55+ Best Small Living Room Ideas and Designs (With Photos)

Last Updated on May 14, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford

Small living rooms can be a challenge to decorate, but with a little creativity, you can make the most of your space. In this article, we will share 55+ of the best small living room ideas and designs.

In this article

#1. Cozying It up

Small living room ideas — *Cozy living room. Image Credit: Houzz*

Small living room 1 — *Cozy and warm living room. Image Credit: Houzz*

Cramped for space in your living room? Ditch the bulky furniture! Opting for a sectional sofa over individual pieces maximizes your seating area while fostering intimacy.

This clever solution avoids the cluttered look often associated with small spaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for family gatherings. Complete the cozy haven by layering a soft rug underfoot for an extra touch of comfort.

#2. Backless and Armless Sofas

Small living room 2 — *Unique sofa in the living room. Image Credit: Houzz*

*Choosing a suitable sofa in the living room. Image Credit: Houzz*

Maximize your small living room decorating ideas‘ style and space with backless or armless sofas. These sleek options provide comfort without sacrificing precious square footage, making them perfect for modern and open-plan living.

#3. Small Living Room Set-Up Ideas: Swing Chairs Are Cozy Perfection

Small living room 3 — *Get a swing chair in the living room. Image Credit: ae design*

Small living room 3.1 — *A swing chair is suitable for a small living room. Image Credit: studiovert environmental + interior design*

Explore small living room ideas by bringing playful charm and efficient seating to your farmhouse haven with a swing chair. Unwind in ultimate comfort and style, embracing the carefree spirit of farmhouse living.

#4. Small Living Room Seating Ideas: Keep Spare Seats Available

Small living room 4 — *Organize suitable chairs. Image Credit: Houzz*

Tuck away hidden gems like stools or poufs under your bed or sofa for effortless additional seating when entertaining. This frees up valuable floor space compared to bulky chairs or couches. Alternatively, fold-away chairs offer a space-saving solution for unexpected guests.

#5. Living Room Ideas Small: Swap Ottomans for Coffee Table

Small living room 5 — *Choosing a coffee table. Source: Elle Interiors*

*A coffee table will be suitable for a small living room. Image Credit: Houzz*

Skip bulky coffee tables! Opt for versatile ottomans that provide extra seating and surface space, transforming into comfy footrests when needed.

#6. Seating Ideas For Small Living Room: Choose Low-seating Furniture

Small living room 6 — *Low-seating furniture is suitable for a small living room. Image Credit: Houzz*

Small living room 6.1 — *Should select low-seating furniture. Image Credit: Rhobin DelaCruz Designs*

Low-profile seating opens up your space. Opt for a sofa, lounge, or loveseat with a lower profile to create the illusion of higher ceilings and a more spacious feel.

#7. Design Ideas For Small Living Room: Curtains for Privacy

*Should get a curtain for privacy. Image Credit: Tom Williams Residential, Inc.*

*Using a curtain in the small living room. Image Credit: Houzz*

Maximize privacy and warmth in your studio with internal curtains, offering a chic separation between your living area and the rest of the space. For added convenience, consider motorized options for effortless control.

#8. Living Room Ideas For Small Spaces: Transparent Sheer Curtains

*Good idea for a small living room. Image Credit: Martha O’Hara Interiors* – *Houzz*

*Living room ideas for small spaces. Source: Julia Katrine Designs*

Elevate your space with floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains. These airy panels softly diffuse natural light, creating a brighter, more spacious feel, perfect for modern interiors.

#9. Small Living Room Layout Ideas: Let There Be Light

Small living room 9 — *Get the natural light from the windows. Image Credit: Martha O’Hara Interiors*

*Let the windows bare to get natural light. Image Credit: Houzz*

Use sheer curtains, pale paints, and clever task lighting to amplify brightness. Visually expand space with contrasting furniture colors and bold artwork. Unleash the power of geometry with bold stripes and prints to create captivating depth.

#10. Very Small Living Room Ideas: Contrast and Conquer

Small living room 10 — *Using contrary colors for the best living room idea. Image Credit:* ABA Custom Homes

Small living room 10.1 — *Different colors in the living room. Image Credit: Cynthia Spence Design*

Stash items out of sight in ottomans and under furniture for clever storage solutions. Hang guitars and shelves vertically to preserve floor space, incorporating innovative ideas for small living rooms.

