The Best Layouts For Small Living Rooms
7th Jun 2023Posted by Alice Ewens on 7th Jun 2023
Looking for smart small living room layout ideas? The best layouts focus on making your space feel bigger, brighter, and more functional by using clever furniture placement, multi-purpose pieces, and clear walkways. Even when maximising every inch, the right setup can transform even the most compact living room into a stylish, comfortable space.
Designing a small living room doesn’t mean compromising on style or comfort. With the right layout, you can make the most of every inch, whether you’re working with a narrow space, an open-plan room, or a cosy corner. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best small living room layout ideas to help you create a layout that works for how you live, not against it.
@beaconvalleyhome featuring one of our glass coffee tables
Small Living Rooms Layout Guide
Let’s first tackle the practical side of dressing a small living room. You’re going to need somewhere to sit! A corner sofa (make sure it’s proportional in size to the room) is often the best option for a small living room. Alternatively, two small sofas positioned like a corner sofa offers the ability to add a side table into the corner space. If you need extra seating but don’t have the room for large furniture, try beanbags or large floor cushions which can be stacked to one side when not in use.
Top tip: choose a sofa with legs to raise it off the floor. The more floor area the eye can see, the bigger the room will feel.
If you've got an open-plan space that needs to fit a dining table too, consider a round glass dining table as this will keep the room feeling open and light.
@scandi_sunningdale shows us exactly how to use a corner chaise and round glass table in a smaller open-plan space. That's our Novara Gold Metal And Glass Large 120cm Round Dining Table.
Colour Palette For Small Living Rooms
Using mainly light colours will add to the feeling of space because light colours will bounce the natural light around (always a winner). Dark walls will create a cosy feel but could make an already small room feel even smaller. A darker colour on just one wall can trick the eye into thinking that wall is further away than it is; adding to the feeling of space in the room. You can always add smaller pops of colour into the space with soft furnishings and artwork.
@at_home_with_becks here illustrates our point perfectly! The textures in the fabric choices and the darker furniture pieces add interest and dimension but the wall colours keep it all fresh and bright, and therefore it doesn't feel cramped. Featuring our Jolene Brown Faux Leather 3 Seater Sofa
Create A Focal Point
If you’re lucky enough to have original features in your home, they can be incorporated into your design as a focal point or add contrast to the overall textures and colours in the room. New home? No problem: – create a focal point in the room with a wall of art, a modern fireplace or a coloured wall, anything that will draw the eye when you walk into a room will help. Try using lamps to zone smaller areas and don’t be afraid to go large with the lamps!
@no.55_home_reno here has used the chimney breast to mount their TV and a modern fireplace, in a darker colour that contrasts with the wall, to make it a focal point. Our Amalfi chrome and glass coffee table also acts as an eye-catching piece, too but blends into the room, bounces light and shows off more floor and making the space seem larger!
Small Living Rooms Storage Advice
Storage is everything in a small living room so choose your furniture for small living rooms carefully. Look at multi-purpose furniture wherever possible - sideboards that can sit along a wall and act as a TV stand, or smaller corner TV stands with storage to tidy away the associated consoles and remotes are a great idea. Coffee tables with storage are also an excellent option.
Small Living Rooms Design Tips
Mirrors and Glass
We've said it before and we'll say it again. Mirrors and glass furniture are the heroes of a small living room, or indeed any small room – heck, just any room big or small! In order to make the best use of natural light in the room, first address the window coverings; choose curtains that will pull back as far away from the window as possible, or a roller blind a similar colour to the walls. Then add mirrored and glass pieces. Any surface that helps to bounce natural light around the room is great. Wall mirrors can make a room seem so much bigger! Plus, they can act like wall art, too.
“Bring The Outside In”
You can use plants to merge the indoor space with the outside space. They look great and add texture and colour to the room. It gives the sense of being outdoors even when inside and when coupled with light and airy furniture and colours, it can really help make a smaller linving-dining-space feel more open.
@ourlittlehome._ get it - look at that glass and the light, and the plant! Stunning.
In summary, once you've chosen the perfect sofa for your small living room, we've got you covered for the rest of your small living room ideas. Add textures with light colours and accents in the soft furnishings and artwork. Use multi-purpose furniture, use the height of the room for storage and buy some plants! Why not check out our range of affordable living room furniture perfect for smaller spaces?
FAQs
How do I arrange furniture in a small living room?
To arrange furniture in a small living room, focus on layout first—avoid pushing everything against the walls and create a clear focal point. Choose compact furniture and keep walkways open to improve flow.
What is the best layout for a small living room?
The best small living room layout ideas use smart zoning, such as L-shaped seating or a floating sofa, to maximise space while keeping the room open, functional, and easy to move around.
How can I make a small living room look bigger?
Use light colours, mirrors, and multi-functional furniture in your small living room layout. Keeping clutter to a minimum and allowing natural light in will help the space feel bigger and brighter.
What furniture works best in a small living room?
The best furniture for small living rooms includes slim sofas, storage ottomans, nesting tables, and multi-purpose pieces that save space while still offering comfort and style.
What Next?
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