57 small living room ideas for a bigger-looking, chic space
If your living room is on the smaller side, just know that you’re not alone – small living rooms (and rooms in general) are very common in the UK. But also know that it’s an issue that can be handled with some creative and clever small living room ideas.
Of course, having a small living room is annoying as we would all love to have large, bright and airy spaces to work with. But there are positives to having a small living room – for example, it’s easy to create a cosy and cocooning feel and atmosphere in a small living room and it’s the perfect opportunity to get creative with small living room ideas that will enhance the space.
And that’s exactly how we at Ideal Home like to approach these living room ideas for compact spaces – with creativity, clever tricks, an open mind and some help from interior designers and experts.
Small living room ideas
There are a few key pillars of any good small living room design – small living room storage ideas are one of those pillars as the lack of any extra space means that everything in the room needs to work extra hard and has to earn its place there.
Secondly, small living room colour schemes play a key role in the room’s design as the right shades can visually open up the space, while the wrong colours can make it appear even smaller than it actually is. So be careful there.
1. Go for fewer, high-quality pieces
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
As already mentioned, when you’re working with a small living room, everything included in the room has to earn its place there – and that’s especially true when it comes to pieces of furniture because there’s no space to waste.
‘To create an elevated look in a smaller space, try selecting fewer pieces that are high quality and beautiful,’ says Jill O’Doherty, design consultant and assistant manager at Sofas & Stuff’s flagship showroom. ‘Buying items with longevity in mind and the best quality you can afford is a great place to start. Make sure you stay true to your personal style as opposed to gravitating towards trends, so you’ll love what you have for years to come. Leading with the essentials, like a sofa or armchair should be the first step in introducing pieces to a smaller space.’
Lena Gierasinksa, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse, agrees, ‘A frequent mistake is overcrowding the space with too many pieces of furniture, or products that are too bulky for the space. This can instantly make a room feel boxy and cramped. Instead, I always recommend choosing a few key, well-proportioned pieces with clean lines.’
2. Opt for light-wood furniture
(Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young)
Even though dark wood furniture is trending this year and it can look incredibly stylish in most spaces, most experts would recommend to steer clear of dark wood in a small living room, unless it’s through smaller accents.
‘Opt for lighter tones with your furniture, as this instantly makes a room feel bigger and brighter,’ says Monika Puccio, interior expert from Sofa Club. ‘Think warm but light wooden tables, shelves, or side units. This will still create dimension without making the area feel too small.’
3. Measure carefully
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
Whenever you get a new piece of furniture or plan to move a large piece from one room to another, you should always measure first – and measure carefully – so that you know exactly how it’s going to look in its designated spot. But this is especially true when it comes to small spaces like a compact living room where you really can’t afford to mess up on measurements.
‘Measure your furniture carefully before purchasing. In compact rooms, you can’t afford to buy oversized pieces – not only might they not fit, but even if they do, they could dominate the room and make it feel even smaller. A measuring tape is your best friend, so keep it handy. You can also use apps that allow you to visualise furniture to scale within your space. Be sure to make the most of these tools,’ Monika at Sofa Club advises.
4. Don’t go overboard with soft furnishings
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
Just like with furniture, accessories should also be highly curated as adding too many can easily result in a cluttered look – which is not exactly desirable. And while most people already know that, there is one area of the living room where this mistake is made quite frequently – and that’s the sofa, often covered with too many cushions and throws.
‘Avoid going overboard when decorating, particularly when accessorising sofas with cushions and throws,’ says Paulina Wojas, interior designer at Lovesofas. ‘This hinders the room’s appearance and creates the illusion of a smaller space. A sofa overflowing with cushions and throws can appear suffocated and make the entire room seem cluttered. Avoid this mishap by limiting the amount of accessories on the sofa to prevent overflowing.’
5. Do something unexpected
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
Just because you have a small living room doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. On the contrary, the best way to elevate a small space like that and make it look expensive is by adding a surprising and cool element.
‘Always include something unexpected, whether it’s an antique trunk as a coffee table or a tribal textile on the wall – it’s those touches that elevate a room and make it feel unique,’ says Martin Waller, founder of design house Andrew Martin.
6. Opt for floor-length curtains
(Image credit: Future PLC/James Merrell)
Whether you’re looking for ways to make your small living room look expensive or optically bigger than it is, then curtains can be a great tool to consider. Whatever you do, just don’t go for short curtains because they tend to cheapen the look of the room and make it seem smaller.
