A small living room can hold just as much personality as a large one, but you will run into some obstacles if you don’t take its size into account. You need to be thoughtful and creative to successfully design a small room.
In a small space, it’s easier for minor inconsistencies to add up and cause imbalance or chaos. And since the living room is a central gathering place in most homes, it’s important to get this room right. Read these four creative ideas for styling a small living room to come up with a plan for your home.
Focus on Streamlined Furniture
Designing a small space doesn’t mean that you need to completely forgo hefty furniture; however, you must be more selective. The more ornate and substantial pieces you have, the easier it is for the room to look crowded.
To keep your space feeling open, focus on using streamlined furniture. For example, choose pieces with clean lines that have little ornamentation. These pieces won’t clutter a room. And if you want to have a weightier piece of furniture, such as a decorative coffee table, it won’t have to compete with the other furniture in the room. Just keep these heavier items to a minimum.
Light Up the Room
While your streamlined furniture won’t block out more space than necessary, emphasizing light will also make your living room feel more expansive. Natural and artificial light can work together to improve the room.
Avoid blocking windows with furniture or window treatments. Choose light-colored blinds and curtains and let in as much natural light as you can. Additionally, attach light fixtures to the walls or hang them from the ceiling to save on floor space. Hanging a mirror will also make the room feel larger in part by reflecting light.
Choose Multi-Use Furniture
By picking furniture that performs various functions, you eliminate the need for extra pieces that take up more space. When your furniture is beautiful and efficient, it keeps the room functional, open, and welcoming. This creative idea for styling your small living room marries function and form.
An upholstered ottoman is an example of multi-purpose furniture. If you top the ottoman with a tray, you can use it as a coffee table. Move the tray, and the ottoman is a footrest. It can also offer extra seating when you have guests over, and many ottomans hold storage space inside.
Embrace Change
Often, people feel like they can’t or shouldn’t make design changes to a small room. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money or time overhauling your living room to keep the look fresh. Making regular changes to your living room will keep it interesting for you and others.
There are many ways to upgrade your living room. Whether you’re replacing furniture or adjusting the color scheme, don’t be afraid to adapt your living space to suit your changing tastes, interests, and needs. Perhaps more than any other room in your home, your living room should reflect your evolving approach to living life.
