Introduction
You don’t have to give up style or comfort just because you live in a small space. The right decor can make a small apartment, a small starter home, or even just a small living room feel much bigger. The secret isn’t to tear down walls or make expensive changes. It’s to make smart design choices that fool the eye and make the most of every square foot.
This guide will show you 23 small living room decorating tips that interior designers swear by. These ideas are useful, inexpensive, and easy to implement, from smart furniture arrangements to smart lighting choices. You will learn how to makae your home feel open, airy, and welcoming by adding breathing space and natural light. Are you ready to make your small living room look and feel bigger? Let’s get started.
1. Pick light and neutral colours for the walls
Painting your walls in light, neutral colours is one of the best ways to make a small living room look bigger. Soft white, warm beige, light grey, and creamy ivory are all colours that reflect natural light well. They bounce it around the room, making it feel open and airy. Dark colours tend to soak up light, which can make walls feel like they are closing in on you. Your eyes see more depth and space when you stick with a lighter colour scheme. Your room doesn’t have to look dull or faded, though. You can make the room more interesting by adding colourful throw pillows, art, and other decorative items. The walls can stay fresh and neutral. To make the room feel taller and draw the eye up, consider painting the ceiling the same light colour, or even a shade lighter. This one small change can make your small living room feel much bigger without having to do any major renovations.
2. Use mirrors wisely to bounce light back
For hundreds of years, designers have used this trick to make small living rooms look bigger. A big mirror on one Wall instantly doubles the space you can see by reflecting the room at you. The most important thing is to place your mirror across from a window or another light source so it reflects natural light throughout the room. This adds light and depth, which makes the room feel much bigger than it really is. You can make a gallery wall of smaller mirrors or pick one big statement mirror to be the main focus. Mirrored furniture, like coffee tables or console tables, is also great because it adds reflective surfaces without taking up wall space. Don’t put mirrors where they reflect mess or dark corners, because that defeats the purpose. Instead, point them toward your best views, windows, or light fixtures to get the most out of that open, bright look.
3. Buy furniture that can be used for more than one thing
When you don’t have a lot of space, every piece of furniture needs to prove that it belongs in your living room. Furniture that serves multiple purposes is a game-changer for small spaces because it can do two or three things at once. Think about ottomans with hidden storage, sofa beds for overnight guests, coffee tables with drawers or shelves beneath, and nesting tables that can be tucked away when not in use. These smart items help you keep your home organized while still giving you everything you need to live your life. A storage bench can hold magazines and blankets and give guests more places to sit. When you need it, a lift-top coffee table can serve as to workspace or dining table. The point is to look at each piece and think about what else it can do for you beyond to intended purpose. You can make your living room feel less cluttered and more open by choosing furniture that works harder. For more ideas, look at our guide to furniture that saves space.
4. Choose furniture with visible legs
The furniture you pick can make your living room feel much bigger or smaller. Exposing legs on furniture lets light flow underneath, making the room look bigger and giving the floor a more continuous look. Sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, and entertainment centres that sit directly on the floor and have solid bases give a room a heavy, grounded look that can make it feel small. On the other hand, furniture with thin legs lets your eyes move freely across the floor, making you think there is more space. Mid-century modern furniture is especially good for this because it has tapered legs and smooth shapes. This rule even applies to your storage items. Pick bookcases and media consoles with legs rather than those that sit flat. This little thing makes your space feel lighter and more open right away.Read more about livind room decor here
5. Use vertical storage solutions
When space on the floor is limited, the best thing to do is look up. Vertical storage uses the height of your walls, drawing the eye up and making ceilings feel higher while keeping your floor clear and tidy. Tall bookcases, floating shelves that go up the Wall, and storage units that go from floor to ceiling give you plenty of room for books, decorations, and everyday items without taking up too much space. Floating shelves work really well because they don’t have big frames or supports that touch the floor. You can put them in interesting shapes or run them all the way up to the ceiling for the most effect. Wall-mounted cabinets and entertainment centres do the same thing: they keep media equipment and storage off the floor. Just remember to put things you don’t need every day on the top shelves and style them with lighter things to keep the airy feel. Check out our small bedroom storage ideas, which also work well in living rooms.
