Whether you are moving into your first apartment or you are planning an upgrade or a renovation, it is common for many people to get overwhelmed with the challenges of designing a small space and trying to make it look and feel the right size. If you’re starting fresh or are finally ready to invest in some quality furniture, this article aims to help you. We hope to inspire you with some quick tips that can help make your small living room look and feel larger, which will not only make a huge impact on your home but will also complement and reflect your signature style.
Create a Focal wall: First of all, start by identifying the focal wall in your living room, usually where your TV/ fireplace will be placed and position your sofa/ furniture on the opposite side of the TV. If the opposite side is a solid wall, measure its length and choose a sofa that fits well. If it’s an open area, plan how you’ll move through the space and consider putting the sofa on an adjacent wall instead. Avoid blocking pathways with large furniture, and consider the main use of your living room; whether for watching TV, working, or socializing. This will help you plan and create a functional, spacious, and well-arranged living room.
Pick the right-sized sofa: Another tip to make your small living room appear larger is to get rid of your oversized sofa. If your sofa is sticking out from the walls or taking up too much space, it is too big for your room. A sofa that is too large leaves no room for other seating or a coffee table, making it difficult to create a functional conversation area. To find the right size, measure the dimensions of your living room and subtract at least 30-36 inches for walkways. The remaining space is what you have to work with for your sofa.
Remove bulky furniture: If you’ve inherited pieces like a large recliner, it might be time to let them go. Even though it’s comfortable, it can make your space feel cramped. The goal is to have a living room that feels spacious and functions efficiently. Measure your room and sketch out the layout. Then, remove oversized items like a big recliner, an oversized hutch that’s just storing clutter, or a bulky storage ottoman doubling as a coffee table. These pieces can make your room feel claustrophobic. Understanding the right scale and proportion for your furniture is key to creating a more open, functional space.
Multi-purpose furniture: Choosing multi-purpose furniture can make your small living room appear larger. With fewer, more functional pieces, your space will feel more open. The trick is to focus on functionality and look for furniture that serves multiple purposes, like a coffee table that converts into a dining table or a sofa with a built-in bed for guests. Ottomans with storage can double as coffee tables or extra seating.
Oversized rug for your living room: It might appear like a strange idea but it is a design trick as an oversized large rug in a small space makes the room feel bigger. To choose the right size, first, sketch out your room and seating arrangement. Imagine a rectangle around your seating group, and that’s the size your rug should be. For smaller rooms, like 10×10 or 10×12 feet, an 8×10 rug usually works well. If you have an open concept space, ensure the rug is big enough for the front legs of your seating to rest on it, along with the coffee table.
Large curtains: Another tip is to raise your curtains to just a few inches below the ceiling. This creates the illusion of height and makes the room feel more spacious. Curtains are essential for elevating a room’s look, and even budget-friendly options can achieve this. Choose curtain panels that match your ceiling height. Install the curtain rod close to the ceiling, about 2-3 inches below, and ensure the curtains touch the floor without leaving a gap.
Opt for furniture with legs: To make your small living room appear larger, choose furniture with legs. Leggy furniture creates the illusion of more space as it allows you to see the floor underneath, making the room feel airier and more open. Bulky furniture that sits directly on the floor can make your space feel crowded and dark. Instead, opt for items like ottomans, sofas, accent chairs, and coffee tables with legs. This not only visually expands the room but also improves air movement.
Try rounded furniture: Rounded furniture pieces, like curved sofas or round coffee tables, allow easier movement in the space by eliminating sharp corners that could potentially block pathways and create a cramped feel. Compare two living rooms—one with curved furniture and one with angular, square pieces—you will notice that the curved furniture creates a more open and inviting atmosphere as it creates a sense of elegance and allows for better flow.
These smart tips can help homeowners create a functional living room that looks larger than it is and offers both comfort and convenience. At Livwell Collective, we are happy to offer our expertise in smart layout design and renovations —right from guiding you through your best options to helping you with the set-up. Speak to our team today to book a free consultation.