Multipurpose furniture like folding tables pulls double duty, maximizing functionality in your cozy living space.

#11. Small Living Room Decor Ideas: Power of Geometry

Small living room 11 — *Power of geometry in the living room design. Image Credit: Houzz*

Small living room 11.1 — *Good idea for the best small living room. Image Credit: Houzz*

Bold stripes and captivating prints visually expand cramped living rooms, creating a layered haven with the illusion of increased depth, length, and width.

#12. Ideas For Small Living Room: Tuck Away Excess Things

Hidden storage, baskets, and utilizing vertical space are your allies in maximizing small living room space and creating a peaceful haven.

#13. Make the Most of Your Ceiling

Small living room ideas. Make the Most of Your Ceiling — *Focus on the ceiling in the living room. Source: Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty*

Small living room ideas 13 — *Curve ceiling in the living room. Image Credit: Matrix Construction, Inc.*

High ceilings in a small living room present a golden opportunity! Leverage them with captivating wallpaper, stunning artwork, or elegant extra-long drapes to create a spacious and luminous haven that impresses guests.

#14. Furniture Ideas For Small Living Room: Make Your Furniture Multipurpose

Maximize space with furniture that doubles up! Ottomans with storage and fold-away tables offer flexible solutions for compact living rooms.

Imagine effortlessly transforming your space to accommodate both everyday use and entertaining large groups.

#15. Up Your Furniture Arrangement Game

Small living room furniture ideas. Up Your Furniture Arrangement Game — *Up Your Furniture Arrangement Game. Source: Diedre Shaw Interiors*

This tip cleverly suggests grouping furniture in threes (sofa, coffee table, stool) for a small living space, offering effective living room ideas for small spaces. It creates an open and airy feel, maximizing the limited square footage.

#16. Decorating Ideas For Small Living Room: The Magic of Mirrors

*Using mirrors in the small living room. Image Credit: Lisa Wolfe Design, Ltd*

This interior design tip is a winner! Mirrors cleverly reflect light, making small living rooms feel brighter and seemingly larger. Consider placing a large mirror opposite a window for a dramatic impact and a spacious illusion.

#17. Small Living Room Design Ideas: Built-in Storage

small living room ideas: Maximize the storage space — *Maximize the storage space. Image Credit: Maxim Lighting International*

Built-in storage and wall-mounted cabinets are your space-saving heroes in a small living room. They keep clutter at bay, improve traffic flow, and maximize floor space. Consider vintage-inspired storage solutions for a touch of charm.

#18. Small Formal Living Room Ideas: Floating Shelves

*Using shelves to store things. Image Credit: Meadowlark Design+Build*

Love floating shelves! They’re a sleek, space-saving solution for displaying treasures in small rooms. Perfect for books, trinkets, or even a mini coffee mug collection.

#19. Library on the Wall

*Book shelves are accents in the small living room. Image Credit: Sarah Natsumi Moore*

This built-in wall library is a space-saving gem, instantly transforming your cramped living room and wowing guests. Choose a bold color to add a stylish touch against a light backdrop – perfect for bookworms with limited square footage.

#20. Replace Your Big and Clunky Coffee Table

*Using a suitable coffee table in the small living room. Image Credit: Jonna Luxury Homes*

*Coffee tables are recommended for small living rooms. *Image Credit*:* Rikki Snyder

Ditch the bulky coffee table! Opt for two smaller ones that offer flexible placement and even more space when needed, presenting one of the best small living room ideas.

#21. Cute Small Living Room Ideas: Mix and Match

*Mix and match in the small living room. *Image Credit*: Rikki Snyder*

Blending classic wood with modern metallic furniture and colorful accents breathes life into any space, leaving your sad-looking living room in the past.

#22. Decor Ideas For Small Living Room: Or Just Match Everything

*Match wall, floor, and sofa. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

Matching walls, floors, and upholstery creates a calming ambiance, while contrasting textures and colors add visual interest. Ultimately, the choice depends on your desired aesthetic – serenity or a touch of drama.