6. Let natural light in freely
If you have a small living room, getting as much natural light as possible should be your top priority. Sunlight coming in through windows makes rooms feel fresh, open, and welcoming, and it also boosts your mood and energy. First, make sure your windows are clear. Don’t block glass with big pieces of furniture or move furniture away from windows. Pick sheer curtains or blinds that let in light but still give you privacy when you need it. If you have heavy curtains right now, consider getting lighter ones that let in more light. Dirty windows can block a lot of light, so keep them clean. If your living room doesn’t have many windows, consider replacing interior walls or doors with glass to let light from nearby rooms in. Even just cutting back bushes outside that block light from windows can make a big difference inside your home.
7. Hang curtains high and wide
You can make your living room look taller and wider right away by how you hang your curtains. Install curtain rods closer to the ceiling line, rather than directly above the window frame. This makes the windows and ceilings look much taller than they really are. Also, make the rod a few inches longer on each side of the window frame so that the curtains can stack on the Wall instead of covering the glass when they are open. This easy trick makes windows look bigger and lets in the most natural light during the day. For a look that doesn’t break up the space, pick curtains in light colours or soft neutrals that match your walls. Floor-length curtains that touch the ground add elegance and make the room look taller. Don’t use curtains that stop at the window sill because they can make ceilings look lower and windows look smaller than they really are.
8.Pick a Sofa That Fits the Size
For a small living room, picking the right couch is the most important piece of furniture. No matter what other tricks you try, an oversized sectional that takes up a lot of space will make everything feel cramped. Before you go shopping, take accurate measurements of your room and think about how much floor space you can use for seating. In small rooms, a loveseat or apartment-sized sofa is often better than a full three-seater. Choose sofas with slim arms and streamlined shapes that don’t take up more visual space than they need to. Armless sofas and settees are great choices because they give you a place to sit without taking up too much space. Also, think about how deep the sofa is. Sofas that are not as deep are still comfortable and give you more room to walk around. If you like a sectional, choose a smaller L-shaped one instead of a U-shaped one. The goal is to find the right balance so your sofa is comfortable for everyone in your home without taking over the room. For more tips on how to size your living room furniture, check out our guide.
9. Make a Focal Point to Catch the Eye
Every well-designed living room needs a focal point, especially in small spaces. A strong focal point gives the eye a place to rest, making the room feel more organized and open rather than cluttered. A fireplace, a big piece of art, an accent wall, a beautiful light fixture, or even a well-styled bookshelf could all be good focal points. Once you have this anchor in place, set up your furniture so it faces it, and let other decorations support it rather than fight with it. This gives your design a sense of order and purpose. Don’t put more than one focal point in a small living room, as it will make the space feel cluttered and confusing. Pick one feature to show off and let it shine. One dramatic element surrounded by calmer, complementary pieces gives the room a sense of space and elegance that many busy features can’t.
10. Use furniture made of acrylic and clear plastic.
For small living rooms, clear furniture is like a magic trick. Clear acrylic, glass, or lucite pieces take up space without making it look heavier, so your eye can easily pass through them. A glass coffee table, acrylic side tables, or clear dining chairs all work well while keeping the space open and uncluttered. These pieces are great for places where people walk a lot or where big furniture would get in the way. This is why ghost chairs have become so popular: they give you a place to sit that almost disappears into the room. A glass console table gives you space to display and store things without making the room look bigger. When you shop for clear items, make sure they are made of good materials, have smooth edges, and are well-built. To keep your room warm and from feeling too cold or empty, mix these lighter pieces with some solid furniture. The mix of clear and solid makes for a perfect visual balance.
11. Keep the floor as clear as you can.
Keeping your floor clear and visible is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a small living room feel bigger. The more floor space you can see at once, the bigger the room looks. This means being picky about how much furniture you have and choosing pieces that don’t take up too much floor space. Don’t put tables, chairs, or decorations in every corner. Leave space for people to breathe and walk through the area easily. Instead of using several small rugs that make the floor look messy, pick one area rug that is the right size. Limit the number of items, such as floor lamps, plant stands, and magazine racks, and opt for wall-mounted options when possible. Instead of leaving things on the floor, put them in furniture with hidden compartments. A clean floor makes things look calmer and gives the impression of more space than there really is.