‘Floor-length curtains can make a small living room look more luxurious and spacious because they draw the eye vertically, creating the illusion of height,’ says Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV. ‘By extending from the ceiling or near-ceiling to the floor, they emphasize the room’s vertical lines, making the walls appear taller. This elongating effect can help balance the proportions of a compact space, giving it a more open, airy feel. Additionally, floor-length curtains provide a sense of sophistication, especially when made from light or sheer fabrics that allow natural light to filter through, enhancing brightness without adding visual bulk.’
7. Get a sofa with slim arms
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
If you have a small living room, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to get a tiny sofa. But it does mean it’s best to avoid overly bulky styles – and that applies to your sofa’s armrests, too. Slim-armed seating designs make for the ideal sofa idea for small living rooms.
‘A sleek, low-profile sofa is perfect for small living rooms,’ says Victoria Foster, interior stylist at ScS. ‘Look for a design with slim arms and legs that create a sense of openness.’
8. Go for light neutrals
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
When it comes to choosing the best small living room colour schemes, experts recommend a palette of light neutrals time and time again as it’s proven to visually brighten the space and as a result, make the room look bigger.
‘In small spaces, I always recommend a palette of light neutrals – soft whites, greys, and beiges are ideal for reflecting light and creating an airy feel,’ Victoria at ScS says.
Debbie at ILIV adds, ‘To add warmth and depth, you may wish to consider incorporating subtle accents in muted earthy shades. The key is to maintain a cohesive, light palette that expands the space visually, while small pops of colour from cushions or throws add personality without overwhelming the room.’
9. Incorporate plenty of texture
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
Texture is one of the most important design elements in any room, even Kelly Hoppen says so. And that’s especially true in a small room like a tiny lounge – not incorporating enough textural variety is a common small living room styling mistake which ends up making the room look flat.
‘Incorporating various textures is important to add depth and interest to your design,’ says Claire Garner, director of Claire Garner Design Studio. ‘Without texture, a colour scheme can feel flat and uninspired, as textures bring tactile richness and dimension to the space. There’s an emerging trend of incorporating more variety in textiles. Bold, vivid velvets, and printed cottons and linens are being used to add depth and personality to the space.’
10. Layer your lighting
(Image credit: Future/Holly Jolliffe)
Having a small living room doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing because it’s easier to create a cosy atmosphere in a smaller space. And cosiness is one of the top requirements we all have for our lounges. So why not lean into the cosy look and feel and further enhance it with the right living room lighting ideas?
‘Soft light works best to create a cosy and warm atmosphere within any room,’ says Caron Grant, brand manager at Bridgman. ‘Opt for lamps to cast a diffused light across your space or, if your existing lights are dimmable, simply turn them to low for an instant infusion of cosiness.’
Claire Garner continues on the current layered lighting trend, ‘Incorporating various lighting options is key to making a small living room look elevated. Don’t shy away from using larger fixtures, as they can create the illusion of a more expansive space and add a touch of sophistication. Floor lamps are an excellent choice when there’s limited space for side tables, providing both style and function. Wall sconces can save floor space while adding a refined touch, and integrated lighting within your joinery can offer subtle, built-in illumination.’
‘Layered lighting is essential for creating a dynamic and inviting atmosphere. Combining ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting can enhance the room’s depth and dimension. This approach not only ensures practical lighting for various activities but also adds layers of warmth and luxury to the space,’ she concludes.
11. Opt for a multifunctional sofa bed
(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Mardon)
If you have a small living room but also have overnight guests staying over every now and then, we recommend switching out your sofa for one of the best sofa beds. When dealing with a limited space, every piece needs to earn its place there and work twice as hard to stay. Anything that doesn’t need to be there should be on its way out.
‘Multifunctional pieces like sofa beds are great for adding both seating and practicality without taking up too much space,’ Victoria at ScS says.
Stephany at Zinus adds, ‘Consider opting for multi-purposeful furniture that can accommodate different activities and tasks at any point of the day. A sofa bed is a great choice for those who want to create an extra living space or snug, while also providing the flexibility to accommodate any overnight guests.’
