Expert Tips on How to Style a Small Living Room
A small living room can feel smooth and appealing stylistically by choosing the right design approach. By changing the furniture placement and adding some clever tricks, you can turn your compact space into a functional and aesthetic treat.
In this article, Castlery’s interior stylist, Adrika, shares 11 tips and creative ideas on how to design small living rooms, maximising space and injecting your personal style.
11 small living room tips
1. Choose the right furniture
To select the perfect furniture for small living rooms, it's important to focus on both functionality and scale. Multi-functional pieces like sofa beds or coffee tables with built-in storage are excellent space-savers.
Another great option is a modular sofa, which offers unmatched flexibility and versatility. With modular sofas, you can easily adapt your seating arrangement to fit your needs and your room's layout.
Whether you configure the units into an L-shape or U-shape, or break them apart into individual seats, modular designs allow you to maximise comfort and space without sacrificing style.
The Auburn Performance Fabric Curve L-shape Sectional Sofa is a modular piece that can be easily configured to fit your layout or seating preferences. Picture credits: @withsarale
@julesacree maximises living room space with the nestled Vincent Coffee Table Set, which takes up little floor space! Also pictured: The Hamilton Chaise Sectional Sofa.
Adrika also shares that opting for a sofa with an open base can trick the eye into thinking it's lighter and airier. “Sofa styles that are off the ground help to increase the feeling of space,” she adds.
Additionally, avoid bulky and oversized pieces that can overwhelm the space, such as living room sets normally meant for much bigger spaces. “Consider using compact furniture like nesting coffee tables or stackable chairs, that can easily be moved around to accommodate different seating arrangements and stored when not in use.”
2. Utilise vertical space
Take notice of the vertical spaces in your small living room! Make use of walls for storage and decor to free up valuable floor space.
Install floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets to organise things like display books, decorative items and electronics. You can also add hooks to your walls to hang baskets and wall pockets to store other items, keeping things neat and tidy.
The Posey Shelf features curved panels and shelves that help soften the look of the room.
No space goes to waste at @rosiepiper_’s - shelves lined with decor add a touch of personality without taking up floor space. Pictured: The Jonathan Extended Side Chaise Sectional Sofa.
When incorporating vertical storage, remember to keep scale and proportion in mind. In a small living room space, opt for shelves and cabinets that are proportionate to the size of the room and the furniture. Avoid overly large or bulky pieces that can make the space feel cramped.
It’s also important not to forget about the visual impact. Choose pieces that complement your existing decor and add to the overall aesthetic of your living room, and consider using a mix of open shelving and closed cabinets to create visual interest and balance.
3. Embrace smart storage solutions
In addition to utilising vertical spaces, Adrika recommends investing in furniture with built-in storage. This could include ottomans and benches with hidden compartments, or TV units with shelves and drawers.
The Bradley TV Storage System has ample storage space for all your media entertainment needs, keeping the space clean and clutter-free.
The Harper TV Unit is put to good use in @aprilshaus’s living room, with its surface lined with books and decor.
Place decorative baskets or boxes under tables or on top of cabinets to store items like blankets, remote controls, and magazines efficiently, keeping them out of sight yet easily accessible. This keeps your small living room neat and tidy, resulting in the feeling of a bigger space.
4. Keep it minimal
Avoid cluttering the space with too many accessories or oversized furniture pieces. Choose furniture with clean lines and minimalistic designs over loud, bold pieces that could overwhelm the already small space.
Additionally, limit the use of patterns and textures in your living room. Instead, focus on a few subtle options to add visual interest without creating an illusion of clutter.
Keeping it minimal also includes making a conscious effort to declutter any unnecessary items in the living room. Using the KonMari technique of decluttering, keep only the essentials that “spark joy” or serve a functional purpose. Donate or discard items that you no longer need or love.
5. Use lighting strategically
Proper lighting is essential in a tiny living room layout to enhance the ambiance and make the space more inviting. Maximise natural light by keeping window treatments minimal or sheer, and consider using light-coloured curtains or blinds that allow natural light to filter through while still providing privacy.
Layering lighting with a mix of overhead fixtures, table lamps, and floor lamps can create a well-lit yet cosy atmosphere. Consider using wall sconces or pendant lights to save floor space and provide targeted illumination.
Beyond just layering different types of lighting, it's also important to consider the colour temperature of your light bulbs. Warm white bulbs (around 2700K) create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, while cool white bulbs (around 4000K) are more energising and better suited for task lighting. Experiment with different colour temperatures to find what works best for your space and needs.
