“Living big in small spaces” has been a trend that has been rising in popularity amongst minimalists and urban dwellers and even folks, like myself, who live in average-sized housing.
I think what more and more people are beginning to realize is that small can be beautiful.
We’re all looking for ways to downsize and approach minimalism in a way that makes sense to us.
The best part is that you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice anything to enjoy this concept!
With that said, my goal for this article is to shed some light on small living room ideas and tips that you can use to transform your tiny space into your dream haven.
To help write this article, I spent a week researching the various ways interior design experts downsize and revamp their small spaces to gain some insight on this topic. And from that, I have cultivated a list of helpful tips and tricks I’d like to share with you today.
Read on to learn about maximizing your space using minimalist styles and smaller furniture pieces!
Hack #1- Mirrors can add depth to your small space
One of the oldest tricks in the book for making your small living room look bigger is to use mirrors.
First, consider where you want to place the mirror. A good rule of thumb is to place it opposite another window. Doing this will reflect the natural light coming in and make the space feel brighter and more open.
You can also experiment with different sizes and shapes of mirrors to create interesting visual effects. But keep in mind that the mirror needs to be big enough to reflect a significant amount of light.
Another way to use mirrors to make your small living room appear bigger is to place them on adjacent walls to create the illusion of a larger space and make the room feel more open.
You can also use mirrors to create focal points in your small living room. For example, you could place a large mirror above a fireplace or on an accent wall to draw the eye and make the room feel more spacious.
The possibilities aren’t exactly “endless”, but there are many different hacks you can use to make your mirrors compliment your small space.
Hack #2- Use light colors to create openness
Another way to make your small living room look bigger is to use light colors. Light colors make a space appear airy and open, which is exactly what you want in a small room.
To do this, you can paint your walls a light color or use light-colored furniture and accents. You can even add some sheer curtains to let in natural light.
However, If you’re not ready to repaint your furniture, you can try adding some light-colored accent pieces. Throw pillows, blankets, and rugs are all great options.
Do keep in mind that you don’t want to go overboard with the white as stains show really well on lighter decor and your home could become too neutral, or worse, just plain boring!
Hack #3- Furniture with clean lines and simple silhouettes
If you’re working with a really small space, you may not have the luxury of multiple furniture pieces.
In this case, it’s important to choose multipurpose furniture that can serve multiple purposes.
For example, an ottoman can be used as both a coffee table and a footrest.
Making your small living room appear bigger can be as easy as playing with proportion and scale.
For example, using large-scale artwork or a floor lamp can make a big impact in a small space. And when it comes to upholstery, opt for light colors over dark – they’ll help make your space feel airy and open.
Hack #4- Small rugs make the difference
A small rug can make a huge difference in a small living room. It can add color and pattern and make the space feel more pulled together.
If you have a small coffee table, consider adding a runner to it. This will make it look like you have an intentional style and add some visual interest to the space.
Hack #5- Houseplants go a long way
Another simple way to make a small living room pop is to add some greenery.
Houseplants are having a moment right now, and for good reason! They can instantly transform a space and make it feel more alive!
Choose plants that are low maintenance so you don’t have to spend all your time taking care of them.
Some of our favorites are succulents, snake plants, and pothos plants. Place them on a windowsill, end table, or coffee table and enjoy the instant boost of life they bring to the room!
Hack #6- Declutter your space
One of the best ways to make your small living room look bigger is to declutter your space.
This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s worth repeating. A cluttered room will always look smaller than a clean, decluttered room.
So take some time to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t need or use. Not only will this make your living room look bigger, but it will also make it easier to keep clean. And who doesn’t want that?
Hack #7- Take advantage of vertical space
Small living rooms might be small, but they still have wall space! As such, it’s important to take advantage of that vertical space.
This can be done in a number of ways, but one of the best ways is to use floating shelves.
Floating shelves create an illusion of more space and can be used to store a variety of things, from books to knick-knacks.
Another way to take advantage of vertical space is to use wall-mounted shelves. Wall-mounted shelves are a great way to store things out of the way and can be used to display things as well.
They’re also an excellent way to add more storage to your space and can be purchased at a low cost.
One final way to make use of vertical space in your small living room is to hang pictures or artwork high up on the walls. As you know, this will draw the eye up and make the room appear larger than it is.
Hack #8- Make use of pull-out beds and sleeper sofas
A great way to save space in a small living room is to use pull-out beds. Pull-out beds, such as futons, can be easily stored when not in use and can be pulled out when you need them.
A small sofa can also double as a guest bed. Simply remove the cushions and you have a comfortable place for your guests to sleep.
If you often have guests stay with you, or if you just want to have the option of an extra bed, using pull-out beds can make your small just as comfortable as any other room in the house!
Hack #9- Keep the flooring consistent (if building)
When trying to make your small living room appear bigger, it’s important to keep the flooring consistent.
For example, if you have hardwood floors in your living room, try to use the same type of flooring in your dining room and kitchen. What this does is it creates a seamless transition between the spaces and makes the rooms appear larger than they are.
It’s also important to keep the flooring consistent between different levels of the living room. For example, if you have hardwood floors on the first level, try to use the same type of flooring on the second level. Doing this will create a visual connection between the two levels and make the space appear more open.
This all might sound like a no-brainer, but I’ve seen far too many people get this wrong when building their new house!
Hack #10- Embrace the space
Embrace your small living room for what it is and make it cozy! Add a soft rug, throw pillows, and blankets to create a warm and inviting space that you’ll actually want to spend time in. After all, small doesn’t have to mean cramped – it can be cozy and inviting, too.
Frequently asked questions
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Read on to discover the most common and uncommonly asked questions about arranging furniture in a small living room!
Where do I put a TV in a small living room?
There are a few options for where to put a TV in a small living room. One option is to mount it on the wall. This will take up less space and give the illusion of a larger room.
Another option is to put it on a small TV stand or table. This will also save space and give you the flexibility to move it around as needed.
If those options don’t suit your fancy, put your TV in a corner of the room to create more space in the center of the room, and give you the ability to use the space for other things.
What kind of budget do you need for arranging furniture in a small space?
To answer this question, you need to consider a few factors. The first is the size of your space. If you have a small space, you might need to consider a smaller budget.
The second factor is the type of furniture you want. If you want high-quality furniture, you might need to consider a higher budget.
The third factor is the style of furniture you want. If you want contemporary furniture, you might need to consider a higher budget.
Wrap up
There are many ways to make your small living room appear “bigger”. Mirrors will create the illusion of a larger space and make the room feel more open, while light colors will make a space appear airy and open. And don’t underestimate the small adjustments like adding some houseplants to your room. If you’re really struggling to add depth, maybe it’s time to consider going through your room and decluttering your space.
Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you and your home. After all, the living room is meant to be a place where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. So make it your own and have fun!