#23. Best Small Living Room Ideas: Hang the Greenery

*Hang plants in the small living room. *Image Credit*:* Scavolini Store Detroit

*It’s good to place a plant in the living room. *Image Credit*: Kriste Michelini Interiors*

Plants are a fantastic way to breathe life and a touch of nature into small living areas. Bonsai trees and hand-painted pots add a charming touch while hanging plants create a lush, vertical element that maximizes space.

#24. Merge the Living Room with the Kitchen

*Maximize space by merging the living room and kitchen. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

*Merge the living room and kitchen area. *Image Credit*: 186 Lighting Design Group – Gregg Mackell*

Open-plan living is a fantastic space-saving solution for small homes, fostering a sense of connection and additional room. However, we understand knocking down walls isn’t always feasible.

Consider installing a window between your living room and kitchen for a more connected feel, allowing you to stay engaged with guests while preparing refreshments.

#25. Ideas For A Small Living Room: Wall-mounted TV

*TV is mounted on the wall to maximize the living space. *Image Credit*: Spire Integrated Systems Inc.*

Maximize space and style with super small living room ideas. Mounting your flat screen frees up floor space, creating a clean and organized look. Add simple shelves for decorative touches and personalize your living room. We love this space-saving solution!

#26. Small Living Room Space Ideas: Big Rug for Small Room

*A large rug can make a small living room feel larger. *Image Credit*: Cynthia Prizant – Prizant Design, LLC*

While a large rug can make a small living room feel bigger, avoid creating a cramped look by leaving space around the edges. Opt for a light color that complements your existing decor for a cohesive and airy feel.

#27. Decor Ideas Small Living Room: Hit the Antique Furniture Shop

*Fill the antique furniture. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

We adore the charm and functionality of antique furniture in small living spaces. Their delicate frames and smaller footprints naturally optimize light and space, making them a perfect fit for maximizing comfort and style.

#28. Living Room Small Ideas: Display Your Makeshift Pantry

*Good idea for a small living room. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

For small kitchens lacking storage space, consider multi-tier shelves or rolling storage carts, showcasing innovative small living room ideas. These solutions maximize storage efficiency and can be adjusted to fit your needs and budget.

#29. Super Small Living Room Ideas: Mind the Proportion and Angle

Feeling cramped in your small living room? Try an angled furniture arrangement! Placing furniture slightly away from walls, at an angle, creates an illusion of more space. This approach not only enhances the feeling of light and airiness but also helps avoid clutter and keeps traffic flowing smoothly.

#30. Decorating Ideas For A Small Living Room: Go Monochrome

*Monochrome small living room. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

Embrace the magic of a monochromatic scheme! It’s not about uniformity, but a vibrant play of tints, tones, and shades within one color, creating a visually stunning and harmonious haven.

31. Connect to the hallway

*Connect to the hallway in the small living room. *Image Credit*: Cornerstone Architects*

*Connect your living room and hallway. *Image Credit*: Wettling Architects*

Bridge the gap between your living room and hallway by extending the same color scheme or using complementary hues, utilizing effective living room small space ideas. This fosters a sense of flow and visual continuity, making your small space feel more expansive.

32. Choose a neutral sofa

*Choosing neutral sofas for small living rooms. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

*A neutral sofa is timeless for a small living room. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

Opt for a neutral-toned sofa as the anchor of your living room. This versatile piece serves as a blank canvas, allowing you to introduce pops of color through accent pieces and artwork without overwhelming the space.

33. Maintain a cohesive look

*Keep a cohesive look in the living room. *Image Credit*: Martha O’Hara Interiors*

*Maintain a cohesive look when designing a small living room. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

Ensure visual harmony by maintaining a consistent color palette throughout your living room. This doesn’t require rigidity; experiment with different textures and patterns within the chosen color scheme to add depth and visual interest.

34. Opt for built-in solutions

*Built-in furniture such as selves, cabinets. *Image Credit*: Gardner Homes*

*Maximize space with built-in solutions. *Image Credit*: Conrado – Home Builders*

Maximize space with built-in furniture such as shelves, cabinets, and benches. These space-saving wonders offer valuable storage while maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.

