25 small living room ideas to maximise space and style
By Ellie Reeves | 3rd September 2024 | 7 min read
Short on space? Having a small living room doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style or comfort. With the right design, you can transform your lounge into a welcoming retreat that’s perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and spending time with loved ones. Keep on reading for plenty of tips, tricks, and clever hacks to enhance your small living room décor and storage.
1. Enhance natural light with mirrors
Mirrors are magic when it comes to boosting light in a small room. Hang a large mirror opposite your window to reflect natural light or create a gallery wall with smaller mirrors for a stylish touch. This trick will instantly brighten your space, making it feel more open and inviting.
2. Pick a light colour palette
Want to know the secret to making a small lounge look bigger? It's simple, decorate with light colours. Shades like soft beige, pale grey, or even pastels reflect light and make your living room feel bigger. A light palette creates a calm, airy atmosphere that instantly opens up your space without overwhelming it. Check out our living room colour ideas for more inspiration!
3. Colour drench your living room
For a modern twist, try colour drenching – painting your walls, ceilings, skirting boards, and even radiator in the same shade. This seamless approach blurs boundaries and makes your living room feel larger and more cohesive. It’s a bold, yet simple way to refresh your space. If you're looking for more decorating inspiration, check out these creative wall paint ideas.
4. Make use of your vertical space
Think beyond the floor! Use floating shelves to display decorative items, mount your TV on the wall, and opt for wall-mounted lights instead of floor lamps. Hanging houseplants add greenery without taking up space. By maximising vertical space, you keep your room tidy and open up valuable square footage.
5. Choose transparent furniture
Clear furniture, like glass coffee tables, offers function without the visual bulk. Transparent pieces keep your room feeling light and airy by blending into the background. They’re perfect for small spaces where you want to maintain an open feel without sacrificing practical surfaces.
6. Let your furniture breathe
Furniture with legs, like a raised sofa or side table, gives the illusion of more space by showing off the floor underneath. This simple trick allows light to flow through your room more easily, making it feel brighter and more expansive – and who doesn’t want that?
7. A corner sofa can fill an awkward space
Got a tricky corner you’re not sure how to use? A small corner sofa could be just the answer! It maximises seating without crowding the room, and it can transform an awkward spot into a cosy nook. Perfect for small gatherings or just stretching out with a good book.
9. Display art at eye level
Hanging framed art at eye level draws attention upward, making your room feel taller. This small design trick creates a sense of balance and proportion, helping your living room feel more spacious. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different sizes and styles to create a dynamic gallery wall.
10. Keep the floor clear
A cluttered floor can make any room feel smaller. Keep pathways open and free from unnecessary items. Select furniture that doesn’t sit directly on the floor and use shelves or wall-mounted storage to keep things off the ground. Try to keep baskets and other items off the ground. A clear floor means a clearer, more spacious room.
11. Create a focal point
Even in a small room, a striking focal point can make a big impact. Whether it’s a bold piece of art, a statement light fitting, or a vibrant feature wall, directing attention to one key element draws the eye and distracts from the room’s size. Be bold and let your style shine.
12. Choose low furniture
Low furniture, like a sofa with a lower back or a coffee table that sits closer to the floor, creates the illusion of taller ceilings. This trick makes your living room feel more spacious and open, giving you the cosy comfort you need without compromising on style.
13. Choose built-in storage
Built-in storage solutions are perfect for small spaces. Shelving units, cabinets, or even a window seat with storage underneath keep everything neatly tucked away while saving floor space. Built-ins blend seamlessly into your room, making it feel larger and more organised.
14. Play with textures
Add interest to your small living room by layering different textures. Think soft throws, plush rugs, and woven baskets. Mixing textures adds warmth and depth to your space without cluttering it. It’s a great way to make your room feel cosy and inviting without adding too many items.
15. Use foldable or extendable furniture
Flexible furniture is a game changer in small living rooms. Foldable tables or extendable desks can be tucked away when not in use, freeing up space for other activities. It’s the perfect solution for multifunctional rooms where you need to maximise every square inch.
16. Ditch the bulky furniture
Chunky furniture can overwhelm a small room. Instead, choose sleek, slimline pieces with clean lines that offer function without the bulk. A streamlined sofa or a simple coffee table not only saves space but also creates a more open and modern look. In this case, less really is more.
17. Choose furniture with storage space
Double up on functionality by choosing furniture that offers hidden storage. An ottoman with storage inside, or a coffee table with shelves, gives you extra space to tuck away clutter, while keeping your room tidy and stylish. It’s all about making every piece in your room work harder.
18. Avoid patterned flooring
Busy patterns can make your floor feel chaotic and shrink your space visually. Stick to simple flooring, like wood effect laminate or neutral carpet, to create a seamless flow. If you love a bit of pattern, save it for a statement rug that can anchor the room without overwhelming it.
19. Don’t shy away from dark colours
Rich, dark hues can add depth and drama to a small room when balanced with lighter elements. Try deep blues or charcoal greys on your walls, then soften the look with lighter furniture and accessories. A mix of light and dark tones adds contrast and character without shrinking your space.
20. Layer your lighting
Don’t rely on just one light source. Mix and match overhead lighting with floor lamps, wall lights, and table lamps. Layered lighting not only adds warmth and depth to your room, but it also helps you to create different moods. It’s all about setting the right atmosphere for every occasion.
21. Keep window dressings minimal
Heavy curtains can make a small room feel closed in. Instead, opt for light and airy fabrics or streamlined blinds that let natural light flood in. This will create a cleaner look and make your space feel brighter and more expansive. Let the sunlight work its magic.
22. Go for multifunctional pieces
Furniture that serves multiple purposes is key in a small lounge. Consider a sofa bed for overnight guests, or a coffee table that doubles up as a desk. Choose versatile furniture for your small living room that will help you get the most out of your space. Giving you both functionality and style in one clever package!
23. Create zones
In a small living room, defining different areas can help make the space feel larger. Use rugs, lighting, room dividers, or furniture placement to create zones for lounging, working, or entertaining. Zoning breaks up the room and gives it structure, making it feel more purposeful, and a lot less cramped!
24. Mount your TV to the wall
Avoid bulky entertainment units that dominate the room. Instead, mount your TV to the wall to free up floor space. Check out our step-by-step guide on wall mounting a TV.
25. Embrace minimalism
When in doubt, keep it simple. Focus on essential furniture and décor and avoid overcrowding your space with unnecessary items. A minimalist approach helps your small living room feel larger and more serene, giving you a peaceful, uncluttered space to unwind after a stressful day.
