40+ GENIUS decor tips to transform your small living room

Clever décor ideas for compact lounges

Your small living room doesn't need to feel cramped and claustrophobic. With a few clever decorating tricks you can optimise every square inch to make your snug scheme feel open, airy and organised. Click or scroll through and take a look at these ingenious living room ideas that prove that small can feel stylish and spacious too...

Concentrate on corners

Small box-like living rooms have plenty of right angles so put those corners to work by filling the void with attractive artwork and practical storage. Optimise wall space by adding low-level storage that frees up a backdrop above for mirrors, photos and paintings; keeping other surfaces free for other purposes.

Choose wall-mounted lights

Free up as much floor and surface space by choosing mounted wall lighting over floor lamps. And, don't think the alternative choice will compromise the cosy atmosphere as most sconces are dimmable. This allows you to easily adjust the lighting according to the occasion or mood.

Follow a theme

Just because your living room is small doesn't mean it can't be on-trend. To avoid overcrowding choose only one or two elements that tell the story like this opulent tropical living room with monkey print curtains and palm tree motif cushions. 

Make the look mid-century

Clean lines, minimal embellishment and practical use mean furniture from the 1940s era is practically made for tiny living. A compact sofa, wood-framed armchair and basket-style coffee table all fit into this small living room without it looking cluttered thanks to the right-angles and narrow leg design.

Hide clutter behind a screen

Make your space clutter-free and contemporary with one fell swoop by hiding mismatched but necessary objects behind a luxe screen. Guests would never know this refined yet inviting small living room is also used as a family playroom filled with toys or a home office space with hot desk once everything is safely concealed and out of sight. 

Create a cosy nook

Make your small living room feel larger by creating a separate seating area for reading or quiet reflection. Turn a small armchair away from the rest of the living area perhaps towards a window, then add a small side table, table lamp and creature comforts. 

Curate a display cabinet

Glass display cabinets will keep your small living room organised and orderly with accessories safe and dust-free inside. This metal olive coloured cabinet melts seamlessly into its the green backdrop and light reflects off the glazed doors to increase the sense of space. 

Camouflage the TV

A large television can dominate small living rooms so think of genius ways to integrate the TV into your living room by blending it in with wall storage. The box-like design of these wall shelves echo the shape of the TV screen and so you have to look twice before you even notice it is there. 

Carve out wall storage

Look for the stud wall in your small living room and hire a contractor to cut out custom-made shelves behind the sofa. The interesting alcoves make a great solution to creating flush storage without shelves protruding from walls at a hazardous level. 

Zone with contrast

Small apartment living rooms or studios can often include a kitchen area too so be sure to create boundaries. Here, an open-plan living and kitchenette has been divided with an island and statement flooring to create a galley kitchen. Midnight blue-toned cabinets have been colour matched to two-tone walls in the living area to tie the room together. The overall effect increases the sense of space. 

Inject character with panels

Small living rooms can often consist of four boring walls so why not give the space a sophisticated and on-trend feel without compromising floor space? For added interest add wall panelling and paint in two-tone soothing tones which will enhance the sense of space. 

Divide with style

If your small living room has a dual purpose divide the room in a style that doesn't compromise light. A room divider on wheels can help carve out a temporary dining space but then be moved with ease later when more space is needed. Or choose a cut-out design with built-in storage to maximise space and light. 

Swap out the sofa

Swapping a large bulky sofa for two slim armchairs is a good space-saving idea if your living room is a bit of squeeze. Perhaps pop in an extra stool or collapsible chair to accommodate extra guests.

Dress windows right

A small living room will benefit from a window dressing that's clean and smart rather than busy and bulky. Swap heavy curtains for stylish shutters or replace a bulky Roman blind with a flush roller version.

Layer up texture

Adding texture to a small living room is a great way to transform it into a comfortable and warming space. To avoid it feeling cluttered, be discerning. Add a few tactile cushions, soft throws, grainy wood and perhaps an interesting rug for a super-snug finish. Choose a small number of richly textured furnishings rather than lots of pieces that could overcrowd the room.