35. Save space with wall lights

*Using wall lights for small living rooms. *Image Credit*: Dick Clark + Associates*

*The wall light system for a small living room. *Image Credit*: Smith & Vansant Architects PC*

Opt for wall sconces instead of bulky lamps to illuminate your living room, incorporating effective small living room decorating ideas. This frees up valuable floor space and creates a warm, intimate ambiance.

36. Paint the skirting boards

*Painting the skirting boards in the living rooms. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

Paint your skirting boards in a contrasting shade to create a sense of definition and visual separation between the walls and the floor. This simple trick can subtly add depth and grandeur to your small living room.

37. Introduce a feature wall in a warm color

*Opt for warm colors for a small living room. *Image Credit*: Design Find*

*Warm colors in a small living room. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

Break the monotony and inject a touch of personality with a feature wall in a warm color. This focal point draws the eye and adds vibrancy without compromising the overall cohesiveness of your space.

38. Seamlessly transition to an outdoor space

*Take advantage of outdoor space. *Image Credit*: Tara Bussema*

If you’re fortunate enough to have an outdoor space adjoining your living room, consider using similar design elements to create a seamless flow. This will make your small living room feel more spacious and connected to the outdoors.

39. Use lighting strategically

*Using different lighting layers for small living rooms. *Image Credit*: Michael Abrams Interiors*

*Using lighting strategically for a good small living room idea. *Image Credit*: Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.*

Utilize different lighting layers to create a dynamic and inviting atmosphere. Employ a mix of overhead lighting, table lamps, and strategically placed accent lights to highlight specific areas and create a sense of visual interest.

40. Elevate storage to new heights

*Using shelves, and baskets to elevate storage. *Image Credit*: Chervin Kitchen & Bath Inc.*

*Elevate storage to new levels. *Image Credit*: Interiors Joan and Associates*

Utilize vertical space by incorporating floor-to-ceiling storage solutions. This maximizes your storage capacity without sacrificing precious floor space, keeping your living room organized and clutter-free.

41. Replace curtains with blinds

*Using blinds instead of curtains for a small living room. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

*You should replace the curtains in the small living room. *Image Credit*: Dana Pope Designs*

Replace bulky curtains with sleek blinds to visually expand your space, implementing effective very small living room ideas. Blinds offer clean lines and minimal bulk, creating an illusion of more room to breathe.

42. Maximize storage potential

*Consider installing tall bookshelves in the small living rooms. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

Maximize your storage potential by utilizing vertical space. Consider installing tall bookshelves, cabinets, or shelving units that reach toward the ceiling. This not only provides ample storage but also draws the eye upwards, making the room feel taller.

43. Wall-mount and conceal a TV

*Wall-mount your TV to optimize the living space. *Image Credit*: Phillip Smith General Contractor, LLC*

*Wall-mount your TV and conceal it. *Image Credit*: Pinney Designs*

Wall-mount your TV and conceal any associated wires or components behind a dedicated cabinet or media console. This not only declutters the space but also creates a sleek, modern look. Alternatively, consider building a custom media center that seamlessly integrates with your storage solutions.

45. Create your own media center

*Don’t let architectural spaces go to waste. *Image Credit*: Pinney Designs*

Don’t let awkward architectural spaces go to waste! Transform them into functional corners by adding a small reading nook or a cozy daybed. Utilize hanging baskets for additional storage on walls, offering a charming and functional touch.

46. Utilize awkward architectural spaces

*Using awkward architectural spaces. *Image Credit*: Carmit Oron Interior Design*

Don’t limit your storage to eye level. Utilize the space near the ceiling by installing cabinets or shelves that reach higher, providing additional storage without sacrificing valuable floor space.

47. Hang baskets for additional wall storage

*Consider vertical storage space. *Image Credit*: DW Design & Decor LLC*

*Placing a sofa in a suitable position. *Image Credit*: DW Design & Decor LLC*

Avoid creating a long, narrow corridor feeling by opting for a strategically placed corner sofa. This clever furniture arrangement helps define separate living areas within the limited space, making it feel more spacious and inviting.

