Small Living Room Design Tips

Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.

The living room is a very important part of our lives. It’s where the family hangs out and also where you can chill out after all the kids are in bed. But nothing is as annoying and unrelaxing as a cramped living room. If yours is a small living room, then it might seem like packing all your stuff into the tight space is the only option available.

Your small living room can be spacious, airy and your ideal chill location. Here are some tips to help you along.

Related: Upgrade your living room on a budget

Pick your colours carefully

Light and neutral colour will always make a space look larger and more spacious. If you love minimalist design, then use white with other light accents like tan, grey or even a very pale blue. If you’re not a huge fan of white, then go ahead and use any other light or neutral colour to achieve that effect.

Related: Make your small sitting room more spacious

Work your angles

If you have a small living room that is shaped awkwardly, it doesn’t have to be a negative. Well, it is one negative that can easily become a positive. Use a weird wall as a focal point. For example, you can place a bold patterned sofa where there’s a weird angle. Another good idea is to turn such a weird wall into a gallery wall.

Related: Use African wax to spruce up your living room

Hang curtains high

Hanging your curtains high immediately gives your room an airy and spacious feel. When you place your curtain rods closer to the ceiling than the window, it draws attention upwards creating the illusion of light.

Make use mirrors

Freshhome recommends using mirrors to create the illusion of space, pointing out that designers often place mirrors strategically in small places in order to make them feel larger.

Also, one common small living room ideas is to hang a large mirror in a central location to create a focal point. To reflect light and add a nice ambiance, put it behind a light source such as a candle or pendant lamp. If possible, position a mirror across from your window so it will reflect the view and give the illusion of another window. 

This small living room interiors guide from Mirabello Interiors will give you more ideas.

Use wood to change things a bit

Think about alternatives to traditional living room furniture, such as the three-piece suite. It’s still possible to have a cosy area for relaxing and reading with less space-greedy furnishings. Swap an upholstered armchair for a wooden rocker with cushions; and bookcases for slimline ladder-style shelving. Wash walls and accessorise with subtle colour. (IdealHome.co.uk)

Add some greenery to your small living room

Plants are a really beautiful way to add beauty and elegance to your living space. And if what you have to work with is limited space, then this is just perfect. Apartment Therapy has some really handy ideas about how to incorporate indoor plants into your small living room.

We’ve also shared some tips from houzz.com on how to design and lay out a small living room. Click on the slideshow below to get tips you can use right now for your small living room.