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Small apartment living room design ideas


34 Small Living Room Ideas (With Photos of Inspiring Designs)

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Small Spaces

by Cara Gibbs

updated Nov 10, 2022

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Small living spaces are cozy, affordable and more often than not, completely adorable. But when it comes to designing your diminutive space to make it just right for you, challenges abound. Every decision, from what furniture to buy, how to arrange it and even what colors to use, will be filtered through the lens of small-space living. A well designed living room can easily transform into a family room.

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But even though your main living area isn’t large, there are tons of ways to create an inviting space that feels like home, all the while maximizing storage and placement of your favorite items. In this article, we’ve included some of our favorite small apartment living room ideas for you to browse for inspiration.  Fortunately, the beauty of creative freedom—and the power of the internet—means no matter how small your living room is, there are plenty of ideas and layouts you can find out there that will be the perfect solution for your living situation.

Small-space Design Tips

When it comes to small spaces, a few clever design tips can help you configure your living room in a way that tricks your eye into feeling like it’s plenty spacious. Below, Kathy Kuo, CEO and Founder of Kathy Kuo Home, shares some of her favorite small apartment living room ideas.

Design Tips for Small Spaces

Small Apartment Living Room Ideas

Coming up are 40 rooms—from teeny tiny spaces teeming with inspiration to larger living rooms that have adapted to living small—that all showcase the best ways to expand your square footage without any demo or renovating.

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1. Add an accent.

An accent wall is nice, but if you’re looking for small apartment living room ideas, try a small accent area, like the one shown in this Dutch living room. The pleasant green arch creates visual interest in this small space.

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2. Utilize under-bench storage.

It’s not just the natural tones and abundant light that make this small living room seem much bigger; it’s also the skilled use of storage for excess items: here, they’ve stowed several baskets under a small bench to keep clutter out of the way.

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3. Arrange things artfully.

Not all small apartment living rooms involve keeping items sparse. This 425-square-foot Los Angeles living room has plenty of furniture, but it’s displayed in such a way to avoid looking cluttered and stuffy. 

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4. Stick with a color scheme.

Incorporating a continuous color scheme throughout your entire space is a clever way to make a studio or one-room space look larger and less cluttered. We love the boho-chic look Senaida Mehmedovic used in her Denver studio apartment. 

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5. Go long.

Looking for small apartment living room ideas for a  narrow room? Look to this sleek Brooklyn apartment for a layout that’s perfect. To cop a similar look, search for furniture with small dimensions and leggy, airy pieces that don’t have a lot of visual weight. Place key furnishings like your sofa and large bookcases against the wall to take advantage of every square inch of floor space.

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6. Elevate an alcove.

Even a tiny alcove, like in this New York apartment, can work as the perfect living room. Emphasize the coziness of a small footprint with soft textures and calming colors, both of which can make a tiny area feel intentionally small.

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7. Embrace a multipurpose room.

Not enough space for a separate dining room, living room, and breakfast nook? Follow the example of this dreamy, pink-walled Washington DC studio and carve those areas out of one room. With the right sized furniture, this decorating strategy can make a layout look more like a deliberately open floor plan—not just a one room apartment.

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8. Size down and build up.

If your home has been blessed with high ceilings, you can use them to your advantage. Think vertically by decorating with tall mirrors, high shelves, and curtains mounted several inches above your actual windows, which draws the eye up and creates the illusion of a bigger home. All of these strategies—plus, the use of a smaller loveseat sofa and a tiny trunk as a coffee table—are exactly what make this stylish yet small Brooklyn studio look larger and more spacious.

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9.

Look to decor stores as inspiration.

Think of the room setups you see in stores like IKEA, West Elm, and Target—they’re great sources of small apartment living room ideas. If a home store vignette reflects the actual dimensions of your home , as in this artsy New York studio, you can simply replicate these ultra stylized setups.

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10. Get your reflection on.

Mirrors are one of the best ways to make your tiny space feel open and airy. That’s why Ayesha Curry and Parisa O’Connell chose to create this awesome optical illusion in their diminutive dwelling space. Our opinion? It totally works! 

