Make a small living room feel larger with our ideas for color, furniture, storage, and more.
With a few tricks, you could make a tight space look and feel deceptively large.
However, the same can be said for mirrored furniture.
Credit: Josh Grubbs
A coffee table with a mirrored top will reflect light beautifully.
Use Tall Vertical Shelves
KIM CORNELISON
When looking forextra storage space, dont forget to look up.
A pair of 6-foot bookshelves will be much more useful than two shorter end tables.
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Your initial instinct may be to go with a small 5-by-7-foot rug in your small living room.
However, a larger 10-by-12-foot rug can make the space feel less cramped.
Instead, pull the furniture toward the center of the room to create a cozy conversation area.
Credit:KIM CORNELISON
This will give your coffee table decor some much-needed breathing room.
Tryinstalling a few sconceson the walls for instant mood lighting that takes up hardly any space.
If investing in new hardwired sconces isnt realistic, go with a version that plugs into an outlet.
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There are many ways to disguise the cord.
It can make your windows, and room in general, feel much larger.
Always use this optical illusion to your advantage, especially in a small living room.
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Color drenching typically involves painting the walls, ceilings, and trim the same hue but in different sheens.
However, a medium-toned ceiling can make an already tiny living room feel smaller.
Consider altering the painting method just a bit by leaving the ceiling white.
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Sneak in Storage
Hide clutter in a small living roomusing furniture doubling as a storage unit.
For a coffee table alternative that provides hidden storage, try a trunk.
Just think of the vastness of the night sky.
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Large TVs draw extra attention to themselves in smaller living rooms.
Add Your Personal Style
You dont need toskimp on stylewhen it comes to small living room ideas.
Were talking things like Wi-Fi routers and cat litter boxes.
A vibrant living room by Cloth + Kind with walls painted Benjamin Moore Hazy Skies.Credit:Robert Peterson
For the windows, choose sheer curtains that match the walls and let in as much light as possible.
This tidy room has a soothing and relaxed feel because of the careful editing and monochromatic color scheme.
If you have tall ceilings, flaunt them.
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Hang large pieces of artwork that reach nearly the top of the ceiling to draw the eyes upward.
A round coffee table nestled the seating makes getting around easier and adds a soft profile to the room.
In some cases, stacks of books can even double as accent furniture.
Credit: Hector Sanchez
Create a Focal Point
If your space lacks a natural focal pointlike a fireplace, create one.
Matching bookshelves andwall sconcesflank the artwork, creating a pleasing sense of symmetry.
Vary the size and style of frames throughout the room to add visual interest.
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To allow for frequent swaps and rearrangements, prop framed art onfloating shelvesrather thanhanging each piece.
Windows are left undressed, making the view feel like additional artwork.
An unbroken sweep of wood flooring will make a room look larger than a busy-patterned area rug.
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For small rooms without much space for accessorizing, bring architectural detail to wallsby installing molding or paneling.
Using gold andhot pink accentsadds bold details that juxtapose the more serious shade on the wall.
Corners tend to be overlooked areas in a living room, but they make perfect spots forcozy reading nooks.
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Go with Space-Expanding Colors
The right color schemewill instantly make a small living room look larger.
Painting woodwork, trim, and doors the same color as walls also helps them disappear.
Fake Taller Ceilings
This small living room idea makes a short ceiling appear taller.
Credit: Annie Schlecther
Hang curtains just under the ceiling instead of directly above the window frames.
Install curtain rods extending slightly beyond the frames to make windows appear larger.
Substantial fabric will give atraditional look, while airier sheers are more casual.
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Stick with neutrals and just one or two colors to deliver a streamlined and well-coordinated look.
In the end, youll feel much less closed-in when relaxing in your petite living room.
However, dont be afraid to go with a more snug positioning.
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This tip is no exception.
When selecting your furniture, dont stray away from larger sofas and sectionals.
Opting for one large seating piece can free up more room than trying to cram in multiple smaller pieces.
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If youre feeling up to a DIY, its fairly easy to do yourself!
This ornate architectural detail will give your eyes more space to explore.
Use Moveable Coffee Tables
Gordon Beall
Easy-to-move furniture is a must for small living spaces.
Credit: Brie Williams
For example, instead of opting for one coffee table, try using two smaller ones.
If you want to take it a step further, go with nesting tables.
Too many colors can create a sense of overwhelm.
However, there are always exceptions to this rule.
This will make your space feel more curated and intentional.
Instead of packing your space to the brim with collections, add interest with extra patterns.
Credit: David A. Land
Use armless sofas or those with a narrow design to avoid taking up too much space.
Their slim footprint can make the difference between having enough seating and being overcrowded.
Select Low-Profile Furniture
The success of many small living rooms relies on clever furniture choices.
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Complement the size of the room with low-profile furniture that minimizes visual disruptions.
Keep coffee tables at the right height and proportion to low-profile seating.
Opt for a short bookcase or cabinet instead of a table for even more storage capacity.
Credit: Nathan Kirkman
Minimize Visual Weight
Choose clear furniture and accessories that take up minimal visual space.
The table provides a sturdy yet lightweight spot for stacking books, flowers, and other accessories.
Mirrors pull off their expanding act by bouncing light around to other parts of a room.
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Place mirrors opposite windows to maximize the light they reflect.
Layer In Texture
Add interest with design elements that dont take up space.
A mix of linen fabrics, woven materials, fringe details, and warm wood tones enlivens this space.
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Trying to cram in too many small pieces can create a cluttered feeling.
A nubby jute rug and paneled wall add texture to the soft palette.
The bold armchair offers a welcome hit of pattern and personality.
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For a living room that boosts energy, go for ared palette.
Go bold withemerald greenorsubdued with quiet sage.
If you prefer a subtle palette, neutrals are always a go-to option.
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Add color as much or as little as you like to aneutral roomto infuse personality.
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