Small living room ideas – maximise a tiny space with these genius design tips
‘Creating a clear focal point to draw you in is essential for rooms of any size but in a small one, try to scale it back. Pick just one wall to be the real show stopper, whether that’s with wallpaper or a gallery wall.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DNICC9iYfEsAdF.ViVA3Og–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/019e19c961307abf4655ef511273f012 class=caas-img data-headline=”Focus on one feature wall”> Kelly Collins from Swyft Home recommends furniture that’s raised off of the ground. ‘Selecting a sofa or armchair that sits on raised legs will help to bring a sense of light and space and make even the smallest living rooms feel airy,’ she says. When more of the floor is visible, the room appears bigger.
This trick lends itself well to any living room, as many of the best sofas and armchairs are finished with beautiful turned wooden legs. Lots of beautiful mid-century pieces are raised on legs, from sideboards and cabinets to sofas, keeping the floor on show.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/G4ouXio6I_Uujukjg3l88A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/d0ab871e8908dea22e6d5f8adfa01493 class=caas-img data-headline=”Choose furniture with legs”> Centre your lounge space with gallery wall ideas above the sofa. Frame photos, prints, wallpaper samples and pressed flowers to create something that brings personality. The visual interest created by a cluster of prints will distract from the fact the room is small and anchors the space. ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/njKahCWAs_WDTg6aTVvKUQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/74d23b49b952ffc648f4051aac4618d4 class=caas-img data-headline=”Create a focal point with a gallery wall”>
Elements of the room with large surface area, like the walls and floors, have a huge impact on how a small space feels. Consider flooring options that will expand the space.
‘Use wide flooring planks or those laid on a diagonal tangent across the room,’ advises interior designer Vanessa Morgan. Chunky floorboards will work better than slim ones, and a Berber rug with a diamond pattern will also create the impression of a broader area.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u.yTpeCz2Qx7aANt_Y6YXQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/50124a10906ccba6821eba165db3bc4b class=caas-img data-headline=”Enlarge with wide flooring”> Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen explains a simple bit of science around corners, and how to make a room feel larger by drawing the eye away from its edges. ‘Our minds become confused in a room, if our eyes can’t see corners,’ he begins.
‘If our eyes can see corners then our mind knows exactly what size the room is, but if you can find ways of disguising corners, hiding corners, drawing the attention of the eye to the middle of the wall rather than the edge of the wall, that will always help significantly.’ He suggests placing a tall plant or even having a table lamp in the corner of a room to distract the eye from the perimeter.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Nqf4WmZRk5uMkI6jWukeSQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/123ae45d519269654f20e20a9673eb2e class=caas-img data-headline=”Hide corners to enhance the sense of space”> A gallery wall will always be a popular way to decorate the wall behind a sofa and display favourite artwork and photos. But in a tight space, one large piece of artwork could stop the space from feeling cluttered and busy. Here, a large abstract print with tones of mustard and pink tie in with the sofa, while the rest of the space is kept bright and minimalist. ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xznyf7NXypNU9VCjQrvrfg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/787f1091515a21983d4bf4fa25647989 class=caas-img data-headline=”Go oversized with artwork”>
Pink living room ideas are perfect for a small living room as an alternative to neutral living room ideas, the trick is to keep the shade light and powdery. ‘Lighter neutral colours will help reflect light around a small room, or a lovely soft alternative to a neutral is pink,’ says Lick’s Tash.
‘Lick’s Pink 01 and Pink 04 are great for small spaces as they make the room feel warm and welcoming, but also help to reflect the light.’ Pair the pink with a vibrant colourful sofa to add character and interest to the space.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GP2A2SmUoRLqebL90YOqMA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/58f0e95f76c3c63e1f9e6476ac74cf76 class=caas-img data-headline=”Pick pink”> ‘Try to maximise the use of natural light with floaty window dressing and a statement/group of mirrors,’ suggests Paula Taylor from Graham & Brown. Keep window treatments sheer and light rather than having anything too heavy, and it’ll make the area around the window feel more spacious. ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Bh4o8wlVz56sln.UxHtdDg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/291f1b70a11cd574ed86b41a74e64fcc class=caas-img data-headline=”Hang easy breezy curtains”>
When decking out your small living room, look for furniture with curved edges to offset all the harsh angles, from the doorframe to the windows. An oval midcentury coffee table in warm wood softens the look in this small, cosy living room, and the glass top prevents it from feeling bulky.
