Living in a small flat or house can have its perks like easy cleaning and less room for clutter, but it can also present some decorating challenges. One of the biggest challenges is making a small living room look bigger and more spacious than it actually is.
Consider the right furniture placement
The way you arrange your furniture can also make a significant impact on how your small living room feels and appears. One effective method is to create a focal point that draws attention away from the size of the room. You can achieve this by positioning your furniture to face a fireplace, a large window with a view, or a piece of art. Another approach is to arrange your furniture to create a sense of flow and openness. For example, instead of pushing all your furniture against the walls, try pulling your couch away from the wall to create a conversation area. You can also use furniture with exposed legs, like a coffee table or sofa, to create the impression of more space.
Choose the right colour schemes
Selecting the right colours is crucial when attempting to make a small living room appear larger, and incorporating trending colours for interior design can be a great way to achieve this. Shades such as Pantone’s ‘Pretty In Pink’ and ‘Spicy Mustard’ can be used to create the illusion of space while adding personality and character to the room. Light, neutral tones like white, beige, and light grey are also trending for interior design and can make your living space feel brighter and more open. Darker colours, on the other hand, can make the room feel more confined, so it is advisable to avoid them. When choosing colours for your furniture, walls, and accessories, consider how they can reflect light and how they will interact with other elements in your living room.
Let in natural light
Natural light is one of the easiest ways to make a small living room feel more open and inviting and can have health benefits as it can have a positive impact on your mood and well-being. To maximise the amount of natural light in your living room, start by removing heavy curtains or blinds that block out the light. Instead, opt for lightweight curtains that let the sunshine in. You can also add mirrors to reflect light and make the room feel brighter. Another way to increase natural light is to keep windows clean and unobstructed by furniture or clutter, which will also have an impact on the spaciousness of a room.
Add reflective surfaces
Mirrors reflect light, making the room brighter and giving the illusion of more space. Hanging a large mirror on one of the walls can create the impression that the room is more significant than it is. Additionally, mirrors can be used strategically to create a focal point or highlight a particular feature of the room. For example, you can place a mirror behind a piece of art or a collection of decorative items to draw attention to them. Moreover, you can use mirrors to create a sense of depth and dimension by placing them in strategic locations, such as opposite a window or doorway.
Make good use of your storage options
Making the most of storage space is key to ensuring that your small living room feels organised and uncluttered. One strategy is to use furniture with built-in storage, such as a storage ottoman or a coffee table with drawers. These multi-functional pieces can provide a place to store blankets, magazines, or other items while also serving as seating or a surface for drinks and snacks. Additionally, you can add shelves or cabinets to create vertical storage space and keep items off the floor. When selecting storage solutions, consider the style and size of your living room to ensure that they fit seamlessly into the space. It’s also helpful to group similar items together, such as books or magazines, to keep them organised and easily accessible.
