. Go modern Scandi in your space.

With roots in Scandinavian architecture, modern design blends seamlessly with minimalist, Scandi decor. Case in point: this Swedish home featured on We Are Scout. If this look is for you, be sure to add texture with natural materials and plenty of throw pillows to warm up all of those Scandinavian whites.

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22. If you like color, use color.

Traditional modern interiors tend to feature stark white walls, but we sincerely appreciate Francesca Piliego’s bold color palette in her Barcelona apartment. Her use of pinks, grays, and whites still feels appropriately modern, with a little bit of a pop art twist.

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23. Go big with bold artwork.

Nothing warms up a cool modern space quite like artwork. Take notes from Rasmus Warnke Nørregaard’s Copenhagen home and pair low-slung furniture with a personality-packed painting. One striking piece is all you need to establish a modern feel in your living area.

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24. Marry modern style with southwestern accents.

If a fully modern feel is too cold for you, keep the minimalist furniture and neutral color palette and create warmth with Southwestern-inspired touches, like the terracotta throw pillows and rattan accents do in this Parisian home. 

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25. Add a statement wall.

Use color to add personality to a modern living room. Not only is Erin Conway’s deep navy statement wall perfectly on trend, the light pink chairs add another contemporary, cheery design element to the space.

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26. Get creative with layered artwork.

Put down the hammer and nail, and layer artwork on your fireplace mantel or media console instead, like what was done in this Portland family room. This budget hack will infuse personality and color into a modern living room and make it super easy to rotate pieces in and out of your tableau down the road.

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27. Paint a modern shape.

Abstract murals definitely jibe with today’s modern aesthetic. Pick up a paintbrush and create a one-of-a-kind shape or mural on a living room wall. Even better if you can work it into an architectural feature in your space, as this homeowner did. It’s a relatively cheap and easy way to make a big decorative statement in a space.

16710 photo of interior design options for the hall, design and decoration of living rooms

Main trends in modern living room design

Modern interior goes beyond the usual: it is for those who keep up with the times. His fashion trends and styles are interesting and unique in their rationality.

Industrial exposes wires, ceiling beams, pipes, fittings. In a spacious room, the negligence of bare walls is deliberately emphasized, and old things serve as decor. This design creates the effect of a factory room in which they decided to live. nine0005

For modern apartments, “old” walls and industrial lighting fixtures (street lamps, spotlights, etc.) are borrowed from the industrial style. Rough leather upholstery and studded metal tables complete the interior concept.

Scandinavian design. Its basis is quality factor and reliability. Hence the moderate decor, functionality, a lot of light and simplicity. White color, natural textiles and wood are actively used. Bright pillows, chairs or lamps act as color accents. The interior is complemented by “airy” glass tables, convenient storage systems, soft carpets and indoor plants. nine0005

Photo of modern living room in Scandinavian style:

Modern: minimalism, elegance and comfort in neutral tones complemented by bright details. The interior is dominated by pastel colors or the fabric texture of wallpaper combined with natural wood flooring. The shades are muted, the furniture is comfortable, functional, with smooth lines.

The style requires a lot of light, so there is a window to the floor or multi-level lighting. For decor, indoor plants, light curtains, frescoes and paintings depicting nature are used. nine0005

Techno. Chaotic, fantastic design, full of glass, plastic and metal. Technological progress dominates here, and the cool shades of the surfaces are compensated by the shimmering gloss of the details. The techno-living room is an interior with minimalistic, squat sofas, futuristic lamps, strange-looking transformer lamps and all sorts of technical details.

Conscious chaos in the photo of the living room in a modern techno style:

Minimalism models the space of a room with functional pieces and accessories united by the harmony of color. The interior of the hall is bright and contrasting, but does not exclude the design in deep and warm accent colors. "Cubic" furniture without pretentious details is adjacent to glass and gloss. The basis of style is practicality and functionality. No ornament: only the uniformity of coatings and expressive angularity throughout.

