Your living room is one of the most active spaces in your home. Even if it’s small or oddly shaped, with a bit of creativity, you can still create a flattering, functional, and stylish design.
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Light or white walls can make the room feel bigger and brighter. If white feels too plain, add bold splashes of color and texture with decor and accents.
Use floating desks, tables, or shelves to keep floor space open, and choose sectional sofas to maximize seating.
We compiled 9 great inspirational photos featuring examples of how to make the most of a compact living space. With just a few key elements, you can transform your room from a cramped corner to an expansive haven!
1. Cozy Corner
For a room where conversation and company is the primary goal, this cozy setting is ideal.
Even though the space is small, the chairs are positioned perfectly for intimate late-night chats. Notice that the chairs do not face the television but rather each other.
Read more: Does The Couch Have To Face The TV?
2. High-Traffic Room
In many homes, the living room is sandwiched between more than one room. This means that you have to leave adequate open floor space for movement.
This is a great example of how to do that in a small space. By using a small area rug and wall-mounted TV, a pathway for walking stays clear and obvious.
3. Invisible Walls
In open floor plans, the living room is just one part of a larger space. Use furniture to define it.
For instance, placing a sectional away from the wall creates a clear border, separating the area. This setup maximizes seating while taking up minimal space.
Sectionals, used wisely, are one of the best space-saving tips for furnishing a small living room.
If you love the coffee table, try this space-saving version. The tables nest together when you need more room and can be pulled apart for extra surface area.
4. Spacious Shelving
This is a pretty traditional setup for a room that only needs to seat a few people.
The couch is centered on the TV, making it the room’s main focal point. However, a few conveniently placed shelves offer a reading option as well.
The shelves also provide some space for extra decor.
5. Utilitarian Utopia
It’s hard to believe that this room could accommodate so many workspaces, yet there they are. Two separate desks make this room practical and convenient.
There’s plenty of space and storage to focus on vital tasks and work efficiently. When it’s time to relax, slide over to the couch and unwind in front of the TV.
Finally, the full-length curtains make the ceiling appear higher, opening up the tight quarters.
For a similar look at home, try this desk:
Then, pair it with another wall-mounted convertible desk like this one:
6. Subliminal Storage
While minimalism is the new trend, most of us aren’t quite there yet. Instead, we’re stuck always trying to find room to stash all the things we want to keep in a way that’s discreet and neat.
What better solution than using wall storage with shelves installed in that usually wasted space near the ceiling?
This nifty and convenient plan makes the most of a small living room, and it’s only better thanks to even more storage along the length of the wall.
For your own stylish storage, try this wall-mounted option:
7. Fundamental Furnishings
In a small room, overcrowding is a serious risk. Too much packed into one area leaves you feeling claustrophobic and overwhelmed.
This room avoids heavy furnishings, creating a space that feels light, airy, and bigger than it actually is.
The glass table and light-colored chairs are barely noticeable behind the couch. The long storage cabinet along the wall makes the room seem deeper and helps keep clutter down.
8. Modest But Marvelous
Big, open windows and light furnishings keep the room looking simple and bright. The green rug and flowers offer a hint of nature.
The table is a functional choice that doesn’t burden the center of the room by being too heavy or bulky.
9. Gathering Place
If you like big groups and entertaining, then this is the living room for you. Lots of seating, all facing in, gives off an intimate and casual vibe.
Whether the gang gathers around the table to share snacks, play a game, or watch a movie, you’ll never have to say, “Sorry, no more room.”
In Closing
A small living room can still be pleasing and functional with the right tips and tricks. Light-colored walls and furnishings make the room seem bigger and brighter, while dark colors can make it feel cramped.
Creative storage options like floating shelves or overhead storage maximize space.
Sectionals are ideal for tight spaces needing lots of seating. If fewer seats are needed, a loveseat or small sofa will do. Wall-mounted desks and televisions also free up valuable floor space.
With a bit of creativity, you can turn any small living room into a cozy and spacious-looking haven!