Balance wallpaper

It can feel daunting to use busy wallpaper in a compact room, but with the right colour combination, it can really make a small space sing. This blue print has breathed new life into the room thanks to the neutral panels and chalky sofa which balance out the bright focal point.

Mount narrow shelves

Picture ledges make a great alternative to regular shelving in small living rooms as their slim form maximises space. The width is usually wide enough for smaller accessories too such as candles or tall narrow vases and the step stops anything falling off. 

Embrace a feature wall

Just because a living room is small doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with paint effects. Bold artwork or a bright feature wall will actually open up a room by drawing the gaze upwards, whilst adding plenty of personality without taking up floor space. This fun graphic design pairs the muted grey sofa with ochre and pink.

Display books creatively

In a tight space, books can soon pile up and make the place look untidy. However, don't rule them out of your small living room. Instead, make them work double-time as a decorative feature in their own right. Take inspiration from the many colour-arranged bookshelves of Instagram and turn your book collection into a #rainbowshelfie display for the room.  

Choose stackable furniture

If there's not a lot of space for side tables in your small living room look for narrow versions that stack on top of each other when not in use. These minimalistic tables look sharp and stylish, while the contrasting surfaces will make the smallest of rooms look chic. 

Add a mirror

Mounting a mirror to the wall of a small lounge will create the illusion of space by bouncing light around the room. This narrow-framed version looks super-stylish in this compact yet contemporary living room and does an excellent job of balancing the dark, dramatic feature wall.

Pick a pale backdrop

Muted shades on walls will make a cosy living room feel fresh and spacious. Pick subtle neutrals like soft grey, chalky white or blush pink rather than brilliant white – these warmer shades will make the room feel inviting rather than cold and stark. 

Go for narrow-legged furniture

Furniture with narrow legs not only channels mid-century chic but also helps with the design dilemma of fitting everything you want into a small space without it looking crowded. Choosing a sofa with a gap between the seat and the floor instantly creates the appearance of more space too. 

Brighten with white

If you're brave enough, an all-white colour scheme will maximise light in a small living room and add an air of sophistication. Give the crisp look just a touch of colour with a few warming accents – a taupe vase paired with pastel cushions is soft and subtle.

Accessorise wisely

The good thing about small living rooms is that you don't need a lot to make the space look stunning. A few well-chosen accessories can complete the look and create a luxurious finish. Invest in some metallic photo frames or a designer candle votive and the whole room will look high-end in a flash. 

Choose slim lighting

Ambient lighting is vital for making a compact lounge feel cosy and inviting. Wall lights or sconces are the most practical solution but floor and table lighting can really soften a scheme too. Choose slim versions that take up minimal floor space. Matching pairs will create balance and symmetry which works especially well in traditional schemes. 

Bring in compact seating

Furniture combinations can make or break a small space. Many brands are becoming more aware of customer's needs and often have smaller ranges designed especially for apartment-style living. Measure the space you have first and look for a sofa or chair that fits perfectly, rather than trying to squeeze in an ill-fitting piece.

 

Get creative with storage

Floor-to-ceiling shelving is not only a marvellous space-saving storage choice for a cosy living area, but it can also double up as a dramatic focal point for the room too. This budget unit looks visually stunning thanks to the colourful inserts. A cobalt sofa and ochre accessories tie together the uplifting scheme. 

Store up high

Even if you don't have high ceilings, using the upper part of walls for storage will not only elongate your living room but also free up floor space for furniture and through traffic. Make sure the shelves are mounted high enough so you don't bang your head.

Play with proportions

If you're a fan of black leather and dark rustic furnishings, you can still make this moody palette work in a compact room. Look to the walls to create balance when using a dramatic colour scheme. Here, white has been introduced to create a two-tone effect, elongating the height of the room and creating an airy, spacious feel.

