Designing a small living room can be tricky – one wrong move and the whole space can feel cramped or chaotic.
Interior designers have seen the same mistakes pop up time and time again, from oversized furniture to décor that swallows up valuable breathing room. But it’s not just about avoiding the bad – knowing what does work is just as important.
This list covers 8 things designers say to keep out of your small living room, along with 8 smart additions that can help it feel more open, stylish, and surprisingly spacious.
1. Bulky Sectional Sofas
Ever walked into a room where the sofa seems to be swallowing the entire space? Massive sectionals might promise comfort, but they’re notorious space-hoggers in small living areas.
Professional designers suggest opting for sleek loveseats or apartment-sized sofas instead. These scaled-down alternatives provide seating without overwhelming your limited square footage.
2. Too Many Accent Tables
Guilty of table hoarding? While that adorable side table might catch your eye at the store, multiplying accent tables creates obstacle courses, not stylish spaces.
Quality trumps quantity when square footage is limited—one thoughtfully chosen statement piece will elevate your room more than several mediocre tables cluttering the perimeter.
3. Dark, Heavy Curtains
Those luxurious velvet drapes might work beautifully in a mansion, but in your cozy apartment? Not so much. Heavy window treatments absorb light and visually shrink already modest dimensions.
Light, airy curtains or simple blinds allow natural light to flood the space, instantly making it feel larger and more inviting. Hanging curtains closer to the ceiling rather than directly above the window frame creates the illusion of height.
4. Oversized Entertainment Centers
Nothing screams “space-eater” quite like a massive entertainment center dominating your living area. Those hulking media units from the 90s have no place in today’s compact homes.
Wall-mounted TVs paired with floating shelves offer modern alternatives that free up valuable floor space. If you’re tech-savvy, consider eliminating media furniture altogether by streaming content through smart devices that require minimal equipment and maximize your precious square footage.
5. Mismatched, Bulky Furniture
Randomly collected pieces might tell your life story, but they’re telling your small living room a horror tale. When furniture doesn’t coordinate in scale or style, visual chaos ensues.
The golden rule? Measure before you purchase. That charming armchair might seem reasonable until you realize it protrudes into your walking path, making your room function like a frustrating maze.
6. Too Many Decorative Pillows
Who hasn’t been tempted by those gorgeous throw pillows? While they add personality, pillow-hoarding is a common small-space mistake that leaves nowhere to actually sit.
Design experts recommend limiting decorative pillows to 2-3 per seating piece. This provides comfort and style without creating a storage problem when you actually want to use your sofa.
7. Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelves
Bookworms, this might hurt: those towering bookshelves you dream about belong in libraries, not compact living rooms. Full-height shelving units can make ceilings feel lower and walls closer.
Floating shelves or low bookcases provide storage without overwhelming the space. Many designers suggest keeping books in other rooms entirely, saving your living area for essential furniture and select décor.
8. Multiple Area Rugs
Layering rugs might be trending on design blogs, but in modest living spaces, this approach creates visual chaos. Multiple rugs chop up the floor and make rooms feel disjointed and smaller.
One appropriately sized area rug anchors your seating arrangement while defining the space. The right dimensions are crucial—too small and it looks awkward; too large and it overwhelms.
1. Floating Wall Shelves
Wall-mounted shelving creates storage without eating up precious floor space. These clever installations hover above your furniture, making room for books, plants, and treasured knick-knacks while drawing the eye upward.
Professional designers recommend staggering shelf heights for visual interest. The beauty of floating shelves is their chameleon-like ability to match any décor style.
2. Ceiling-Mounted Swing Chair
Forget conventional seating! A hanging chair suspended from your ceiling creates an unexpected focal point while eliminating the need for bulky armchairs. These whimsical seats float above the floor, creating the illusion of more space.
The gentle swaying motion offers a calming effect after a long day. Choose a macramé style for boho vibes or a sleek acrylic bubble chair for modern minimalist spaces.
3. Multi-Functional Ottoman
A multi-functional ottoman is a versatile piece that combines comfort and practicality. Imagine having a stylish footrest that also provides hidden storage for blankets or magazines. This clever design keeps clutter out of sight, making your living room feel more spacious.
In small living rooms, every piece of furniture should serve more than one purpose. The multi-functional ottoman exemplifies this principle, blending seamlessly into any decor style.
4. Vertical Garden Wall
Bringing nature indoors takes an ingenious turn with living walls that maximize greenery without sacrificing square footage. These verdant installations transform blank walls into lush ecosystems, improving air quality while adding visual texture.
Choose low-light varieties like pothos, ferns, and peace lilies for easy care. The best part? Unlike traditional houseplants that require tables or floor space, these green wonders exist entirely on your vertical real estate.
5. Hydraulic Coffee Table
Magic happens when furniture serves multiple functions! Hydraulic coffee tables transform from standard height to dining level with a simple lift mechanism. This engineering marvel eliminates the need for separate dining furniture in compact spaces.
When guests arrive, simply raise the surface for impromptu dinner parties. Many models include hidden storage compartments beneath the tabletop for stashing magazines, remote controls, or even folding dining linens.
6. Modular Shelving Units
Modular shelving units are a boon for small living rooms, providing customizable storage solutions. These units can be arranged and rearranged to fit your specific needs, showcasing everything from books to decorative items.
By utilizing vertical space, modular shelves ensure that no area is wasted. They help in organizing the living space without overwhelming it, creating a tidy and stylish ambiance.
7. Slim Profile Sofa
A slim profile sofa is ideal for small living rooms where space is at a premium. These sofas maintain a sleek and modern look, often without the bulk associated with traditional seating. Their streamlined design makes them a perfect fit against a wall, leaving more room for movement.
Despite their slender appearance, slim profile sofas offer ample comfort. They make excellent use of high-density foam cushions, ensuring a cozy yet chic seating experience.
8. Compact Accent Chair
Compact accent chairs bring character to small living rooms without the bulk. These chairs often feature unique designs or bold fabrics, making them a focal point without taking up much space.
Their size allows for placement in corners or nooks, providing additional seating without crowding the room. A compact chair can be the perfect companion for a cozy reading corner.