Devin Jacobs
Designing a small living room can feel tricky, but top designers have plenty of clever hacks to make your space both functional and stylish. With just a few smart adjustments, you can maximize every inch of your living room. These 20 designer-approved hacks will help you transform even the smallest space into something you’ll love.
Embrace Light Colors
Going with lighter shades, like soft beige or pastel, instantly opens up your living room. Light colors create an airy feel that tricks the eye into seeing more space. Even a small living room can look bright and welcoming when it’s painted in fresh, light tones.
Don’t Use Dark Walls
The right color choice can give your living room a more spacious look. Dark colors might feel cozy, but they shrink small spaces. Designers recommend skipping bold, dark walls in tight rooms. Instead, focus on a lighter palette that reflects light and feels open.
Add Mirrors
Mirrors can double the visual space in an instant. Hanging one across from a window brings more light inside, making the room feel larger. Experts swear by mirrors as a top trick for small rooms, which gives them an open, reflective charm that fits any style.
Avoid Overcrowding with Decor
Less is more in small spaces! Keep the decor simple and streamlined to make a small room feel uncluttered. Skip the over-the-top extras, like huge sculptures or too many throw pillows. A few well-chosen pieces let your living room breathe while still looking stylish and cozy.
Use Multi-Functional Furniture
A small living room feels organized and spacious when each item has a purpose beyond looking good. Furniture that has more than one function, like storage ottomans or foldable coffee tables, is a game-changer. These pieces offer extra function without crowding the room.
Refrain from Blocking Walkways
Small adjustments, like pulling furniture back or rearranging a bit, open up movement and make the room feel naturally spacious. On the other hand, crowded walkways can make your room feel cramped. Ensure there’s a clear path through the space.
Invest in a Great Rug
A well-chosen rug can anchor the space and add personality without overpowering it. Go for a size that fits the area well, ideally under key furniture pieces. Having a carefully picked rug ties everything together and creates a cozy vibe that defines your living room perfectly.
Avoid Picking Oversized Furniture
Compact choices keep the space light and airy. Large furniture swallows up small rooms and leaves little space to relax. Stick to more compact pieces that fit comfortably. Smaller sofas, sleek chairs, and slim tables bring balance and let your living room feel cozy without feeling cramped.
Use Vertical Space
Utilizing vertical space, like tall shelves or wall-mounted lighting, draws the eye upward and creates an illusion of height. Small rooms benefit from this vertical magic to let you save on floor space while adding stylish storage or display options that don’t crowd the room.
Corners Need Attention, Too
Make use of every part of your space to keep things interesting. Corners are often forgotten, yet they offer great storage or display spots. A small plant, a tiny shelf, or a cool floor lamp can transform an empty corner into something useful and stylish.
Choose Clear Furniture
Clear furniture, like glass or acrylic tables, adds functionality without visual weight. It’s a great hack for small rooms since these pieces blend in and let the room feel less crowded. A clear coffee table, for example, keeps your view open and stylish.
Say No to Low Curtains
To create the appearance of taller walls, hang them higher than the window frame. Low-hanging curtains can make a room feel squished. Professionals love this trick—it instantly stretches the room vertically, adds elegance, and makes even a small living room feel bigger.
Add Pops of Color
Colorful accents add personality without overpowering the space. Throw in bright cushions, a funky piece of art, or colorful planters to keep things fun. These small touches let you add style and charm while keeping the main space light and visually open.
Steer Clear of Heavy Fabrics
Lightweight fabrics allow natural light to filter through and give your room a brighter look. Heavy drapes and thick upholstery can weigh down a room and make it feel crowded. Instead, opt for lighter fabrics, like linen or cotton, that keep the vibe breezy and relaxed.
Embrace Open Shelving
These shelves work wonders in small spaces, which lets you display items without crowding the room. Keep decor items light and minimal to prevent clutter. The shelving style adds character while saving floor space and makes your living room look modern and functional.
Don’t Ignore Lighting Options
Instead of relying on one overhead light, layer different sources like floor lamps, wall sconces, or fairy lights because good lighting goes a long way in small spaces. Multiple lighting options brighten the room and add depth, which makes your small living room feel larger.
Keep Furniture Low
Low-profile furniture, like shorter couches or coffee tables, can make ceilings look higher, and the room feels spacious. Low furniture creates a balanced look and makes the room feel relaxed and inviting. It’s an easy trick that maximizes space without losing style.
Skip Excessive Plant Arrangements
A couple of plants provide the perfect fresh touch without overcrowding your stylish small living room. Plants add life, but too many can clutter a small space. Stick to a few favorites that match the room’s vibe, like a mini cactus or hanging vine.
Mount Your TV
Use the wall to your advantage and keep bulky media consoles off the floor. Mount your TV to free up floor space and give the room a cleaner, open feel. This setup looks sleek, lets you add some storage beneath, and gives your small room more breathing space.
Don’t Forget Personal Touches
Personal items turn any small living room into a comforting space with its own story. To keep the room feeling cozy and unique, add personal touches, like family photos or travel mementos. Just a few meaningful pieces make it truly yours without overwhelming the space.