Small house living room interior designs


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.

38 decor schemes for tiny spaces |

(Image credit: Studio Ashby)

Small living room ideas may be short on volume but they can be big on style. Our favorite interior designers share their top tips and tricks for tiny living rooms.

Though small living rooms can present challenges, there are several benefits to compact living. A well-designed scheme can feel just as comfortable as a larger space, with all the coziness and comfort associated with family living. 

One of the main advantages is the convenient accessibility of everything that’s needed. Easy maintenance is another bonus. 

In a small living space, zoning is key. So here are our favorite living room ideas for smaller sitting rooms and how to design and decorate a compact space with our best small living room ideas.

Make the most of a small living room by planning a hard-working layout, keeping accessories to a minimum and picking the right color scheme. 

There are tons of small living room ideas and tricks of the trade to help turn that awkward, small living room decor into something stylish and sophisticated, whatever its shape and proportions and make the most of space in your small living room. So whether you're working with a small apartment living room or a compact sitting room in a family home, you can make the space work best for you.

1. Use the same color on walls, woodwork and furniture

(Image credit: Studio Indigo / Andrew Beasley)

When a single living room color scheme is used on both walls and woodwork, a room suddenly feels bigger, because having no contrast means that you are less aware of the confines of the space. ‘The eye does not stop to register a second color and glides straight out of the window to the view, blending the garden and room together,’ says Joa Studholme, color curator, Farrow & Ball.

2. Expand a small living room by introducing nature

(Image credit: VSP Interiors)

We mention below how utilizing mirrors can really open up a small living room, and you can see how well it works here. However, other key elements combined with this design trick will also help. 

Choosing light and airy living room color schemes – including a pale wooden floor – with an accent shade will lift a small room. 

‘As well as the mirrors making the room feel bigger, they also reflect the greenery outside and bring it in,' explains Henriette Von Stockhausen, founder and creative director at UK-based VSP Interiors .

'So I have used botanical fabrics with green and a bright white background for a fresh spring feel. The emerald velvet green cushions create a contrast against a soft white backdrop, while the ottoman makes for a subtler distinction, then we used accents of green, inspired by the artwork, to help unite this elegant scheme.

3. Opt for a neutral scheme based around symmetry

(Image credit: Donal Murphy/Sara Cosgrove)

Symmetry in interior design is introduced to create balance and a feeling of calm. This works perfectly in long living rooms and is ideal for enhancing a small living space. Max the feeling of serenity to the limit if you use calm neutrals to decorate. 

The beautiful brass accents that are a major design feature in this space help to distract the eye from the size of the living room. Sara Cosgrove, owner of Sara Cosgrove Studio which has bases in both Dublin and London, explains how this luxurious scheme was put together. 

‘Our client wanted to create a more formal reception and entertaining space, but at the same time keeping it light and airy so it could be used throughout the day.

'Our solution was to keep the walls fresh and light in tone and bring in a more elevated feel through the antique brass accents, antique mirrored elements and a stunning Chesneys fireplace.

4. Cut the clutter 

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

If there’s one thing that’s going to create the illusion of more space, it’s decluttering – it can actually make a room feel wider in seconds. Make sure you keep your room tidy and organized by removing toys, plants, knickknacks and other unnecessary items, and your space will instantly feel bigger and more pleasant to be in. 

And, of course, brilliant small living room storage ideas are key to maintaining this clutter-free, space-enhanced feel.

With accessories and essentials neatly arranged and out of sight, the space will soon feel orderly and open. A room that's crammed full of 'belongings' takes up space, making it feel disorderly, busy and small. Try and keep the floor as clear as possible, too, as it’s one of the easiest ways to maintain a sense of spaciousness, so remove any oversized rugs.

5. Use pattern as accents to perk up plains subtly

(Image credit: Henry Prideaux)

This small, yet perfectly formed living room in a stucco fronted townhouse in London’s Chelsea was created by interior designer Henry Prideaux for an American client. He wanted Henry to bring a flavour of ‘the English country in the city’ to his London residence. 

Henry says, ‘Don’t be afraid to go for bold color and pattern in a small space. It’s all about balance. A scheme featuring cleverly selected furniture pieces layered together with textured rugs and tactile fabrics can create a really inviting and comfortable space even if square footage is compromised. 

