When it comes to interior design, small spaces can present unique challenges. Limited square footage can make creating a functional and visually appealing living room scheme complex. However, with the correct design principles and creative ideas, even the smallest living rooms can be transformed into stylish and comfortable spaces. In this interior blog, our Luxury Lifestyle PR & Marketing Team share their tips for stylish interior design ideas for small living rooms.
Ten Interior Design Tips To Transform Your Living Room
- Let There Be Light: Maximising natural light is the key to making a small living room appear more spacious. Keep your windows uncovered or use sheer curtains to allow sunlight to flood in, making the room feel brighter and more open. Additionally, strategically placed mirrors can reflect natural light and create an illusion of a larger space. Living spaces need light, so artificial lighting can also be an option for modern living. Living room lighting ideas include low-level lighting through wall lights and floor lamps to create ambience and add additional adjustable lighting options to your living room design.
- Opt for Multi-functional Furniture: Every inch counts in a small living room. Choose living room furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes, such as a modular sofa with hidden storage or a coffee table that doubles as a desk. Choose a folding dining table to save valuable floor space; a bay window can offer window seats. This way, you can maximise storage space while maintaining a stylish and clutter-free environment. Compact living means choosing pieces of furniture which serve a dual purpose and sticking to key pieces to avoid shrinking the room. Browse websites like Living ETCto find living room storage ideas you can copy.
- Choose a Color Scheme Wisely: Neutral living is your best interior design theme, when it comes to colour, light and neutral hues work wonders in a small living room. A neutral palette of whites, creams, and pastels on living room walls, as they reflect light and give the illusion of a larger and airy space. White walls might appear stark alone, but add accents of colour through soft furnishings or feature walls to add life to a neutral space. Avoid darker colours as they can make a room feel more closed off. Dark colours should only exist in highlights. And avoid dark walls.
- Play with Patterns: Just because your living room is small doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Experiment with patterns for living room ideas which add interest and bohemian living. Translate through statement pillows, area rugs, or accent chairs. However, be mindful not to overwhelm the space. Stick to one or two patterns in different scales and complement them with plain or textured elements. A Bay window could offer the perfect opportunity to showcase designer print curtains and lean towards the eclectic living trend.
- Utilise Vertical Space: When floor space is limited, making the most of your walls is essential. Install floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets to display decorative pieces or store essential items. Additionally, placing tall floor-to-ceiling curtains enhances the perception of height, making the room feel more spacious. A curved sofa in a small room offers greater creativity in your design layout. Highlight any period architectural features with lighting to draw the eye up to the ceiling.
- Create an Illusion with Mirrors: Mirrors are a powerful tool for visually expanding small interior spaces. Hanging a large mirror on an empty wall or placing smaller mirrors strategically reflects light and creates an illusion of depth. This simple trick can instantly make your living room feel more spacious. Real homes and show homes often use this trick to give the impression of airy living.
- Embrace Minimalism: Less is often more in a small living room. Avoid overwhelming the room by crowding it with unnecessary furniture or accessories. Opt for sleek, streamlined furniture with clean lines and declutter your home regularly to maintain a tidy and organised environment. Formal living doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable. You can still add home comforts but keep them to a minimum. A narrow living room requires careful planning, but be bold and use pops of colour with rich colour through highlights of paint colours, or a bold corner sofa can take centre stage. Andrew Martinis a fantastic source of inspiration. Think West London Penthouse and you will be on the right track.
- Play with Lighting: Good lighting can transform the ambience of a compact space. Use a combination of overhead lighting, ambient lighting and task lighting to create layers of illumination. Install a dimmer switch to adjust the lighting according to your mood and make the room an inviting space with a more intimate feel. A statement light fixture can become a work of art and a practical addition to your living room.
- Incorporate Vertical Gardens: This interior design movement is an interior design trendto lust after! Add nature to your small living room by incorporating vertical gardens. These space-saving wall-mounted gardens add a splash of greenery and act as a unique focal point, adding depth and interest to the space and transforming your room into a modern space with an opulent feel and foliage! House & Garden Magazineoffers terrific inspiration in this area.
- Showcase Personal Touches: Remember to infuse your style into the design. Design firms and interior designers always like to add a personal touch to connect their clients with their newly revamped homes. Display meaningful artwork or photographs, incorporate cherished books, or showcase sentimental items that reflect your personality. Adding these personal touches will make the space feel more inviting and unique.
Remember, the key to designing a stylish interior for a small living room is to prioritise functionality, make the most of natural light, choose a suitable colour scheme, and declutter regularly. By following these simple guidelines and incorporating your unique style, you really can elevate your small living room into a stylish oasis that feels both welcoming and spacious.