Circular cushions work well too, and we can personally recommend this circular jute rug from La Redoute, available in a range of sizes (go as big as possible). Curvy furniture, soft furnishings and even the cute rounded leaves of a money plant will make a small living room feel inviting.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_qu1pyQQJ9c7WLbvJ_y7_Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/4a8a9c52e9c0630716d1a17ee73928ce class=caas-img data-headline=”Soften with curved edges”> Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill says multifunctionality is the number one rule to making the best of a small living room. ‘Go all in with multi-functional furniture,’ she says. A storage ottoman, at Wayfair is a great idea as it can triple up as a coffee table, footstool, and storage box.
‘It’s an aesthetic statement piece of furniture which is also storage savvy,’ Nadia adds. Just add a tray and some coffee table books when using as a table.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RRHRQjuIx_.uEZkkam0A7g–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/bf052190ce207b3810e36c575026e961 class=caas-img data-headline=”Prioritise multifunctional designs”> Ideal Home Editor Heather Young has just painted her living room in Railings by Farrow & Ball, and if you’re toying with the idea of a dark makeover, Lucy St George from Rockett St George says go for it. ‘It’s no secret that we’re big fans of a dark and dramatic living room scheme at Rockett St George and it’s a common misconception that black will make your room feel smaller,’ she begins.
‘In fact, it has the opposite effect. Painting the walls and ceilings of your living room in black leans into the cosy feel and helps creates an illusion similar to looking up at the night sky.’ Plenty of candles, table lamps and soft throws and you’re all set for optimal cosiness.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pvqGjgy0ODCwWuEy4KLSEA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/3a556ea578fbb63050d3bb83b69cdd88 class=caas-img data-headline=”Go dark”> Whilst living room storage ideas are still very much needed, regardless of the size of your space, try to make the most of ceiling height and avoid using too much floor space.
‘More and more customers have embraced ladder-style shelving to store and display, from paperwork and keys to houseplants and prized possessions,’ says Kate Gibson, Home Buying Manager, Habitat. ‘A versatile storage solution, this style provides valuable shelf space with a minimal footprint.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/av6WpG7c89typqkB1c8e8w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/c44c39449dc5f5d61eccd07550ce34af class=caas-img data-headline=”Choose storage furniture with a small footprint”> Like we mentioned earlier, neutral tones will help a tiny living room to feel larger. Light-coloured carpets, walls and furniture are a great way to keep a space feeling bright and airy, whatever the size of the room.
We love the little extra touches in this charming living room – the wall-mounted shelving unit provides the perfect space for personal mementoes and accessories. If you prefer a modern small living room idea like this one, then simplicity is key.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IvvV1C8eH.69sumk.SOx6A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/49f2c8dcc929a4b13bc002a8a295a990 class=caas-img data-headline=”Break up a neutral palette with boho patterns”> It’s the oldest trick in the book, but it really does work. You can instantly create the illusion of space by simply adding more living room mirror ideas. All the better still, like above, opt for an oversized mirror to cover an entire wall. The mirror will create the illusion of space by reflecting light and of course the interior decor – doubling up your small living room ideas.
‘We always recommend going for the largest mirror you can afford to make the most of the reflection and bounce as much light back into the room as possible. Alternatively, create a feature on the wall of your living room with a mix of vintage, foxed or antiqued mirrors for a unique take on the classic gallery wall,’ says Jane Rockett, Co-founder of Rockett St George.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5qFffoIw9Ce4Q_JKvXdFFw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/bc7a441d541f9a61549988cc20aec091 class=caas-img data-headline=”Create space using mirrors”> The modern interpretation of open-plan living, broken plan layouts are perfect for small living room ideas. This contemporary look is well-suited to modern living room ideas. You’ll have all the benefits of the sense of space that you get from open-plan. However, what broken plan also does if offer more of a visual separation between your zones without having to block them off with doors.
If a simple wall jutting out doesn’t separate the spaces enough, look to glass doors, instead.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1v3y1DNsRtNvO14QzJ4uJA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/84097f03cca3521bfee73fb11e57813b class=caas-img data-headline=”Choose a broken plan layout”> Living room feature wall ideas do much more than just add pretty decoration. Trick the eye into your room appearing taller by carefully considered painting. Coat the bottom half of the wall in your favourite bright shade, which will draw attention.