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11. Fill ‘er up.

In a tiny space, you might be afraid of overwhelming things with too-large furniture, but oftentimes, if you go full throttle with a large sectional that hugs the walls, you’ll get a room that #1 seats a ton of people and #2 feels super welcoming and cozy. Take notes from this home we toured in the UK that fits a family of four.

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12. Embrace the cozy eclectic look.

Another example of a tiny space embracing all things cozy for the better can be seen in this comfortable, sunny Philadelphia condo. Layer in an eclectic mix of objects and furnishings that are special to you, and you’ll be left with a living room full of colorful textures you’ll never want to leave.

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13. Keep things linear.

To add to your list of small apartment living room ideas, try implementing varying geometric and linear prints, like the dramatic rug seen here. This gives a small space a sense of structure while also providing the illusion of additional length and width.

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14. Invite tiny keepsakes & treasures into your space.

In this charming living room, your attention is occupied and delighted by all the personal accents and accessories that draw you into each area of the little space.

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15. Use color to define spaces.

When you’re trying to carve a living room out of a smaller studio space, you can always use color blocking to your advantage. This Brooklyn renter anchored her sofa with a hunter green wall, which makes the space that also contains her bed look like two separate rooms. She kept the look as airy as possible by restricting her living room furniture to the bare minimum—just a couch, coffee table, and two pretty magenta pink stools.

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16. Install a wall of books.

To turn a small living space into your favorite room, consider taking an empty wall and turning it into a top-to-bottom mini library. It’ll provide plenty of storage opportunities, but also makes such a statement and gives a luxe built-in effect. For an even more stylish push, pick a rich color, like the hunter green of this room, and add molding to polish off the custom look.

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17. Don’t be scared of quirky set ups.

Just because this area’s called a “living room” doesn’t mean it can’t serve a purpose beyond just lounging. The roommates in this San Francisco apartment actually squeezed a washing machine in the corner of their living room. Although unexpected, the white unit almost blends into the space, since it’s close in color to the walls. It even features a fabric accent that matches the living room sofa.

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18. Embrace less.

If you’re averse to clutter, just put the good bones of your living room on display. A perfect example is this light and airy Michigan apartment, which has the essential pieces of furniture and just a few select decor items. Sometimes less is more, especially when you have a beautiful fireplace, nice hardwood floors, and large windows that let in tons of light.

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19.

The power of the tuck.

The main goal of any small living space is always to use every area as efficiently as possible. And the area under your coffee table (considering yours doesn’t have shelving) can be prime real estate! Mimic the clever space shown here, where poufs that serve as additional seating are tucked neatly beneath the coffee table.

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20. Keep your space alive.

It’s no secret that plants add so much value to any room in the home, but you can really get creative with them in your living area. In a tour of her home via House Beautiful, Justina Blakeney shows off just that in her compact living room, and is smart about hanging greenery so as to avoid taking up any precious floor space.

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21. Double duty furniture.

This ultra creative Washington DC apartment uses furniture with a dual purpose to save on space. The coffee table is able to go from regular height to the height of a proper dining room table and can seat up to four guests, erasing the need for a separate eating nook and excessive pieces of furniture.

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22. Add height with floor to ceiling draperies.

Curtains are the quickest way to add instant height to any space. The trick is to hang them from right around where your wall meets your ceiling and let them slightly puddle on the ground. Light-colored sheer panels are designed this way, popping against a dark background in this Colorado home. 

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23. Behold the power of threes.

Grouping items into threes is a great way to make a living room feel a bit bigger by adding more pieces to a space without taking up more real estate. (Not to mention you can move smaller furnishings like these around as needed.)

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24.

K.I.S.S.

Keep it simple, sweetie! When you don’t have a ton of room to play with but you want to inject some color, it’s best to keep it simple if you’re a newbie. Start with a foundation of neutrals and add in one feature color and one metallic and run with it, like this space which invites varying textures and finishes to add depth while remaining light and airy on the eyes.

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25. Fit it all in.