12. Instead of several small rugs, use one large area rug
Rugs can change how we perceive a room’s size, and it’s very important to pick the right one for a small living room. Having a lot of small rugs on the floor makes it look broken up and makes the room feel smaller and choppier. Instead, buy one big area rug that ties your seating area together and keeps your furniture in place. Make sure your rug is big enough for at least the front legs of your chairs and sofa to rest on it. This will make the conversation area look more connected. This unified design makes the whole seating area feel planned and open. Pick rugs that are light in colour or have patterns that aren’t too busy. In small rooms, solid colours or simple geometric patterns look best. A rug with a lot of patterns and colours can make the floor look busy and full. Make sure that your rug is the right size for your furniture group and not just sitting in the middle of the room.
13. Adopt the Minimalist Decor Philosophy
When decorating a small living room, less is really more. Minimalism doesn’t mean your space has to be cold or empty. Instead, it means that everything you put in it should have a purpose or make you happy. Start by going through your things and getting rid of anything that doesn’t add to the room in a good way. Don’t put too many decorative items on every shelf and tabletop. Keep surfaces clear of unnecessary knick-knacks. Instead of getting a lot of things you won’t remember, pick out a few that are really special to you. This curated method gives you some space and makes your favourite things stand out. You start to believe that quality is more important than quantity. One pretty vase is better than a bunch of average ones. One beautiful piece of art can say more than a whole wall of art. This deliberate lack of space makes the small living rooms feel open and calm, which they really need. Read our guide to minimalist home decor to find out more.
14. Put up floating shelves to show off and store things
Floating shelves are a must-have for small living rooms because they give you storage and display space without taking up any floor space. These simple shelves attach to your Wall with hidden hardware, making it look like they are floating in space. Use them to show off books, plants, art, photos, and other decorative items that would normally need big furniture. Floating shelves look great above sofas, next to TVs, in empty corners, and even in tight spaces that can’t fit regular furniture. You can put them at different heights to make them more interesting to look at, or you can put them in a straight line for a more streamlined look. Being careful about how you style floating shelves is the key to making them work in small spaces. Instead of filling every inch with things, leave some empty space between them. For a pleasing composition, group things in odd numbers and change their heights. Floating shelves that are well-designed add personality and function while keeping the space open and airy.
15. Pick your art carefully.
The art you put on display can make your small living room feel much bigger. It may seem strange, but a single large piece of art often looks better than a lot of small pieces in a small space. Putting a lot of small frames on the Wall can make it look busy and make the room feel smaller. One big piece of art becomes the centre of attention and makes the Wall look bigger by comparison. Choose art for small rooms that has light backgrounds or big pictures, like landscapes, seascapes, or abstract works with depth. These make your room feel bigger by making it seem like there is a window into another space. Instead of putting art between furniture and the ceiling, hang it at eye level and give it some space. If you want a gallery wall, make sure the frames are all the same colour and style so that the look is cohesive and not too busy.
16. Use corner spaces to their full potential in creative ways
In living rooms, corners are often wasted space, but in small rooms, every square inch counts. Adding functional areas to corners that aren’t being used can add a lot of value without making the main area feel crowded. A small armchair and floor lamp in a corner reading nook make a cosy getaway. Floating corner shelves or corner shelving units can turn empty space into places to store and show off things. A small corner desk can give you a place to work from home that is out of the way of your main seating area. Tall corner plants bring life and vertical interest to a space without getting in the way of traffic. A television mounted in a corner can even free up space on the floor and walls in other parts of the room. The most important thing is to pick pieces that are the right size for the corner and don’t stick out too much into the room. To make the most of every empty corner in your small living room, measure carefully and look for furniture that is made to fit in corners.
