Small living has become very popular over the years, there are even TV shows dedicated to tiny living. Home is a calm sanctuary and a place to feel secure and protected. We will walk you through how making the most of your small living room can create a calming space for you to unwind. Small living rooms can look seriously stylish when you decorate well. You don't need to compromise on taste just because there is less space to work with. Follow these decorating tips if you are looking for small living room ideas.
Assess what your rooms assets are and make those the focal point. If it's got great light, play that up with lighter colours to create a sense of expansiveness; if it has a stunning fireplace, draw attention to the fireplace. This space in my clients home (pictured above) has amazing windows which I played up by drawing attention with a statement chandelier and light colours.
Place furniture away from the walls to add not only more walking space but also help give the illusion of a more roomy living room. Adding low sofas, chairs and tables will help add to a more spacious looking room. This is a great example from our clients small Toorak apartment.
In a small living room, multi-use furniture is key. The more uses each piece of furniture can serve, the better. Place a tray on an ottoman to turn it into a table when you aren't using it as a seat. Use a console as a desk. Stylish seating can be placed beneath it to free up space. It will work as a stylish place to stash your keys and a perfect place to sit and get work done. Image from here.
Less furniture is best when you have a small living room. Instead, choose a sofa that’s proportional to the size of the space, and if you’re still in need of more seating, use stools. Stools take up far less room than bulky armchairs, and can be easily moved around the space. Look for stowaway furniture, such as cube stools (pictured) that can be tucked under a coffee table or into a corner when you don’t need them.
Don't be afraid of making a big statement in a small space. You don't want to clutter your space but a well curated collection can create lots of drama. We love how the over-the-top, formal chandelier in this space creates contrast and intrigue.
Think furniture that takes up minimal space. Create your own media centre. A wall-mounted TV is always going to be the best option for small living rooms. Floating shelves above and/or below the TV will allow for storage without taking up too much needed space. Utilise every inch of space by adding extra storage for items such as drawer units or storage stools to make a difference as well. Image from here.
One of the most popular small living room ideas is the use of neutral colours throughout. A palette of off-whites or beiges will expand the look of the space. If the white-wash look isn't your thing, add pops of colour through furnishings, accessories, and artwork. If you can't live without colour, you aren't out of luck. Dark bold colours in a small space can make a huge statement when done right. This living room is a perfect example of dramatic dark colour that doesn't close the space in. The use of mirrors also opens up the space.
High ceilings can help make a small space feel large. To take advantage of vertical space, accentuate tall windows with high curtains and a bold wallpaper. When curtains are hung right they add height to a small room. Keep the curtain design simple but use extra fabric for fullness. Image from here.
Mirrors are one of the best ways to make your tiny space feel open and airy. Choose Glass Or Mirrored Furniture. Use reflective surfaces to your advantage. Hang large mirrors on the walls, ideally opposite a window or door to reflect the light. A living room will feel brighter and bigger with the correct use of mirrors, reflecting all light available in the room. The statement mirror in my clients living room creates the feeling of an extra window, creating an illusion of more space.
A few well-chosen accessories can complete the look and create a luxurious finish. Invest in some metallic photo frames or a designer candle votive and the whole room will look high-end. If you like more items and less of a minimalist look, group like items together to make the accessories more cohesive and less like clutter. The metallic details in my own home add a high-end look to my living room.
Some of my favourite projects have been designing small spaces to suit the needs of my clients, for assistance on making your small space work for you while looking chic contact me here.
