Decorating a long narrow living room can be a challenge, but with careful planning and design, you can create a space that is both stylish and functional. The key is to use furniture and accessories that will help to create the illusion of a wider room and make the most of the space you have. For example, consider using long and narrow furniture pieces to help visually elongate the room and create a more balanced look.
In addition to choosing the right furniture, you should also pay attention to the colors and patterns you use in your long narrow living room. Light colors and neutral tones can help to make the room feel larger and more airy, while dark colors and busy patterns can make the room feel smaller and more cramped. To create a cohesive and stylish look, try to choose colors and patterns that complement each other and the overall style of your home.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how to decorate a long narrow living room, let’s take a closer look at some specific tips and tricks that you can use to make the most of your space.
Follow these tips to decorate a long narrow living room:
- Use long and narrow furniture.
- Choose light colors and neutral tones.
- Avoid dark colors and busy patterns.
- Create a focal point.
- Hang curtains high and wide.
- Use mirrors to reflect light.
- Add rugs to define spaces.
- Use plants to add life and color.
- Accessorize wisely.
By following these tips, you can create a long narrow living room that is both stylish and functional.
Use long and narrow furniture.
One of the best ways to make a long narrow living room feel more spacious is to use long and narrow furniture pieces. This will help to visually elongate the room and create a more balanced look. For example, instead of using a large square coffee table, try using a long and narrow rectangular coffee table. This will help to draw the eye down the length of the room and make it feel wider.
- Choose furniture that is proportional to the size of your room.
If you have a small living room, avoid using large, bulky furniture pieces. This will only make the room feel more cramped and cluttered. Instead, choose furniture that is scaled to the size of your room. This will help to create a more balanced and harmonious look.
- Arrange your furniture in a way that creates a flow.
When arranging your furniture, try to create a flow from one piece to the next. This will help to make the room feel more spacious and inviting. For example, you could place your sofa at one end of the room and your armchair at the other end. This will create a natural flow for conversation and make the room feel more connected.
- Use furniture to define different areas of your living room.
If you have a long and narrow living room, you can use furniture to define different areas of the room. For example, you could use a sofa to define the seating area and a bookcase to define the reading area. This will help to create a more structured and organized look.
- Choose furniture that is multifunctional.
Multifunctional furniture is a great way to save space in a long narrow living room. For example, you could choose a sofa bed that can be used for both seating and sleeping. This is a great option for small apartments or homes where space is limited.
By following these tips, you can use long and narrow furniture to create a stylish and functional living room that feels more spacious and inviting.
Choose light colors and neutral tones.
Light colors and neutral tones can help to make a long narrow living room feel larger and more airy. This is because light colors reflect light, while dark colors absorb light. By using light colors on your walls, ceiling, and furniture, you can create the illusion of a larger space. Neutral tones, such as beige, gray, and white, are also a good choice for long narrow living rooms. These colors are versatile and can be easily paired with other colors to create a variety of different looks.
- Light colors can make a room feel more spacious.
When light enters a room, it bounces off of the surfaces and back into the room. This is why light-colored rooms feel more spacious than dark-colored rooms. Light colors reflect light, while dark colors absorb light. By using light colors on your walls, ceiling, and furniture, you can create the illusion of a larger space.
- Neutral tones are versatile and can be easily paired with other colors.
Neutral tones, such as beige, gray, and white, are a good choice for long narrow living rooms because they are versatile and can be easily paired with other colors. This makes it easy to change the look of your living room without having to repaint the entire room. For example, you could add pops of color with your curtains, throw pillows, and artwork.
- Light colors can help to brighten a dark room.
If your long narrow living room is dark, using light colors can help to brighten it up. Light colors reflect light, while dark colors absorb light. By using light colors on your walls, ceiling, and furniture, you can help to reflect light around the room and make it feel brighter.
- Light colors can create a more relaxing atmosphere.
Light colors have been shown to have a calming effect on people. This is why light colors are often used in bedrooms and bathrooms. By using light colors in your long narrow living room, you can create a more relaxing and inviting space.
By following these tips, you can use light colors and neutral tones to create a long narrow living room that feels larger, brighter, and more inviting.
Avoid dark colors and busy patterns.
Dark colors and busy patterns can make a long narrow living room feel smaller and more cramped. This is because dark colors absorb light, while busy patterns can create a sense of visual clutter. By avoiding dark colors and busy patterns, you can create a living room that feels more spacious and inviting.
- Dark colors can make a room feel smaller.
When light enters a room, it bounces off of the surfaces and back into the room. This is why light-colored rooms feel more spacious than dark-colored rooms. Dark colors absorb light, while light colors reflect light. By using dark colors on your walls, ceiling, and furniture, you can create the illusion of a smaller space.
- Busy patterns can create a sense of visual clutter.
Busy patterns can make a room feel cluttered and overwhelming. This is especially true in a long narrow living room, where the walls are already close together. By using busy patterns on your walls, curtains, and furniture, you can make the room feel even smaller and more cramped.
