Incorporate a Focal Point
Plan a small living room layout around a designated focal point.
Avoid thiscommon furniture arranging mistakeby pulling sofas and chairs away from the outer walls.
Light-colored furniture or pieces with legs appear visually lighter than dark or boxy upholstered pieces.
Credit: Lisa Romerein
The small marble-toppedcoffee tablealso consumes very little visual space, employing the same effect.
This establishes it as a delineating element that separates the living area from the dining space.
Subtle vertical wood paneling repeats the elongating visual line, as does a ladder-like shelf and oversized lamp.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Choose Small-Scale Furniture
Choose furniture with a scale appropriate for a small living room layout.
Here, pairs of armchairs make the room appear more spacious than a large sofa or sectional.
You don’t want to invest in pieces that aren’t comfortable for everyday use.
Credit: Tria Giovan
Always prioritize function over form!
Increase the brightness of a room by reflecting light off of white or pale-colored paint and furnishings.
In this living area, a pair of armchairs marks the edge of the seating space.
Credit: Stacey Brandford
Traffic from the door is directed to go around the seating rather than directly through the conversation area.
Choose Strategic Furniture Alternatives
Look for creative furniture alternatives to maximize your small living room layout.
For example, awindow banquette with built-in seatingis a unique, space-saving alternative to a traditional sofa.
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Credit: Lisa Romerein
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