6. Lighten up with colours
A light and neutral colour palette is one of the most effective ways to create an illusion of a larger space in a small living room. That’s because lighter colours reflect more natural light, making the room appear more open and airy.
Opt for soft, light colours like whites, creams, and pastels on the walls and ceiling, as well as larger furniture pieces like your sofa. Introduce pops of colour through accent pieces such as cushions, rugs, and artwork without overwhelming the space.
7. Use mirrors to reflect light
Alongside using lighter colours, mirrors are an excellent tool to expand a small living room visually. Hang a large mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light and create the illusion of additional space. You can also place mirrors strategically to reflect interesting views or focal points within the room.
Other decorating ideas include reflective surfaces, such as glass coffee tables or metallic accents, that can add style and help bounce light around the room, making it feel more open.
The Faro Floor Mirror features a sculptural frame that adds an artistic flair to any space.
The Luna Floor Mirror adds visual interest to the space with its organic form and concrete-like texture.
8. Create a focal point
Every small living room needs a focal point to anchor the space and draw the eye. It should be an immediate eye-catcher and become the center of attention in the room. For example, bold-coloured sofas, unique wooden coffee tables, or stunning art pieces can all act as focal points.
If you have limited space for furniture or statement pieces, consider creating a focal point on your wall — accent walls, photo galleries, or wall-mounted features.
By directing attention to a specific area, you can divert focus from the room's size and make it feel more purposeful and intentional.
Do take note to keep the space manageable with multiple competing focal points. Choose one main focal point that stands out and complements the room's overall design.
9. Place rugs strategically
Using rugs strategically in a small living room can significantly impact the overall design and functionality of the space. “Rugs not only add warmth and comfort but also help define different areas within the room,” says Adrika.
Choose a rug proportionate to the seating area, allowing the furniture legs to sit on it comfortably. A rug that’s too small can make the space feel disjointed and disproportionate. Ideally, the rug should be large enough for the furniture to sit partially or entirely on it, which helps to anchor the furniture and visually expand the room.
@bbbuffaloe creates a cosy seating area with a rug that envelops the Marlow Performance Bouclé Chaise Sectional Sofa and Paloma Bouclé Armchairs.
@sezairi creates a vibrant living room with a colourful rug paired with the Lucas Performance Bouclé Sofa, Ingrid Sherpa Chair, and Sacha Performance Bouclé Armchair.
Opt for lighter-coloured rugs with subtle pattern styles, as they can make the space appear larger and brighter. If you prefer louder types of patterns, select geometric or striped patterns that are smaller in scale to avoid overpowering the space.
Recommended read: A Guide to Living Room Rug Placement
“You can also use rugs to create clear pathways and guide traffic flow. Place a runner in narrow areas between furniture or along walkways to delineate the path and make the room feel more organised,” Adrika adds.
10. Hang floor-to-ceiling curtains
Hanging curtains from the ceiling to the floor draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of taller ceilings and a grander space. This technique is particularly effective in small living room spaces with low ceilings, as it helps to elongate the walls and create a sense of grandeur visually. Opt for long enough curtains to brush the floor for a polished and sophisticated look.
Sheer curtains are a great option for small living rooms, as they allow natural light to flood the space while providing privacy. If you prefer privacy or light blockage, consider layering sheer curtains with thicker drapes or blinds.
When selecting curtains for your small living room, pay attention to the fabric and colour as well. Light-coloured curtains in fabrics, like linen or cotton blends, will help to create an airy and spacious feel. On the other hand, bold patterns and heavy fabrics can sometimes overwhelm a small space.
Lastly, the hardware you choose for your curtains can also make a difference. Consider using a slim curtain rod or track that blends in with the wall colour to create a seamless look. If you want to make a statement, a decorative curtain rod can also add a touch of personality.
11. Use sliding doors or room dividers
If your small living room shares space with other areas, consider using sliding doors or room dividers to create the illusion of separate rooms within a limited space.
For example, you can use a sliding panel system to separate the seating area from a workspace or a dining area. This allows for better organisation and separation without sacrificing an open layout.
On top of that, you can use semi-opaque dividers like frosted glass panels to maintain an open feel and allow natural light to hit all areas.
Unlock the potential of small living room spaces
Decorating a small living room requires a thoughtful approach that combines creativity, functionality, and space-saving techniques. Remember, the key is to find a balance between style and practicality to make the most out of your limited space.
With these tips and tricks, your small living room will become a cosy haven that reflects a personal style while maximising every inch available.