'Sophisticated artwork and eye catching accessories can be displayed to provide lots of interesting little vignettes throughout.'

Henry also explains that clever small living room lighting ideas can not only make a room lighter, but feel larger too: 'A lighting scheme that includes light sources at varying levels enhances the room and helps to create mood at different times of the day.’

6. Light up a small living room

(Image credit: Future / Matthew Williams)

Light helps to brighten up a room instantly, so first and foremost allow any natural light to stream indoors by taking down heavy, dark window coverings. Try sheer window treatments or install white wooden blinds or shutters to let the natural light flow into your room during the day, while simultaneously providing nighttime privacy. 

Plus, wide horizontal slats help to magnify the illusion of a wider room. Dark corners can make a room appear small and cramped so position a floor or table lamp in a bare corner to visually expand the area, while recessed ceiling lights can illuminate an entire room without taking up much space.

7. Use a color-blocking trick to detract from a living room's size

(Image credit: Kelling Designs)

Finding the perfect couch for a small living room is key to the feel of your space. 

If you can't find a brand new sofa you love, but your old couch looks a little tired and a little tatty round the edges, then why not have it re-upholstered instead of investing in a new one? It’s more sustainable and if you love the comfort and style of it then give it a new lease of life. 

And this is where the trick comes in – if you make your sofa the focal point of your living room it will detract the eye from the size of your space. A bold and vibrant shade will give your living room impact – then accessorize accordingly to pull the key colour throughout the rest of the scheme. 

8. Be fussy with furniture

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)

Furniture can be a cumbersome business, especially in narrow rooms, so it pays to arrange and buy items correctly. 

One great way to make the most of a smaller space is by using multi-function furniture, like a chest that can be used as a coffee table, nest of tables, and folding chairs that can be tucked away when you don’t need them. 

Another important pointer is to place large pieces of furniture against walls so the open space in the middle is not broken up.

9. Use mirrors to expand a compact space

(Image credit: Future)

Not surprisingly, mirrors can make a room look a lot larger. When decorating small spaces, hang a mirror on a wall opposite a window or very near one to reflect the outdoors, broadening the feel of your room.  

You can also try using a focal point and angle your mirrors towards it, which will give the illusion of depth.

Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter during the day and night and they bounce light deep into the room, making it appear larger. Mirrors on the walls and glass tabletops will make it seem like there’s a more open flow. You can also use mirrored cabinet doors to make spaces feel large and uncluttered.

10. Balance the ying and yang in your small living room decor

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

We love the design contradiction between this beautiful feminine shade called Nancy’s Blushes and the visually heaviness of the mahogany sofa and eye-catching Old Master’s style portraits in the bohemian living room pictured above. 

Keeping the floor the same color as the furniture also helps to blend the room together – if nothing stands out, then your eye will flow around a space and in a small living room this can be key to making it feel larger.

11. Get creative with paint

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lewis)

You can visually widen a rectangular-shaped room with clever living room paint ideas such as painting the two end walls a darker color than the other two walls. 

The gradation of shade and color of paint on opposing walls can either lengthen distance by using a lighter shade or shorten a distance with a darker shade.

Light colors such as creamy white or light grey help to brighten a room, making it appear larger and wider. Satin paint finishes tend to reflect more light. 

You can also paint horizontal stripes on a wall to make a room feel wider. Use two alternating colors to paint each stripe about 12 inches wide.

12. Mimic the symmetry of the room's architecture

(Image credit: Yellow London)

Smaller living rooms benefit from order and a more de-cluttered feel. This is where symmetry can be your best friend. Keeping furniture in line eases the mind as Liv Wallers from British design studio, Yellow London explains:

‘Symmetry provides balance within a room and it often starts from a focal point like a fireplace or windows in the sitting room. It brings a sense of comfort and rhythm to a space which is an integral part of our design approach. It can be used right down to the smaller details of the room, cushions on the sofa to lamps on a dresser.’

13. Repeat a pattern to enhance space

(Image credit: Colefax)

Matching your blind or curtain fabric to your sofa is becoming a trend we love, especially when pattern and print is really to the fore in the design world currently. 