17. Use the Same Colour All Over the Place
A colour scheme that works well together can make small living rooms feel bigger and more planned. When the colours of your walls, furniture, textiles, and decorations all match, the eye moves smoothly through the space without any jarring breaks. This visual continuity gives the impression of space that colour schemes that don’t match can’t. Pick a main colour for your walls, then pick furniture and accents that are in the same family but are either complementary or tonal. It doesn’t mean that everything has to match perfectly, though, because that would be boring. Instead, try to make variations that are in harmony with each other and feel connected. Instead of using colours that are opposite each other, use different textures, patterns, and materials to make things more interesting. A room with only one colour and different textures feels elegant and big. Use accent colours sparingly and repeat them at least twice around the room to keep the feeling of intentional cohesion.
18. Add plants for life and depth
Plants in your small living room add life, colour, and depth to the space without taking up a lot of room. Plants make any room feel fresher and more welcoming by bringing the outdoors inside. The most important thing is to pick the right plants and put them in the right spots in small spaces. Fiddle leaf figs and snake plants are examples of tall, thin plants that add vertical interest without spreading out. Trailing plants on high shelves or in hanging planters use vertical space and draw the eye up. Air plants and small succulents look great on windowsills and floating shelves. Don’t put too many plants in one place, as this can make it feel cluttered. Instead, place them around the room in a way that creates rhythm and visual interest. Plants not only look good, but they also make the air cleaner and make your space feel more peaceful. There are many plants that don’t need a lot of care and do well with little attention, even if you don’t have a green thumb. For more ideas, check out our guide to styling indoor plants.
19. Make your window treatments simple and light.
How bright and open your living room feels depends a lot on the window treatments you choose. Heavy, dark curtains soak up light and make rooms look heavier, which makes small rooms feel even smaller and more closed off. Instead, choose simple, light treatments that let in natural light. Sheer curtains are a great choice because they let in light while still keeping the room private. Panels made of light-colored linen or cotton give a room a more substantial look while still letting in air. Roman shades in neutral colours give a room clean lines and a simple look. If you don’t care about privacy, leave your windows completely bare to let in the most light and space for viewing. If you do use curtains, pick colours that go well with or match the colour of your walls. This way, they won’t stand out too much. Don’t use fancy valances, heavy tiebacks, or too many decorative treatments that make your small living room look bigger and more formal.
20. Choose furniture that is the same colour as your walls
A designer tip for making small rooms feel bigger is to make the space between your walls and furniture look good. When your sofa, chairs, and other furniture match the colour of your walls instead of standing out, the eye sees more space that flows. This doesn’t mean that everything has to be the same colour; instead, you should pick furniture that goes well with the colour of your walls. A cream or beige sofa would look good with warm white walls. Light grey walls look great with furniture that is also grey or a soft neutral colour. This tonal approach keeps furniture from standing out and drawing attention in a way that breaks up the space. You can still make things look more interesting by using different textures, patterns in throw pillows, and accent pieces in colours that are opposite to each other. The big pieces blend in with the background, making it easier for your eye to move around the room and see more space.
21. Put more lights on top of each other
A good lighting design has several sources of light at different heights. This layered style works great in small living rooms. Using only one overhead light makes harsh shadows and makes the room feel flat and one-dimensional. Instead, use ceiling lights to create ambient light, table lamps to create task light, and wall sconces or picture lights to create accent light. This variety adds depth, warmth, and visual interest that makes your space feel bigger and more interesting. Put lamps in the corners to light up dark areas and make the room feel bigger. Use uplighting to light up walls and make the ceiling look higher. Wall-mounted sconces give off light where it’s needed and free up space on tables. You can change the brightness of your lights with dimmer switches to fit your mood or the time of day. Warm white bulbs make a space feel warm and inviting. By putting multiple light sources in the right places, you can get rid of shadows and dark corners that can make small rooms feel cramped and closed in.
