Ideas For Decorating a Small Living Room
When it comes to decorating a space in your home, it can seem a daunting task, especially when space is limited. Decorating living rooms in particular may be challenging when you are unsure of where to start, what style direction you want, and how to make the most of a smaller space. But, there are some practical ways to make the most of a living space even when it seems tight. Because living rooms can be the central part of a home, it’s an important space to reflect the creativity of a homeowner while also making the most out of it. So where do we start?
Brainstorm
Time to bring out the drawing board! One of the first, if not the most important, steps when needing to decorate a smaller living room is brainstorming your ideas. Gather images, colors, and even words that you want to usher into your space.
Go ahead and draw up a rough sketch of how you think you want your living room to look like, such as where you want to place certain pieces like a sofa, bookcase, or entertainment center. Write down the words that you want to describe your room best! Maybe the word you want for your room is “cozy” or “dramatic”. Doing this will help narrow down on the items that speak to you and your vision, almost like a process of elimination to help to save you time and energy.
This is also a great opportunity to consider your budget and what you plan on saving on and investing in. What is fun about brainstorming for a living room is that it is just a rough draft, a starting point, if you will. It is not concrete, but rather flexible as you begin the journey of decorating a smaller living space!
Consider Your Layout
With any new space, especially when it is smaller, it is important to first know, and understand, its layout. Consider what your top needs are for the room and how much you can realistically include in a smaller floor space.
Will you be hosting many people in this space, which may require more seating and entertainment furnishings? Will it be occasionally used for reading, needing only a coffee table and limited seating? Interior Designer Josh Greene makes a good case for the necessity of knowing your space’s layout:
“The most important thing is the layout. If the plan is wrong or doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter how pretty the space is, it won’t feel right. I’m very precise about the scale of the pieces in the furniture plan.”
This may mean holding off on certain items for other rooms it may be better suited for. It also may not be advantageous to eye-ball a space for size, rather be realistic and gather accurate measurements to know what will work best in a smaller living space.
Optimize Storage Space
Whether you’re downsizing into a smaller home, or have many items that need a home, incorporating storage into your living space can be very helpful. No need to toss items or rent out a storage unit, as there are creative and unique ways to include storage in even the smallest of living spaces! This can look like a coffee table with storage to stow away extra living room items such as blankets or pillows.
You can also add an end table next to your recliner or sofa, which can hold smaller living room items like coasters or remotes. Even an entertainment center can include drawers which can also serve as storage for those miscellaneous living room needs. The main focus here is investing in items which serve functionality and storage!
Invite Color into Smaller Spaces
Incorporating color into small living spaces can truly help your space come to life. But, don’t just take it from us, Interior and Textile Designer Kathryn Ireland makes a point of using color for her many clients:
“My style differs from project to project depending on the client’s personality, but my schemes are usually focused around bringing in warm, relaxing color…that will make you immediately want to live in and explore the space…I love decorating with red for its vibrancy – it evokes passion and adds bright excitement to a space.’
Maybe you want to open up a smaller space by incorporating lighter paint colors, or maybe you want your space to have a more moody and dramatic feel with darker colors. The fun part with adding color to a smaller living space is that it is not just limited to just a wall color. Consider adding something like a warm toned rust colored accent chair or a cozy moss green loveseat. Incorporate color with rugs, art work, and pillow. Each will add different energy and can create talking points in your living area.
Invest in and Embrace Larger Furniture Pieces
For some people the idea of decorating a smaller space may lead them to think they can only furnish the area with smaller items. This is not always the case and some interior designers suggest otherwise. Interior designer Nate Berkus puts it this way,
“Going with small pieces of furniture might feel like the right move, but then you end up with tiny, uncomfortable pieces that you’ll leave behind…commit and buy a full-size sofa—and stretch all the way out on it.”
Larger furniture pieces can be comfy 2 piece sectionals, soft cotton sectionals, or a chic leather sectional. Similar to incorporating color into a space, larger items are not only limited to furniture. You can also include larger artwork, mirrors, or lamps. Opting for larger pieces in smaller spaces can create an environment that is inviting and warm in a space that may already feel cozy.
Select Eye Catching Shapes or Textures
Another way to zest up a smaller living space is with unique furniture shapes. Interior Design duo Yabu Pushelberg highlights, “introduce curved edges that suggest comfort and warmth.” One way to do this is by incorporating an end table with a more eclectic and modern spin, such as a curved end table. You can also bring in eye-catching pieces by utilizing different textures of furnishings. Think of modern sectionals that have a soft, rigid texture or basket weave pattern accent chair.
Shape and textures can also be as simple as incorporating uniquely shaped sofas, abstract art work, and even textured curtains. Items like these bring in different energies to smaller living areas, and can create fun topics of conversation.
Some final tips to maximize a small living space:
- Let your personality shine through your pieces
- Allow yourself to be open to new ideas
- Utilize any natural lighting
- Know the measurements of your living space
- Find inspiration in magazines, online, or local design studios
- Have fun! Enjoy the journey of curating the perfect living space for you.
Make the Most of Your Small Living Space
Getting the most out of creating a smaller living space is possible with the right strategy, creativity, and furnishing stores. Visit one of our many Price Point locations in the greater Nashville area to view all of our many different options, styles, and fabrics. One of our dedicated team members would be thrilled to help you bring your ideal living room to life!