If you find living in a small living room difficult, then this article is for you. Here are some creative ways to utilize what little space you have available.
Install Smart Lighting
The living room is one of the most important spaces in your home, it’s an integral part in living a comfortable life with a family. Living in a small living room can be tough, especially when you want to invite people over for a drink or to share some conversation. Solutions are out there!
One way of making your living room more inviting is with lighting. Whether it be an accent colour from a lamp shade, or adding mood lighting from the lamps themselves, adding some light to your living room can make all the difference.
Install Bigger Windows
Windows are an important aspect of living in a small living room, and can make or break the space. They not only add natural light to the living room, but they also add personality and dimension to the living room itself. Installing bigger windows is a way to add character and personality to your living room that might otherwise lack it without any window features at all. If you’re not sure what kind of living room you want, check out our other blog articles on living rooms!
Another thing you can do is get rid of your old windows and install larger ones which will give you more natural light. They will also provide an opening to create a cross breeze with fans if you have them, especially during the summer months.
Install a Fireplace
Some people don’t care for living in a living room that’s too cold or drafty, which can be common if it is on the smaller side. Nevertheless, some living rooms are not large enough to accommodate a regular fireplace and this is where electric fireplaces come in handy. Living rooms with no such feature might be able to benefit from an electric fireplace as a way of adding heat and character to the living room itself.
Replace a sofa with club chairs.
If you don’t have room for a sofa and club chairs, opt for two cozy armchairs instead, as designer Jae Joo did in this sitting room. Angle them towards the fireplace to encourage cozy hangs and conversation while also drawing the eye to it.
Choose a Large Rug
Choosing a larger rug, even if it has a bold pattern, is a trick for making a room feel larger. The large size, unlike smaller rugs, does not visually break up the floor. This can also help to anchor the space and provide a good staple piece around which to design the rest of the room. Corner seating can also help you make the most of your available space.
Integrated Shelving
Build in shelves for extra decorating and/or a storage zone if you inherit a home with an awkward nook or if you’re renovating an existing space (floating shelves are also an option if you can’t build in). Alternatively, construct the bottom shelf with enough space to serve as an additional seating option. Maintain the same color scheme as the wall.
Use Unusual Furniture
Choose strategic furniture and decor that complements your smaller space and helps you achieve the desired look. Instead of cluttering the floor with a squat side table, Anthony Dunning slid a slim, tall pedestal into the corner to prop up a large floral arrangement and draw the eye up.
Artwork should be strategically displayed.
Bring your artwork up to fool the eye and expand or accentuate the room’s height. A gallery wall may appear too busy for a small space, but if it extends to the ceiling, it can actually make it feel larger. The mirrored effect of this glossy red paint on the ceiling in this family room designed by Katie Ridder makes the small space feel larger and more glam.
Make It Multi-Functional
When there isn’t enough space, the only option is to get creative and make things multi-functional. For example, if you don’t have enough space for a separate living room, family room, and home office, combine all three concepts into one space.
Include Ottomans
To make better use of your space, use ottomans instead of traditional coffee tables (because a tiny house means your living room often does double or triple duty when people come over). You can use them as extra seating or top them with a tray to hold flowers and books. When it’s family time, they transform into footrests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living in a small living room doesn’t have to mean that you’re living with less! With the help of these creative living room design ideas for small spaces, you can make your living space feel larger and more inviting. As always, if this is all sounding too difficult or overwhelming and you want some expert assistance from our team of experts – don’t hesitate to reach out.
Which one of these tips will work best for your business? Let us know!