You may have a small living room, to begin with, but it doesn’t have to feel that way! When expanding upwards or sideways is simply not possible, it’s time to get creative.
Clever Color
No, we are not going to tell you that white is your only option. You can paint your living room in either very pale or very deep colors, depending on your taste. The trick in a small space is to stick to the same tones in paint, furnishings, and accessories rather than chop up space with a combination of light and dark colors.
Functional Furniture
Choose furniture for a small living room that is on casters so that items can be used in different areas. Purchase multi-purpose pieces like a small pullout sofa bed, a vintage trunk to use as a coffee table and storage, or an upholstered ottoman that doubles as a coffee table. You can also look at chairs and tables that either nest inside each other or fold down and can be stacked when not in use. Float shelves on the walls so that they do not take up additional floor space or hinder movement. If possible, swap solid interior doors with French doors.
Narrowing it Down
A narrow living room coupled with a low ceiling presents its own set of problems. Paint the moldings and trim the same color as the walls to elongate the room and thereby detract from the low ceiling. This treatment also allows the walls to “disappear” so that the furniture and windows stand out.
Trick the Eye
There are many more tricks you can use to make your living room look spacious. Skylights and huge windows help to maximize the space. Similarly, light can play a big role in making a room look brighter and larger. Use light to make tiny spaces seem large. When accessorizing, resist the urge to clutter and focus, instead of one large focal piece. It draws the attention from the smallness of the space to the magnificence of the decorative object.