It works in a smaller living room when the background color to the print is pale, and in this instance with Colefax & Fowler’s Callista fabric it also brings the outside in so that helps to create an airy feel in tandem with the white painted walls that act like a blank canvas.

14. Zone a narrow but long living room

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Long living room ideas rarely feel homely, but there are tricks you can use to zone the space to make it feel far cozier. A rug can visually draw together the furniture in a space, giving a room focus and adding comfort.  

While a focal point that contrasts with the rest of the scheme can be visually interesting, disguising the awkward layout, something like quirky piece of art, coffee table or striking lampshade.

15. Be inventive with color

(Image credit: Paint & Paper Library)

Painting ceilings in a color is huge right now, and you can make a room feel cozier by painting it in a warming shade, great for living room ceiling ideas.

Another design trick is to paint the same color outside of the room – like the hallway here for example. It plays on the visual aspect and draws your eye through to another space – and not having a door helps to make a room feel large too. 

16. Hang art in a small space

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)

When it comes to planning a living room feature wall, quite often, bigger is better. Walls that are covered with pictures and other wall hangings tend to make a room feel closed in, narrow and busy, so simply hang one or two large pieces of artwork on your walls to make the room feel wider and more spacious.  

Avoid hanging pictures high on the longer wall as they will just highlight the imbalance in the proportions, instead choose art that can sit wide but low over the couch for example, to bring the eye level down and help make the room seem wider.

17. Think: scale and proportions

(Image credit: Future)

Select furniture pieces that are in proportion to the size of your room – oversized cabinets, living room sofas and chairs can make a small room feel narrow. 

Living room furniture that is the same color as your walls tends to blend into the wall, making it look wider. 

Make sure you arrange your furniture at an angle to create a sense of depth to the room, otherwise if you place all furniture against the walls you might end up with a narrow 'bowling alley' look.

18. Create a focal point in a small living room

(Image credit: Amy Bartlam)

When decorating a small living room, create a focal point – one area or feature that will draw the eye, so there’s less emphasis on the room’s layout. In the living room, the focal point will most likely be the coffee table, so make sure that focal point is the star of the room.

19. Unite two rooms

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

If you’ve got a long narrow room that’s divided in two – like a living room one end and a dining room the other – it might be worth picking a favorite color and using it as a key tone to coordinate the one space. This also works to make a small dining room feel bigger, too.

For example, linking navy blue walls in the dining room end with the same wall color in the living room for a space that feels united and cozy.

20. Decorate with a light color palette

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

It’s always effective to use a palette of light living room colors, but in different materials and textures. A common misperception is that the less furniture and features you have in the space, the bigger it will look. 

But in fact, multiple zones and features create a perception of different spaces within one room. It’s all about the right furniture size, the right swatch and the right small living room lighting ideas. Try to stick to a neutral living room scheme in smaller spaces, introducing splashes of color with accessories.

21. Paint the fifth wall in a small living room

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

The fifth wall is often an afterthought when it comes to redecorating, but done right, it can make a real difference to a small room. As long as your ceiling is painted in a paler color than your walls, no matter what the color, your ceilings will feel higher, helping a narrow living room feel more spacious.

22. Keep a small living room organized

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

The key to compact living is to be exceptionally well organized. In my experience, small spaces can actually transform personal habits for the better, as they require careful editing and storage. 

'Open up the space as much as possible to allow for comfortable circulation. Every centimeter of a small studio has to be cleverly utilized, so that it doesn’t look cluttered, yet provides a functional layout with optimized living room storage,' says Irina Townsend, interior designer at Keir Townsend .

23. Make it monochrome

(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis)

A monochromatic color scheme, using different tones of the same color, will help to make the furniture and other features recede and appear to take up less space. You can soften the palette by adding a warm grey-blue rather than a harsh black or white.

24. Play with scale in a narrow scheme

(Image credit: Future / Jody Stewart)

Choose one large-scale piece – a huge cabinet, an oversized lampshade or a wall to ceiling mirror for a small living room. By choosing carefully these large accessories will draw attention away from the lack of space and focus the eye onto other things.

25. Swap curtains out for blinds

(Image credit: Stefani Stein)

Curtains can look bulky, so it is worth considering swapping them out for blinds instead. These, in this lovely small living room designed by Stefani Stein , allow daylight to filter through, too, which will help the room feel still larger and brighter. 

