Small dark living room ideas
Dark living room ideas: 10 design rules for brightening a dark space |
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
Dark living room ideas need not be dull, dreary or dated.
There are a plethora of sophisticated ways to enhance a dark space, so dress your living room with deep navy blues, smokey greys, gorgeous greens and earthy tones for a space that is cosseting, cocooning and oh so stylish.
These daringly dark living room ideas will help you brighten your dark space and have you reaching for the paint chart.
Dark living room ideas – how to brighten a dark space
Whether your dark living room is expansive, open-plan, a shared home office space or on the compact side, there are a multitude of living room paint ideas and design tricks to create – and enhance – a dark living room scheme.
1. Go for contrasting colors in a dark living room
(Image credit: Future/Brent Darby)
If you are stuck with how to decorate a dark living room, then look no further than the color wheel.
Apply color theory to decorating and reveal a whole new way to enhance a dark space. When choosing a living room color scheme, your first port of call should always be the color wheel.
It provides a clear and instant visual for exactly which hues contrast and coordinate, to help you to devise harmonious, tonal or contrasting looks.
By taking shades that sit opposite each other on the wheel, such as orange and blue, you can create a rich, vibrant scheme packed with drama and energy. This pairing works particularly well in small living rooms.
2. Embrace dark colors in a small living room
(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)
If your living room is north- or east-facing, or if it lacks natural daylight, your choice of decor – and color scheme – can change its mood dramatically.
This is where green living room ideas can come in use: it's a transformative color that can connect indoors with outdoors, and make a room feel brighter and more cheerful, even when the tones you choose are quite subtle and sophisticated.
Employ color theory (see above) when choosing color pairings for a dark scheme. Here, subtle touches or coral, yellow and blue are standout additions.
Marianne Shillingford, Dulux 's Creative Director says, ‘Creative decorating techniques like layering, adding shapes and painting the ceiling in a color rather than white can completely alter the appearance of a room and make it unique to you.’
3. Go for a gorgeous gray color scheme
(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford / Sally Denning)
'For centuries gray has been regarded as a workmanlike, utilitarian non-color,' says Kate Watson-Smyth, author of Shades of Grey . But in fact, gray living room ideas are supremely practical as this color doesn’t show the dirt easily, making it perfect for family living rooms.
While it may seem counterproductive to use an all-over grey in a dark living room, the best decorating choice is embrace the darkness rather than trying to force a look that just isn't working.
By using the same color, but in both its palest and deepest incarnations, you can create a rich, cosy living room that is co-ordinated.
4. Light up a dark living room – artificially
(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)
The right living room lighting ideas can not only make a dark room look brighter, but also highlight architectural features, provide dramatic decorative effects, create illusions of space and define zones in open plan areas.
Create a thoroughly modern scheme with statement neon lighting. They give a dark living room a gentle glow, and set against a dark wall, they are guaranteed to stand out.
5. Go for white walls – and surround yourself with natural materials
(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)
Neutral living room ideas are versatile, and the color shown above is one of the most popular shades for dark interiors. It offers a blank canvas that brightens dark spaces and makes even the smallest rooms feel spacious and airy.
A basement living room is the perfect place to use neutrals as a base. After years of living in a 'throw-away society', we’re celebrating taking a 'less is more' approach by decorating with a neutral color palette, natural materials and plenty of greenery in the form of houseplants.
6. Opt for a symmetrical layout
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
Symmetry in interior design is a trick used to create smart-looking rooms – and it's perfect for small or dark spaces.
Symmetry creates balance and a feeling of calm when used in interior design. And while it is wonderfully elegant in large rooms, it can also create a feeling of enhanced space in smaller rooms, and these that are very busy, such as dark living rooms and kitchens, too.
7. Create a feature wall
(Image credit: Future )
Turn a dark living room into something to marvel at with smart gallery wall ideas that include your favorite artwork or photographs.
The space above the couch itself can often be forgotten, but it needs just as much attention as other areas.
Choose prints that coordinate with the overall scheme of the room and hang in an assortment of matchings frames. Group in odd numbers – three is a great place to start – to create harmony and visual interest.
8. Find furniture to fit the size of the space
(Image credit: Future)
Select room seating that is in proportion to the size of your living room – oversized couches and chairs can make a small room feel narrow.
Make sure you arrange your chairs at an angle to create a sense of depth to the room, as shown here. Otherwise, if you place all seating against the walls you might end up with a narrow 'bowling alley' look.