Packing your teeny space with lots of purpose is another way to trick yourself into thinking things are bigger than they appear. In this apartment, living room seamlessly connects to an office area, feeling cohesive and interesting.

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26. Brighten up with white.

Nothing brightens and opens up a space like the color white can, which is why this technique is tops on our list of small apartment living room ideas. This coastal-reminiscent apartment in California shows how even the tiniest living rooms can look larger than life when decorated in a monochrome palette.

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27. Layer your lighting.

This living room feels big and spacious due in large part to tall ceilings and big windows, but also of note is the layered lighting. Keeping light at multiple levels (via floor lamps, chandeliers, and task lights) creates a moody yet well-lit room.

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28. Don’t overlook underused spots.

If you have windows in your tiny living room, put those windowsills to work holding books, plants and other decorative objects.

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Watch

10 Brilliant Ideas for Your Small Living Room

29. Go big with a rug.

A large rug like this one in the West Village apartment of Lee Lenox makes a tiny space feel much bigger than it actually is, according to Kuo.

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30.

Go vertical.

Blankets are a must for a cozy living room experience. But when you’re short on space to store said blankets, you don’t have many options. Sure, you can stash them in a basket, but that takes up valuable floor space. A better option? A leaning ladder.

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31. Skip the coffee table in place of an ottoman or pouf.

This space from Cup of Jo is by no means a small living room, but let’s pretend for a second that it is to learn a thing or two from it. See those two poufs on the other side of the coffee table? Those could easily swap in for the actual coffee table itself in a tighter space, which lends flexibility; crucial in a small space. Opting for ottomans or poufs over larger furnishings is a smart way to still have a spot to place a drink or remote but be able to move things easily around as you please (and of course, create more seating).

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32.

Thinking clearly.

Acrylic or glass furniture has long been a designer trick for small spaces. They serve a purpose (i.e., holding drinks, etc.) while basically disappearing into the space. The result is a room with all the function you need, but without all the visual clutter.

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33. Be delicate.

Similar to the above trick, choosing accent furniture with delicate frames is another way to tone down the visual noise. This tiny seating living room (the home of content strategist Cole Wilson via One Kings Lane) feels full sized thanks to the delicate gold base and glass top coffee table, thin framed accent chairs and floor lamp.

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34. Try matchy-matchy.

While some might tell you that all-white rooms are the key to stretching a small space, we’re here to tell you that no matter what paint you go with, the effect of color is a lot more nuanced than that. A trick that always works, though, no matter what’s on your wall? Matching your drapes (bonus points if they’re a sheer material) to your wall. Here, white walls seem to go on forever as the visual line is not interrupted by different colored curtains. If you flip this and decide to go dark and moody, stick to draperies in equally dramatic tones for a super cohesive, polished look perfect for a small living room.

16 small apartment living room ideas – simple ways to make the most of your space

(Image credit: Davide Lovati)

There's no denying that decorating small spaces can feel like a daunting task, but there are so many stylish small apartment living room ideas out there that it shouldn't feel like a mammoth task. Sure, you might have to get clever with layouts and pick furniture more carefully than if you had acres of square footage to play with, but really designing a small living room can be just as an enjoyable experience.

So whether you live in a studio apartment and looking for ways to make your living area feel separate and cozy, or want the living room in your small apartment to appear bigger and brighter, we have you covered with plenty of stylish small living room ideas. The best layouts, space-expanding color schemes, and strategically placed decor will all help you create a gorgeous living space that doesn't feel limited by its smaller proportions. 

Journalist

Hebe is an experienced homes writer and editor. She has written hundreds of articles helping readers make the best home design choices, and spends her days interviewing interiors industry experts to bring the latest ideas to her readers. For this piece she spoke to the world's best designers who have created the most inspiring apartments, ideal for compiling this article. 

Small apartment living room ideas

Not sure where to start with a small apartment living room? What furniture would suit the space? How much furniture should you buy? What colors will make a small living room feel bigger? What layouts are going to work? We could go on, but we answer all those questions, as well as provide lots of lovely living rooms that prove small can still be stylish.

