Small living room decorating is the art of creating a comfortable and stylish living space within a limited amount of square footage. It involves making the most of available space, choosing the right furniture and dcor, and creating a cohesive design scheme. An example of small living room decorating can be seen in the home of New York City resident Sarah Jones, who transformed her tiny living room into a cozy and inviting space with a few simple changes.
If you’re living in a small space, you know that every inch counts. When it comes to decorating, it’s important to choose pieces that are both stylish and functional. Oversized furniture can make a small room feel even smaller, so look for pieces that are compact and streamlined. A good way to save space is to choose furniture that can serve multiple purposes, such as a sofa bed or a coffee table with built-in storage.
In addition to choosing the right furniture, you also need to consider the colors and patterns you use in your living room. Light colors and simple patterns can make a small room feel larger and brighter, while dark colors and busy patterns can make it feel smaller and more cluttered.
Maximize space, create harmony, and add style to your small living room with these essential tips:
- Choose multifunctional furniture.
- Prioritize light colors and patterns.
- Use mirrors to create illusion of space.
- Hang curtains high and wide.
- Keep dcor simple and uncluttered.
- Add vertical elements for height.
- Choose rugs that define spaces.
- Incorporate storage solutions.
- Use lighting to create ambiance.
By following these tips, you can create a small living room that is both stylish and functional.
Choose multifunctional furniture.
Multifunctional furniture is a great way to save space and add functionality to your living room. Look for pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as a sofa bed, a coffee table with built-in storage, or an ottoman with a hidden storage compartment.
Sofa beds are a great option for small living rooms because they provide both seating and sleeping space. When you have guests over, you can simply pull out the bed to create a comfortable sleeping area. Coffee tables with built-in storage are another great way to save space. You can use the storage space to store blankets, pillows, games, or other items that you don’t use on a regular basis.
Ottomans with hidden storage compartments are also a great option for small living rooms. You can use the storage space to store books, magazines, or other items that you want to keep out of sight. Multifunctional furniture can help you to make the most of your space and create a more comfortable and stylish living room.
Here are some additional tips for choosing multifunctional furniture:
- Look for pieces that are well-made and durable. You want furniture that will last for years to come.
- Choose pieces that are the right size for your space. You don’t want furniture that is too big or too small.
- Consider the style of your furniture. You want pieces that match the overall style of your living room.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles of furniture. This can create a more eclectic and interesting look.
By following these tips, you can choose multifunctional furniture that will help you to make the most of your space and create a more comfortable and stylish living room.
Prioritize light colors and patterns.
When decorating a small living room, it is important to prioritize light colors and patterns. This will help to make the room feel larger and brighter. Dark colors and busy patterns can make a small room feel even smaller and more cluttered.
Benefits of using light colors and patterns in a small living room:
- Make the room feel larger: Light colors reflect light, which makes a room feel larger and more spacious. Dark colors absorb light, which can make a room feel smaller and more cramped.
- Create a brighter atmosphere: Light colors reflect light, which makes a room feel brighter and more inviting. Dark colors absorb light, which can make a room feel darker and more gloomy.
- Make it easier to mix and match furniture and dcor: Light colors and patterns are more versatile than dark colors and patterns. This makes it easier to mix and match different pieces of furniture and dcor to create a cohesive look.
Tips for using light colors and patterns in a small living room:
- Paint the walls a light color: This is the easiest way to make a small living room feel larger and brighter. Choose a light neutral color, such as white, cream, or beige. You can also use a light-colored paint with a subtle pattern, such as a light gray with a whitewash finish.
- Use light-colored furniture and dcor: When choosing furniture and dcor for your small living room, opt for pieces in light colors. This will help to create a cohesive look and make the room feel larger and brighter. You can also add pops of color with pillows, throws, and other accessories.
- Use mirrors to reflect light: Mirrors can help to reflect light and make a small room feel larger. Hang mirrors opposite windows or in areas where they will reflect natural light. You can also use mirrors to create a focal point or to add depth to a room.
By following these tips, you can use light colors and patterns to make your small living room feel larger, brighter, and more inviting.
Use mirrors to create illusion of space.
Mirrors are a great way to create the illusion of space in a small living room. They reflect light and make a room feel larger and brighter. You can hang mirrors on walls, place them on furniture, or even use them as room dividers.
- Hang mirrors opposite windows: This is a great way to reflect natural light and make a room feel larger. Hang a large mirror opposite a window to create a focal point and make the room feel more open.