This layout is great for intimate conversation, informal entertaining and dark living rooms.
(Image credit: Future / Lisa Cohen)
If you are planning a dark living room, and lack a little confidence with your color scheming, let us introduce you to the 60-30-10 rule. This foolproof design theory will ensure that you never go wrong when it comes to choosing colors.
60 represents 60% and is the main color you are using in the room. Here, that would be the deep black on the wall. This shade will anchor the room and be the backdrop for your 30 color, which is the vivid yellow in this space.
Use this color half as much as the main color. This is likely to be seen on accent chairs, curtains, or even a feature wall.
The 10 is your accent color, which will be represented by about 10% of your furnishings, showcased here through gorgeous green foliage.
10. Hang mirrors to reflect light
(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)
Mirrors are a wonderfully versatile design feature, adding instant intrigue and interest, while maximizing light and boosting the sense of space in a dark living room.
‘We always recommend going for the largest mirror you can afford to make the most of every ray of light from your mirror’s reflection,' says Lucy St George of Rockett St George .
Plus, not only are mirrors great for reflecting light, they can also give you the opportunity to create a vignette, especially when hung as a gallery, creating a light-reflecting, space-enhancing focal point.
How do you decorate a dark living room?
Decorating a dark living room is no east feat, but it is not impossible to create your dream scheme.
The first, and most fundamental thing to consider is lighting. Get your lighting right and the rest of the scheme will follow. The right living room lighting ideas can not only illuminate a dark living room, but will also enhance the feeling of space.
Color (even if you’re using neutrals) should be high on the list of things to consider when starting to redecorate. Ensure your chosen hues work well in your room by applying testers of paint onto sheets of white paper, then tacking them onto each wall you’re thinking of using that color on.
Finally, add bold color with furnishings. It might seem niche, but we recommend employing the 60-30-10 rule when planning and designing a dark living room.
What is the best paint color for dark rooms?
Traditional or contemporary, white paint is an ideal option for a dark living room.
There’s nothing cleaner or crisper than pure white paint; it’s a look that lasts, no matter what the latest craze is. If you’re minimalist at heart and love a clutter-free aesthetic then white paint is undoubtedly the best option for a dark room.
However, many an interior designer will often recommend going with – rather than against – the darkness in your space to create a cozy living room. In which case, choose a neutral paint color. This can be a range of taupes, beiges, blues, greys and browns for a smart, tailored look.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
35 Best Small Living Room Ideas
1
Use an Upholstered Ottoman
Paul Raeside
A reupholstered ottoman will play the role of a coffee table, footrest, and even extra seating depending on what you need it for. It's also a great option for anyone with small children or pets since the edges are soft, and it allows for extra pattern plays if you choose something fun like this triangle print in a sitting room by Les Ensembliers.
2
Use Acrylic Furniture
Thomas Loof
Call on lucite and acrylic furniture in small spaces that start to feel visually chaotic. Thanks to their transparent nature, you can count on them to disappear into the background. A waterfall coffee table in this small living room by Ashley Whittaker is a prime example.
3
Strategize With Mirrors
Lisa Romerein
Mirroring all your walls to bounce light may seem like a tall task, but what about just hanging a few separate wall-spanning mirrors and then customizing the frames with one paint color to make them cohesive? The green monochrome situation in this small living room designed by Benjamin Dhong is also inspiring use to layer various shades of one color.
4
Upholster the Walls
Francesco Lagnese
Bring on the cozy vibes with plenty of soft fabrics, and even apply them to your walls! A fabric-covered ottoman, lush blue velvet sectional, room-spanning rug, fun armchair, and upholstered walls. This polished space by Nick Olsen is all the convincing we need.
5
Be Flexible With Seating
AMY NEUNSINGER
In a bohemian living room, pretty much anything goes—but if you need some guidance, try applying this formula: daybed plus side chair, armchair, floor pillows, and a couple of stools. In this case, Commune Design also incorporated a statement rug and task lighting.
6
Take Advantage of High Ceilings
Eliza Carter
Eliza Crater Harris, the great great-granddaughter of Sister Parish, doesn't let limited square footage stop her from incorporating plenty of personality-packed patterns.
Ceiling-high curtains elongate the room to make it feel larger and clean-lined furniture prevents the room from feeling too full.
7
Keep It Cozy
Tamsin Johnson Interiors
Leaning into the smallness of a space can actually be what makes it feel genuinely cozy and inviting. Keep seating close together and intimate, pile one textile and rugs in neutral tones, as Tamsin Johnson did here. Then utilize your walls for everything else, from task lighting to colorful artwork.
