The living room, being the heart of the house, is created to fulfill various functions. It’s where you welcome guests to relax and speak, where you collect and display beloved family photos, and where the family gathers unofficially. Not to mention the sofa, which is everyone’s favorite place to unwind. An adaptable living room doesn’t have to be large—get creative with your decor and make the most of your space. In this blog, you will know about some tips when decorating a small living room. Here are some of our favorite ideas for decorating a small living room.
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Rethinking the Layout
Arranging decor and furnishings in a small space can appear paradoxical in both modern apartments and farmhouse-style homes. Take inventory of the room’s current arrangement before you start decorating. Keep track of which spaces are underutilized and which chairs are constantly full. Then consider how you may arrange the area so that it is as open as possible. For example, although it’s natural to plush a two-seater sofa and armchairs against the walls, doing so can make the room feel smaller. Instead, create a focal point in the area and accessorize around it for a more open style.
Consider putting a classic sofa and a modest coffee table in the room’s middle, for example. Then, surround this focal point with decor and accessories. Place a centerpiece bowl on the coffee table, and add stylish throw pillows to the sofa. Instead of a couch, use two armchairs near a bay window to create a striking impression. Set a serving tray on top of a pouf as a side table to safely store coasters, candles, and books. Visualize several design alternatives in your mind. What would a wall mirror across from the mantle look like? What if the sofa is close to the window? Remember that adjusting the layout can help to maintain your living room appearing new.
Scale, Color and the Illusion of Space
Every new addition to your modest living room’s decor should help to enlarge the area. As a result, think large. Oversized rugs, for example, have a broadening effect. Find rugs that feel custom-made for your living area, or take it a step further and create your own. The use of floor-to-ceiling drapes also gives the impression that the room is taller. Instead, allow natural light in with drapes made of light, airy fabrics like linen. While specific decor, such as decorative pillows and florals, is easy to change seasonally, it’s better to keep rugs, drapes, and other more extensive accessories neutral.
Alternatively, use drapes in bright colors like teal or mustard to bring the eye up—a splash of color enhances the room. Long, curving vines in hanging planters also pull attention upward. If you like a more contemporary look, go for geometric hanging planters or a rustic clay planter if you prefer a more classic look.
Lighten Up
Make the most of your small living area with lighting alternatives that maximize space. For example, hanging pendant lights, like drapes and hanging planters, help to draw the eye upward. For high-traffic areas, choose pendant lamps or chandeliers closer to the ceiling, and combine with wall sconces for a unified effect. Wall sconces, an alternative to lamps, open up the table and floor space for seats, storage, and other purposes.Â
To reflect light and enlarge the room, use a large wall mirror across from your sconces. Oversized table or floor lamp covers can make a room feel smaller. Instead, for a pleasant reading area, go for a glass light or one with a thin silhouette to set on a tiny side table.
Off-the-Wall Decor
Think vertically and build a gallery wall in homes where space is limited. Instead of putting displays on coffee tables, accent tables, and sideboards, use floating shelves and suspended decor. Hang framed family photos, art prints, and accent mirrors on the wall behind the sofa or over the mantle. Place a tiny vase or succulent planter on a couple of floating shelves near the window. Display this year’s holiday card instead of the typical family portrait, or arrange fresh-cut spring blooms in a tiny vase to change up your gallery wall seasonally. Keep in mind that nothing should obstruct the eye’s path as it moves across the room.
When it comes to wall decor, you are not limited to hanging photos only. There are several forms of artwork that you can use to create the best vibe for the walkway. For instance, you can use the latest wall art ideas to fill the wall space between two picture frames. In short, art doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive to look good. Sometimes, the cheaper yet unique ideas can add that perfect touch to the space; you have to think out of the box.
It’s okay if you’re drawn to a framed mirror or a painting, but if you’re drawn to a messy bookshelf or an asymmetrical arrangement of photo frames, consider restructuring your gallery wall.
Living in a small area doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. On the contrary, if you follow the less-is-more approach, your home will always feel roomy enough for your belongings.