Strategies to create an illusion of more space in a compact living room, as suggested by 14 designers:
Making a Small Living Room Look Bigger: Top Design Tips
A small living room can feel cramped and uncomfortable, but with some clever design choices, you can make it appear larger and more inviting. Here are some effective strategies to help you transform your cosy space.
1. Strategically place mirrors Mirrors are a great tool for reflecting light and creating depth, visually enlarging the space. Positioning a mirror directly across from a window can maximize the amount of light it reflects.
2. Opt for light color schemes Choosing light color schemes for walls and furniture helps the room feel more open and airy. Neutral pieces are a good starting point for the sofa in a small living room.
3. Elevate furniture off the floor Lifting furniture off the floor can help make a small living room look bigger. Refined furniture pieces in lighter-toned natural finishes such as soft timber veneers, artisan silver leaf, or polished marble are recommended.
4. Float furniture away from walls Floating furniture away from walls instead of pushing everything flush to the walls creates a feeling of more space around each piece.
5. Layer lighting Layering lighting can make a small living room look bigger at night. Layering the heights of your small living room lighting is key, so ensure you have a pendant light overhead with a dimmable control, lots of lamp light, and wall lights.
6. Incorporate bold but subtle patterns Using bold but subtle patterns can distract the eye without overwhelming, helping the room feel cozy but larger. Layering patterns of a similar scale and tone will ensure the room feels inviting.
7. Add rich textures Adding rich textures such as velvet cushions, leather armchairs, or wooden accents can make the space inviting without visually shrinking it.
8. Maximize natural light Leaving windows uncovered or minimally dressed can help maximize natural light entry, which is crucial for openness. Choose light and airy window treatments, such as sheer curtains or lighter fabrics.
9. Create secondary seating Creating secondary seating with floor cushions or poufs can increase flexibility without bulk.
10. Maximize vertical space Maximizing vertical space through taller shelving or storage can draw the eye upward and free floor area.
11. Use gloss paint on the ceiling Using a gloss paint finish on the ceiling can create a brighter and bigger illusion.
12. Choose compact furniture Choose compact furniture that maximizes space, such as multifunctional pieces like ottomans with storage or sofa beds.
13. Paint walls, ceiling, and trim the same color Painting walls, ceiling, and trim the same color can visually create a larger space.
14. Draw the eye up Draw the eye up by installing features that emphasize the height of the room, such as tall curtains, crown molding, or hanging art in a way that makes the most of vertical space.
15. Use subtle striped patterns Using subtle striped patterns on walls or curtains can make a small living room look taller or wider.
16. Consider darker shades Consider using darker shades on walls to create a perception of depth and a cozy feel in a small room.
17. Layer accents of color Layer accents of color, such as burnt orange or terracotta, to lift a darker-colored small living room.
By combining these ideas, you balance functionality, comfort, and visual spaciousness in a small living room.
Interior design plays a crucial role in making a small living room look larger, as carefully chosen design elements can create an illusion of space and increase the room's invitingness. Home-and-garden enthusiasts can boost the lifestyle appeal of their small living room by implementing strategies such as incorporating light color schemes, positioning mirrors strategically, and layering lighting, while also employing interior-design techniques like elevating furniture off the floor and floating furniture away from walls.
