15 Small Living Room Decor Ideas That Won't Sacrifice Your Style
You're going to view your tiny space in a new way.
Much like the kitchen, the living room can just as easily be considered the heart of the home. It's where you unwind after a long day, read a good book, entertain loved ones, and so much more. But if your living room is lacking square footage, you might be puzzled by how to achieve a stylish look that's both practical and comfortable. Consider these 15 small living room decor ideas to make the most of your space.
Choose an airy white palette.
For some reason, a white palette always makes a room more airy. Test the look by mixing various shades of white for a picture-perfect living room.
Let patterns overflow.
If your tiny space is on the neutral side, weave in a mix of timeless patterns (stripes and animal prints are good options) to maintain visual interest.
Double up on mirrors.
Create the illusion of more space by layering mirrors on top of a small cabinet. It'll also give your living room a more lived-in feel.
Outfit your space with a settee.
A small living room calls for a petite sofa style such as a settee. Consider a tufted version to make your interior feel even more inviting.
Incorporate seating with storage.
Don't overlook the opportunity to incorporate seating with storage, as seen in this 362-square-foot California bungalow. A sofa that features baskets in cubbies, for instance, is a brilliant way to keep things like linens and reading material under wraps.
Weave in dining chairs.
Rather than struggling to squeeze an upholstered armchair into your cozy living room, choose a dining chair that's less bulky to free up more space.
Purchase a versatile bar cart.
A bar cart is ideal for a small space. While it's great for serving up drinks to guests, you can also use it to show off a floral arrangement, artwork, or a selection of books.
Create a focal point.
Any small space can benefit from a focal point like a standout gallery wall or single piece of art that holds special meaning to you.
Experiment with double-duty furniture.
Multipurpose furniture, like a coffee table that doubles as storage, is a smart way to add style and function to your small living room.
Try to conceal your TV.
If you have room for a bookcase, why not make a spot for your TV among the rest of your decor? It's a great way to camouflage it and add more visual appeal to the room.
Go green.
Whether you opt for an assortment of succulents or a lush fern, greenery is an easy way to breathe life into your compact space.
Try cozy fabrics.
Play up your living room's relaxed vibe by decorating with textured fabrics. Placing a few on a side chair is a great way to pack a dose of personality into your living room.
Hang sheer curtains.
Sheer drapes allow more natural light to pour in, which is key for ensuring your small living room doesn't ever feel too cramped. This design from The Translucent Home, which features sheer patterned window treatments, is perfect for perching up with a good book.
Think of unexpected decor hacks.
You have to be strategic about using every inch of a small space. The perfect example? Putting throw pillows and a cushion right on top of a radiator can provide extra seating (as long as the radiator has a proper and safe cover, of course).
Purchase a lucite coffee table.
Along with lending a modern touch to a living room, lucite furniture can make it appear more spacious. For instance, try a lucite coffee table rather than a traditional wood design that takes up more visual space.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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