Loft. Room "without walls" and partitions, with high ceilings and huge windows. Raw brickwork of the walls, wooden beams of the floors, pastel-colored panels - deliberate rudeness and ascetic design. And next to it are ultra-modern appliances and glass furniture with chrome details. Unexpected proportions and original design dominate here. nine0005

Here is an example of a photo of a bright living room in a modern loft style:

Hi-tech is restraint, an abundance of glass, metal, multifunctional structures and lamps. The interior is distinguished by a cold glossy sheen, strict proportions and monochrome tones in the decoration. The almost complete rejection of decor brings to the fore the cult of high technology and light. The lack of emotions in the design of the apartment is compensated by expensive accessories. Bright textiles bring this realm of graphics and contrast to life:

Modern living room interiors. Photo of color schemes

Modern design is a canvas with the basic touches of a common idea. Then it's up to the color scheme, in which pastel colors are preferred. We must not forget about the orientation of the windows in the apartment: the northern location allows you to use warm shades, and the southern location allows you to use cold blue, purple and metallic gray.

Basic colors of modern design - white and its derivatives (baked milk, beige, ivory, cream), black, gray. Against a pale background, sofas taken from different styles look favorably. So that the living room does not look “flat” and featureless, “spots” are added in the form of accessories (pillows, vases, lamps), wallpaper ornaments on one of the walls or upholstery. nine0005

Cold blue changes before our eyes paired with warm tones (beige, golden, sand, olive). The hall is bright, cool and airy.

Modern living room design in blue-beige interior photo:

Red, yellow and orange are energetic colors that dilute the calmness of modern style. Against the background of light colors, they look juicy, but slightly muffled, making the cozy interior lively and festive.

The traditional design of a modern living room is gray and its shades (hi-tech, modern, loft). Combinations with white and black create a discreet and elegant design. nine0005

Furniture and lighting in a modern interior: selection rules

A comfortable family room for relaxation or noisy communication with friends should be practically furnished and well-lit.

Furniture

Clear, simple shapes, modular design, mobility and versatility are the main requirements of style. Cumbersomeness does not look in a modern interior: it is based on space, air and maximum light in the apartment. Squat cabinets, low soft chairs and hanging console shelves are the best choice. nine0005

Sofa. Large, soft, with straight or flowing lines, it is the centerpiece of a modern room. Traditional corner or popular small sofas create a cozy atmosphere and do not take up much space. A spacious room allows you to add soft armchairs and chairs, as in this photo of a living room in a modern style:

Coffee table is appropriate in a rectangular or round shape, without decorative elements. The glass one will add lightness and “airiness” to the interior, and the modular design-matryoshka of several tables is indispensable in a large company of guests. In some modern style trends (for example, a loft), a massive vintage antique table looks extravagant. nine0005

Light

Lighting sets the tone for everything. Sconces or spotlights are selected for the central chandelier. The current trend is beautiful original floor lamps of bizarre shapes. A row of lamps in a straight or stepped design looks stylish, as in this photo of a modern living room:

Sometimes an unusual combination of directional lamps and LED lamps is used. For watching TV and enjoying music, a dim backlight is mounted, and for reading books - side sconces. nine0005

Multi-level ceilings with built-in spotlights are characteristic of modern style. They visually increase the space, and the quality of lighting is enhanced by the gloss finish and light translucent curtains (or their absence). Sometimes mirrors of strict geometric shapes are used in the living room.

The main task of furniture and lighting is to visually push the boundaries and give light. This is especially important in small living rooms.

Modern interior of a small living room

When every meter is precious, it is important to combine a classic approach with innovative ideas and use design techniques. The following tricks will help you achieve space:

A small room does not tolerate eye-catching patterns on the wallpaper. But decorative fireplaces, niches, open console shelves and podiums are the most practical attributes of modern style. It is possible to expand the space due to the balcony or the combination of the living room with the kitchen.

Lighting plays an important role in small rooms. A combination of several sources is appropriate here (chandelier, sconce, lamps). The space of the hall will visually increase if the light is directed to the walls. A peculiar design idea for such premises is a high-tech interior, practical, strict and without unnecessary details. nine0005

Photos of real projects

Strict lines of minimalism or techno live not only in catalogs. All modern living rooms, photos of which are presented below, were brought to life in ordinary city apartments.