- Place mirrors on furniture: You can also place mirrors on furniture to create the illusion of space. For example, you could place a mirror on a console table or a coffee table. This will help to reflect light and make the room feel larger.
- Use mirrors as room dividers: Mirrors can also be used as room dividers. This is a great way to create a separate space for a home office or a dining area. When using mirrors as room dividers, be sure to choose mirrors that are large enough to make a statement.
- Use mirrors with frames that match your dcor: The frame of a mirror can also affect the overall look of a room. Choose a mirror with a frame that matches the style of your dcor. For example, if you have a modern living room, you could choose a mirror with a sleek metal frame. If you have a traditional living room, you could choose a mirror with a more ornate wooden frame.
By following these tips, you can use mirrors to create the illusion of space in your small living room. Mirrors are a great way to make a room feel larger, brighter, and more inviting.
Hang curtains high and wide.
Hanging curtains high and wide is a great way to make your small living room feel larger and more spacious. When curtains are hung high, they draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height. When curtains are hung wide, they cover more of the wall and create the illusion of width.
Benefits of hanging curtains high and wide in a small living room:
- Make the room feel larger: Hanging curtains high and wide can make a small living room feel larger and more spacious. This is because curtains that are hung high draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height. Curtains that are hung wide cover more of the wall and create the illusion of width.
- Create a more cohesive look: Hanging curtains high and wide can help to create a more cohesive look in a small living room. This is because curtains that are hung high and wide help to frame the windows and create a focal point. They can also help to balance the proportions of a room and make it feel more harmonious.
- Add privacy and light control: Curtains can also provide privacy and light control. This is especially important in a small living room, where you may not have a lot of space for other window treatments. Curtains can be opened or closed to adjust the amount of light that enters the room.
Tips for hanging curtains high and wide in a small living room:
- Hang the curtains as high as possible: The higher you hang the curtains, the taller the room will appear. If possible, hang the curtains from the ceiling. If you can’t hang the curtains from the ceiling, hang them as close to the ceiling as possible.
- Hang the curtains as wide as possible: The wider you hang the curtains, the wider the room will appear. Hang the curtains so that they cover the entire window, and extend them at least a few inches beyond the window frame on each side.
- Choose light-colored curtains: Light-colored curtains will reflect light and make the room feel larger. Avoid using dark-colored curtains, as they will absorb light and make the room feel smaller.
- Choose curtains with a simple pattern: Curtains with a simple pattern will help to create a cohesive look in the room. Avoid using curtains with a busy pattern, as they can make the room feel cluttered and smaller.
By following these tips, you can hang curtains high and wide to make your small living room feel larger, more spacious, and more inviting.
Keep dcor simple and uncluttered.
In a small living room, it is important to keep dcor simple and uncluttered. This will help to make the room feel larger and more spacious. There are a few ways to achieve this:
Choose a few key pieces of furniture and artwork: When decorating a small living room, it is important to choose a few key pieces of furniture and artwork that you love. Avoid overcrowding the room with too many pieces of furniture or decorations. This will make the room feel cluttered and smaller. Instead, choose a few pieces that are well-made and that reflect your personal style.
Use neutral colors and patterns: Neutral colors and patterns can help to create a sense of calm and spaciousness in a small living room. Avoid using too many bright colors or busy patterns, as this can make the room feel cluttered and smaller. Instead, opt for neutral colors, such as white, cream, beige, and gray. You can also use patterns sparingly, such as a geometric pattern on a rug or a floral pattern on a throw pillow.
Keep surfaces clear: One of the best ways to keep a small living room feeling spacious is to keep surfaces clear. This means clearing away clutter, such as stacks of papers, magazines, and books. It also means keeping your furniture free of clutter. When you have too much stuff on your surfaces, it can make the room feel cluttered and smaller. Instead, try to keep your surfaces clear and organized.
Use storage solutions: If you have a lot of stuff, it is important to use storage solutions to keep it organized and out of sight. This can include baskets, bins, shelves, and cabinets. You can also use furniture with built-in storage, such as a coffee table with drawers or a sofa with storage underneath. By using storage solutions, you can keep your small living room feeling neat and tidy.
By following these tips, you can keep your small living room dcor simple and uncluttered. This will help to make the room feel larger, more spacious, and more inviting.
Add vertical elements for height.
In a small living room, it is important to create the illusion of height to make the room feel larger. One way to do this is to add vertical elements to the room.
- Tall curtains: Hanging tall curtains from floor to ceiling can help to create the illusion of height in a small living room. Choose curtains in a light color and a simple pattern to make the room feel larger and brighter.