48. Add storage near the ceiling

*Adding the storage near the ceiling. *Image Credit*: i.fromkin interiors*

Draw attention to your windows by employing decorative window treatments that complement your overall design scheme. Opt for lighter fabrics that allow natural light to flow freely, further enhancing the feeling of spaciousness.

49. Avoid a corridor effect with a corner sofa

*Avoid a corridor effect with a corner sofa while designing small living rooms. *Image Credit*: Niche Interiors*

Strategically placed mirrors can work wonders in a small living room idea. Utilize them to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. Consider incorporating full-length mirrors or strategically placed smaller ones to maximize the effect.

50. Draw attention to the windows

*Draw attention to the windows in the small living room. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

51. Create space using mirrors

*Power of mirrors in small living rooms. *Image Credit*: The Wood Floor Store*

*A sun mirror is a perfect decor for a small living room. *Image Credit*: Tobi Fairley Interior Design*

Strategically placed mirrors can work wonders in a small living room. Utilize them to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. Consider incorporating full-length mirrors or strategically placed smaller ones to maximize the effect.

52. Opt for a broken plan layout

*Choosing a broken plan layout for a modern small living room. *Image Credit*: Hudson + Bloum Design*

Ideas for a small living room. — ***Ideas for a small living room****. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

If your layout allows, consider embracing a broken plan concept. This involves creating separate living areas within the same open space, such as a living area and a dining area, without using full walls. This approach can enhance the feeling of spaciousness and connection within the room.

53. Use paint to create optical illusions

*Using paint to make optical visual. *Image Credit*: Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.*

*The power of paint in the small living room ideas. *Image Credit*: Jennifer Pacca Interiors*

Embrace the power of paint! Utilize light, and cool colors on walls and ceilings to create an illusion of a larger space. Consider color-blocking techniques or accent walls to add visual interest and depth.

54. Living Room Small Space Ideas: Open up with a serving hatch

*Living room small space. *Image Credit*:* LORRAINE G VALE, Allied ASID

If your living room adjoins another space, like a kitchen, consider adding a serving hatch. This not only enhances functionality but also creates a feeling of openness and connection between the two spaces.

55. Small Living Room Ideas Decor: Maximize natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows

*Good idea for a limited living room space. *Image Credit*:* Daniel Contelmo Architects

*Maximize natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows. *Image Credit*: Houzz*

If your budget and structural limitations allow, consider installing expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. This allows for maximum natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere while visually connecting you to the outdoors.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity and planning, you can transform your small living room into a stylish and functional haven that reflects your unique personality.

Conclusion

So that was our list of 55 creative small living room ideas to help you redesign your home like a pro. You can actually do a lot with the limited space you have as long as you have a plan ready in your mind and you have everything organized. The rest will be a cakewalk.

Remember that the key to a cozy and welcoming living room is keeping things simple. You might have heard this a hundred times already but let us remind you once again, that less is always more in this particular scenario.

FAQs about designing a small living room ideas

How to maximize space in a small living room?

Interior design experts recommend elevating key furniture (like sofas) and using light, single-plank wood flooring in small living rooms. This creates an illusion of more space and a sense of flow, especially in open-plan layouts.

Tips for decorating a small living room?

Small living room doesn’t mean boring furniture! Opt for sleek, linear designs with storage built-in, says Rachael Fell. And don’t shy away from bold colors, adds Helen Shaw – they can add depth and dimension to your small space.

Ideal TV placement in a small living room?

In cozy living rooms, prioritize comfort over TV placement. Ensure proper viewing height and central positioning. Consider concealing cables before decorating. For a less dominant TV, opt for dark walls or frame it within a gallery wall to draw attention elsewhere.

Tricks to visually enlarge a living room?

While light paint colors enhance space, embrace color creatively! Use mirrors and furniture choices strategically, and prioritize essential furniture to avoid overwhelming the room. Opt for blinds within the window reveal and avoid bulky curtains.

Best furniture colors for a small living room?

Paula Taylor, Head Stylist at Graham & Brown, advises choosing furniture colors that harmonize with your small living room’s overall look. While contrasting colors can define areas, opt for blending tones to create a unified visual block.