Living in a small space can feel confining at times. But with some strategic decor choices and clever layout tricks, even the tiniest living room can be transformed into a luxurious retreat.
As a home decor expert and writer living in space-challenged Austin, I’ve gathered my best tips for making a small living room feel grand and spacious. These 12 irresistible ideas cover everything from selecting the right furniture and accessories to optimizing storage and lighting. I’m excited to share my secrets to help you unlock the full potential of your living room!
Contents
Embrace the Challenge
Before we dive in, I want to acknowledge that decorating a small living room comes with real spatial constraints. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you have little square footage to work with. But I see this as an exciting design challenge rather than a limitation!
You can create the illusion of a larger space by making smart decor decisions and creatively using every inch. With a bit of strategic planning and some clever solutions, even the coziest living room can be transformed entirely.
My goal with this article is to empower you to look at your small living room through fresh eyes. When you embrace the possibilities, you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve! Now, let’s get started with the ideas.
Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
When space is limited, multipurpose furniture should be your best friend. Seek out pieces that offer extra functionality while still being stylish. Here are some of my top picks:
Sofa Beds
Sofa beds pull double duty as cozy seating and extra sleeping space for guests. Just make sure to invest in a high-quality mattress for comfort.
Storage Ottomans
Lift the lid on a storage ottoman to stow away spare blankets or board games when they’re not in use. Some even work as extra seating!
Nesting Tables
These handy tables tuck snugly into each other when you don’t need the extra surfaces. Pull them out one by one when you want more space for drinks.
Trunk Coffee Tables
I’m obsessed with trunk coffee tables with hidden storage under the lift-up lid. Use it to conceal remotes, chargers, or other visual clutter.
Incorporate Vertical Storage
One of the best things about small living rooms is that they have plenty of vertical real estate. Take advantage of all that untapped wall space with storage solutions that keep items up and out of the way.
Wall-Mounted Shelving
Install floating shelves or rail systems with hooks to display cherished items. This prevents precious floor space from getting cluttered.
Slim Bookcases
Bookworms rejoice! Tall, slender bookcases with adjustable shelves fit perfectly in unused corners or narrow nooks. Scale and style them to suit your space.
Hanging Baskets
Keep odds and ends contained by hanging woven baskets from the walls or ceiling. Use them to store spare blankets, magazines, or other lightweight items.
Over-the-Door Organizers
Don’t let prime storage space behind doors go to waste. Hook over-the-door organizers over them to neatly store items like small appliances or toiletry overflow.
Reflect Light with Mirrors
Want to fake a bigger space? Just add mirrors! Here’s how to take advantage of their magical space-enhancing powers:
Hang Them Strategically
Position mirrors across from windows so they can reflect beautiful natural light. This makes rooms appear brighter and more expansive.
Opt for Leaners
Lean mirrors against walls to double the visual space without making holes. Go for long, narrow styles placed vertically to play up height.
Use Mirrored Furniture
Swap out some solid furniture pieces for mirrored ones. A mirrored coffee table or glossy metal console table makes rooms gleam.
Add Metallics
Brass, gold, silver…any metallic finishes reflect light. Incorporate them through accents like lamps, frames, vases, or sculptures.
Keep Furniture Streamlined
When choosing furniture, slim, leggy silhouettes should be your go-to. They take up less visual space, making rooms feel airier.
Seek Out Hidden Storage
Lift-top coffee tables or hollow ottomans tuck away clutter to keep surfaces clear. Bonus—they also instantly make rooms feel more spacious!
Consider Lucite
Lucite has a perfect small-space superpower: it’s transparent! Swap out solid surfaces for acrylic or Plexiglas to maintain lightness.
Add Wheels
Make furniture easily movable by adding wheels or casters. This creates flexibility to reconfigure layouts in a snap.
Evaluate Every Piece
Be ruthlessly selective about what cuts. If an item doesn’t serve a specific functional or aesthetic purpose, it might not earn its keep.
Sculpt the Lighting
A suitable lighting scheme can make a small living room glow. Use a combination of natural and artificial light to create an inviting ambiance.
Welcome Natural Light
Fling open those curtains and raise the blinds! Encourage ample sunshine to make your space sparkle.
Add Accent Lighting
Use directional lighting like sconces or picture lights to spotlight artwork or architectural details. This adds depth and dimension.