8
Skip the Sectional
ERIC PIASECKI
If you're short on space, you might have the urge to fill all usable floor space with furniture. But sometimes less is more, especially in small rooms that can quickly start to look over-crowded. Instead of a large sectional, which can sometimes look bulky, float two smaller sofas across from each other with a two-tier coffee table in between, as David Mann did here.
9
Forgo Armchairs
Robert McKinley Studio
This simple living room designed by Robert McKinley Studio incorporates tons of texture, from the rug to the shades and the sofa. These casual materials make it feel casual while still being fresh and stylish.
10
Think Outside the Box
Leanne Ford Interiors
Eclectic and organic spaces like this one designed by Leanne Ford Interiors call for quirky seating arrangements and out-of-the-box furniture. Two small stools are painted white for a softer, cohesive, and personalized look in lieu of coffee tables, cushions are piled on top of a ledge as a makeshift softa, and a swing is hung from the low ceiling.
11
Separate Zones With Area Rugs
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ
Area rugs separate the different zones in this studio apartment designed by Peter Frank.
There's also plenty of accent seating on deck but out of the pathways when not in use, a small space strategy that always delivers.
12
Install Smart Lighting
Tamsin Johnson Interiors
Choose lighting that can be attached to the walls or hung from above to save room on floor space like in this room designed by Tamsin Johnson Interiors. Swing-arm sconces also free up space on the floor and bring dimension to the walls, an ideal situation for small living rooms.
13
Let the Light Pour In
Heidi Caillier Design
This living room triples as an open kitchen and small dining room, so Heidi Caillier stuck with an edited selection of just a few items in the lounge area: A sofa, coffee table, and chair. And she used semi-sheer curtains to let the light pour in throughout the entire room.
Even if you don't have large windows and tons of sunlight, choose lighter shades to maximize the light you do have.
14
DIY a Barn Door
Mylene Fernandes
City apartment dwellings give "small" a whole new meaning. But designer Shari Francis has plenty of tricks up her sleeve to outsmart limiting floorplans. Tip number one: Separate an alcoved bedroom from an adjoining living room with a sliding barn door to enhance privacy and give yourself dedicated spaces for different activities (it's a relatively DIY project and there are plenty of cool, affordable options on Etsy, like this one). Tip number two: A smaller sofa is better than a bulky one that takes up the entire room, and one armchair is better than two if it means keeping a pathway clear—plus, asymmetry is chic.
15
Choose a Coffee Table With Storage
DAVID A.
LAND
The carefully collected yet laidback vibe in Elizabeth Georgantas's Nantucket living room is the perfect setup for a small space. An upcycled trunk stands in for a coffee table and provides hidden storage for extra throws and loose gadgets and a small sofa is an appropriate scale for the proportions of the room.
16
Choose A Large Rug
Shade Degges
Choosing a larger rug—even in a bold pattern—is a trick that makes a room feel bigger. Unlike smaller rugs, the large size doesn't visually break up the floor. This can also help anchor the space and give you a good staple piece to design the rest of the room around. Corner seating can also help you get more out of your space, as it does in this room designed by designed by Katie Ridder.
17
Layer Coffee Tables
Fantastic Frank
So a set of nesting tables are too small for your room but a super large and bulky coffee table is also out of the question.
Layer two streamlined coffee tables for a sleek Scandinavian approach like the firm Fantastic Frank did here.
18
Use One Part of a Sectional
Joshua McHugh
Fewer but better pieces is the winning formula in a small living room. So ditch the classics and opt for smaller alternatives, like a daybed or one piece of a sectional and a small side table instead of a coffee table. Raji RM added one to complete this reading nook so there's a home for books and tea.
19
Build In Shelving
Robert McKinley Studio
Whether you inherit a place with an awkward nook or you're making some renovations to an existing space, build in shelves for extra decorating and/or a storage zone (floating shelves are also an option if you can't build in). Or, build the bottom shelf so it has enough room to be an extra seating option.
Keep them the same color as the wall, as Robert McKinley Studio did here.
20
Pick a Dark Paint Color
Paul Raeside
Dark, glossy walls create a sophisticated backdrop for simple, clean-lined pieces and even colorful, bold items. Use the small space to your advantage and make it feel like a jewel-box. Painting your ceilings the same color can enhance the sense of intimacy even further. Then have fun with brighter furniture throughout, as in this small living room designed by Andrew Felsher.
