26 Small Living Room Ideas: How to Decorate, Save Space, Organise & Live Well

At the outset, a small living room can feel challenging to decorate and live in comfortably. And yet, it's easy to transform it into a cosy and inviting space with the right approach. This guide will explore decorating ideas for small living rooms, tips on saving space, styling ideas for living rooms, and organising and creating a comfortable cocoon you can enjoy. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to make some minor changes, our small living room ideas guide will answer all your questions and then some, giving you the inspiration and ideas you need to make the most of your spaces.

Quick Links

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Living room ideas for small apartments and homes
• Decor ideas for small living rooms
• How to maximise space in a small living room
• Small living room layout ideas
• Organising solutions for small living rooms
• Designing a small living room for better living
• Small spaces have a big impact

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a small living room cosy?

Elements like warm lighting have a beautiful, cosy effect. Adding texture to the room with plush cushions, textured rugs, and soft throws is yet another way to create cosy comfort.

What colour schemes work best in small living rooms?

Neutral colours, such as white, beige, and grey, create a sense of calm and spaciousness. Light colours like pastel hues can make a small room airy and bright. Bold colours, such as a statement wall in a rich shade, can add interest and create a sense of depth.

What are some small living room ideas that work well?

Many small living room ideas work well, such as incorporating a reading nook, creating an intimate den, or creating an area for entertaining guests.

What to remember when shopping for home decor accessories

• Scale: Pay attention to the scale of the pieces you're considering. Choose items that are proportional to the size of your living room, and avoid oversized furniture or décor that will make your living room feel cluttered and cramped.
• Purpose: Consider the purpose of each piece of décor you're considering. Choose pieces that serve a specific function, such as a coffee table that doubles as storage or a lamp that provides both light and a decorative touch.

Living room ideas for small apartments and homes

Given their ease of maintenance, apartment living has become extremely popular in recent years. In fact, according to the Australian 2021 census, almost 1 in 10 of us now lives in an apartment. With rising real estate costs, it's no surprise that there's an overall uptick in tiny homes across the globe. With that, small living rooms have become increasingly common. But does a small living room take away from decorating and living comfortably? Not quite. Small spaces offer huge windows of opportunity for their inhabitants to maximise the space design, making them feel expansive and well-styled. What you need, though, is a clear plan. If you're seeking living room ideas for small apartments, you'll have all the clarity you need to know what type of furniture and accessories to buy, by the end of the blog. You'll even pick up a few clever design tips to visually maximise space and get tips around styling living rooms. Let's dive in.

Decor Ideas for Small Living Rooms

Living in a small space doesn't mean sacrificing style or comfort. There are many ways to make your small living room stylish and functional.

• Start with colour and think of your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create in your space. Light colours, such as white, beige, and light grey, will help to create a light and airy feel, making your living room more spacious and open.
• Make the most of natural light. Make sure your windows are unblocked, and use sheer curtains or light fabrics to let in as much light as possible. Consider adding a skylight, as this will bring in even more light and create a feeling of openness. You can also add mirrors or reflective surfaces to help bounce light around the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows or wall-to-wall windows can work wonderfully to visually enhance light and space in your room, effectively bringing the outdoors in.
• Create a focal point. A gallery wall of photographs, one oversized artwork, and a collage of photos, prints and wallpaper samples - will not only lend personality and anchor the space but also distract the eye from focusing on the room's size.
• Use wide flooring planks to widen space. You see, walls and floors play an important role in how a room looks and feels. Use wide and chunky floorboards to visually expand space and create the impression of a bigger area.
• Paint is a great way to expand space visually. You can trick the eye into assuming a higher ceiling by simply using paint. Paint the bottom half of a wall in a bright, popping shade. This helps anchor your colour scheme, providing an excellent contrasting backdrop for your furniture. Paint the top half in a neutral colour to create a sense of height.
• Create a cohesive colour scheme: Create a unified, tranquil space by choosing no more than two or three key colours when styling your living room. This will mean everything works seamlessly together without looking out of place or dominating the room. Use paint to zone spaces within an open floor plan and team it with a dash of greenery to lend vibrancy and life.
• Don't forget about lighting. Quality lighting is vital in a small living room, and you should ensure your lighting is bright enough but not so bright that it's harsh and uncomfortable. Add adjustable lighting, such as a dimmer switch, to help control the atmosphere.
• Using vertical space is another crucial factor in decorating a living room. This could mean installing shelves or hanging storage baskets on the wall. Doing this lets you keep your floor space clear, creating the illusion of more space.

