In an ideal world, we’d all have spacious living rooms with big, comfy sectionals that practically beg us to take a nap. There’d be plenty of space to host book clubs, game nights, and gatherings with friends. But if that’s not your reality and your living room is on the smaller side, that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it.
Choosing the right furniture and considering scale—along with a few visual tricks—won’t turn a tiny condo into a spacious estate, but it can help you avoid feeling cramped and embrace a cozy, inviting vibe instead. Here are ten ways to maximize space in a small living room, according to designers.
Put Function First
According to Autumn Pochiro of Autumn Dawn Design, it’s best to start decorating a small living room by putting function first. “Start by making a list of how you envision using the living room,” she says. “Does it primarily act as a TV viewing spot or office by day and party by night?” Use these answers to guide your planning so that the overall layout and all the furniture within the room are determined by how you intend to use it. With function guiding the way, you won’t waste space with furniture and items that don’t align with your intentions for the room.
Think Vertically
When selecting furniture and storage pieces for a small living room, those pieces should ideally fill up more vertical space than floor space. For example, instead of a low-sitting, extra-deep sofa that you might see in a sprawling open floor plan, it probably makes more sense to choose something that’s a bit more lifted from the floor and more narrow, while still offering comfortable seating.
The same thinking can apply to shelves and storage pieces. “Add shelving to use the walls as much as possible, or a great console that doubles as storage in a small space,” Pochiro says. “Think of building up vertically to maximize space horizontally.”
Take a Less Is More Approach
“I think the biggest mistake people make in a small space is selecting smaller scaled furniture,” says Anastasia Casey of The Interior Collective. “I’d recommend going for fewer, larger pieces that can make sitting in a small room feel more comfortable and inviting. You notice a small space more when there is a collection of smaller items.”
Just don’t forget to factor in spacing, too. “Make sure you leave ample space for navigating around your sofa, coffee table, and accent chairs,” says Kathy Kuo, interior designer and founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home.
Currently in the process of buying new furniture and not sure how it will all flow? Consider outlining each piece using blue painter’s tape to get a proper visual.
Opt for Storage Furniture
Small living rooms don’t often have an abundance of storage space. So, Ali Webb, lead interior designer at Del Mar Dunes, advises going with storage furniture to keep things feeling sleek and tidy. “One great way to maximize a small living room is by using double-duty furniture, like seating with built-in storage,” she says.
There are lots of different types of storage furniture on the market, from ottomans to sofas. A trunk can also double as a unique coffee table and won’t take up too much space.
Swap the Coffee Table for a Side Table
Sometimes, a coffee table can take up too much space. Consider using a side table or two nesting tables placed beside your sofa instead. This can also be a practical choice in homes with children, where low coffee tables may pose a safety hazard.
Minimize Clutter
A big mess won’t make your living room look any larger. So, designer Vicki Zagrodnik advises doing your best to keep clutter at a minimum. “Create zoned storage using baskets or wall hooks so everyday items have a place to go,” she suggests. “Every inch counts in a small space, so every piece you bring in should earn its spot by adding storage, function, or flexibility.”
Consider Color Drenching
Color drenching has been a major trend in recent years. It particularly works in small spaces because it’s such a bold look, but doesn’t take up any extra space. “I also love color-drenching the walls, moldings, and ceiling in the same shade,” says Webb. “It reduces visual clutter and creates one cohesive, expansive backdrop.”
Utilize a Few Clever Visual Tricks
The art of illusion can go a long way to make your space look and feel bigger than it really is. Using a mirror to make a space feel larger is one of the oldest design tricks in the book—and it always works. “Mirrors are a go-to for reflecting light and visually expanding the room,” Casey says.
Not into mirrors? Casey recommends selecting artwork framed in glass to achieve similar (though not as dramatic) light reflection.
Another common designer trick is in the way you hang your curtains. Hang your curtain rod just below the ceiling (rather than right above the window frame) to make the room feel taller. Window treatments also add color, texture, and a touch of sophistication to your living room.