21
Play With Scale
Nicole Franzen; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
Don't be afraid of making a big statement in a small space. There's a difference between clutter and well-curated collections or dramatic design moments. In this modest living room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, we love how the over-the-top, formal chandelier creates contrast and intrigue.
22
Fill the Room
Heidi Caillier Design
Admittedly, this contradicts some of our previous tips, but, when done well, you can fill the whole space with furniture without making it feel overcrowded or claustrophobic. Take this living room designed by Heidi Caillier for example. The cozy modular seating (sectional and chair) fits neatly in the space while the neutral carpet, grasscloth wallcovering, and full drapes enhance that sense of intimacy and warmth. The coffee table provides surface space but visually disappears and there's no need for a floor lamp when you can attach a matching sconce.
23
Use Unexpected Furniture
Winnie Au
Choose strategic furniture and decor that accommodates your smaller space and helps you achieve the look you're going for. In this case, Anthony Dunning slid a slim, tall pedestal into the corner to prop up a large floral arrangement and draw the eye up, accentuating height instead of cluttering the floor with a squat side table.
24
Display Artwork Strategically
Eric Piasecki
Bring your artwork up to trick the eye and expand or accentuate the height of the room. A gallery wall might seem too busy for a small space, but it can actually make it feel larger if it extends to the ceiling. In this family room designed by Katie Ridder, the mirrored effect of this glossy red paint on the ceiling makes the small space feel larger—and more glam.
25
Swap a Sofa for Club Chairs
Shade Degges
If you don't have room for both a sofa and club chairs, forgo the sofa and opt for two cozy armchairs like designer Jae Joo did in this sitting room. If there's a fireplace, angle them towards it to encourage cozy hangs and conversation while also drawing the eye to it.
26
Get Creative With Low Seating
Paul Raeside
A lower sofa or settee creates the visual effect of higher ceilings.
Playing with proportion and scale—like using a tiny side table next to a daybed—will also help. Just add pillows to make it more comfortable for lounging.
27
Customize Seating
Laure Joliet
If you're working with an oddly-shaped and small living room but you think you'll be in the space to stay, it's worth investing in custom furniture that suits and elevates it. This curved sofa in a light-filled sitting room by Reath Design is proof enough.
28
Build Banquettes
Romanek Design Studio
If you're trying to transform a little bonus area into a small living room, take a cue from this swanky little nook designed by Romanek Design Studio. Banquette seating instantly transports you to a speakeasy or European train car (we'll happily take either option). Bonus points if you equip your coffee table with a classic game.
29
Stick to a Tight Color Story
James Merrell
As we've mentioned a few times already, a small space doesn't mean you can't have fun with color. So if you love incorporating pretty pastels or vivid brights but want to make sure your living room doesn't look chaotic, the trick is to stick to a tight color palette. Mixing patterns is also fair game, especially when done as masterfully as this cheerful room designed by Ellen Kavanaugh.
30
Paint Your Walls White
Paul Raeside
Keep walls and ceilings all white to brighten up the space. Large black-and-white artwork is eye-catching but won't add clutter, as shown in this room designed by Andrew Flesher. That way you can make a colorful piece of furniture the focal point of the room, and it won't feel like the walls are closing in on you.
31
Float Your Furniture
Alexandra Ribar; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
Resist the urge to push all of your furniture up against the walls. If you create space behind the furniture, it makes the room look wider than it is. An antique stool vibes well the Chesterfield sofa in this room designed by Leanne Ford.
32
Hang a Chair
Hecker Guthrie
Swing chairs are super fun and seem to be having a design moment right now. More importantly, they can be a life saver in a small living room or family room. You can add seating without taking up a ton of floor space, like you would with a traditional armchair. This mod style in a Hecker Guthrie-designed space is all the convincing we need.
33
Shrink Your Sofa
Douglas Friedman
In designer Ann Pyne's New York City apartment, a small red settee fills the entire living room with personality.
A leopard print stool and matching pale yellow armchairs ensure plenty of seating, too.
34
Make It Multi-Purpose
Josh Franer; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
When space is lacking, the only option is to get creative and make things multi-purpose. For example, if you don't have room for a separate living room, family room, and home office, combine each concept into one space. This living room and office by Leanne Ford proves that the right layout and pieces can look great, no matter what shape or size the room.