Small and bright living room. Practical and functional design:

A few photos of modern wall-slides in the living room:

Such multi-level structures in a modern style with open and closed shelves allow you to place everything you need without cluttering up the space. nine0005

And here is an example of a successful design of a spacious living room in shades of gray, combined with bright details:

These examples are proof that you should not be afraid to use futuristic elements of modern style in the interior, even in small apartments: that none of its directions overloads the design with unnecessary details and is absolutely functional. At the heart of such concepts lies the desire to make life as easy as possible for a person, emphasizing his individuality and character. Comfortable to look at, easy to use - the main principle of the living room interior in a modern style. Even if the tree in it is adjacent to stone, mirror surfaces and metal, it is completely and aesthetically attractive in its own way, therefore it is always in fashion. nine0005

Tips for choosing style, decoration and furniture - INMYROOM

The living room in the house is the place where guests are received, as the name suggests. However, the owners themselves relax here, spending time in front of the TV or a book, with drinks, pleasant conversation and other activities. Therefore, the living room should be the most comfortable place in your home.

If your family consists of several people, it is important to consider the interests of everyone. It is quite possible that for one of the family members, when designing the interior of a living room in an apartment, you will have to give space for working at a computer, doing creative work, even sports. All these points must be planned at the stage of designing the premises. nine0005

Determine the center of the living room

Living room design is inseparable from a competent layout. After looking at examples of photos of the living room in the apartment, you can see various space planning options. Of course, the choice depends on your preferences, as well as on the size and functionality of the room.

Place sofas and armchairs around the perimeter of the room in no case is worth it. Firstly, this is the last century, and the modern design of the living room categorically does not accept such a layout. In addition, you will clutter up the space with only recreational items, leaving no free space for other functional areas. nine0005

The best option for the interior of the living room is to highlight the central group, around which the rest of the furniture will be grouped. As a rule, a recreation area with a TV and a sofa is chosen as the center of the composition.

A fireplace can also be a central element, next to which chairs, rocking chairs or even luxurious skins for relaxation will comfortably fit.

Standard set of furniture for designing a living room in an apartment:

If the room is large, or it will have to take on a diverse functional load, naturally you should not limit yourself to this. The living room may well have a desktop for a computer, chests of drawers and cabinets, a bar counter.

In order not to clutter up a cramped room too much, give preference to the transformer models that are popular today. Such furniture is very functional and allows you to perfectly save scarce space. nine0005

Choice of colors

If your living room is located on the sunny side, then you are practically unlimited in the choice of colors for finishing and furnishing it. The contrasting interior design of the living room will look very interesting. For example, walls and floors can be decorated in cold colors, while furniture, in contrast, in warm colors.

Many modern interior styles welcome the clean slate living room design. This technique involves decorating the walls and ceiling with plain white plaster or paint. And furniture and decor elements can be selected in a variety of colors: bright or rich dark - to create a spectacular and stylish interior, delicate and pastel - for a light, cozy and elegant design. nine0005

For north-facing living rooms with little to no daylight, choose warm-coloured finishes. Such an interior design of the living room compensates for the lack of sun, makes the room cozy and conducive to relaxation no matter what.

And, of course, if the room is a bit dark, you should take care of good artificial lighting. Well-placed spotlights are best suited to illuminate every corner of your living room.

Of course, the choice of colors for decorating a room should also depend on what visual and emotional effect you want to achieve. nine0005

If the living room is intended for stormy parties and active pastime, then it makes sense to decorate it in bright, saturated colors.

If the owners want to indulge in a calm and relaxing holiday, then the interior of the living room should be to match. In this case, you should give preference to soft light tones or, conversely, deep and calm, but in no case flashy.

Finishing materials

The choice of finishing materials should largely depend on the style in which you would like to maintain the design of the living room in the apartment. So, paper wallpapers with romantic flowers are definitely not suitable for laconic hi-tech or minimalism. And Provence or country-style interiors will not be combined with bright carpets with psychedelic prints and ultra-modern wall coverings with fur or leather texture. nine0005

In addition, the shape and size of the room is of great importance. Properly selected finishes will perfectly smooth out the flaws of the room and focus on its merits. While a thoughtlessly chosen design can spoil even a spacious and bright room.