1. Stick to the essentials 

(Image credit: Sebastian ERRAS, @sebastianerras)

If you are starting total from scratch in a space, choosing the perfect small living room furniture is a good place to start. As with most small spaces, the rule less is more usually applies. You don't want your room to be crammed with furniture so go back to basics and focus on the key pieces of furniture your room needs to function as a practical living space. Seating and storage. These are essentially all you want to have in your living room. Keeping it simple with as few pieces of furniture as possible will stop the space feeling cluttered. 

2. Be clever with layouts

(Image credit: Kristy Noble)

In small apartment living rooms, a clever layout can make all the difference. The right arrangement will keep the space feeling open and airy rather than boxy and cramped.

When it comes to small living room layouts, we have a tendency to want to push everything against the walls, leaving this empty sea of floor space in the center. In fact, all that layout does is make the room feel empty and uninteresting. Pull your furniture away from the walls, and give those bigger pieces room to breathe. Instead of using the walls as the room's dimensions, throw down a large area rug and place, or partially place, your furniture on top of that. 

3. Create connections within an open plan space

(Image credit: Tollgard)

An easy way to make a small apartment living room feel larger is to 'borrow' space from your other rooms. And by that we mean keep your layout as open-plan as possible – larger open doorways or glazing instead of solids doors can work so well in small apartments to keep the flow between rooms effortless, plus it means light can easily flow around the space.

Interior designers Tollgard , who designed this apartment living room say, 'We made the apartment (two adjoining apartments originally) as open-plan and connected as possible with sightlines through to shared spaces, using large sliding panels for doorways. The broken-plan apartment feels bigger because of the views into shared spaces and the minimal treatment of architectural features.'

4.

Keep it minimal 

(Image credit: Future)

Minimalism is known for working wonders in small spaces. You want your living room to be as clutter-free as you can make it as clutter is only going to make the space feel smaller. So along with sticking with just key pieces of furniture, you want to be organized, and have plenty of closed storage options that you can hide away unsightly essentials like TV remotes, tech, toys, etc. 

See how in this lovely white living room, there's not tons of decor or knick-knacks on show. Just a few curated pieces that add interest and personality but not unnecessary clutter.

5. Go build in with your storage

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Effective living room storage is key in a small space. Bookcases, cupboards, console tables, all these individual storage pieces will quickly fill up a small room, so opting for built-in storage that can do the job of all these individual pieces is a simple way to gain back some space.

'When designing our clients living space we focus on storage requirements before deciding on the decorative finishes, never more important than in an apartment with confined space. Adding built in bespoke cabinetry will allow you to craft the space to suit your needs. It also means unsightly wires from tv’s and soundbars can be hidden, everything will have its place and it effectively becomes a new wall.' explains Rob Lessmann, interior designer and founder of Design'd Living .

'If you don’t like the idea of open shelving ideas or built-in cabinetry and crave that flush line, then pocket handle-less doors can allow for the storage to be neatly tucked away. They can also act as the perfect background for a projector hidden out of site on the opposite wall, freeing up space that a TV would take up.'

6. Layer lighting in an apartment living room

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)

Having a good lighting scheme is particularly important in a small apartment living room as a well-lit space feels much bigger than a dark room with just a single light source.  

The best approach is to layer your living room lighting, you want to create an all-over glow. Incorporate lighting at different levels, so as well as an overhead source, have floor lamps in the corners, table lamps situated on console tables, or a side table. This way you'll get multiple pools of light around the room.

'Lighting is key and needs to work across the whole space. Many apartments have an open flow between the kitchen, dining and living areas which means that lighting needs to work in different ways.' says Rob Lessmann. 'Living areas or rooms need mood lighting for the evenings that can be dimmed if needed. Take lighting for reading, and if space allows, beautiful pendant or ceiling lighting.'

'If light is at a premium, then LED lighting can help to illuminate the ceiling and any unique details within the space. LED lighting used under cabinetry or furniture can also help add to the ambiance.'