35
Build Shelving
Trevor Tondro
Use ottomans in place of a traditional coffee table to make better use of your space (because a tiny house means your living room often does double or triple duty when people come over). You can top them with a tray to hold flowers and books, or use as extra seating.
Then when it's family time, they become footrests. These red leather ottomans in a small family room designed by Redmond Aldrich strike that perfect balance between formal and casual.
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
60 interior photos, renovation ideas
A small living room is not a problem. Even the cramped, at first glance, room can easily be turned into a cozy place for evening relaxation in front of the TV, chatting with friends and family holidays. Our ideas and tips will help you to ensure comfort, as well as create a relaxed atmosphere!
Interior style for a small living room
The living room is the face of the house and its arrangement should be given special attention. It is always a pleasure to relax in a beautiful interior, as well as invite friends.
To visually increase the space of the room, it is advisable to opt for one of the styles described below. They are united by lightness, unloaded details and predominantly light colors in the finish.
Contemporary living room
This style combines functionality and neatness. Clear graphic lines, soothing monochrome colors, cutting-edge materials and the latest in electronics are the perfect environment for busy people. Modern style is reminiscent of the office, but it can always be complemented with cute home decor, textiles, cushions or houseplants.
Classic living room
The luxurious classic style is characterized by harmony and symmetry. The abundance of white, crystal chandeliers and sconces, mirrors in gilded frames will fill the room with a soft glow.
The main decoration of a small living room in a classic style is carved furniture in ivory color or expensive wood polished to a shine.
Stucco molding, relief cornices, arches, columns are required.
The windows are covered with heavy curtains with vertical drapery and jewelry-made tiebacks.
Provence style living room
The charming simplicity of southern France is the best solution for a small romantic living room. The distinctive features of Provence are lace, floral prints on the wallpaper, as well as pastel beige, peach, blue and gray shades. It remains only to get a beautiful service, put a vase with homemade jam and have a tea party!
Loft style living room
The design of a small loft-style living room provides for bare walls, panoramic windows and a minimum amount of furniture. Abstract paintings, black and white photographs, metal floor lamps can act as decor.
Minimalist living room
The name of this direction speaks for itself - a minimum of things, no decorations, only the necessary compact furniture and modern appliances.
Only one of the colors is used, in extreme cases - two. Available in white, grey, beige, silver or blue.
Accents can be saturated, but always in a calm range.
Scandinavian style living room
Scandinavian interior style - a snow-white background with a slight admixture of beige, bright accents, as well as a lot of natural light. This design will create a feeling of freshness in a small living room.
Color matters!
To visually enlarge a small living room, it is necessary to keep the design in two or three light or neutral colors. Darker ones can be used in flooring, furniture, neat decor. The pattern should be on one thing - if the walls are decorated, then the textiles are plain, and vice versa. Restrained palette, conciseness, lack of flashy details - this is the secret of a room in which nothing will distract or annoy.
White living room
White color is ideal for the background (walls, ceiling), goes well with other colors - gives them contrast. Makes the living room more spacious and brighter.
Gray living room
Neutral grays tone down objects that are too bright.
For vertical surfaces, a bleached tone of dry asphalt, silver, is suitable. Furniture and decor could be darker.
Brown living room
Brown color looks great in autumn colors - from sand to chocolate. Interspersed with orange, red, burgundy or light green shades are possible.
Blue living room
Blue color has a calming effect on the human psyche, cools. A white ceiling, blue walls and light furniture are a magical option for a small living room interior design.
Green living room
Green color has a good effect on vision and improves well-being. Looks beautiful surrounded by natural elements in shades of wood, stones, water and flowers.
Lilac living room
Shades of sunset and lavender fields. A small living room in lilac color will set you in a romantic mood and will become a favorite vacation spot for all the inhabitants of the apartment.
Small living room decoration
To make the living room look impressive, you should choose high-quality, but not necessarily expensive materials for its decoration.
The main criterion in this case is aesthetics.
Floor
For flooring in a small living room, natural parquet, laminate and carpet are most often used.
An extravagant design can also be created with self-leveling floors, artificial stone, tiles or porcelain stoneware. A glossy or polished surface will visually add height to the room.
If there are small children in the house, it is worth laying carpets - they will soften falls and warm the kids while playing on the floor, and protect expensive finishes from damage.
Walls
The side background of a small living room should be light, without noticeable color spots. Monochromatic painting, seamless wallpaper (with narrow vertical patterns), brick or stonework, polished stone, plastic panels are suitable.
Panoramic wallpaper with 3D effect, mirror and glass partitions, artistic painting can be an interesting addition.
