Your living room is the heart of your home—a place where you relax, entertain, and spend quality time with your loved ones. But when it comes to designing a small living room, it can be challenging to strike the right balance between functionality and style. To help you make the most of your limited space, we have compiled a list of common mistakes to avoid when designing a small living room. By sidestepping these pitfalls, you’ll create a cozy, inviting space that maximizes every square inch.
Mistake 1: Overcrowding with Furniture
One of the most common mistakes in small living room design is cramming in too much furniture. While you may be tempted to include all your favorite pieces, it can make the room feel cramped and cluttered. Instead, opt for sleek, multipurpose furniture that serves more than one function. Consider investing in a sofa with hidden storage compartments or a coffee table that doubles as a seating area. This way, you can save valuable space while maintaining a stylish and organized living room.
Some furniture choices you could consider include:
- Storage coffee table
- Space saving table and chairs where the seats tuck in
- Storage/footstool and seat ottoman
Click through to the Pinterest board below to see all the clever storage options to keep your small living room looking tidy without compromising on space!
Image source: Very
Mistake 2: Neglecting Vertical Space
In a small living room, vertical space is a valuable asset that is often overlooked. Avoid the mistake of leaving your walls bare. Instead, make use of vertical space by installing floating shelves or wall-mounted storage units. These not only provide additional storage but also draw the eye upwards, creating an illusion of height and making the room appear more spacious. Additionally, consider incorporating floor-to-ceiling curtains to add an extra dimension and make the room feel larger.
Ways you can use your walls to maximise on space:
- Built-in alcove shelving
- Floating shelves in a corner with reading chair underneath
- Hidden media wall
- DIY banquette seating
Click through to the Pinterest board below to see all the beautiful ways that you can use the vertical space in your living room!
Image source: Farrow & Ball
Mistake 3: Poor Lighting Choices
Lighting plays a crucial role in any interior design, and it is especially important in small living rooms. The mistake of improper lighting can make your space feel dull and cramped. To avoid this, opt for a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Use strategically placed table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces to create layers of light and establish different moods in the room. Consider incorporating mirrors to reflect natural light and make the space appear brighter and more expansive.
Use various lighting options to give your small living room a cozy feel. Here are some choices:
- Wall scones
- String lights
- Spotlights to make your ceiling feel spacious and brighter (will make your walls feel taller)
- Use your fireplace
- Install lights beneath your shelving
- Flat sputnik ceiling lights
Click through to the Pinterest board below to discover lightbulb ways to incorporate mood and task lighting into a small living room!
Image source: Etsy
Mistake 4: Ignoring the Power of Colour
Colour has a profound impact on the perception of space. Neglecting the power of colour in a small living room is a common mistake. Avoid dark, heavy colours that can make the room feel closed in. Instead, opt for light and neutral tones like whites, creams, and pastels, which reflect light and create an airy atmosphere. Introduce pops of colour through accessories or accent pieces to add visual interest and personality to the space without overwhelming it.
A lot of small living rooms tend to have neutral interiors, however there are ways to include colour into your small space, including:
- Use furnishings like curtains, your sofa, cushions, rugs and shelving to add colour into your space
- Use colour through a feature wall
- Pastel or muted colours are great for small spaces to brighten up dull spots
Click through to the Pinterest board below to discover colour schemes for small living rooms!
Mistake 5: Cluttered Surfaces and Lack of Organization
Clutter is the enemy of small living room design. Neglecting to keep surfaces organized and clutter-free can quickly make your space appear messy and chaotic. Invest in smart storage solutions such as ottomans with hidden compartments, decorative baskets, and wall hooks to keep everyday items neatly tucked away. Embrace minimalism and only display a few carefully curated accessories to maintain a clean and open feel in your living room.
Scandinavian interiors are a great source of inspiration when decluttering your living room, from simple furnishings to great use of space with clever storage. Furthermore, Scandi designs are simple yet look super snug and cozy so you will still feel that warm feeling when relaxing in your lounge.
Click through to the Pinterest board below to discover colour schemes for small living rooms!
How will you style your small living room?
Designing a small living room requires thoughtful consideration and strategic choices. By avoiding these common mistakes of overcrowding with furniture, neglecting vertical space, poor lighting choices, ignoring the power of color, and allowing clutter to take over, you can transform your small living room into a stylish and functional oasis. Embrace smart storage solutions, make use of vertical space, and create a balanced color palette to maximise the potential of your limited area. With these tips in mind, you’ll create a small living room that feels spacious, inviting, and reflects your personal style.
Explore more ideas for your home below!
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