How to maximise space in a small living room

Furniture is an integral part of decorating a small living room. Look for multi-functional furniture, such as a coffee table that doubles as storage or a sofa that can be converted into a day bed. This will help to save space and keep your living room looking tidy. Some examples of furniture options include:

• A sofa with a small profile. A couch is the most important piece of furniture for your small living room. It can make or break your space, and often we see people choosing one that's too large for their rooms. A small profile will mean your sofa feels visually light - so say no to thick and high arms, high backs and chunky designs. You also want to ensure the sofa has thin legs with air flowing underneath. Opt for timber or metal legs. Stick to clean lines and steer clear of elaborate and fluid designs. If your living room is particularly cramped, use a pouffe to put your feet up. Avoid chaise or sectional sofas.
• Round ottomans can help create extra seating. You read that right. If you're an apartment dweller looking for modern small living room ideas - choosing clever seating options is an excellent way to go. Rounded ottomans are great for styling living rooms because they are so versatile. You could use it for extra seating or something to pop your feet onto when watching television.
• Side tables that double up as coffee tables. Regular-sized coffee tables are large and may not be the perfect fit for designing your small living room. To ensure you're maximising space, a side table could make for a better solution. Alternatively, opt for nesting side tables - offering you both versatility and more space. Always choose low-height multi-functional furniture to let your space breathe and not feel overwhelmed.
• Choose wall-mounted lighting. Wall-mounted lights with a sleek profile are one of the best ways to regain limited floor space while also serving as an excellent styling idea for living rooms. Opt for three working lights, all placed at different heights to help your eye move around the room. Varied light is always an excellent idea for small spaces.
• Wall shelves or a floating media centre. Use shelves to store books, plants, or other decorative items, and they won't take up any floor space.
• Consider using under-the-sofa storage to keep your living room looking tidy. This type of storage is designed to fit under your sofa, and it's perfect for storing items like books, blankets, or other small items you want to keep within reach.
• Wall-mounted shelves. Add storage to your living room without wasting valuable floor space. Choose shelves that complement your existing décor, and use them to display books, photo frames, and other knick-knacks.
• Opt for light-coloured furniture that reflects light and makes your living room feel larger and brighter. Consider investing in pieces made from light-coloured materials, such as bamboo, wicker, or glass, to help create a bright and airy atmosphere.

[BONUS] Small living room ideas

There are also a variety of space-saving techniques you can use to make the most of your living room. For example, consider using a corner sofa, which will help to maximise the space, or a hanging chair, which will keep your floor space clear.

Small living room layout ideas

In this instance, it's important to remember that less is more. The key is to create an open and inviting space that doesn't feel cluttered.

• Opt for a floating furniture arrangement. This involves placing your furniture away from the walls and creating a central seating area. This helps to open up the room and create the illusion of more space. Additionally, select furniture pieces that are slim and streamlined to minimise floor usage.
• Zone your living room into different areas, such as a seating area, a reading area, and a dining area, to create a sense of separation and organisation.
• A symmetrical layout is a classic design that works well in small living rooms. This layout features furniture arranged in a balanced and centred manner, creating a cohesive and harmonious look.
• Consider the flow of the room. This means arranging the furniture in a way that encourages conversation and movement. For example, in an open-plan living room, the placement of furniture pieces should create a clear path between the different areas. This will make the room feel more spacious and inviting.

Organising solutions for small living rooms

Organisation is critical in small living rooms, and there are various ways to ensure your space stays organised.

• Start by decluttering. Get rid of any items you no longer need or use, and try to minimise the number of items in your living room.
• Creative storage solutions like baskets or boxes will help you store items like books, magazines, or toys. You could also install shelves or cabinets to store DVDs or board games.
• Labelling and categorising your items will make keeping your living room organised easier. Consider using labelled boxes or baskets to corral similar items together, and try to keep your things grouped by type or function.
• Clever corner solutions are also a great way to maximise the space in your living room. For example, consider using a corner shelf to store books or a corner cabinet to store items like vases or picture frames.
• Hidden storage options, such as ottomans with storage or a sofa with a built-in storage compartment, will keep your living room looking tidy. These options allow you to store items out of sight but within reach when needed.

Designing a small living room for better living

Finally, in our guide for modern small living room ideas, let's talk about living well. Living well translates to this feeling of rest and comfort, promoted by our choice of supportive furniture and accessories. After all, there is no replacement for a quality sofa or armchair. But, in addition to physical comfort - creating a cosy atmosphere is equally key. Think of soft lighting options like table lamps, candles, and fairy lights for a warm and inviting ambience. Adding personal touches to your living room is also a great way to make it feel like your own. Consider adding family photos, artworks, travel memorabilia or a collection of meaningful items. Plants add greenery to your space and create a fresh and vibrant atmosphere.

Small spaces can have a big impact

Small spaces don't have to feel like a compromise. With simple tips and a little love, it's easy to transform your small living rooms into warm, inviting areas that bring the family together. For more tips on small-space living, don't miss our small bedroom guide . Looking for more advice and ideas around transforming your home and creating spaces that encourage conversation and relaxation? Our Home Hub features everything from tablescape ideas, bed styling tips, and kitchen organisation tips to bathroom styling. Don't forget to read out home decor buying guide for better shopping tips. Harris Scarfe also offers a vast range of home decor accessories and solutions to bring your spaces to life. Happy decorating!