You can make interesting illuminated niches in plasterboard walls to place appliances, an aquarium, a collection of souvenirs or books.
Ceiling
Best of all in a small living room will look stretch mirror ceiling, two-level plasterboard or combined.
In an economical version, it is enough just to level it and paint it white. All kinds of plastic panels should be abandoned - squares and stripes will visually reduce the height of the room. The same goes for massive hanging chandeliers.
Decor and textiles
The choice of fabrics will largely depend on the overall style of the interior. So, for the classics, satin, silk, velvet textures are ideal; for the loft - translucent white, for Provence and country - in a small flower.
To visually increase the space of a small living room, it is recommended to use light and shiny textiles. Curtains should be in harmony with the rest of the finish, partially repeat the patterns on the wallpaper, emphasize the color of the walls or merge with it.
Attaching a cornice to the ceiling and lowering the curtains to the floor will make the room appear higher.
A good solution for a small-sized hall is curtains throughout the wall, always light and with vertical drapery.
Large perspective paintings, mirrors, modular images, family photos and interesting panels are suitable for decoration. Vases with flowers or branches, indoor plants will also be appropriate in the living room.
Collector's editions of books, figurines and interior candles can be placed on open shelves. In order not to disturb the harmony of a small space, it is advisable to use the decor very sparingly.
Placement of furniture and appliances
The location of the sofa, TV, coffee table, shelves and other important things in a small living room largely depends on its layout. So, in a studio apartment, you will have to combine a recreation area with a dining room, and perhaps also provide for a folding bed; the walk-through living room should somehow be protected, made more comfortable; a rectangular room will need to be balanced using geometric techniques.
Small square living room
The symmetrical harmony of the square allows you to beautifully arrange any furniture under the wall or in the center. Using corner structures, the situation can be made diamond-shaped.
Narrow (rectangular) small living room
In such rooms, usually the door is located opposite the window and the effect of the corridor is obtained. You can improve the situation as follows: curtain the window with white curtains with a smooth horizontal drapery, make the front door large and light - this will increase the narrow walls. Free areas should be trimmed with elements like brickwork or racks with elongated shelves should be arranged.
The broad sides should be mirrored, glossy, with prominent vertical lines of contrasting color and clear form from floor to ceiling.
Plank flooring should be laid parallel to narrow walls.
It is advisable to choose furniture with high backs - a squat one will “smear” the room.
Small irregular living room
If the living room turned out as a result of complex zoning or the owners decided to equip the attic for this purpose, the problem of non-standard planning arises.
In this case, it is worth ordering corner or semi-circular furniture, walls with beveled edges, unusual tables and taking care of the access of light to every part of the space.
Small living room lighting
Proper placement and aesthetic appearance of luminaires can greatly transform any small space. The living room definitely needs at least one powerful lamp on the ceiling, but you should not hang a bulky chandelier if the actual height of the room is less than 4 meters.
Neat spot diodes can be installed along the perimeter, wall lamps can be attached to the wall near the sofa (for example, to make it convenient to read books), and decor or shelves with favorite things can be illuminated with flexible ribbons. In some design options, stylized lanterns, garlands and luminescent elements will look very nice.
Get rid of the feeling of hanging overhead ceiling will help the light coming from below, vertically from the floor. Reflected in a glossy film, it will make the room look higher.
Design of a small living room in Khrushchev
In Khrushchev, as a rule, one cannot do without redevelopment - in such cases the living room is often combined with the kitchen. This helps to increase the area and turn a familiar room into a modern studio.
To save space, it is recommended to stick to minimalism: use compact narrow racks, doors without handles, hang a flat-screen TV on the wall, and not install it on a bulky cabinet.
Upholstered furniture is better to choose folding - so in case of spending the night guests will have an extra bed.
A free corner of a small living room in Khrushchev should be equipped as a workplace: put a computer, a lamp and attach hanging shelves for books.
Integration with other premises
In cramped conditions, a good way to increase the area is to combine the living room with adjacent rooms.
Combination of a small living room and kitchen
This is a very logical option - in the living room they receive friends, relax, and can not do without tea or festive feasts. It is enough to visually separate the cooking area with a bar counter, and on the other hand put a sofa, TV, wall - and you get a comfortable multifunctional studio.
Combination of a living room with a balcony or loggia
By removing the partition between the small living room and the loggia, due to the latter, you can significantly expand the space, as well as arrange a greenhouse or work area. To prevent heat from escaping from the apartment, the balcony will have to be glazed, the cracks closed and well insulated.