Walls

The classic rule is that for small rooms it is better to choose light shades. It always works flawlessly. However, if this solution seems too boring for you, you can try all sorts of interesting wall designs. Spectacular examples of wall design in the living room, photos of which are presented in our article, will help you navigate and choose the most attractive options for yourself. nine0005

For example, even smooth, light-colored walls can be made a spectacular interior detail by adding bright or simply contrasting color accents to them. See such unusual living room interior ideas in the photo below.

All kinds of plasterboard niches look very stylish. They not only diversify the interior, but also become its very functional detail. After all, they can accommodate both decorative elements and items needed in the household. And if such a niche is beautifully illuminated from the inside, this will create an interesting effect of depth. nine0005

Wallpaper is the traditional choice for living room walls. Fortunately, today there is a great variety of them: both classic paper, and modern non-woven, and washable, and glass, and even innovative liquid wallpaper. If you are a lover of change, then you can pay attention to the wallpaper for painting. With such a finish, you can easily change the look of the room, at least several times a year. However, please note that, as a rule, such wallpapers are designed for a limited number of repaints. nine0005

Smoothly plastered or painted walls look great in modern interiors. At the same time, if you are a fan of the original design, you can pick up plaster with all sorts of beautiful and unusual textures. With its help, you can add a twist to your design and create a truly beautiful living room interior.

One of the fashion trends in modern design is the combination of materials. It is very important to use combinations of several finishes in one room: different types and shades of plaster, paint plus wallpaper, or even a combination of two types of wallpaper with different patterns and textures. See examples of such a living room design in the photo below. nine0005

Using this technique, you will not only be able to make your interior bright, stylish and original, but will also successfully cope with the zoning of the room. As you know, for proper zoning, it is not enough to collect several diverse groups of furniture in one room. So that all this does not look like a "hodgepodge", it is necessary to highlight each of the functional areas with its own design elements. And here, the design of wall sections in different colors and even different textures is the best fit. nine0005

Ceiling

When choosing the design of the ceiling in the living room, first of all, start from the size of the room. No matter how much you like spectacular multi-tiered structures, in a small room, packed full of necessary furniture, they will look simply ridiculous. In no case do not overload the design of the room.

If the room is small, then the best option is a simple ceiling in light colors with built-in ceiling lights. A good design move would be a small cornice around the perimeter, it will add a sense of depth. nine0005

Another interesting solution for visually increasing the space is the so-called "floating" suspended ceilings. This is a two-tier structure with a small height difference and built-in lights mounted inside the "upper" tier in such a way that they themselves are not visible. This technique creates soft diffused light and an interesting depth effect. As a result, the room seems visually higher and more spacious.

However, remember that the design tricks you have listed are inappropriate for small rooms with high ceilings. If in such a room you try to “distance” the ceiling even more due to visual techniques, then you will feel in it like at the bottom of a bottomless well. nine0005

In narrow rooms with high ceilings, it makes sense, on the contrary, to reduce the height - through visual means or with the help of suspended structures. Then the living room will immediately seem more comfortable and suitable for a comfortable stay.

If you are lucky and your living room is spacious and has high enough ceilings, then feel free to experiment with their design.

Here, multi-level suspended structures, both laconic and intricate forms, stucco, columns, scallops, and complex lighting systems can be used. nine0005

The main thing is not to overdo it and stick to the intended design of the room. If the room is decorated in a ceremonial classical style, in the spirit of Baroque or Empire, then without a doubt, both bas-reliefs and columns will be appropriate. But for more concise modern styles, you should choose a simpler and more rigorous ceiling design.

If your living room will have several functional areas, then the zoning can be "supported" with an appropriately designed ceiling. nine0005

For example, a central seating area with a sofa group and a TV can be highlighted with a second tier of false ceiling. Depending on the general style of the room, both strict rectangular shapes and soft rounded lines may be appropriate.

The ceiling does not have to be white. Delicate, warm pastel shades will look perfect in almost any room.