12. Install light-coloured flooring
(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Mardon)
Just like opting for lighter shades on the walls will make your small living room appear larger, light-coloured living room flooring ideas will have the same effect, whether it’s carpet, a rug or a parquet floor.
‘Softer patterns and colours are great for making a room feel larger whilst complementing various design schemes,’ says Kirsty Barton, brand storytelling manager at Alternative Flooring. ‘Choosing light, airy carpet shades that suit most colour palettes is also a smart choice, especially if other elements are the main focus.’
Ian Tomlinson, managing director of Chaunceys Timber Flooring, continues, ‘Flooring can significantly impact the perception of space in a living room. I recommend opting for light-coloured wood flooring to make spaces appear brighter and more open, which is especially beneficial in rooms with limited natural light. Consider a light oil finish on oak or ash to add a subtle tint that reflects more light whilst enhancing the wood’s natural grain.’
13. Don’t push furniture against the wall
(Image credit: Future PLC/Darren Chung)
We know it’s tempting to automatically push all the furniture against the wall, thinking that will create more space. But in fact, it’s likely to have the opposite effect of making the space look cramped.
‘Avoid the obvious solution of pushing everything back against the walls, instead allow space around key pieces of furniture,’ says Kate Palmer, creative director at The Painted Furniture Company. ‘This will allow the eye to see more floor space, making your room seem bigger.’
14. Avoid cluttering the room
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
As we already said, clutter makes small spaces look even smaller than they already are so regularly decluttering the living room is of the utmost importance. But while you probably don’t think of your decor pieces as clutter, if you gather too many decorative pieces in one tiny room they can overwhelm the space and appear as such. Too many scatter cushions included.
‘Don’t over cushion the upholstered goods, for example look for a sofa and armchairs with fixed backs and just add a couple of scatter pillows,’ says interior designer Benji Lewis.
Kelly Collins, interior designer and head of creative at Swyft, continues, ‘The first thing to do is decide what you actually need in the room. Many people have numerous pieces in their living rooms that they could store elsewhere. If the room is small, keep only what you think you will need. Keep it simple and avoid overcrowding.’
But according to Kelly, this includes even such living room feature wall ideas as gallery walls. ‘Avoid gallery walls, as they can make a room feel enclosed and busy. Opt instead for large pieces of artwork positioned higher on the walls to draw attention upward.’
15. Go for pastel shades
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
When choosing your small living room colour scheme, it’s important to establish what kind of look and feel you’re going for – is it cosy and cocooning or bright and airy that will make the room look bigger? If it’s the latter, pastel shades are the best to incorporate to achieve that look.
‘Lighter colours such as pastels help to give the illusion of a larger, brighter space. Darker colours do the opposite,’ says Jimmy Englezos, senior brand manager from Ronseal.
Kelly at Swyft agrees, ‘If you want to make a small living room feel bigger, stick with lighter colours. Pastel colours, like light washed-out blues, are really good as they help reflect light. Sage green can also make a room feel light and airy.’
16. Consider a storage sofa
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
The best sofas are getting more advanced and space-saving savvy every year. Currently the best new style for small sofa living room ideas are storage sofas.
‘Storage sofas discreetly offer extra storage space in modular formats or footstools,’ says Patricia Gibbons, head of design at Sofa.com. ‘Such innovative solutions cater to the growing demand for stylish yet functional furniture in compact living environments.’
Habitat Reagan Storage Chaise Sofa Bed
With 370 five-star reviews from existing customers to date, this is the most popular Habitat storage sofa which also doubles as the best sofa bed when you have guests over.
Dunelm Harlow Storage Double Sofa Bed
Not only that this storage sofa design sports a sleek, Scandi look, it’s also incredibly affordable given its £399 price point. And customers can’t stop singing its praises in the review section.
DUSK Sloane Storage Chaise Sofa
DUSK’s Sloane chaise sofa is not only an affordable living room sofa idea, especially for its size, but it’s also a sleek, stylish looking sofa that also provides hidden storage under the seats.
17. Go for a straight-back sofa
(Image credit: John Lewis)
If you’re looking for sofa ideas for small living rooms, try sourcing one with slim proportions and a small footprint, and ideally one with a straight back.
‘This means that no space is wasted from being unable to sit something flush against the wall,’ says Gisela Lancaster, head of buying at Sofology.
18. Embrace vertical stripes
(Image credit: Lust Home)
Deck chair stripes and ticking stripes are big news at the moment and they work a treat if you’re looking for a small living room wallpaper idea.