Combination of a living room with a hallway or a corridor
This redevelopment option is often found in private houses, but it is also quite suitable for apartments. A few square meters at the entrance can be left for storing clothes and shoes, separating this area, for example, with ceramic floor tiles (to make cleaning easier), and cover the rest of the space with carpet or parquet and use it as a living room.
Small living room design ideas - photo
Our gallery contains the most interesting design solutions for small living rooms. In the photo you can see what effect this or that finish gives, how different combinations of colors look, where it is better to put furniture and appliances. Get inspired!
Video: Small living room design
Design of a small living room: 75 photos, secrets of designers
Design of a living room is always an important matter.
This is the most frequently used room, so it needs to be decorated with taste, while not forgetting about practicality. There is room for imagination and creativity here. Of course, if the living room is small, this somewhat limits the flight of fantasy. But this characteristic can be turned into a plus.
The space of a small living room can be significantly expanded with the help of large mirrors
To make a good design of a small living room, you need to know the laws and secrets of design. Today we will help you discover them.
In fact, a small living room is not a problem. There are many possibilities hidden here. You can easily turn a room into a cozy, gentle and warm relaxation area. At the same time, just a couple of touches will make it a new and fresh playground for entertainment. It all depends on the right design.
Even a small living room can be equipped with a home cinema, which can be visited not only by the owners, but also by close friends
Let's reveal a few secrets of success, which will become our basic rules.
Well-chosen colors. To visually enlarge the room, you need to use light colors in combination with small patches of dark ones. At the same time, the latter should be placed in such a way as to set off the light ones, and make the room much more spacious.
An active, but barely noticeable pattern on one of the walls will decorate a bright living room
Competent layout. The correct arrangement of furniture and other elements is of great importance. The main thing is not to clutter up the space with unnecessary details.
The combination of light colors and the absence of unnecessary objects will visually increase the space of the room
Matching style. For the design of a small living room, you should choose light and free styles that follow the laws of minimalism.
Nothing superfluous - the freedom inherent in the young!
Proper lighting. It must be remembered that light is a strong ally as well as an enemy.
Therefore, it is important to correctly position the lamps so that they help to make the room larger by shading the necessary elements.
The light reflected in the mirrors increases not only the space of the room, but also its illumination
And now let's analyze the effect of these laws in practice.
Content
- 1 Select the color scheme
- 2 Choose style
- 2.1 Minimalism
- 2.2 high-tech
- 2.3 Classics
- 3 how to choose and place furniture 9021 living room interior design trends
- 6 50 small living room photo ideas:
- 6.1 See also
We select colors
Color plays an important role in the interior design of a small living room. With it, you can achieve any result: lively, bright, gentle, warm, cozy, etc.
Vibrant details bring your room to life
Of course, for small spaces it is better to use light colors. They will help make it more spacious, and give a sense of freedom.
So, white is popular in this case. It is acceptable in most modern styles, allowing it to be light and not burden the room.
Your room can be incredibly gentle and cozy if you add lilac and light gray to white
For adherents of the classics, beige will be an excellent option. These are the basic shades often used to decorate a small living room.
Warm colors will create the same warm atmosphere
These colors can be combined with other light or dark shades. Gray, blue, mint, green remain common. With their help, you will be able to diversify the room, adding to it a flow of freshness and cold notes.
Blue will refresh and delight
Combining the main color with pastel tones, you get a gentle and warm living room, always ready to welcome guests with open arms.
And during the day, in sunlight, and late in the evening, with the flickering light of the fireplace, comfort and warm atmosphere reign in such a living room
Styling is no less important than the choice of primary colors.
For the interior of a small living room, it is better to choose light, light and airy styles that will not overload and weigh down the room. Forget about eclecticism, antique trends, Provence, country, etc. The best option would be modern trends, as there has been a trend towards simplification in design lately. For lovers of traditional solutions, you can find trends of simplicity in the classics.
See also Floor lamps in the living room interior photo
Minimalism
The most suitable option in this case. It is not customary to load space with unnecessary details. Style slogan: simplicity and functionality. He is the embodiment of freedom.
Simple regular shapes, minimum small details, only the essentials in this space
This current has a cold mood. The most common colors for him are white, gray, silver, blue. The basis is a combination of two colors. Inclusions of dark elements are allowed.
A sense of proportion with dark colors will not burden the space, but will only emphasize the volume
The furniture is selected functional and compact - the ideal solution for a small living room.