26. Choose dark colors but balance them with light

(Image credit: Stefani Stein)

There's no rule that says you can't have dark colors in a small living room – in fact, if the room is lit well and has large enough windows and a south- or west-facing aspect, dark colors on small living room walls can look beautiful and make the space feel really welcoming. 

However, if the living room lacks warm daylight, you can create plenty of impact with dark colors on the focal wall and beyond, but that it's a wise move to balance that with paler shades, both on walls and furnishings.

27. Draw the eye to a focal point

(Image credit: Future / Jody Stewart)

This small living room is a busy space, but still, the living room fireplace wall is drawing all the attention, and, as we all know, having a strong focal point within a room can make it feel larger than it really is.

'The lines created by the area rug, the trunk coffee table and the bookshelves all direct the eye to the fireplace wall,' says H&G's Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. 'The huge main picture and those around it accentuate the width of the wall, uncomplicated by a fire surround. This creates a simple visual trick of making a really quite (beautifully) cluttered room feel very well planned – its size isn't even an issue.'

28. Accentuate the vertical

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Another useful visual trick has been created in this living room, with floor-to-ceiling curtains creating a panel of color that emphasizes the height of the room. The height of the picture and of the pots sat at ceiling height further exaggerate the room's proportions.

29. Keep the scheme neutral – but add bursts of color

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

Decorating with primary colors is a wonderful way to add to create a successful small living room scheme because it allows you to create a space-stretching neutral room, but with more exciting pops of color in accessories that you can swap in and out depending on your mood.

30. Decorate with stripes to make small living rooms feel bigger

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

Decorating with stripes is another clever way to make small living rooms feel larger. The direction the stripes run will have distinct effects – vertical stripes, like on these armchairs above – will make a room with a low ceiling feel taller. Run the stripes horizontally and it will feel longer or wider, depending on your perspective.

31. Create a sense of infinity

(Image credit: Future)

Paint is a great tool when you need to maximize the feeling of space in a small room. Matching the clean white paint – used on the walls – of this compact living room with the same color on the ceiling helps to blur the lines between the different surfaces, pushing them back so that the room feels more spacious and lofty. 

Use dark, richly colored furniture, flooring and statement artwork to add depth and interest to an otherwise simple scheme.

32. Stick to a simple palette

(Image credit: Future)

Channel this contemporary take on a classic look by making bold and vibrant patterns the stars – even in a small living room. Combing a variety of prints but all in greens and whites ensures this room feels calm and not overwhelming. 

33. Opt for compact furniture – upholstered in patterned fabric

(Image credit: Future / Jon Day)

A sense of scale is a key principle for successful interior design – try mixing it up to have fun with your small living room. 

Be guided by the room’s proportions and architecture when setting the scale for furniture. They key to good living room seating ideas in small spaces is to avoid a couch that is too large. Instead, invest in a compact design, then have it upholstered in a gorgeous fabric for instant appeal. 

34. Instil coziness with a taupe color scheme

(Image credit: Future)

Go for a more understated style with a timeless taupe color scheme. Not quite a brown, not a grey, either, taupe falls somewhere between the two. Go for warmer taupes in rooms where you want to create coziness, and cooler taupes where you need a calm feel.   

To avoid colors merging into one and looking bland, layer on the texture with lots of tactile finishes and weaves with plush damasks and chenilles on curtains and upholstery. Invest in good-quality lighting to highlight different textures, sheens and finishes.

35. Keep furniture away from the wall

(Image credit: Future)

A common misconception in a small living room is to push furniture against the wall. Give the room space to breath by leaving gaps between the furniture and the walls. Enlarge a small living room by pulling the furniture away from he walls, even by just a couple of inches, creates bathing space that will make your room appear bigger. 

36. In a dark living room, choose a light furnishings

(Image credit: Albion Nord)

It’s important in any scheme to have a good balance between light and dark. Choose a lamp that is paler in color so it contrasts with dark walls. We love how this trio of the lamp, vase and painting all link together visually.

‘Keep the lighting as soft and warm as possible too, use wall lights or table lamps and avoid too many spotlights, as they can make a small living room feel stark and imposing in a space that’s purpose is for relaxation,’ advises Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord .

37. Play with scale to create impact

(Image credit: Kelling Design)

We asked Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs her thoughts on working with scale in a small living room:

‘When it comes to small living room lighting ideas it is all about being clever with the placement of your light sources and playing with scale. A statement ceiling light can be just as effective in a compact space, helping to create a focal point, and using floor and table lamps to supplement this will brighten up corners to make the room feel brighter whilst giving the illusion of space. You should also not be afraid of using bright colors and bold patterns – they can help a smaller living space feel bigger by adding brightness.’ 

38. Get the lighting just right

(Image credit: Milo Brown)

‘Some people feel the need to flood small spaces with ceiling lights to make them feel brighter and therefore larger,' says Claire Sa, director, De Rosee Sa . 'However, I think atmosphere and dimension can be added to small spaces with different levels of controlled lighting. The lowest level might be lamps on side tables; the next would be lamps on a desk, console or chest. Finally, add fewer rather than more directional ceiling lights, positioned closer to the walls and angled away from the centre of the room to create a feature glow on, for example, a piece of wall art.’ 

How do you decorate walls in a small living room?

Make the most of reflective surfaces in a small living room. 'Consider finishing the walls in polished plaster, a material that reflects light and increases visual perception of space. Any other reflective decorative surfaces, such as patinated mirrors, silver leaf or lacquer will make the space seem bigger too,' explains Irina Townsend, Keir Townsend .

How do you make a small living room look bigger?

Homes that are short on space can still be big on style. A carefully designed living room that incorporates plenty of concealed storage and furniture that is tailored to the space as in the living room pictures above can achieve a sense of comfort and convenience that belies a modest square footage. 

The key to perfectly executed small living room ideas lies in a little forward planning.

Scale the furniture to fit the size of the room and don’t block walking pathways – oversized sofas or too much furniture will make the living room look smaller, while furniture and accessories blocking the view into a room will make the space look cramped – if you can see the floor, the room will look larger. 

A great tip is to choose a couch and chairs with open arms and exposed legs, and a glass coffee table, both will keep the appearance of a much more open and free space, allowing light to filter under and around the furniture far easier.

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.

Small house design - space without limits

Audrey Hepburn Style Small House Design

No wonder they say that necessity is the mother of invention, and a prime example of this is the design of a small house, developed from the need to combine practicality and pleasing to the eye in a small area. Conditions like these give impetus to the development of new styles and the creative use of colors, which is what four brave and very talented people have done.

The first apartment was designed for a young and fashionable woman. In addition to making room for creativity with a fold-out sewing table and mannequin, the designer was inspired by Audrey Hepburn's timeless style: the daring beauty of chewing gum is a subject that exemplifies such design.

From good old classics to bright and modern interiors, from Tiffany blue calmness to bright splashes of yellow and black. The design is what you need for a young woman who has her own personal space and owes nothing to anyone.

The next apartment is only 40 square meters and is a tribute to industrial simplicity. Materials such as brick, concrete, plywood and metal were used to combine neutral tones and sufficient lighting. There is everything you need for life and nothing more: a seating area, a small workspace, a kitchen table, a bed.

The third project, also only 40 square meters, was designed by Karolina Krak for the couple. When people live together, they need personal space, which the designer achieved by creating separate work areas. Naturally, these people will not be separated in this house: all other zones are designed for two.

The last apartment from Poland and represents 41 square meters of creativity, which the designer took advantage of. The apartments have been designed for the couple in their busy and mobile lifestyle.

Unlike most houses, this one was not completed "to the last". Instead, permanent items like the kitchen and bathroom took up a small fraction of the budget spent on furnishings, with the bulk of it used to purchase high quality furniture. Such actions are made so that the couple has the opportunity to move, taking these things with them and leaving the kitchen for the next tenants.

Such solutions show that even a small house can be made cozy and practical and beautiful. Would you like to live in a small work of art?

Categories: Small houses
Places: White interior • Brick interior • House layout • Industrial style • Loft style • Bright colors

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The interior of a small private house - 28 photos of the interior design of rooms in the house

The project of a country cottage is made in a modern style. Rational planning solutions, neutral colors, discreet decor and minimalist design help to create a space that is cozy and functional at the same time. Attention to the original lighting makes the environment sophisticated in a modern way.

