25 Trendy Ideas for a Small Living Room
Choosing how to arrange a small living room is one of the hardest parts of the process for me. I think it is probably challenging for a lot of people for different reasons.
When it comes to decorating, what works for me is to focus on how I want to feel in that particular space day after day. When I ask myself how I want to feel in a small room, the answer is easy; I want it to feel open, welcoming, and calm.
Here are some ideas that will help you get that feeling in your own space.
Let Mirrors Work Their Magic
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, mirrors are an absolute must-have for making a space feel bigger. It’s one of my go-to tricks! They work wonders by bouncing light around the room, which instantly creates the illusion of more space.
If you have a dark, shadowy corner, a well-placed mirror is the perfect solution to brighten it right up.
Go for a Glass Coffee Table
Every living room needs a coffee table, but in a small space, a heavy wooden one can feel a bit bulky. This is where glass comes in to save the day!
A glass coffee table is less visually cluttered, which helps the room feel so much more open and airy. It’s a simple swap that gives you that full, rounded-out look without weighing the space down. It’s just perfect.
Bring in a Patterned Rug
It might sound a little counterintuitive, but trust me on this one. Adding a pattern can actually be one of the best things you can do for a small room.
A gorgeous patterned rug brings so much life and personality into a space, especially if you’re working with a neutral palette.
It creates a beautiful focal point that makes the room feel warmer and more inviting, and that visual interest helps trick the eye into seeing a larger space.
Hang Long, Flowy Drapes
Long, breezy drapes are totally back in style, and I’m so here for it, especially for smaller rooms! Heavy blinds can sometimes make a room feel closed off and dark.
Swapping them out for long drapes that hang high and wide is a game-changer. This little trick instantly elongates your walls and draws the eye upward and outward, creating a wonderful sense of space.
I’d definitely recommend picking drapes with a pretty print to add even more character.
Choose Lighter Furniture
When you’re picking out furniture for a compact living room, you really want to think about its visual weight. I’m talking about the size, color, and overall feel of each piece.
The rule of thumb is, the smaller the room, the more lightweight your furniture should feel. Look for pieces that feel warm and welcoming but don’t add any clutter.
Keeping things clutter-free is absolutely key because too much stuff will instantly make the room feel smaller.
Layer Your Lighting
Lighting is so, so important in any room, but it’s especially crucial when you’re working with a small footprint. If you don’t have enough light, the space can feel dark and cramped.
My advice is to layer in as much lighting as you can. You want to create a bright, airy vibe, as this is what will really help the room feel much bigger than it actually is.
Go Big with Wall Art
Here’s a fun tip: using art on your walls is a brilliant way to shift the focus away from the size of the room. Think of your artwork as the main event! I’d suggest going for medium to large pieces.
By making the art a focal point, you’re not only adding your own personality but also helping the room feel more expansive and open.
Add a Statement Accent Chair
A bold accent chair is another one of my favorite tricks for making a room feel larger. Accent chairs are designed to be eye-catching, and in a small living room, that’s a huge plus!
It draws your attention and creates a focal point. For a really stunning contrast, try placing it next to your neutral-colored sofa. It just works!
Play with Pastels
If you’re wanting to introduce some color into your small living room, I think pastels are the way to go. They add that lovely hint of color without feeling too heavy or overwhelming.
The best part is that they pair beautifully with both light and dark tones. Try adding a splash of pastel pink, blue, or a soft yellow for a look that feels elegant and chic.
Embrace a Neutral Palette
As much as I adore bold colors, when you’re working with a smaller space, a neutral palette is often your best friend. The reason is simple: neutral colors are amazing at reflecting light.
A backdrop of whites, off-whites, and beiges will bounce light all around the room, which gives this wonderful expanding effect.