All unnecessary details are excluded, only the necessary ones remain. Finishing materials are dominated by textured options: stone, plaster, etc. All decorative elements mainly consist of synthetic materials. A natural base is found, but rarely used.
Maximum rationality with minimum things
See alsoDecoration of the wedding hall: modern design ideas
Hi-tech
Another suitable option. This style is quite common. It is mainly used for the design of the kitchen and living room, as it is quite hard and cold in perception. It differs from the previous one in greater restraint. It is characterized by sharp and precise forms, cold tones, and also supports the slogan "nothing more".
The presence of fire will help to feel the warmth of a living hearth in this realm of metal and cold shades
A high-tech living room should be equipped with the latest technology. Here we find retractable TV stands, hidden bars also with retractable system, voice indicators, etc.
Even objects that seem to have come to us from the future look quite organic in the high-tech interior
Hi-tech is particularly restrained. Surfaces are covered with materials, hence we have a synthetic sheen. The colors are dominated by cold tones. Interestingly, here you can find contrasting accents on a neutral background.
You don't owe anything to anyone. If only you liked it!
See also Wall decor in the living room in a modern style for a comfortable stay
Classic
If you are an adherent of the classics, then here you will find suitable interior design options for a small living room. It features neutral and warm tones. This type of room will only benefit. But the base will have to make some changes.
Classic does not insist on a lot of frills and curls. And here it is necessary to observe the measure, without overloading the space
Classic maintains the priority of stability and comfort, because it is not in vain that it is an exemplary style.
This means that it is characterized by the traditional arrangement of furniture (along the wall), exemplary color combinations, and the presence of paintings or similar decorative details. Some postulates will have to be changed, but we leave the style the same classic without violating the basic laws.
Natural materials and warm colors predominate
Here we exclude the latest technology, multifunctional furniture, cold light, LED strips as lighting. We leave comfort by choosing a fairly massive sofa, and traditional colors, such as: beige, brown and milky. The classics are also characterized by white, but always in gentle and soft combinations.
Panoramic images on the wall a la "Crimea of Tsarist Russia" emphasize the romance and mystery of the frozen time
Let's highlight the main qualities of the proposed styles for a more convenient choice.
| Styles | General characteristics | Color range | Furniture |
| Minimalist | Simple and concise, practical and functional style | The basis is two colors used equally; dominated by white, grey, blue | Simple, functional and compact furniture |
| Hi-tech | Cool and reserved, requiring a lot of technical details and modern synthetics | Cold and restrained combinations; one color prevails, contrasting inclusions are made against its background | Futuristic products with an abundance of modern additional features |
| Classic | Supports exemplary combinations, has a warm and soft mood | Soft and gentle combinations; the most used is beige, also found in white, brown and pastel colors | The furniture is quite massive, a metal forged or carved base is welcome |
Now you can easily choose the style that suits your needs.
And also make some adjustments to it, knowing the basic laws of designing a small living room.
See also Features of the interior design of the living room 25 sq. m.
How to choose and arrange furniture
We have made the outer shell, now we move on to filling. First, fill the living room with the main details. The main and massive element is furniture.
Many things can find a place in more spacious closets in other rooms
Equipping a small living room, give preference to compact and functional furniture. In the living room, first you need to choose a sofa, as it occupies a central position here. In this case, you can also choose a large item if the style requires it (such as a classic). Then you have to sacrifice other elements: an armchair or a pouffe.
In conditions of limited space, small pouffes can easily replace bulky chairs
Now about other furniture. Try to furnish the room to a minimum, while maintaining its functionality.
It is better to refuse shelves on the walls, the same applies to cabinets and chests of drawers. If necessary, add a chair or rocking chair. You can place a TV on the wall, or build a fireplace.
Built-in furniture takes up less usable space while offering more storage space
See alsoWhat will be the design of the living room in 2021?
Choosing textiles
To complete the design, you need to select the appropriate textiles. He will make the picture complete and the room cozy.
In modern styles, the trend for an abundance of textiles disappears, so we focus on the minimum that is sofa cushions, sometimes curtains. Recently, the use of sofa cushions has become more and more fashionable - and you cannot do without them in the living room. But do not forget about their moderate amount. Excess will only harm the appearance, functionality and complicate cleaning.
Pillows can contrast with the main color and texture of the interior. By changing this detail, you can easily control the mood of the living room
Curtains are found in both modern and classic styles.