‘If you’re looking to make a room feel more spacious and airer, opt for lighter coloured designs that reflect natural light and create a sense of openess,’ says Chelsea Clark, head of marketing at wallpaper company Lust Home. ‘Vertical stripes for example can create the illusion of height in a smaller space, making a room feel larger, which is especially beneficial in smaller spaces with low ceilings.’
Stripes are easy to add to your walls either in the form of wallpaper or you can paint stripes on your wall. It all depends on how crafty you’re feeling with your DIY skills.
19. Invest in furniture with tapered legs
(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Mardon)
It might sound strange, but choosing the wrong sofa design could be one of the biggest small living room mistakes you can make. Instead, opt for one with tapered legs.
‘For people wanting to save on the minimal space they have, avoiding designs with wide frames and opting for slim lines will help to make the furniture feel far less imposing,’ says Gisela.
‘Choosing a model with tapered legs can help create the illusion of space by elevating furniture slightly. Similarly, a petite sofa with a tall back and narrow arms will suit a small room whilst making the piece appear larger than it is.’
20. Incorporate a sleek armchair
(Image credit: Future PLC)
In a small living room, the key is to not overwhelm the space with furniture, but you can include an armchair to maximise the available seating if you’re smart about the design.
‘When incorporating an armchair into a living room, opt for style that complement the existing decor while maximising functionality. Choose sleek, clean silhouettes with elegant tapered legs to maintain an uncluttered look,’ Patricia at Sofa.com recommends.
Gisela at Sofology recommends opting for petite styles with a tall back and narrow arms in a small space. ‘This design will make the piece appear larger than it is, giving the effect of a larger chair or loveseat without taking up your floor plan.’
So you want to be thinking about mid-century modern style armchairs with elegant legs and arms, or you might even be lucky enough to snap up an Ercol armchair on eBay for a bargain price. Here are some of our other top picks…
John Lewis Hendricks Accent Armchair
If you’re a fan of mid-century modern design, then you’ll love the Hendricks accent armchair from John Lewis. It’s just the right amount of retro.
DUSK Peyton Accent Chair in Boucle Ivory
We’ve been obsessed with the Peyton accent chair from DUSK for a while – we love its cloud-like curved shape and boucle finish.
So’Home Fairfield Mid-Century Armchair
Leather is one of the most hard-wearing and easiest to clean seating fabrics. And this La Redoute design inspired by mid-century modern style does leather seating in style.
21. Make the sofa work hard
(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Mardon)
In a small living room, every aspect and piece of furniture needs to work harder. You don’t have the space to indulge in extra home décor accessories and pieces of furniture, instead role all that detailing into your sofa or another key piece of furniture like the coffee table.
‘Sofa styles with beautiful details, such as curves, buttons or fluting, are perfect to add character to a living space without overpowering smaller living schemes,’ says Gisela Lancaster at Sofology.
22. Choose a large-scale wallpaper
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
Feature wall ideas have their place, and while they can look great in a small living room, so can wallpaper on all four walls. If you do opt to cover all the walls in wallpaper the only thing to consider is the scale of the pattern.
‘If you choose to cover all the walls, opt for a large-scale design that doesn’t overwhelm the space or compete with other elements in the room,’ recommends Chelsea Clark at Lust Home.
23. Keep it symmetrical
(Image credit: Future PLC/Photoworld Ltd)
When it comes to sussing out how to arrange living room furniture, symmetry can, when used well, create balance and a feeling of calm.
To that end, interior design experts recommend that you use a feature wall or fireplace as a marker, and set up your furniture around it, adhering to a mirroring effect as you go.
If you really want to make things feel even more serene, opt for calming neutrals and exposed brickwork, as seen above.
24. Go big with a rug
(Image credit: Future PLC/Philip Raymond)
When designing a small living room, the worst design mistake you can make is going small with your rug choice. When trying to make your small living room look bigger, it’s important to note that if your rug it is floating like an island between your furniture it will only make the space look smaller. This is your opportunity to go big so seize it.
However, you do need to make sure the rug your choose is in proportion to your furniture and space. ‘A good guide to follow is to ensure that your rug is larger than the biggest piece of furniture. For example, the longest side of the rug should always be longer by at least 6 inches than the largest piece of furniture, eg. sofa,’ says Therese Germain, vice president of product at Ruggable, our go-to machine-washable rug brand.
