Interior Design Ideas for Small Living Rooms

Small living rooms certainly come with their limitations, but there’s plenty of plus points too! For one, you don’t need nearly as much furniture to create a luxurious, cosy space.

But it’s also possible to make your living room feel bigger than it really is. So here are a few decorating suggestions that anyone can implement to augment one of the most important rooms in the house.

Furniture size is key

It’s all about balance.

You don’t want to choose huge pieces that overpower the space. But you also want to avoid squeezing a bunch of small furniture pieces into the room either—you’ll be cramped in no time flat.

Think about what kind of furniture you really need in the space and invest in just a few big pieces, filling out the rest of the space with decorative elements.

Think multi-purpose

Buy furniture that is multi-purpose.  A desk can double as a dining room table when you have guests over, and a couch with storage space is always a great option. Not only will this reduce clutter, but it could save you money!

TIP:  While you’re purchasing furniture, try to keep the couches and chairs low.  The lower your seating, the higher the ceilings will look!

Colour schemes

A sophisticated colour scheme can make a massive difference.

• For seating and shelving, earth-toned neutrals will help the furniture blend seamlessly into the space, helping it to appear open.
• Light coloured neutrals will tend to illuminate the room.
• It’s almost like it isn’t there… a glass coffee table can provide utility without closing up the space.

TIP: Add colour through decorative elements like blankets and vases.

Encourage an open environment

If you already have furniture for your living room, there are a few simple tips you can implement to encourage an open, sophisticated environment.

• First, keep your big furniture away from the walls.

Although it’s tempting to push furniture all the way to edge of the room, don’t do it.  Placing things like the sofa and lighting strategically throughout the space adds dimension and interest – distracting the eye from how small the space actually is.

• Second, don’t have too much going on.

Decide what you want your space to be about. Socialising and relaxing, T.V. and gaming, work and study? Figure out how you’d most like to use your space and set it up with that in mind. Trying to do too much will only result in clutter.

TIP: If you have the option, invest in hanging lighting fixtures. This will help break up the ceiling space and preserve precious floor room.

Incorporate a vertical dimension

As you are decorating the room, try to keep a ‘vertical dimension’ to the space by incorporating decorations at different heights.

Consider the elements of a living room that are meant to draw the eye. In most cases, these elements are things like TVs, paintings, flowers, or decorative centrepieces.  Ensure that these things are placed higher than the chairs and couches in the room.  This kind of vertical dimension will make the room feel larger and cosier.