22. Put Your TV on the Wall
The placement of the TV is very important in modern living rooms. For small spaces, wall mounting is the best option. A TV that is mounted on the Wall doesn’t need a big entertainment centre or media console that takes up a lot of floor space. This small change can give you a few extra square feet that you can leave empty or fill with more important furniture. When you sit down, put your TV at eye level. You could also think about putting it on a slim floating shelf that holds your streaming devices and remote controls. If you’re worried about cable management, use cord covers or in-wall cable routing to make things look neat and tidy. Some people even put decorative moulding around their mounted TVs to make them look more like art when they aren’t using them. Wall-mounting your TV can free up floor space that can make your small living room feel and work much bigger every day.
23. Keep your space tidy and declutter often.
The last and most important tip for making your small living room look bigger is to keep decluttering and organizing it. No matter how smartly you design a room, if it has too much stuff in it, it won’t work. Visual clutter makes a room feel smaller, and small rooms can’t handle extra stuff. Instead of doing it once, make decluttering a regular part of your life. Every few months, look through your living room and honestly decide what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. Make sure that everything you keep has its own home so that things don’t pile up on floors and surfaces. Use storage options like baskets, boxes, and furniture with hidden compartments to keep things you need out of sight. Set up ways to deal with daily messes like magazines, mail, remote controls, and charging cables. Your small living room will always feel calm, spacious, and welcoming, no matter how big it really is, as long as everything has a place and you keep it that way.
In the end
With the right approach, you can turn a small living room into a space that feels open, bright, and welcoming. It all comes down to making smart choices about colour, furniture, lighting, storage, and organization, as we’ve seen in these 23 tips. Light-colored walls and carefully placed mirrors make a room look bigger, and furniture that can be used for more than one thing and is the right size makes the most of every square foot. Vertical storage, clear pieces, and a minimalist style keep things from getting messy and keep the space feeling open.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or give up style to make a small living room look bigger. It’s about using what you have in smarter ways. Pick one or two tips that work best for you right now and slowly add more as your time and money allow. Every little change adds to the overall effect, and soon your small living room will feel like a big retreat. Check out our guides on small bedroom design ideas and apartment decorating tips for more ideas on how to decorate your home.
FAQS
What colours make a small living room seem bigger?
If you want your small living room to look bigger, use light, neutral colours. Soft white, warm cream, light grey, pale beige, and soft greige are all colours that reflect light, making a room feel open and airy. These colours make it look like the walls are moving away from you rather than closing in. Stick to soft pastels or muted tones rather than bright or dark colours if you want to add some colour. You can always add bright colours to your home with accessories and fabrics while keeping the walls light.
How can I set up furniture in a small living room?
Before you buy or move anything, measure your room and make a floor plan. Pick furniture that is the right size and leaves space for people to walk and breathe. Move your sofa away from the walls to make the room look bigger. Instead of pushing everything against the walls, angle the furniture a little. Don’t block windows with big things, and make sure traffic can move freely. To keep things from getting too crowded, get rid of things you don’t need and use furniture that can do more than one thing.
Is it okay to use dark colours in a small living room?
People usually say that light colours work best in small spaces, but you can use dark colours carefully. Instead of painting all the walls dark, think about using dark colours on accent walls, in furniture like a navy sofa, or through accessories. If you like dark styles, make sure you have good lighting to compensate, and use mirrors often to reflect light. Some designers say that painting a small room in a single dark colour can make the edges less distinct, but this method needs to be done very carefully.
How big a rug should I put in a small living room?
Pick the biggest rug that will fit in your space and your budget. A rug that is at least 5 by 8 feet or 6 by 9 feet should be big enough for the front legs of your couch and chairs to rest on. This is usually the case for small living rooms. Don’t use small rugs that float in the middle of the room. They make the space feel smaller and less connected. A single large rug ties your seating area together and makes it look bigger than several small rugs spread out.
How can I make a small living room feel cosy without making it feel too small?
The trick is to layer soft textures while keeping things neat. Add soft throw blankets, comfy pillows, and a warm area rug, but don’t go overboard with the number of items. Pick warm lighting that comes from more than one source and can be dimmed. Instead of a lot of little trinkets, add a few decorative items that mean something to you. Keep surfaces clear and things organized so that your cosy things don’t turn into a mess. The goal is to make your small space feel comfortable without making it feel too big.