7. Use clever flooring to expand your space

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)

Flooring types might not be top of your list when it comes to your living room design decisions, but it can make all the difference helping 'expand' your, add texture and create a seamless flow if you are dealing with an open or broken plan space.  

'Keep flooring consistent throughout the space and add warmth and depth with rugs. Wooden flooring in larger planks allows you to make the space look bigger.' advises Rob. 'And if you can, go for underfloor heating which keeps walls free from radiators and frees up much needed space. Using smart tech allows you to control everything from the heating to lighting and again, frees up space.'

8. Ground an open plan layout with large rugs

(Image credit: K&H Designs)

 A small square of rug floating in the center of your room is only going to make the space feel smaller and fussy. Instead, pick a larger area rug that will run underneath your furniture. Keep the colors light and the pattern simple so it doesn't draw too much focus. 

Rugs are also ideal for zoning apartment living rooms that are in an open-plan space as can be seen in this apartment designed by K&H Design . The living space feels separated from the dining room as the rug running underneath all the living room furniture almost acts like walls, making it feel more like it's own room.  

Katie Glaister, Co-Founder of K&H Design explains, 'When styling an open plan living room, it’s important to create zones and to have a central point where all the seating faces in to. Sourcing the right size rug for a living room is a simple way of achieving this and creates a subtle divide between the living and dining areas.'

9. Clear visual bulk with armless furniture 

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Ditch the arms on your sofas and chairs. You'd be surprised how much visual bulk it removes from the room and makes a space feel so much more open. See how in this small apartment living room, choosing a huge corner sofa but with an armless design doesn't break up the space. The fact that it's quite low-slung too means plenty of light can still flow around the room. 

And in the same vein as keeping furniture visually light, keep any accent pieces like console tables and side tables from cluttering the space by choosing delicate, slimline frames. The small living area in an open-plan apartment manages to squeeze in some extra surface space in the form of two thin-framed nesting tables, and yet they don't block the light or appear to take up any floor space. 

10. Loose the legs too

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Where you can, wall mount your furniture. Floating pieces like sideboards and shelving free up the floor space underneath and tricks the eye, creating the allusion of a larger room. 

Here, a sideboard that originally sat on legs has been secured to the wall, adding plenty of storage and extra surface space for a very impressive home bar. But do you see what we mean about the floor being uninterrupted and how much of a difference that makes?

11. Don't always go small in a small living room

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)

It's tempting to fill a small apartment living room with small furniture for fear of overwhelming the room with large pieces. But sometimes you are best going big, one modular sofa is going to look less busy than a love seat and two armchairs. Plus, a sectional sofa is the ideal choice if your living area is part of an open plan space and they can be used as 'walls' to separate the space, making it feel cozier. Browse our shopping guide to the best sofas to find some versatile options.

Or, if your apartment is short on bedrooms, consider making your living space multifunctional by swapping your sofa for a sofa bed, that way you can still host overnight guests even if you don't have a dedicated guest bedroom. Finding an option that's comfortable enough for everyday sitting and guest bedding can be tricky, but we've narrowed down the options for you in our guide to the best sofa beds.

11. Decorate with a simple color scheme

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Generally speaking, the best colors for small living rooms are lighter hues – whites, pale greys, creams, beiges – all these shades are known for their space-expanding effects. So stick with those lighter colors on the walls, you want a foundation of lighter neutrals that you can then bring pops of color into. We'd stick to two or three accents colors as you can see in this fabulous living room, it's enough to make the space feel bold and exciting but the oranges and blues don't feel too busy. 

Also note how in this living room, the walls, ceilings, and woodwork are all painted in the same soft grey. A great tip for making rooms feel larger and loftier. 

12. Make use of awkward spaces

(Image credit: Future)

In small living rooms you need to make the most of every square inch, so don't waste awkward nooks and alcoves, put them to work, and build something into these spaces. 

For shallow alcoves the obvious choice is shelving or cabinetry, but if you have a larger space, why not create something like this design? In this open-plan apartment, a day bed has been added to a narrow corner of the room add a lovely place to perch, plus some extra storage underneath. 

