Renovation ideas for small living room


How To Decorate A Small Living Room – Forbes Home

If a small living room is cramping your style and has become a place in your home that really isn’t utilized, there are some design tips and tricks to make even the smallest of rooms seem larger. From where to place your furniture to the right kind of lighting, and how to use every inch of the floor and walls so there’s no wasted space, we’ve rounded up 10 small living room ideas that will help you make the most out of your available square footage, no matter the dimensions of your room. If you need small living room design ideas that make a compact room seem spacious and ready for some living, here are ten of our favorite tips for how to decorate a small living room.

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1. Go High

Hilarey Ball / thenewsmallhouse

One of the easiest ways to maximize space in a small living room, and to give the appearance that the room is much larger, is to design up. This means taking your curtains and the curtain rod close to the ceiling instead of right above the window. Make sure to add extra inches to your curtains to avoid an awkward length.

When it comes to your artwork and wall decor, go beyond eye level and build up towards the ceiling. Design your gallery wall to extend to the ceiling or add shelves that are stacked higher than the middle of the wall. When you walk into your living room, these design strategies will pull your eyes upward and give your room the appearance of being larger and more spacious.

2. Go Low

Joi Svezia/ joidan82

Contrast the higher decorating details with lower stylings. From couches and chairs that sit close to the ground, to coffee tables and ottomans that are designed to be low, the contrast of high and low designs will stretch your space and give the illusion of a larger room.

3. Skip the Sofa

Nicole Maxon/ cole.maxon

Instead of crowding your small living room with multiple sofas or a large sectional, make a seating area with two smaller chairs. You can create a cozy space that is welcoming and stylish without shrinking the room. Position the chairs towards the focal point in the room-the fireplace, entertainment center or coffee table- to make the chairs feel connected to the rest of the space.

4. The Right Size Rug

Deb Monroe/ Beacon Valley Home

In a small living room, you’ll want to avoid large pieces of furniture that can crowd the space, but when it comes to the rug, bigger is better. A large rug that fills the space will anchor your room and give the appearance of a much larger living room. A smaller rug can look like it’s floating in the middle of the room and make your space look choppy and small. Not sure what size rug will work in your space? Grab a roll of painters tape and map out the outline of a rug on the floor. Choose different sizes so you can see what size and shape rug will best fill your space and leave your room looking larger.

5. Add Mirrors

Deb Monroe/ Beacon Valley Home

A favorite trick of designers is to add mirrors to a small space to make the room appear bigger. Mirrors add light and dimensions to any room and can be an inexpensive way to create the look of a much bigger space. However, not all mirrors are created equal. Since the goal is to add space, skip mirrors with very large and ornate frames. These frames cut down on the actual mirror and can seem overpowering in a small room. Instead, opt for a small frame around your larger mirror. To boost the reflective powers of your mirrors, pair them with a light source like a table lamp or sconce that is placed close to the mirror. If you are creating a gallery wall, consider adding a mirror into the mix.

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6. Go Vertical

Lizzie Green/ popixdesigns

Use the vertical space in your living room for styling and storage. If your room doesn’t have builts-ins, a floating storage unit can be added to the wall to hold your favorite pieces of decor as well as the TV and other items you’ll want in your living room. Since space is limited, decorating vertically gives you more options and gives the room the appearance of being more spacious. Be sure to decorate from bottom to top in order to pull your eyes up when in the room. A vertical storage unit or shelves are great options if you have an alcove or angled wall that you aren’t sure how to decorate.

7. Bring in the Light

Katie and Stefan/ DoorNumberEleven

Light is a key design feature in any room, but it is essential in a small space. Skip the heavy window treatments that will block out the natural light and choose curtains or shades that will let the light in. Add interesting lamps and light fixtures to your room that go beyond just a lamp on an end table. Brighten a wall and add a fun design detail with wall sconces. Add a light behind a couch or in a corner with floor lamps of varying heights to brighten the room. Don’t forget about the ceiling. A light fixture on the ceiling will draw your eyes up, add interest to your room and lighten your space.

8. Choose Furniture That Moves

Char and Jack/ LittleAvonHouse

From small end tables that can scoot from one end of the room to the other, to an ottoman that can be used as a coffee table, seating or storage, and chairs that can be easily moved around your space, choose furniture that doesn’t have to stay in one spot. A bar cart on wheels means when it’s not cocktail hour, the cart can pull double duty as storage or make room for more seating. By creating a flexible space with furniture that can be moved and rearranged easily, you’ll do a lot more living in your living room.

9. Pop With Color

Brad and Natalie/BradWillBuildIt

A lighter color palette will make your living room look bigger and more spacious, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip on all colors. Instead, add pops of color in a couch, pillows, rug, artwork, or a connecting room that has a bold accent wall. Keep your walls and ceilings light and neutral in a small living room to give the appearance of being larger, but get creative with color in your accent details.

10. Float Your Media Center

Sara Khayatian /nextleveldesigning

If you are looking for a solution to free up floor space, avoid a big and bulky media unit, and create something that is eye-catching, consider a floating media center. Start by mounting your TV to the wall and attaching floating shelves above and below the television. Now you have a place to hide wires and cords but also a spot to add touches of decor and more storage. Slide ottomans under the bottom shelves or transform the lower shelf into an at-home workspace. This is a space you can personalize and make it totally your own.