Shrink the gallery wall

Gallery walls make a creative and personal addition to living rooms. Avoid drowning a restricted space by choosing smaller frames – you will still get the same great effect but scaled down to proportion. We love the way this black-framed photo wall incorporates the flat screen TV too.

Don't shy away from dark shades

Decorating trends are becoming braver so don't rule these darker schemes out of a compact living room altogether. When paired with the right pieces, dramatic shades like navy, forest green or gunmetal grey can look atmospheric and inviting on your walls – just ensure you incorporate pops of bright furnishings to lift the look.

Invest in multifunctional furniture

Convertible furniture with more than one function is always a small living room's best friend. This loft-style living space has managed to pack in a dining area thanks to this clever bookcase that features a retractable table for two – genius!

Stick to a capsule collection

A few timeless items that won't go out of fashion will serve a small living room for years to come. Be sure to choose a compact and stylish sofa, ambient lighting and if you have the room, an additional chair or coffee table. You can then enhance these essential items with seasonal cushions and on-trend decorative pieces.

Feature a corner sofa

A space-efficient piece, a corner sofa, allows you to either spread out when alone or squeeze in the whole family. Small living rooms usually don't have much room to manoeuvre so it's best to choose a sectional version that comes apart. If you can, squeeze in a slim occasional chair in a different material for contrast. 

Install a wood-burning stove

If you're not lucky enough to own a house with an open fire installing a wood-burner is a great alternative as it will instantly transform a box-like living room into a cosy space. Whether the stove is real or faux, there are plenty of surround options to choose from depending on the size of the room.

Let in the light

If you have French, patio or Crittall-style doors in your small living room, make the most of the available light and arrange the furniture towards the outside aspect. It will blur the boundary between inside and out and give the illusion of a larger space.

 

Angle large furniture

When it comes to arranging seating in a tight living room, opt for angles. Cutting harsh corners will help give a box-like room a cosier atmosphere without feeling cramped.

Zone with a pretty rug

With the right furniture, you can carve a living room out of anywhere. This alcove is part of a hallway that's been transformed into a beautiful tiny lounge with help from a textured rug. This extra-large version frames the inviting space with a soft, vintage feel.

Get a hardworking coffee table

If your living room has space for a coffee table make sure it's a multifunctional one. This unique design opens up to create a multi-level table that's perfect for a quick meal. There are also slim drawers to hide bits and bobs, plus the two-tone legs look minimalist and modern. 

Select see-through furniture

Furniture and fixtures you can look through will keep a small living room from looking cluttered. These industrial-style wooden shelving units are tall and narrow so they take up minimal floor space without compromising on storage capacity.

Get smart with storage solutions

An upholstered ottoman is a must-have furniture piece for a small living room for so many reasons. It can act as both a seat or coffee table, as well as offering a handy space to store blankets, cushions and books. Plus, its soft finish means you won't hurt your knees if you walk into it!

Bring in light, movable furniture

Space is often in short supply in rented apartments so pared-back schemes with light, skinny furniture are ideal – not only will they make the most of floor space but they can easily be transferred elsewhere when you come to move. This stylish setup with a narrow locker, relaxed seating and a storage trunk coffee table is flexible enough to work in a range of different layouts.

Snuggle up on a loveseat

If you don't have room for a sofa but don't want to rule one out altogether, a loveseat or snuggler makes the perfect alternative. A great way to add that all-important comfort factor to your lounge, pair with skinny side tables and a rug for an inviting scheme that doesn't compromise on the essentials.

Go luxe with metallics

Like mirrors, furniture and accessories with reflective surfaces will maximise the amount of light in your small living room and make it feel bigger and brighter. Team with neutral tones and snug fabrics for a stylish and luxurious scheme. 

Go for bold

If your small living room has the benefit of large windows make the most of the added light by going for a bold colour choice on your walls. This living room has emphasised the colour feature further with a vibrant gallery wall. Offest the dazzling tones with a neutral sofa and pale flooring to even the look. 

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