‘In a small living room, a 150x215cm rug will fit underneath a coffee table, or in front of a fireplace with two comfy chairs sitting almost completely on the rug.’
Ruggable Gaia Ivory Multicolour Rug
Ruggable’s washable rugs are some of the best on the market. And we particularly love the Gaia design – one of the brand’s bestsellers, it’s the right amount of colour and pattern without overwhelming even a narrow living room idea.
La Redoute Jiraya Fringed Berber-Style Rug
Few rug designs are as classic as a Berber-style rug. The simple motif in a monochrome colour palette goes with pretty much anything. And this La Redoute version is very reasonably priced.
Dunelm Elements Wave Natural Border Wool Rug
This statement rug from Dunelm is so popular that it sold out almost instantly after its first drop. And it’s easy to see why considering the fun and colourful wavy edges.
25. Go bold with paint
(Image credit: Future PLC / James Balston)
You’d better believe that there are some genius small living room paint ideas that can make a huge impact to your abode.
‘First instinct for a small living room is to keep it light, bright and de-cluttered (the word du jour right now) and while this is a perfectly acceptable decorating thing to do, especially if the room is flooded with natural light, sometimes going bolder can also be a wonderful option,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.
Patrick recommends trying a mid-tone green living room ideas for an invitation oasis like French Gray or Lichen. Alternatively, consider taking the plunge with a bold and dark colour like Down Pipe. ‘Our perennially favourite grey that never comes across as too chilly- it will just cocoon you in a softly dramatic way!’ adds Patrick.
26. Embrace colour-drenching
(Image credit: Future PLC / Veronica Rodriguez)
‘Another good trick is to paint everything in one colour- a soft neutral such as Joa’s White or Stirabout will work in all lighting conditions and create a good backdrop to introduce your personal identity through cloth, pictures and furniture,’ says Patrick at Farrow and Ball.
Embracing the colour-drenching paint trend as Patrick suggests works by distracting the eye from the edges of the room which are usually picked out in another colour. However, don’t feel you need to stick to soft neutrals, bold dark greys and navy can also look great in a small living room.
27. Define space with paint
(Image credit: Future PLC / Rachel Smith)
Much like in a larger space, even small living room ideas can benefit from the power of zoning a room with colour. If you use the room for dining and unwinding in front of the TV use contrasting paint colours to divide the room.
‘Using contrasting paint colours to create division in a room is an effective way to manage smaller spaces,’ says Paula Taylor, head stylist at Graham & Brown. ‘If you were to split the wall up with contrasting paint colours, such as a deep blue and vibrant yellow, it will create the illusion of separate spaces, without the need to use furniture or physical divisions.’
Alternatively, for a softer look zone spaces with different shades of the same colour.
28. Switch out the sofa for a lounger
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
Can a living room still be a living room without a sofa? The answer is a responding yes!
While choosing a sofa might be the conventional furniture choice, if you’re working with tiny living room ideas it could be worth considering a lounger, day bed or cuddle seat.
‘Not every living space needs a sofa but often we feel the need to fill a space. When it comes to choosing seating, think about how the space is going to be used, who by and at what times of day. You might find a small chaise or classic mid-century lounger will be perfect,’ says Tom Rutt, founder of TR Studio.
29. Open up the space with blinds
(Image credit: Future PLC)
When designing a tiny living room, it pays to be clever with your window dressings and consider forgoing the usual living room curtain ideas. Instead, blinds or shutters could be a smart option to open up the space.
‘Changing accessories in your living room can make a huge difference. Although curtains add an element of luxury to your relaxing space, if your living room is small, it might be worth swapping them out blinds or shutters,’ says Lisa Cooper, head of product at Thomas Sanderson.
‘Blinds and shutters both make a room look taller, as they free up space on either side of the window.’
30. Experiment with the ceiling
(Image credit: Future PLC / Anna Stathaki)
If you’re looking for modern small living room ideas, get clever with paint.
‘Paint is your friend in a small space, particularly when it comes to giving the illusion of height,’ says Lick’s director of interior design and colour psychologist, Tash Bradley.
‘By painting your ceilings in a light blue or light green, such as Lick’s Green 13 or Blue 02 the room will appear taller. Or, paint your walls, ceiling and skirting all in the same colour so your eye does not get drawn to the corners of the room, which will create the feeling of space.’