Fans of more extravagant options can experiment with bright shades. It is not necessary to decorate the entire ceiling in saturated colors. However, if you highlight only part of it or one of the tiers with a spectacular shade, you will get a chic look. nine0005

As far as materials are concerned, it is best to avoid whitewashing and painting. After all, this will take a long time and carefully level the surface. An excellent modern solution is plasterboard suspended ceilings or stylish stretch models. They are quick to install, provide perfectly flat surfaces, and in addition, allow you to create a wide variety of design options.

Lighting

Just a few years ago, when choosing lighting, the issue was always decided in favor of a large ceiling chandelier. Of course, today there are many lovers of such lighting fixtures, including those decorated with numerous "crystal" pendants. However, you should not get hung up on this option, because modern manufacturers offer many interesting, stylish and comfortable options. nine0005

If you - due to adherence to traditions or in order to create a certain style of interior - have opted for a massive chandelier, you do not need to limit yourself to this. In any living room, additional sources of lighting will be appropriate: wall sconces, floor lamps and portable standing lamps.

Additional light sources perform several functions at once:

If you are a supporter of laconic design, then recessed ceiling lights are the best fit. They also allow you to create separate lighting in different functional areas of the living room. And besides, with their help you can always adjust the brightness and level of illumination of the room. And with all this, they remain almost invisible, do not overload the design and fit almost all interior styles. nine0005

It's safe to say that recessed ceiling lights are the best choice for a small room with low ceilings. But, at the same time, they will also be appropriate in a spacious hall.

Style Selection

Choose a style based on the tastes of the whole family. Look at photo examples of living room designs in a magazine, on the Internet, explore the various styles that are in abundance today.

Of course, the dimensions of the room must also be taken into account. In a small room in Khrushchev, a lush baroque or any other “palace” interior will look out of place. For small living rooms, it is best to choose a laconic design in the Scandinavian style, elegant classics or strict hi-tech or minimalism. Country and Provence are perfect, as these styles suggest comfort and emphatically home furnishings. nine0005

If your living room is large, then there is room to roam. In principle, a spacious room can be decorated in almost any style that you and your family like.

When choosing the style of the living room, be sure to take into account the peculiarities of the interior of the other rooms. Maintain style and harmony.

Classic

The classic style of the interior involves the use of the most natural materials. The whole environment should breathe quality and good taste. As part of this style, traditional furniture made of solid wood or at least high-quality MDF will be appropriate. nine0005

Classic interior colors are soft, calm, usually light. But in principle, within the framework of this style, almost any shades (except bright and flashy) will be appropriate if they are correctly beaten.

Elegant wallpapers, paintings, vases, traditional chandeliers, beautiful curtains - all this will be an excellent frame for an interior in a classic style.

Despite certain design rules, there are different directions for decorating a living room in the spirit of the classics. Within the framework of the classical style, several variations can exist at once:

Minimalism and high-tech

High-tech and constructivism can also be combined under this general direction. All these styles imply laconic finishes, emphatically simple and modern furniture models, built-in lighting, and an abundance of technology. nine0005

Minimalism is characterized by soft colors, calm combinations, stylish and simple shapes.

For hi-tech, for all their similarity, saturated tones, metallic luster and a lot of glass are more characteristic. High-tech furniture or decor can have very unusual, but at the same time laconic and streamlined shapes.

Minimalistic interior of the living room is best suited for young and energetic people who keep up with the times, who do not attach much importance to luxurious surroundings, preferring simplicity and elegance of lines. nine0005

However, do not think that the interior in the style of hi-tech or minimalism is something from the category of "cheap and cheerful". Such a design may well turn out to be much more expensive than some magnificent Empire style.

Country and Provence

These styles are perfect for lovers of home comfort, antiquity and rustic simplicity. If you want to enjoy peace as much as possible, relax and forget about the bustle of the city, then these are excellent options for the living room.

At the same time, country is deliberately rough, emphatically rural, with simple, almost unfinished furniture and themed textiles. It is characterized by natural, natural shades: soft light and dark green tones, the whole range of brown, light yellow, ocher. Of the prints, a large cage, as well as various variations of floral patterns, will be especially harmonious. nine0005

The Provence style, as it should be for a true Frenchman, is more refined, distinguished by a special chic and charm. It is characterized by lighter shades of furniture and finishes: white, cream, pale blue, turquoise, beige. Decor and textiles can be very flirtatious: with ruffles, scallops, flounces, etc.