Features of the layout of a two-level cottage

The first floor occupies the public part of the interior. A small entrance hall leads to a mini-hall: there is a staircase to the second floor, a door to the bathroom and a passage to the living room-kitchen. The second living room is separate, it can be used as an office. The layout is organized in simple volumes: the rooms are rectangular or square, without a complex pattern of decorative partitions. This brings a visual sense of freedom and spaciousness.

On the second floor, under the slopes of the roof, in the interior of a small house there are two bedrooms and one more bathroom. To equip storage areas in living rooms, take into account the configuration of the flight of stairs and wisely use the bathroom area - artificial partitions are made here.

Techniques for expanding the space

In the design of a country house of a small area, visual aids are in the foreground, which help to push the walls apart. In this project, such solutions were:

  • mirror and glossy surfaces,
  • white background color for walls and ceilings,
  • white interior doors and architraves,
  • glossy porcelain floor tiles,
  • additional window openings under high ceilings.

Entrance hall

The entrance area has a rectangular layout. This made it possible to place a full-width wardrobe to the left of the entrance, and a compact console with a clothes hanger, a shoe rack and drawers on the opposite side. A narrow metal table for keys is installed along the long wall. Tinted and mirrored wardrobe facades work to increase the volume of the hallway.

Living room-kitchen

The space is divided into halves, the visual boundary is a transverse composition of wooden battens connecting the walls and ceiling. But marble porcelain tile, on the contrary, emphasizes the integrity of the interior of both zones.

The place of rest is organized in front of the panoramic window. The light beige range of sofa upholstery supports the overall color scheme in the design of a small country house. A dark gray carpet and glossy stucco wall in the TV area set off the monochrome interior. The TV panel is built into the hinged structure, under it there is a decorative fireplace.

The design of the white kitchen cabinets looks like a natural extension of the walls, as if growing out of them. The kitchen front has an L-shaped arrangement, which helps to allocate space for the dining area as efficiently as possible. In the dining group there is a square table with a transparent glass top and chairs with wooden legs and backs. Looks sleek and comfortable. The presence of wood in the furniture design echoes the slatted wall cladding.

Original accents in the design of the living room-kitchen

Expressive additions to the restrained interior will be:

  • large abstract paintings without frames, in pale gray-blue tones (they barely stand out against the background of white walls, so they are organically woven into the minimalist surroundings),
  • designer lamps: in the living room it is a huge shiny soffit on a tripod, in the dining room - pendant lamps similar to a jug (ceiling lamps-soffits are also sustained in techno-style).

Room

The atmosphere is strict in European style, but this is what makes it attractive. A strong color and texture accent is the wall cladding with imitation of rusty metal plates.

Decorating the interiors of a small country house in such a way that it is comfortable here is an exciting task. The compact room has a rest area with a leather sofa and a soft carpet, a TV area, a workplace, storage systems (racks and hanging cabinets). In combination with the yellow-brown upholstery of the sofa, the deep blue color of the carpet, curtains and floor lamp does not look so cold. The modular picture above the seating area brings the entire palette of the room together.

Ground floor bathroom

This tiny room is located next to the stairs. Beige tiles are combined here with gray mosaics, light colors help to forget about crowding. The choice of compact plumbing (monolithic sink and hanging toilet) is dictated by concern for useful square meters.

First bedroom

The large room has received a warmer mood, which is easily read in the design of the upholstered headboard. Wood is actively used in the interior of the bedroom (flooring, wall cladding, decorative backlit panel). The emphasis in the decor is again on the lamps: pendant lamps with lampshades-balls and a fantasy chandelier.

Second bedroom

Designed in loft style. Imitation of rough brickwork, a metal spider chandelier and wall lamps on long legs, aged wood bedside tables, a worn leather egg chair and a faded carpet - all this creates a relaxed and charismatic atmosphere in the interior of the bedroom.

Second floor bathroom

To accommodate a washing machine, you will need to take some space from the adjoining bedroom. A bathtub with a protective screen for the shower is mounted against the far wall. The floor and walls are clad in white and brown mosaics, playing with tone to add depth to the room.


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