It’s not necessary that a smaller living room is less functional or stylish than a larger one. These small-space decorating tips and tricks will help you maximize your living room’s design while maximizing its size. They cover everything from the layout and furniture to the wall color and lighting.

Color Palette Limitation

Gian Moore is a former interior designer at Mellowpine. She says that the most important thing to keep in mind when designing a smaller room is to stick to ONE color palette. This will create a flow within the space. Make sure you shift your attention to monochromatic or tonal colors that will enhance the scheme.

 

Layer Your Lighting

Moore says that layering your lighting heights is important. “Ensure you have lots of wall and lamp lights, as well as a pendant with a dimmable switch.” Choose shades that will both create pools of ambient light and direct light to tasks such as reading. Wall lights that project soft beams of light upwards and downwards will make your space appear taller.

 

Open up Walls

Open up the walls to give a modern feel to your small living room. Interior designer Kate Diaz from Swanky Den says that opening up the room and allowing in natural light creates a bright, fresh feel. You can install side panels or floor-to ceiling windows, doors or both. It will appear larger if you paint the walls with light colors and trim in white.

 

Consider Mirrors

Diaz says that adding a large mirror to your living room can help create a feeling of lightness and space. Hanging mirrors on opposite walls can increase the sightlines, and give the illusion of a larger space.

 

Install Open Shelving

If you want to make your living room more spacious, open concept shelving is the way to go. It’s a great option for those who are trying to reduce clutter. Keep it neat and stylish.

 

Neutral Walls are the best choice

Diaz recommends painting walls a neutral color. You can add color to select pieces of furniture and accessories if you want more personality.

 

Walls and floors in Contrast

If you want to create warmth, you should use light colors on your walls. “Using light colours on the walls

 

Use Artwork to Your Advantage

Wall art can bring visual interest to small spaces. Diaz recommends hanging artwork above your couch rather than around the room, to add visual appeal while keeping visual clutter at a minimum.

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