Struggling to figure out a way to fit all of your stuff into your small living room?
With limited space, arranging your furniture can be a challenge. But there are some easy tips and tricks you can learn to make your living room look and feel bigger than it is.
If you want to redecorate and maximize storage space without having to break the bank? Check out these seven unique ways to redesign a small living room!
#1 Make the Most of Natural Light
Whether you have a tiny living room or a spacious open floor plan, there’s one thing that will always make a room feel bigger:
Natural light
The more light you let in, the more open and airy the room will look.
So open up those blinds! Remove those heavy drapes and hang sheer curtains instead. Let the sunshine in, and your small living room won’t feel as small as it did when you had those windows covered up.
#2 Hang Curtains or Drapes from Floor to Ceiling
Big windows can make a room feel larger than it is. By hanging your curtains at ceiling-level, you can trick the eye to make your windows appear bigger than they actually are.
Instead of hanging curtains at the top of the window, mount a drapery rod above the window. Buy drapes that are long enough to reach the floor. This will create the illusion that the window is taller, which makes the room feel more spacious.
#3 Invest in Double-Duty Furniture
In a small space, it’s essential to have furniture that serves two functions.
For example:
Consider using two ottomans as a coffee table. If you buy ottomans with lift-top lids, you can use them for storage.
If you prefer a traditional coffee table, look for one that has concealed drawers or, at the very minimum, a storage shelf underneath. That’s a great place to stash mail, remote controls, and other odds and ends. The less clutter you have hanging around, the bigger your room will feel.
If storage is a serious issue in your living room, a trunk makes for a great coffee table. Large trunks offer far more space than most ottomans, so that you can house all sorts of items inside. They’re perfect for hiding Christmas decorations, extra blankets, or even winter clothing!
There are also lots of dining room tables with slide-out tops that provide concealed storage underneath. This is a great place to keep things like serving trays or even office supplies (if your dining table doubles as a work desk).
With so many affordable furniture stores online, finding these pieces is easier than ever—and you won’t have to bust your budget to buy them.
#4 Choose Smaller Furniture
It goes without saying, but the smaller your furniture, the bigger your room will appear to be.
Instead of a couch that seats three or four people, opt for a two-person loveseat. That might even free up enough space to add a cool accent chair as a third seating option.
Not convinced you can do without a traditional couch? Look for a backless one! They take up far less space and don’t look as bulky.
Need a recliner or a special chair where you can sit and relax at the end of the day? Instead of a clunky accent chair, try a hanging chair instead. Hanging chairs are great solutions that immediately creates the appearance of more floor space.
#5 Make Use of Corners
Never ignore your corners. It can be easy to waste corner space by pushing couches, chairs, and tables against the flat parts of your walls. But when you’re trying to decorate a small room, every ounce of space is valuable.
Look for corner cabinets that tuck neatly into that 90-degree angle. Stagger floating near the corners for your books, accessories, and other décor. Position some plants nearby to soften the space and add natural beauty.
#6 Go Vertical
Smaller rooms have less floor space, which means that you have to make the most of the room’s height. You can use vertical space to trick the eye into thinking the room is bigger and to maximize space by getting things off the floor.
If you’re trying to create new storage opportunities, floor to ceiling bookshelves are a great way to maximize vertical space. If you’re simply trying to make the space look bigger, you can do so by creating an art gallery wall with frames mounted all the way up to the ceiling.
#7 Hang Mirrors and/or Wallpaper
Mirrors are the ultimate optical illusions. Hanging a large mirror on a wall will make the room feel twice as big. Hanging one that reflects the windows and natural light can make it look even more spacious.
If wall mirrors aren’t your style, hang some wallpaper on one wall or in one section of the room. A cool, colorful pattern can draw the eye in as a focal point and take the focus off the tiny size of the room.
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Don’t look at your small space as a hindrance—look at it as a mere challenge. Using the tips outlined here, you should have no problem redesigning it.
Let in as much natural light as possible. Make use of vertical space. Invest in furniture that performs more than one function.
Choose smaller furniture that takes up less floor space and utilize all four corners of the room. Add mirrors or hang wallpaper to create a focal point that draws attention away from the room’s size.
Now that you know these tips and tricks, have at it! Spend this weekend redesigning your small living room or shopping for the items you need to do so. By next weekend, your little living room will feel bigger than you ever thought was possible!
Author bio:
Aaron Hunt is the Property Manager for Prime Place UNL, a student housing community near the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.