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44 Best Small Living Room Ideas

1

Work In Twos

Read McKendree

Sometimes smaller spaces actually allow for bolder color and pattern experiments. Here, Katie Rosenfeld worked in pairs. She used the same floral pattern for the sofa and drapes, corresponding (and wilder!) cheetah prints on the carpet and throw pillow, and then coupled the springy green paint with the striped ottoman. If you love this look but prefer something a touch more modern, try this formula but then swap in the traditional prints for edgy, modern photography or an abstract painting.

2

Separate Zones With Lighting

Gieves Anderson

David Frazier carved out both a formal sitting and dining room within the same small space. A statement pendant over the pedestal table helps separate the dining zone, and stackable dining chairs can also double as extra sitting in the living room. Pops of dark yellow speak to the warm antique wood pieces and break up the monochromatic color scheme, and a ceiling-high curtain rod adds depth.

3

Orient for Visits

Avery Cox

Ditch the sofa altogether if you'd rather use the living room as a place to catch up and chat with others as opposed to lounging horizontally. Four blue-painted rattan chairs are oriented towards each other for visits, but they're comfy enough to recline and stretch out on during life's quieter moments in this fun small living room designed by Avery Cox.

4

Play Up Period Details

Heidi Jean Feldman

In a Parisian apartment designed by Lichelle Silvestry, luxe, warm, and texture-rich velvet seating further enhances the elaborate period elements. “I adore using materials that add character and authenticity to my interiors,” Silvestry says. “It’s a sensory feast.”

5

Use refreshing Colors

Stephen Paul

In this small bungalow living room designed by Another Human, the contemporary linen-covered loveseat gets a bohemian treatment surrounded by a mix of granny-chic accents and '70s details. A surprising and rejuvenating shade of purple keeps things fresh and exciting.

6

Hang Plants

Fatma El Amin

Amber El-Amin worked around an odd overhang above the sofa area by hanging a plant from it. It enlivens the nook and brings a touch of unexpected whimsy without forgoing light—the two vintage lamps are strategically placed to brighten the tonal and laid-back yet upscale living room.

7

Use Fewer But Brighter Pieces

Frank Frances

Located by the entry and kitchen in the Novogratz family home, this bonus sitting room is a crash pad for any loitering kids or guests. It's also a great design formula for anyone looking for a formal setup in a smaller space: Colorful artwork, minimal decorative objects, and streamlined furniture... Just the basics! But in bright colors.

8

Display Heirlooms In Open Shelves

Oliver Thornton

Old books and heirlooms will instantly make a room feel more personal, and exposed shelving and/or glass-enclosed cabinets will really let them shine. In this living room designed by Oliver Thornton, they add character and speak to the layered warmth of the furnishings, even though the space isn't huge.

9

Let a Room-Spanning Rug Do the Work

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

If you're feeling stuck and uninspired, a room-spanning rug or piece of artwork can be a great jumping-off point for the rest of the color scheme. Everything in this small living room is inspired by the gorgeous Art Deco rug, from the plaster color-blocked paint to the masculine leather sofas. A lucite table keeps a lower visual profile while speaking to the mirrored ceiling.

10

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.

11

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.

12

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.

13

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.

14

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.

15

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.

16

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.

17

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.

18

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.

19

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.

20

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.

21

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.

22

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.

23

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.

24

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.

25

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.

26

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.

27

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.

28

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.

29

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.

30

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.

31

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.

32

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.

33

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.

34

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.

35

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.

36

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.

37

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.

38

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.

39

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.

40

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.

41

Hang a Chair

Hecker Guthrie

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

42

Shrink Your Sofa

Douglas Friedman

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

43

Make It Multi-Purpose

Josh Franer; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

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

44

Build Shelving

Trevor Tondro

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

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

60 interior photos, renovation ideas

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

Interior style for a small living room

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

Contemporary living room

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

Classic living room

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

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

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

Provence style living room

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

Loft style living room

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

Minimalist living room

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

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

Scandinavian style living room

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

Color matters!

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

White living room

nine0004 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. nine0005

Blue living room

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

Green living room

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

Lilac living room

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

Small living room decoration

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

Floor

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

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

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

Walls

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

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

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

Ceiling

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

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

Decor and textiles

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

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

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

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

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

Placement of furniture and 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. nine0005

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

Plank flooring should be laid parallel to narrow walls.

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

Small irregular living room

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

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

Small living room lighting

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

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

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

Design of a small living room in Khrushchev

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

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

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

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

Integration with other premises

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

Combination of a small living room and kitchen

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

Combination of a living room with a balcony or loggia

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

Combination of a living room with a hallway or a corridor

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

Small living room design ideas - photo

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

Video: Small living room design

nine0000 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. nine0005

Enlarge space

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

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

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

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

Color solutions for a small living room

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

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

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

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

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

Finishes and materials

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

Floor

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

Walls

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

Ceiling

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

Small living room furniture

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

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

Lighting and decor

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

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

Interior styles

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

Minimalist small living room

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

Japanese style small living room

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

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

Scandinavian style small living room

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

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

Small Loft Living Room

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


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