Correct small living room design can change a space from feeling cramped and cluttered to a perfectly cozy and relaxing space. And it leaves no wasted space in a compact living room. But even being a small space, it should not be compromised on your style preferences. Clever design ideas will allow it to not happen. Discover the best small-space design tricks for personalizing the most lived-in spot in your home.
But before you plan and utilize the ideas, you need to be sure of exactly how you’ll be using the space. Will it be a space to entertain? A place to chill with the dog and the kids? A place for adults-only parties maybe. Once you know how you want it to feel, your job is half-done.
The Design Ideas
Planned furniture placement, use of the paint, modern curtain tricks, there are a lot of smart ideas to make your small living room feel bigger than it is.
More 'floor visibility' makes the room appear bigger. So furniture with legs, even the sofas, do the trick here.
When you are redecorating, one of the easiest ways to make a small area feel more spacious is to use soft, neutral shades in your room to keep it warm and inviting.
Check out our ideas for more inspiration.
01. Tonal Shifts
Interior Expert Gian Moore says, 'The primary thing to remember when designing a small room is to ensure all tones stick to the same color palette—thus creating flow throughout the room. Make sure to shift your focus around monochromatic and tonal hues that will accentuate the scheme further.'
Colors can be used, of course, the tone should not shift.
02. Sofa is Vital in a small room
Suzy McMahon, Buying Director at Sofology confirms - ‘A neutral sofa can help lighten the space, however, it’s worth remembering that neutral doesn’t have to mean selecting a plain design. Opting for styles with beautiful details, such as curves, buttons, or fluting, will add character to a small space without overpowering your scheme. Additionally, cushions and throws in bolder shades and patterns can keep the look from feeling too pared back. Alternatively, an accent chair is a great way to add a pop of color and will effortlessly lift a darker space,’
03. Lights in layers
Do not put all the lights at almost the same height throughout the room. Put them in layers of different heights. Like a pendant at the top, wall lights below that, and lamp lights at the lowest height. Having wall lights that direct soft shafts of light up and down will make the space look taller. And of course, if you use more wall lights, and avoid any floor lamps, or table lamp, that will be a nice decision. That saves up space.
04. Open up a wall
You can add a clean, contemporary feel to your small living room by opening up some walls. This is a nice idea if your room feels small, and it won’t impact too much on the structure of your rooms. You will just kind of 'make a hole' in the wall.
05. Avoid 'big contrast' in colors
built-in
06. Small Footprints
If you got a small living room, you must NOT use too much floor space for the storage units. The trick is to maximize their heights and minimize their footprints. Another good practice is to make built-it storage spaces, rather than putting standalone furniture. That makes the most of the available space.
07. Mirror mirror, on the wall
You got it right. You have a small space, you have got to put mirror/s on the wall/s. Not only do they enhance the light of the room through reflections, but they also make your room look much bigger.
08. Walls and the floor should complement
Neutral, light colors only are suggested for the walls. You may go darker with the floor texture/ color. That will even enhance the crispness of the total look. But do NOT put dark or too random colors on any wall.
09. Artwork Placement
pattern
10. One warm-tone Feature wall
If you really want to introduce an interesting contrast within your small room, and not use a light neutral feel all around, pick a rich warm color as a backdrop to a part of the room that’s all about relaxation. Behind the sofa is the best location. This will help to draw attention and a relaxed feeling, without making the room feel smaller.
11. Go for Multi-purpose furniture
Multi-purpose furniture is a great way to save space while still ensuring your living room is as cozy and functional as possible. This coffee table, for example, doubles as a storage bin, allowing you to clear away any clutter quickly. You could also bring in lidded stools or even a sofa with storage under the seat.
12. Decorate in varying heights
Try to use furniture with different heights and depths, such as sofas or recliners for the space to feel more open than it is. Another suggestion would be, to decorate your room in a 'vertical patter/ theme'. Avoid too many 'horizontal' elements on the walls.
13. Lose the drapes, go for blinds
Your room is small, and if you do not allow as much Natural light as possible to come in, that will be a disaster. A dark room only lit with electrical lighting, looks crammed at first glance itself. So you must not put thick, long drapes or curtains at your windows. Go for the light-colored blinds, that make you control the natural light quite easily.