Today, these design trends are very popular not only in the design of country cottages, but also in the decoration of city apartments. Therefore, in stores you can easily find furniture, decor and finishing materials that perfectly match these styles. nine0005

Scandinavian

This style is incredibly popular right now. The secret of its success is in the harmonious combination of minimalism, comfort and homeliness. It involves a simple and concise finish, convenient and comfortable furniture of simple shapes, stylish, but at the same time soft and not defiant decor.

The Scandinavian style is characterized by calm shades: white, beige, light gray, gray-green, pale blue, dark blue. Often in the colors of such an interior there is a certain marine theme. nine0005

Living room interior in Scandinavian style is the perfect balance of functionality, convenience, modernity and home comfort. Stylish and modern upholstered furniture for the living room is perfect here, a photo of which you can see below.

Choosing furniture

Before you start choosing furniture for your living room, carefully consider which functional areas will be allocated in the room. Beautiful furniture for the living room, the photo of which can be seen below, is not all. It is important to correctly arrange it so that all the inhabitants and guests of the apartment feel cozy and comfortable. nine0005

If it is intended exclusively for families, then a comfortable sofa, armchairs, a TV stand and a couple of shelving will be enough. If space allows, you can add a coffee table, as well as small cabinets where you can place various decor items.

If you often arrange parties, like to receive and treat guests, then you will need a bar counter. It looks stylish, modern, spectacular, can serve as a place to store all kinds of items and will allow you to organize the serving of drinks and treats for guests in a very small area. In addition, the bar counter can be an excellent dividing element if you need to zone the living room. nine0005

Choose the dimensions of the sofa and the number of chairs depending on the number of family members and the possible number of guests. It makes no sense to choose an airfield sofa and three armchairs if you live alone and rarely receive guests. In this case, it is worth limiting yourself to more compact options and leaving more free space in the room - to create a feeling of spaciousness or to accommodate other functional elements.

If you expect your guests to occasionally stay overnight, then the choice of sofa should be approached especially carefully. Choose folding models, on which, if necessary, you can fully sleep. If there can be several overnight guests, then it makes sense to consider options for transforming chairs that can fold out and turn into a bed. nine0005

Modern design solutions, as a rule, do not involve the placement of solid cabinets in the hall. It is assumed that this tradition should remain in the Soviet past. However, if you don't have a walk-in closet and don't have enough space to place storage items in other rooms, no one can force you to give up a spacious closet in the living room.

In a classic interior, it can even be a solid wall. However, if you prefer more modern design trends, then it is better to pay attention to stylish wardrobes. For a small room, models with mirrored doors are perfect, they allow you to visually expand the space, and will not weigh down the interior as much as their counterparts with solid doors. nine0005

A small room should not be cluttered with a large number of pieces of furniture. Such an "abundant" environment will overwhelm, distract, and simply interfere with free movement around the room. If you don’t have a lot of things, then you definitely shouldn’t put a massive closet in the living room, limit yourself to a light and elegant rack. If you want to create a truly light and stylish design, pay special attention to the modern style living room furniture, the photo of which can be seen below.

If you do not plan to receive guests often, it makes no sense to purchase a grand dining table in the hall. In order to drink coffee or have a snack in front of the TV, an elegant coffee table will be quite enough. To save space, you can choose a functional transforming table, which will serve as both a stand and a storage for books and magazines, and, if necessary, can be expanded into a fairly full-fledged springboard for home meals. nine0005

Fireplace in the living room interior

If you want your living room to breathe genuine comfort and hospitality, consider purchasing a fireplace. Naturally, it is almost impossible to establish a real hearth in a city apartment. But today there are a lot of magnificent imitations on sale that will emphasize the elegance of the interior, create an atmosphere of comfort in the room and even be able to heat it.

An electric fireplace is perfect for an apartment. Do not think that this is a more beautiful analogue of the heater. In fact, modern manufacturers produce incredibly realistic models that amazingly imitate real flames. There are even models with sound and aroma accompaniment. That is, in front of you there will be not only the illusion of an open fire, but also real crackles, as well as the smells of burning logs.

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