31. Pick pink
(Image credit: Future PLC)
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.
32. Focus on a feature wall
(Image credit: Future PLC / Katie Jane Watson)
We know it’s hard, but in a small living room it is important to hone in on just a few key living room wall decor ideas.
‘In a small space, it can quickly feel claustrophobic if there’s too much asking for attention as your eye doesn’t know where to rest,’ explains Lucy Henderson, head designer at My Bespoke Room.
‘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.’
33. Choose furniture with legs
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Kelly Collins from Swyft 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.
34. Enlarge with wide flooring
(Image credit: Future PLC / Jon Day)
Elements of the room with large surface area, like the walls and floors, have a huge impact on how a small space feels. Consider living room 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.
35. Hide corners
(Image credit: Future PLC)
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 getting savvy with living room house plant ideas and placing a tall plant in the corner of a room (or a tall lamp, if you prefer) to distract the eye from the perimeter.
36. Go oversized with artwork
(Image credit: Future PLC)
A gallery wall will always be a popular way to approach decorating behind the sofa and display favourite artwork and photos.
However, 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.
37. Hang breezy curtains
(Image credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore)
‘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.
38. Soften with curved edges
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
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 can soften the look of a small living room, and so can a curved sofa like the John Lewis Lozenge 3-seater sofa.
Circular cushions work well too, and we can personally recommen.d 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.
39. Prioritise multifunctional designs
(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)
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 is a great idea for living room storage ideas, 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.
40. Go dark
(Image credit: Future PLC)
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.
41. Choose space-saving storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Fiona Walker-Arnott)
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 at Habitat. ‘A versatile storage solution, this style provides valuable shelf space with a minimal footprint.’
42. Create space using mirrors
(Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Luscombe-Whyte)
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.
43. Choose a broken plan layout
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
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.
44. Open up with a serving hatch
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
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.
45. Open up to the hallway
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
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.
46. Choose a neutral sofa
(Image credit: Future PLC/Davide Lovatti)
‘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 at 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.’
47. Keep it cohesive
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
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.
48. Build in
(Image credit: Future PLC)
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.
49. Save space with wall lights
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
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 at Habitat. ‘We’ve seen high demand for plugin designs, as customers seek to create a cosy glow without the hassle of rewiring.’
50. Paint the skirting boards
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
Breaking with convention, the trick to make a space feel bigger is to paint the skirting boards in the same colour as the wall. No more bold white borders. ‘One little tip, paint the skirting boards,’ advises interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
‘It will make the whole wall look a lot taller. When you paint them white it’s a bit like wearing a sock and your trouser leg being too high. It kind of looks a bit odd!’
A brilliant analogy for the look of bold white skirting boards standing out from the wall colour, for all the wrong reasons – especially prominent when using a dark living room colour scheme. This trick will prevent the wall from being divided – helping to elongate them, so the room feels taller and therefore bigger.
51. Up the storage potential
(Image credit: Future PLC)
The key in a small space is to make the most of every inch available. When it comes to storage think outside the box and create bespoke storage solutions that use the free vertical space on walls and unused corners and nooks created by living room fireplace ideas as an advantage.
An affordable way to use a recess space for storage is to fit stacked floating shelves. Staggering them allows you to use both sides of the wall. The openness helps to keep the look light and airy, rather than boxed in. Just don’t overwhelm the room with clutter, warns Lisa Cooper from Thomas Sanderson.
‘It may look like you can fit a lot inside, but in the long run, your room may look messy,’ she says. Use the shelves for displaying your very favourite books and trinkets.
52. Conceal your wall-mounted TV
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)
A wall-mounted TV is always going to be the better option for small living room ideas. Firstly we don’t want it taking up valuable space!
Secure your modern flatscreen to the wall to create a streamlined look, freeing up the space beneath where you would otherwise have to accommodate a TV stand. Above a disused fireplace helps to use up otherwise redundant wall space too.
Look for smart ways to disguise your TV to prevent it standing out as point of focus. Cleverly concealing the large black oblong, that looks like a black hole, will help to stop it encroaching on a small space.
53. Make a floating media centre
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
Free up floor space, from storage units, by creating your own media centre that takes up minimal space. Fix an MDF panel to the wall and mount your TV screen and floating shelves on it, one above and one below if needed.