Layer the Lighting
Install lighting that serves different needs—ambient overhead fixtures plus task lighting for reading nooks or work areas.
Play With Dimmers
Put lighting on a dimmer to set the perfect mood. Slowly dim lights in the evening for a cozy, relaxing vibe.
Zone Out With Rugs
Rugs are incredible for defining separate spaces within an open floor plan. Use them to carve out specialized areas.
Lounge Area Rugs
Ensure your main seating area rug is large enough for all furniture legs to fit. This makes the area feel intentional.
Reading Nook Rugs
Curl with a book on a plush rug in your cozy reading nook. Layer it over a larger rug for extra texture.
Entryway Rugs
Welcome guests with a stylish entryway rug. It should be sized perfectly to fit inside the door frame.
Overlap Layers
Get creative and overlap a few smaller rugs in complementary patterns. The layered look adds visual interest.
Display Artwork Creatively
Showcase meaningful art and objects without cluttering up precious wall space. Get innovative with these artsy ideas:
Hang a wall-mounted desk for writing or working on passion projects. Then, use the surface to display favorite framed photos or art prints leaning against the wall.
Make memories into a gallery by mounting Polaroid-style photos on the wall with washi tape. This creates a casual display that’s easily refreshed.
Display collections in clusters to keep walls looking curated. Group items with meaning, like plants, sculptures, or family photos.
Showcase large-scale art by hanging it high and wide. Extend pieces close to the ceiling and edges of the wall to draw the eye up.
Add Warmth With Plants
Incorporating plants and greenery brings any space to life. Not only do plants add fresh oxygen, but they make rooms homier.
Vertical Gardens
Install vertical gardens along blank walls to save precious floor space. Waterfall walls with cascading greenery make great living focal points!
Hanging Baskets
Suspend air plants or trailing vines from macramé plant hangers. The organic shapes and textures add interest without clutter.
Small Potted Plants
Tuck petite potted succulents, cacti, or flowering plants on narrow console tables and windowsills. They add a vibrant, living touch.
Faux Plants
If you’re worried about keeping plants alive, go for realistic faux versions! Well-made silk or plastic greenery looks surprisingly natural and thrives in any condition.
Final Touches
To pull your small living room together into a luxurious space, don’t forget these critical finishing details:
Quality Over Quantity
Invest in one exquisite statement piece, like an ornate area rug or breathtaking painting, rather than many smaller items. This elevates the room’s overall aesthetic.
Hidden Technology
Minimize visual clutter from devices by mounting TVs on the wall or installing speakers inside discreet built-in cabinets. This hides ugly wires and bulky components.
Cozy Textures
Add sumptuous textures like velvet, leather, or sheepskin to upholstered furniture or plush pillows. Luxe textures up the comfort factor.
Statement Lighting
Transform the space with a dazzling light fixture, like an ornate chandelier or cluster of golden pendant lights. This anchors the room with timeless style.
Conclusion
These 12 ideas have sparked inspiration for making your small living room feel grand! You can carve out specialized zones with creativity and strategic changes and make the space shine.
Remember to focus on quality over quantity, use vertical storage, and sculpt the lighting. Rugs, plants, artwork, and mirrors also work magic. Don’t be afraid to utilize every square inch fully!
Now that you’re armed with tips, it’s time to give your small living room a luxurious makeover. I can’t wait to see your transformed space!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the first step to decorating a small living room?
Start by thoroughly decluttering and removing any non-essential items. Editing to only your favorite, most-used pieces creates breathing room to layer in decorative touches afterward.
How can I make my small living room feel more significant?
Use light, airy colors on walls, floors, and furniture to expand the space visually. Hang mirrors strategically across from windows to reflect more light. And keep furnishings slim and streamlined.
What type of rug is best for a small living room?
Choose a low-pile rug in a subtle pattern and neutral color. Ensure it’s large enough to fit all your main furniture but not overly huge. Layer a textured area rug on top for coziness.
Where should I hang artwork in a small living room?
Hang pieces high on the wall, close to the ceiling to draw the eye up. Cluster 3-5 small works together in a tight arrangement for impact. And lean large pieces against walls rather than hanging them to save space.
What kind of curtains are best for small spaces?
Sheer curtains let light through while still providing privacy. Floor-to-ceiling drapes draw eyes up to maximize vertical space. Choose airy, lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton voile. Or opt for sleek roller shades.
