9 Design Tricks to Make Your Small Living Room Feel Larger Than Ever
If a small living room is making you feel claustrophobic, try these clever ways to make it burst out of its box
Kerryn Ramsey
1 October 2014
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance lifestyle journalist and serial renovator, reporting for print and digital articles on architecture, design, travel and business.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance lifestyle journalist and serial renovator,... More
In a compact living room, there are various ways to create an illusion of space. Furniture configuration is number one, but colour palette, furnishings and other elements can really lift the impact in a tiny social zone. But how much furniture and knick-knacks do you cram into your space? And what should you leave in to make the room appear bigger?
These ideas will help you to rethink your living room so that it can become a space you truly want to spend your time ‘living’ in…
These ideas will help you to rethink your living room so that it can become a space you truly want to spend your time ‘living’ in…
1. Try triple-threat coffee tables and ottomans
While it’s essential to squeeze in adequate seating, don’t overdo it – adding too many sofas or large ottomans makes your room feel smaller. This room designed by Arent & Pyke introduces compact coffee tables that work double time. They’re handy, decorative and easily rearranged, while the upholstered ottoman can be used as a footrest, coffee table or extra seating. For greater impact, introduce a standing light, such as this Artemide Tolomeo Mega Floor Lamp, in the least used corner.
While it’s essential to squeeze in adequate seating, don’t overdo it – adding too many sofas or large ottomans makes your room feel smaller. This room designed by Arent & Pyke introduces compact coffee tables that work double time. They’re handy, decorative and easily rearranged, while the upholstered ottoman can be used as a footrest, coffee table or extra seating. For greater impact, introduce a standing light, such as this Artemide Tolomeo Mega Floor Lamp, in the least used corner.
2. Underplay the colour
It’s worth having a few furniture pieces in the same colour palette as the walls themselves. Even large items, such as these matching armchairs, will blend into the room which, in turn, visually enlarges the space. For even more continuity, the delicate fabric of the ottoman mimics the two chair cushions, bringing balance to the compact living area.
It’s worth having a few furniture pieces in the same colour palette as the walls themselves. Even large items, such as these matching armchairs, will blend into the room which, in turn, visually enlarges the space. For even more continuity, the delicate fabric of the ottoman mimics the two chair cushions, bringing balance to the compact living area.
3. Work around the layout
When structural walls, windows and doors come into play, it’s tricky to demarcate an open-plan living and dining zone. A simple device is to add a standing light against the wall between the two areas, as well as a floor rug that lines up with the sofa.
When structural walls, windows and doors come into play, it’s tricky to demarcate an open-plan living and dining zone. A simple device is to add a standing light against the wall between the two areas, as well as a floor rug that lines up with the sofa.
4. Add a chaise longue and floating cabinetry
An L-shaped sofa not only provides extra seating, it separates the living and dining spaces. To avoid clutter in this compact zone, the wall-mounted console has a floating effect; it actually makes the thoroughfare seem wider and, most importantly, sweeping underneath is a breeze.
See more floating furniture options
An L-shaped sofa not only provides extra seating, it separates the living and dining spaces. To avoid clutter in this compact zone, the wall-mounted console has a floating effect; it actually makes the thoroughfare seem wider and, most importantly, sweeping underneath is a breeze.
See more floating furniture options
5. Position for function
In a long, narrow space there are different options when configuring the furniture. Here, the Mid-century Modern-inspired sofa has been placed against a wall to create a natural pathway. Another nifty idea is adding a coffee table with a glass top which helps keep the appearance of an open and free space.
In a long, narrow space there are different options when configuring the furniture. Here, the Mid-century Modern-inspired sofa has been placed against a wall to create a natural pathway. Another nifty idea is adding a coffee table with a glass top which helps keep the appearance of an open and free space.
6. Hang a mirror
In a small space, a large mirror creates a visual illusion. Not only does it draw the eye up, it also bounces light around the room, making any space appear larger and brighter. Framing also needs to be considered – here, the blond timber complements other natural elements including the sumptuous leather sofa. The length of the mirror matches the size of the sofa, adding beautiful symmetry.
More: 10 Ways to Make Your Statement Mirror the Fairest of Them All
In a small space, a large mirror creates a visual illusion. Not only does it draw the eye up, it also bounces light around the room, making any space appear larger and brighter. Framing also needs to be considered – here, the blond timber complements other natural elements including the sumptuous leather sofa. The length of the mirror matches the size of the sofa, adding beautiful symmetry.
More: 10 Ways to Make Your Statement Mirror the Fairest of Them All
7. Keep it neutral
The floor-to-ceiling bookcases convert this living room into a cosy library space. The book spines and artwork introduce a riot of colour so furniture fabrics are kept neutral and understated. A collection of colourful cushions were added for extra flair. While it’s tempting to introduce two sofas facing each other, here the single Eames Lounge Chair prevents the room from feeling claustrophobic.
The floor-to-ceiling bookcases convert this living room into a cosy library space. The book spines and artwork introduce a riot of colour so furniture fabrics are kept neutral and understated. A collection of colourful cushions were added for extra flair. While it’s tempting to introduce two sofas facing each other, here the single Eames Lounge Chair prevents the room from feeling claustrophobic.
8. Build in the furniture
Drawing inspiration from Mid-century Modern design, this built-in sofa makes sure no space is wasted. The cabinetry provides extra storage which ends with a wall-mounted shelf. The built-in unit appears to be suspended in air – a clever device that makes the space seem larger. Meanwhile, the green-upholstered Tank Chair adds a colour contrast for extra impact.
Drawing inspiration from Mid-century Modern design, this built-in sofa makes sure no space is wasted. The cabinetry provides extra storage which ends with a wall-mounted shelf. The built-in unit appears to be suspended in air – a clever device that makes the space seem larger. Meanwhile, the green-upholstered Tank Chair adds a colour contrast for extra impact.
9. Utilise every corner
The space under a staircase is often wasted, but this bespoke console is a perfect solution. The owner understands the importance of comfort, and that’s why the leather chaise longue fills the compact zone perfectly. To make sure the space doesn’t feel cramped, the thin-profile metal balustrade was added, helping the whole space appear light and open.
The space under a staircase is often wasted, but this bespoke console is a perfect solution. The owner understands the importance of comfort, and that’s why the leather chaise longue fills the compact zone perfectly. To make sure the space doesn’t feel cramped, the thin-profile metal balustrade was added, helping the whole space appear light and open.
10. Show off your treasures
Why hide away your most loved items? Here, the owners added open shelving to show off their objects and books. The items are well edited with an overall feel of vintage chic. It’s no-rules-barred here, making the tiny space look interesting and feel open.
SHOW US
We’d love to see a photo of how you have made your small living space appear larger. Tips are welcome, too, in the comments section.
MORE
10 Big Ideas for Small Urban Balconies
Small Kitchens From Around the World
11 Ways to Lift the Impact of Your Small Living Room
Why hide away your most loved items? Here, the owners added open shelving to show off their objects and books. The items are well edited with an overall feel of vintage chic. It’s no-rules-barred here, making the tiny space look interesting and feel open.
SHOW US
We’d love to see a photo of how you have made your small living space appear larger. Tips are welcome, too, in the comments section.
MORE
10 Big Ideas for Small Urban Balconies
Small Kitchens From Around the World
11 Ways to Lift the Impact of Your Small Living Room
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I have a huge mirror in the living room
I have a huge mirror in the living room .