The space saving shelves will allow for storage without taking up too much needed space. The area underneath the bottom shelf allows for extra storage for items such as slim drawer units or drum storage stools.
54. Hang baskets for extra storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)
If you are faced with small space living the only way really is up! Make the most of any floor space by keeping it as clutter-free as possible. That includes any small bits and bobs you might otherwise have laying around.
Willow baskets are an attractive way to solve the storage problem. Ideal because one they look great and two they are sturdy enough to hold all manner of clutter – a storage idea for a family living room.
Hanging from decorative hooks that can take a lot of weight, these baskets are great for quick end-of-day tidy-ups for toys, books, magazines, iPads and all the other stuff that tends to lay around.
55. Avoid a corridor effect with a corner sofa
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
If your small living room ideas are based around a long, thin space, then it can be prone to feeling rather corridor-esque. Dark sofas will enhance this, so look for a pale L-shaped design to both open up the space and create a useful and cosy corner.
‘If you’re looking for a sofa to stretch out on while saving space, a corner sofa with a low back can help make a room feel bigger,’ points out Gisela Lancaster at Sofology.
Choosing the best corner sofa set-up means there will also be more room for extra seating by way of large floor cushions or a footstool.
56. Draw attention to the windows
(Image credit: Crown Paint)
To let as much light in as possible make sure there is nothing obscuring your windows. Painting the window surround can help to draw attention to the source of natural light, which aids the feeling of space.
Also, remember to keep on top of cleaning windows, this will lighten and brighten up the room beyond.
57. Play with characterful furnishings
(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Mardon)
While banishing clutter might help a small living room feel more open, if you’re a fan of the cosy, lived-in look such a pared-back scheme will do little for you. But small doesn’t have to mean bare and characterless.
Try the classic combination of dark leather furniture and traditional fireplace; there’s nothing like it for creating a warm, cosy environment.
Add a mixture of accessories, a combination of well-loved pieces and shiny new items which you can find for less using home decor discount codes. In an interesting, character-filled scheme, no one will be thinking about how small the room is.
FAQs
What is the best way to maximise space in a small living room?
When it comes to the best ways to maximise space in a small lounge, using storage solutions in a clever way is key.
‘Clever storage is key in smaller spaces,’ says Claire Garner of Claire Garner Interiors. ‘Keeping potential clutter hidden and displaying styled objects can instantly elevate your room. Opt for a striped storage ottoman to add visual weight and a subtle pattern. Not only will it look beautiful, but it will also provide storage for items that might otherwise make the room feel cluttered.’
She continues, ‘This is also an opportunity to be innovative with joinery. Creating bespoke cabinetry to fit your items, including your TV, always adds a premium feel to your space. Custom built-ins can provide tailored storage solutions that blend seamlessly with the room’s design.’
What type of seating should I use in a small living room?
Just because you’re limited by space in your lounge, it doesn’t mean you don’t have options when it comes to what sofa styles you can incorporate. But, of course, there are definitely some sofa styles to avoid in a small living room.
When choosing a sofa for a small lounge, it’s best to opt for something that doesn’t visually appear as bulky but rather sleek, slim and airy. Anything with thin or tapered legs works, as do slim arms on a sofa. At the same time, a corner sofa fills underutilised corners in the room, while also creating a cosy look, avoiding a corridor-like effect.
How to decorate a very small living room?
It’s all about making clever choices when buying furniture for very small living room ideas. ‘Linear furniture designs with a minimal profile are ideal for smaller rooms,’ explains Rachael Fell, furniture buying manager at Habitat. ‘The open lines of a wire metal coffee table gives the illusion of more space as the surrounding scene is visible through it. Look out for designs that incorporate shelving into their silhouette to maximise storage capabilities.’
And when it comes to colour, be brave and go for that bold shade you love, regardless of the size of the room. ‘Some fear that adding a deep or bright colour to a small room will make it appear claustrophobic, opting instead for light neutrals to keep the space open,’ says Helen Shaw, UK director at Benjamin Moore.
‘However, when working with a small area, dark colours cleverly absorb the light of a space, making the division between walls appear blurred. This ‘blurred edges’ effect adds depth and dimension to a room, making it appear larger.’
Go big with your small living room ideas, space should never be an obstacle to creating your dream home.
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