- Dark colors and busy patterns can make it difficult to focus.
If you have a long narrow living room that you use for reading or working, it is important to avoid using dark colors and busy patterns. These colors and patterns can make it difficult to focus and concentrate. Instead, choose light colors and neutral tones that will create a more calming and inviting atmosphere.
- Dark colors and busy patterns can date a room.
Dark colors and busy patterns can quickly date a room. This is because they are often associated with older, more traditional styles of dcor. If you want to create a living room that has a more modern and updated look, avoid using dark colors and busy patterns.
By following these tips, you can avoid using dark colors and busy patterns in your long narrow living room. This will help to create a living room that feels more spacious, inviting, and stylish.
Create a focal point.
A focal point is an object or area of interest that draws the eye and becomes the center of attention in a room. In a long narrow living room, it is important to create a focal point to help ground the space and make it feel more balanced. This could be a fireplace, a large piece of art, or even a stunning view out a window.
- Choose a focal point that is proportional to the size of your room.
If you have a small living room, avoid choosing a focal point that is too large. This will only make the room feel more cramped and cluttered. Instead, choose a focal point that is scaled to the size of your room. For example, if you have a small living room, you could use a small fireplace or a piece of art that is no larger than 3 feet wide.
- Place your focal point in a strategic location.
The best place to position your focal point is opposite the entrance to the room. This will ensure that it is the first thing that people see when they enter the room. You could also place your focal point in the center of a long wall. This will help to draw the eye down the length of the room and make it feel wider.
- Use lighting to highlight your focal point.
Lighting is a great way to highlight your focal point and make it stand out from the rest of the room. You could use a spotlight to shine a light on a piece of art or a chandelier to create a dramatic effect. You could also use sconces or table lamps to create a more subtle lighting effect.
- Accessorize around your focal point.
Once you have chosen and placed your focal point, you can accessorize around it to create a cohesive look. For example, if you have a fireplace, you could add a mantel and some candles. If you have a piece of art, you could add a few throw pillows or a rug that features the same colors.
By following these tips, you can create a focal point in your long narrow living room that will help to ground the space and make it feel more balanced and inviting.
Hang curtains high and wide.
Hanging curtains high and wide is a great way to make a long narrow living room feel taller and more spacious. By hanging curtains close to the ceiling and extending them all the way to the floor, you can create the illusion of a larger window and make the room feel more open and airy.
- Hang curtains close to the ceiling.
The higher you hang your curtains, the taller your windows will appear. This is especially important in a long narrow living room, where you want to create the illusion of a larger space. To hang your curtains close to the ceiling, use curtain rods that are mounted as high as possible. You can also use floor-to-ceiling curtains, which will eliminate the need for curtain rods altogether.
- Extend your curtains all the way to the floor.
Hanging your curtains all the way to the floor will help to create a more seamless look and make your windows appear larger. This is especially important in a long narrow living room, where you want to draw the eye up and down the length of the room. To hang your curtains all the way to the floor, measure the height of your window from the ceiling to the floor. Then, add 6 to 8 inches to the length of your curtains so that they will puddle on the floor.
- Choose light-colored and sheer curtains.
Light-colored and sheer curtains will help to reflect light and make your living room feel brighter and more spacious. This is especially important in a long narrow living room, where you want to avoid using dark colors and heavy fabrics that can make the room feel smaller and more cramped. Light-colored and sheer curtains will also help to filter sunlight and protect your furniture from fading.
- Use patterned curtains to add interest.
If you want to add some interest to your living room, you can choose patterned curtains. However, be careful not to choose curtains with a pattern that is too busy or overwhelming. This could make your living room feel smaller and more cluttered. Instead, choose curtains with a simple pattern that will complement the other elements in your room.
By following these tips, you can hang curtains high and wide in your long narrow living room to make it feel taller, more spacious, and more inviting.
Use mirrors to reflect light.
Mirrors are a great way to reflect light and make a space feel larger and brighter. This is especially true in a long narrow living room, where you want to avoid using dark colors and heavy fabrics that can make the room feel smaller and more cramped. By placing mirrors strategically throughout your living room, you can create the illusion of a larger space and make it feel more open and airy.
- Place mirrors opposite windows.
One of the best ways to use mirrors to reflect light is to place them opposite windows. This will allow the mirrors to reflect the natural light from the windows and distribute it throughout the room. This is especially effective in a long narrow living room, where you want to draw the eye down the length of the room and make it feel wider.
- Use mirrors to create a focal point.
Another great way to use mirrors in a long narrow living room is to use them to create a focal point. For example, you could place a large mirror above your fireplace or behind your sofa. This will help to draw the eye to the mirror and make it the center of attention in the room. This is a great way to create a more balanced and inviting space.
- Use mirrors to reflect interesting objects.
Mirrors can also be used to reflect interesting objects in your living room. For example, you could place a mirror opposite a piece of art or a vase of flowers. This will help to create a more visually appealing space and make your living room more inviting.
- Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space.
Mirrors can also be used to create the illusion of more space in a long narrow living room. For example, you could place a mirror on a wall that is perpendicular to the length of the room. This will help to reflect the light from the windows and make the room feel wider. You could also use mirrors to create the illusion of a longer room by placing them on opposite walls.
By following these tips, you can use mirrors to reflect light and make your long narrow living room feel larger, brighter, and more inviting.
Add rugs to define spaces.
Rugs are a great way to define different areas of a long narrow living room and make it feel more structured and organized. For example, you could use a rug to define the seating area, the dining area, and the reading area. This will help to create a more cohesive and inviting space.
- Choose rugs that are the right size for your space.
When choosing rugs for your long narrow living room, it is important to choose rugs that are the right size for your space. A rug that is too small will get lost in the room and will not have the desired effect. A rug that is too large will make the room feel cluttered and cramped. To choose the right size rug, measure the area where you want to place the rug. Then, add 1 to 2 feet to the length and width of the area. This will ensure that the rug is large enough to define the space without overwhelming it.
- Choose rugs that complement your furniture and dcor.
When choosing rugs for your long narrow living room, it is also important to choose rugs that complement your furniture and dcor. The rugs should be in the same style as your furniture and should use colors that are found in your dcor. This will help to create a cohesive and inviting space.
- Use rugs to define different areas of your living room.
As mentioned above, rugs can be used to define different areas of a long narrow living room. For example, you could use a rug to define the seating area, the dining area, and the reading area. This will help to create a more structured and organized space. To use rugs to define different areas of your living room, simply place a rug in each area. You can also use different types of rugs to create different looks. For example, you could use a plush rug in the seating area and a more durable rug in the dining area.
- Use rugs to add warmth and texture to your living room.
Rugs can also be used to add warmth and texture to a long narrow living room. This is especially important if you have hardwood floors or tile floors. A rug can help to soften the look of the floor and make the room feel more inviting. To add warmth and texture to your living room with rugs, choose rugs that are made from natural materials, such as wool or cotton. You can also choose rugs that have a textured pattern.
By following these tips, you can use rugs to add warmth and texture to your long narrow living room and make it feel more inviting and stylish.
Use plants to add life and color.
Plants are a great way to add life and color to a long narrow living room. They can help to create a more inviting and relaxing space, and they can also help to improve air quality. When choosing plants for your living room, it is important to consider the amount of light that the room receives, as well as the size of the room. You should also choose plants that are easy to care for, as you may not have a lot of time to spend on maintenance.
If you have a long narrow living room that receives a lot of light, you can choose from a wide variety of plants. Some popular choices include:
- Snake plant
- ZZ plant
- Pothos
- Spider plant
- Peace lily
If you have a long narrow living room that does not receive a lot of light, you can choose from a more limited variety of plants. Some popular choices include:
- Cast iron plant
- Aspidistra
- Philodendron
- Chinese evergreen
- Dracaena
No matter what type of plants you choose, be sure to place them in a location where they will receive the right amount of light. You should also water them regularly and fertilize them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In addition to adding life and color to your living room, plants can also help to improve air quality. Studies have shown that plants can help to remove toxins from the air, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Plants can also help to increase humidity levels, which can help to improve respiratory health.
By following these tips, you can use plants to add life, color, and improved air quality to your long narrow living room.
Accessorize wisely.
Accessories can help to add personality and style to your long narrow living room. However, it is important to accessorize wisely. Too many accessories can make the room feel cluttered and overwhelming. Instead, choose a few well-chosen accessories that will complement the overall style of your room.
- Choose accessories that are proportional to the size of your room.
When choosing accessories for your long narrow living room, it is important to choose accessories that are proportional to the size of your room. For example, if you have a small living room, avoid choosing large, bulky accessories. This will only make the room feel more cramped and cluttered. Instead, choose smaller, more delicate accessories that will add a touch of personality without overwhelming the space.
- Choose accessories that reflect your personal style.
Your accessories should reflect your personal style and taste. This could include anything from a collection of travel souvenirs to a few pieces of antique furniture. When choosing accessories, think about what you love and what makes you feel comfortable. This will help you to create a living room that is truly unique and personal.
- Use accessories to add color and texture.
Accessories can be a great way to add color and texture to your long narrow living room. For example, you could add a few colorful throw pillows to your sofa or a textured rug to the floor. You could also hang a piece of art on the wall or place a vase of flowers on a table. By adding a few well-chosen accessories, you can create a living room that is both stylish and inviting.
- Use accessories to create a focal point.
Accessories can also be used to create a focal point in your long narrow living room. For example, you could place a large piece of art on a wall opposite the entrance to the room. You could also hang a chandelier over the dining table or place a vase of flowers on a coffee table. By creating a focal point, you can help to draw the eye to a specific area of the room and make it the center of attention.
By following these tips, you can accessorize wisely and create a long narrow living room that is both stylish and inviting.
