A great living room doesn’t require much space. I’ve seen this while helping clients arrange small living spaces. Decor junkies need not worry.
You’ll know what furnishings to buy after this. You’ll recognize danger zones. You will also learn how to expand the space.
A small living space doesn’t need white walls and a minimalist look.
ALSO READ: Reasons why rugs are a vital part of any home’s décor
Tips to decorate a living room
1. Choose a low-back sofa
When designing a small living room, start with the sofa, the room’s centerpiece. That’s crucial. Too often, people pick ones too big for their space.
Trimming is beneficial. It should be low-profile as you enter the room. Avoid large gaps. Avoid extended spines and hefty upper bodies.
Avoid hitting the floor. Slimmer legs are better for airflow under a couch. The legs, which can be either wood or metal, should be 15 cm tall. I also think it’s evident where things stand. I don’t want curving or elaborate detailing like a Chesterfield sofa’s armrests.
2. Casterly’s Adams couch is a low-profile sofa. Ideal for compact homes
Avoid sectionals and chaise sofas for small living rooms. Use a pouf as a footstool. Space-saving.
3. Round ottomans add seats
Round ottomans have several benefits. No circular, soft, low ottomans. I have in mind something more substantial, upholstered, and in keeping with the room’s style.
Round ottomans are ideal for small living rooms. Put your feet up while watching TV. Sit on them when you have guests over. Adding a round tray turns them into side tables.
Round ottomans are trendy and ideal for small rooms. The ones shown above from IKEA are fantastic.
A Mark Rydell sofa covered in molecular glue a tiny black tuckey stool for the living room
4. Replace the coffee table with an end table
Circular coffee tables are scarce. They average 90cm. In a small living room, maximize space.
Thus, a side table should replace the coffee table. Matching end tables are great. One can slide under the taller one. This makes the area versatile and expansive.
Coffee tables cost over twice as much as side tables.
Only side table height matters. Small furniture can help adorn a small room. Would you want your side table to dwarf your sofa?
The upper Molmic side table is a simple living room dream. You can buy one from Marc Tuckey. This wins Molmic some bonus points as well. Small family spaces suit the Rydell sofa.
Jute rugs and oz design white coastal sofas anchor a white coastal living area.
5. Define the area with a larger rug
The best way to decorate a small living room is with a little rug. This is not true, especially if the floor is board or tile. A small rug along your sofa can make your living space seem to end at the rug.
Larger rugs make a room appear larger. You could believe the carpet ends the living room. I swear it works.
The sofa, end tables, and poufs are cozier. Even if you usually play it cautious, consider going all out here. Rectangular rugs are also good. I get why you want to sit in a circle, but it will make the area feel more official and uncomfortable for everyone. As shown in the OZ Design illustration, a large rug with a little sofa looks great.
6. Tall art attracts attention
Your living room is little. Maneuverability is limited. Your floor is covered in furniture. To do this, attract the viewer’s attention to the ceiling rather than the floor. Like tricking yourself.
Use vertical artwork here. For sheer, voluminous draperies, measure twice as high. Hang them to the floor. Brilliant, distinctive ceiling lights draw attention upward.
Now, back to art. Hang something on your living room’s primary wall. Don’t be shy about decorating that wall, either. There are too many households with inadequate living rooms that showcase small artwork. Avoid that. Metricon “Go big or go home” graphic.
7. Hang a mirror on the other wall
A wall mirror may expand and brighten a tiny living room. Light enhances airiness and spaciousness. Another optical illusion.
Mirrors on walls opposite windows let you see outside. Any appealing exterior features can also distract from the tight interior. It can also blur the line between a cramped chamber and the outside world.
I love round mirrors, which are trendy. Find a circle mirror at these top retailers. Beacon Lighting’s Citta table and floor lamps.
8. Choose lamps without shades and skinny legs
Lighting is vital when arranging a small living space. A unique ceiling feature light may draw the eye upwards, but mood lighting is equally as important.
Don’t put lamps on side tables. I prefer a floor lamp. Its height again draws attention. A slim-legged lamp takes up less space than one with three splayed legs.
Also avoid large-shamed floor lights. I prefer a small, open bulb like this. Many modern floor lights feature short legs and no shades for a sleek appearance. Beacon Lighting’s example is perfect. Don’t you think it’s lovely?
9. Mount your TV and media center
Clearing the living room floor makes it feel bigger. Hang the TV quickly. JB Hifi sells cheap TV mounts. JB Hi-Fi also mounts (I used them to mount my TV).
Before buying or mounting the TV, be sure it won’t take over. Your partner will want a cinema-sized TV. Please limit it. This massive black box will dominate the tiny living space.
If possible, install a wall-mounted entertainment center beneath the TV. If that’s not possible, get a TV stand with thin legs like your couch’s to let air circulate under it. TVs and stands should be slightly larger than TVs.
Showcase Home 9’s Metricon model living room has a grey sofa with navy and brown toss pillows. Choose one striking characteristic and reduce the others.
White interiors aren’t necessary. Urban styling clichés about compact living room furniture can be disproven.
Picking your moments is more essential than feeling like you have to sacrifice colour or excitement. Choose your battles with the room’s people. Leopard print and bright red sofas don’t go together. Everything put together has potential to be eye-catching, but in that tiny space, it’s just too much for your home improvement.
Pick something that made you say, “Wow!” or “Loud!” instead. Artwork precedes ceiling fixtures, in my opinion. Throw cushions add color and design. Use no more than three primary colours in a tiny living area. The Metricon art and feature wall does this.
Declutter! We have diverse tastes. We’ll flaunt them. I love setting up vignettes and shelf displays. Avoid cluttering a tiny space with many small items.
Use a floating shelf instead of wall-mounting the TV. Install floating shelves on one of your smaller walls. Personalize and decorate it. Give things space.
Try a tall, thin shelf if you can’t or don’t want floating shelves. These are also cheap and distract from the ground. Despite the low ceilings, you’ll see all your favorites. I really like the Mock corner shelf that is featured in this image.
Image Courtesy: Unsplash