- Tall plants: Placing tall plants in a small living room can also help to create the illusion of height. Choose plants that are easy to care for and that will thrive in the amount of light that your living room receives.
- Vertical artwork: Hanging vertical artwork on the walls can also help to create the illusion of height in a small living room. Choose artwork that is tall and narrow, and hang it vertically on the wall. You can also create a gallery wall with a variety of vertical artwork.
- Tall bookcases: If you have a lot of books, you can use tall bookcases to create a vertical element in your living room. Choose bookcases that are tall and narrow, and place them against a wall. You can also use bookcases to divide a room into different areas.
By adding vertical elements to your small living room, you can create the illusion of height and make the room feel larger and more spacious.
Choose rugs that define spaces.
In a small living room, it is important to use rugs to define different spaces and create a sense of order. A well-placed rug can help to anchor a seating area, create a cozy reading nook, or define a separate dining area. When choosing a rug for a small living room, it is important to consider the size, shape, and color of the rug. You also want to choose a rug that is durable and easy to clean.
Size: The size of the rug is important because you want it to be large enough to anchor the furniture in the space, but not so large that it overwhelms the room. A good rule of thumb is to choose a rug that is at least 8 feet by 10 feet. If you have a very small living room, you may want to choose a smaller rug, such as a 6 feet by 9 feet rug.
Shape: The shape of the rug is also important. A rectangular rug is a classic choice, but you can also use a round or oval rug to create a more unique look. If you have a square or rectangular living room, a rectangular rug will be the best choice. If you have a more irregularly shaped living room, you may want to choose a round or oval rug.
Color: The color of the rug is also important. A light-colored rug will help to make the room feel larger and brighter. A dark-colored rug will add warmth and drama to the room. When choosing a color for your rug, consider the colors of your walls, furniture, and other dcor.
By following these tips, you can choose a rug that will help to define spaces and create a more inviting and stylish small living room.
Incorporate storage solutions.
In a small living room, it is important to incorporate storage solutions to keep the room organized and clutter-free. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as using furniture with built-in storage, adding storage baskets and bins, and installing shelves and cabinets.
- Furniture with built-in storage:
When choosing furniture for your small living room, opt for pieces that have built-in storage. This can include a sofa with storage underneath, a coffee table with drawers, or an ottoman with a hidden compartment. Built-in storage is a great way to keep things like blankets, pillows, games, and other items out of sight but easily accessible.
- Storage baskets and bins:
Storage baskets and bins are another great way to add storage to your small living room. These can be used to store a variety of items, such as toys, books, magazines, and DVDs. Storage baskets and bins can be placed on shelves, in cabinets, or under furniture. They can also be used to create a more organized look by grouping similar items together.
- Shelves and cabinets:
If you have the space, adding shelves and cabinets to your small living room is a great way to add storage and display your favorite items. Shelves can be used to store books, DVDs, and other decorative items. Cabinets can be used to store larger items, such as blankets, pillows, and games. When choosing shelves and cabinets for your small living room, be sure to choose pieces that are the right size and style for your space.
- Wall-mounted storage:
If you are really tight on space, consider using wall-mounted storage solutions. This can include floating shelves, wall-mounted baskets, and pegboards. Wall-mounted storage is a great way to add storage without taking up any floor space. It can also be used to create a more dynamic and interesting look in your small living room.
By incorporating storage solutions into your small living room, you can keep the room organized and clutter-free, and create a more stylish and inviting space.
Use lighting to create ambiance.
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a specific ambiance and atmosphere in any room, and a small living room is no exception. By carefully considering the type, placement, and intensity of lighting, you can transform your small living room into a warm and inviting space that reflects your personal style and preferences.
Choose the right type of lighting:
There are three main types of lighting to consider for your small living room: ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides general illumination and sets the overall mood of the room. Task lighting is used for specific activities, such as reading or working. Accent lighting is used to highlight special features or areas of the room.
Position lighting fixtures strategically:
The placement of lighting fixtures is just as important as the type of lighting you choose. Ambient lighting should be placed evenly throughout the room to avoid creating dark corners. Task lighting should be positioned directly over the area where the task will be performed. Accent lighting can be used to highlight artwork, plants, or other decorative items.
Control the intensity of light:
The intensity of light can also be used to create different ambiances. For a cozy and intimate atmosphere, use lower levels of lighting. For a more energetic and lively atmosphere, use higher levels of lighting. Dimmers are a great way to control the intensity of light and create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
By carefully considering the type, placement, and intensity of lighting, you can create a warm and inviting ambiance in your small living room that reflects your personal style and preferences.