13. Trick the eye with transparent pieces

(Image credit: Sigmar)

It's the oldest interior design trick in the book, by adding glass, acrylic or lucite furniture to a small space visually takes up zero room but can add extra seating or storage. As light can travel straight through these translucent pieces they keep the space feeling open and airy but are functional too. 

See how in this apartment living room, your eye just travels straight over the glass coffee table. Ghost furniture means you have the potential to bring in more pieces too – the amount of furniture in this space would feel way too cluttered if it wasn't for the transparent coffee table, but as that adds zero visual bulk, more seating can be added.

14. Hang mirrors to 'expand' a small apartment living room 

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

Another old hack, mirrors. Mirrors are a really simple way to make a small apartment living room feel bigger and brighter. They reflect more light around the room but they can also play the visual trick of alluding to more space, broadening the room and blurring the edges. We would recommend going as big as your room can handle and positioning it in a space it will easily bounce any natural light back into the room.

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Avoid gallery walls in small apartment living rooms as they can feel cluttered in a small space and instead pick one large piece of statement art that will be the focal point, as well as a distraction from the room's modest proportions. 

As Rob Lessmann advises, 'Don’t forget the walls. Adding a feature wall with a unique polished plaster finish, wallpaper or great artwork will create a point of interest. The key is to make the space your own. Framed vintage magazine covers offer a great alternative to artwork and mixed with a monochrome palette create depth to the space.'

See how in this open plan living space the large dimensions of the artwork makes the space feel larger too. It also softens the wall dividing the two spaces so it feels less solid and imposing.

16. Add plenty of texture for a cozy feel

(Image credit: Rei Moon)

Sometimes with small rooms, the best approach is to embrace the small proportions and create a cozy den-like space filled with texture and eclectic pieces. Be inspired by this grey living room and pile up the cushions, throws and rugs to create a cocooning space. 

And this room also proves that darker colors can really work in small spaces, in fact, because this deep grey is taken over floors, walls, and ceiling the room appears bigger because the edges of the room aren't clear. 

How do you decorate a small apartment living room?

Small apartment living rooms may lack square footage but that doesn't mean you have to compromise on style. As well as the design tricks and ideas above, there are plenty of simple ways to decorate your space so it feels like a reflection of your personal style, despite the size. 

Choose furniture carefully. More often than not, what works best is picking pieces that are in proportion to your room. However, sometimes choosing one large piece like a sectional sofa or coffee table can make the room feel less cluttered and fussy. We'd recommend drawing up a floor plan to help you plan out furniture and layouts.  

When it comes to colors, you can play it safe with lighter shades as these are tried and tested small apartment living room colors. Or you could go the opposite way and create a moody, cocooning space with darker colors, these deep shades can have just as much of a space expanded effect as lighter ones. And think about finishes too – a semi-gloss finish will reflect more light around the room.

And with decor, keep it simple. Less is more here, so pick a few pieces that aren't going to add too much visual clutter but will add some personal style and interest to the room. 

Hebe is the Digital Editor of Livingetc; she has a background in lifestyle and interior journalism and a passion for renovating small spaces. You'll usually find her attempting DIY, whether it's spray painting her whole kitchen, don't try that at home, or ever changing the wallpaper in her hallway. Livingetc has been such a huge inspiration and has influenced Hebe's style since she moved into her first rental and finally had a small amount of control over the decor and now loves being able to help others make decisions when decorating their own homes. Last year she moved from renting to owning her first teeny tiny Edwardian flat in London with her whippet Willow (who yes she chose to match her interiors...) and is already on the lookout for her next project.

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 equipment

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

Small square living room

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

Narrow (rectangular) small living room

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

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

Plank flooring should be laid parallel to narrow walls.

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

Small irregular living room

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

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

Small living room lighting

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

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

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

Design of a small living room in Khrushchev

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

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

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

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

Integration with other premises

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

Combination of a small living room and kitchen

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

Combination of a living room with a balcony or loggia

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

Combination of a living room with a hallway or a corridor

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

Small living room design ideas - photo

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

Video: Small living room design

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.

Learn more