Then paint the top half and the ceiling in a more neutral colour so it seems to disappear by comparison, and blurs the lines of where the walls end and the ceiling begins.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xjnWB7piCxcc0pxbLrjhyg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/b6503eaf415c6d547b0b807c3dff9f32 class=caas-img data-headline=”Use paint to trick the eye”> Forget all those 70s connotations of serving hatches. Instead, think of how this addition could bring light and space to your small living room ideas.
A simple rectangle cut in between your living room and kitchen will make both your rooms feel larger without having to commit to an open-plan living room layout. Plus, you can still use the space for its intended purpose, except leave the pineapple hedgehogs behind.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fYGyx9yrvaAXSLqSLKbmmw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/f350c7da6f716aa3c3e0ce9684036a97 class=caas-img data-headline=”Open up with a serving hatch”> There’s nothing like natural light to make a space feel bigger. Amp up the sense of space in your lounge by giving your back wall totally over to floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows. If you have a lush garden beyond, this will only enhance the sense of light and space. ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XHhI56bYxiAi3ZMJkDQzRQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/e6cbfbaa21da4196f79c5a889db32233 class=caas-img data-headline=”Boost light with floor to ceiling windows”>
While this might seem a dramatic move, you can increase the sense of space by opening up the wall behind the sofa, revealing the light-filled hallway ideas behind.
This is a clever idea if your front room feels dark and crammed, and won’t impact too much on the structure of your rooms, as you’ll only be opening up part of the wall. Always seek professional advice before grabbing a sledge hammer but keep in mind a ‘hole in the wall’ could be the answer to your small space issue.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/y4DxsE7bR8tKUQAZiZyofg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/66398d3ff0b5229bae06be77584ee4e5 class=caas-img data-headline=”Open up to the hallway”> ‘A neutral sofa can help lighten the space, however it’s worth remembering that neutral doesn’t have to mean selecting a plain design,’ says Suzy McMahon, Buying Director, Sofology. ‘Opting for styles with beautiful details, such as curves, buttons or fluting, will add character to a small space without overpowering your scheme.’ Bear this in mind when looking for sofa ideas for small living rooms.
‘Additionally, cushions and throws in bolder shades and patterns can keep the look from feeling too pared back. Alternatively, an accent chair is a great way to add a pop of colour and will effortlessly lift a darker space.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FEEGHZMDGPw4o6WlaRk2Mg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/9d31dfedc1f1c7568d313928d8368771 class=caas-img data-headline=”Choose a neutral sofa”> When working with small living room ideas, try and keep your colours cohesive, when it comes to furniture, accessories and wall colour too. ‘A cohesive colour palette boosts light creating a tranquil, snug oasis,’ says Nadia from Wayfair.
Sticking to two or three key colours will mean everything seamlessly sits together and nothing will jump out too much, making it dominate the room. Use living room paint ideas to zone spaces within the room and add plenty of plants to bring a feeling of life to the room.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SFiAKOOuxaRaTmpvOVgnIw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/2632d89dc5e3949fb0fa827315d41254 class=caas-img data-headline=”Keep it cohesive”> If you need a lot of storage space in your living room, why not opt for built in everything!
Built in shelving and cupboards are much better space savers than freestanding. But a built in seating area too, will mean no space is wasted at all, especially if you add under-bench storage too. Choosing a coffee table with an open, wire base will also make the space feel roomier.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bmnt0Y5Wp9iYOWARMc4OXw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/ce7a0dcd413b67428c9f9f514a17b1fc class=caas-img data-headline=”Opt for built in everything”> In small spaces, it’s all about saving precious floor space so the room doesn’t seem too cluttered. Bear this in mind when choosing your perfect living room lighting ideas.
‘Opt for wall mounted lighting with a sleek profile to regain valuable floor space that would be lost to floor lamps or lamp topped side tables,’ advises Anna Cross, Home Living Buying Manager, Habitat. ‘We’ve seen high demand for plugin designs, as customers seek to create a cosy glow without the hassle of rewiring.”
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.Vomqiqnr4_DfIAs2acDlg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/ideal_home_591/b37b80ff3087e04ac059fab7ffbbb1da class=caas-img data-headline=”Save space with wall lights”>.
‘Opt for wall mounted lighting with a sleek profile to regain valuable floor space that would be lost to floor lamps or lamp topped side tables,’ advises Anna Cross, Home Living Buying Manager, Habitat. ‘We’ve seen high demand for plugin designs, as customers seek to create a cosy glow without the hassle of rewiring.”
