When decorating a living room that’s limited in size, trying to fit everything i can make it feel cramped and cluttered. Most living rooms have couches or chairs, a television and maybe even a small table or ottoman. Adding colored walls, photos, artwork, lamps, curtains and pillows can begin to make a room look and feel even smaller.
To help you put together the best layout, purchase the right kind of furniture and create the illusion of a bigger space, we put together a list of the best ways to decorate a small living room. Once you decide on a layout, color scheme and furniture, be sure to personalize your space with some custom pillows and unique artwork.
1. Opt For A Loveseat Couch
![blue couch lamps.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-blue-couch-lamps.jpg)
Source: Hello Little Home
When living alone, with roommates or with your partner, a loveseat is more than enough to fit your needs. Combine a plush, comfy loveseat with a small table for a cozy yet more spacious living room.
2. Add A Hanging Planter
![hanging plants.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-hanging-plants.jpg)
Source: Hello Nest
Adding a hanging planter or hanging lamp is a great way to add functional decor without taking up floor space. Try a DIY planter to customize it to your room’s color scheme and decor.
3. Stick To All White Walls
A classic yet highly effective trick is to paint all of your walls white. Depending on your decor, you can choose a cool-toned or warm white, but either option will help open up your space and keep it looking bright.
4. Install Hanging Shelves
![record vinyl shelves.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-record-vinyl-shelves.jpg)
Source: Lei Lester
Installing a few hanging shelves for books, decor or storage is an excellent way to use your wall space wisely. Instead of adding bulky cabinets or tables, keep your items on your walls for a clean and open look. Open shelves are perfect living room decor for both small and large spaces.
5. Choose Functional Furniture
![storage ottoman.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-storage-ottoman.jpg)
Source: Mon Takes Things
When decorating a small living room, try to pick furniture or decor that also works as storage space. This cute ottoman, for instance, has small shelves and cabinets to store books, electronics or board games.
6. Pick Furniture With Exposed Legs
![modern black white.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-modern-black-white.jpg)
Source: Purely Katie
Chairs and tables with exposed legs help open up your space and give you the option of additional storage. Whether you leave them empty or add a basket to store your throw blankets, furniture like this will keep your room feeling spacious.
7. Merge With Your Dining Area
![small living room tiny home.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-tiny-home.jpg)
Source: The DIY Mommy
If your living room is very close to your dining area, keep the space looking cohesive by using a matching color scheme and decorations. This will create the illusion of a larger space and allow you to effortlessly combine the spaces when hosting guests.
8. Go For A Corner Booth
![small reading area.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-small-reading-area.jpg)
Source: Toolbox Divas
Instead of a large couch, shop around for a cute corner booth. This unique piece of furniture will draw the eye away from the space itself and give your room a little extra space.
9. Choose Glass Or Mirrored Furniture
![mirror coffee table.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-patterns-mirror-coffee-table.jpg)
Source: Vandi Fair
Use reflective surfaces to your advantage. Whether you add a few hanging mirrors or a glass coffee table, these pieces will create a brighter and more open living room.
10. Make Use Of Built-In Shelves
![small living room with black shelves.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-black-bookshelves.jpg)
Source: The Design Daredevil
Always look for ways to maximize your space. If your living room has some built-in shelves, use them for storage, as a small library, or modify them to fit your TV.
11. Create A Gallery Wall
![collage wall prints.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-collage-wall-prints.jpg)
Source: Vanessa Francis
Create a beautiful and colorful focal point by arranging an eclectic gallery wall. Adding different colors, textures, frames and prints will draw the attention away from the small space.
12. Angle Your Furniture
![reading corner chair.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-reading-corner-chair.jpg)
Source: Design Indulgence
Don’t be afraid to go for an unconventional layout if it fits your style. If you really want to add a certain piece of furniture but it doesn’t quite fit in a more traditional layout, angle and layer your furniture and decor.
13. Keep It Minimal
![small living room with minimal furniture.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-plant-holders.jpg)
Source: A Joyful Riot
Keep in mind that a living room doesn’t always need a couch. If you mostly need a place to read or work, go for a comfy chair and functional table to create a space that gives you more room and fits your needs.
14. Add A Tall Bookshelf
![small living room bookshelf decor white couch.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-bookshelf-decor-white-couch.jpg)
Source: Carrie Bradshaw Lied
Make use of empty corners and add a floor to ceiling bookshelf. This will give you tons of extra storage and double as decor while taking up minimal space.
15. Add A Clear Coffee Table
![small living room two couches.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-two-couches-tv.jpg)
Source: Chic Little House
A clear coffee table can really help make your room feel a little bit bigger. For a modern look, add a few pops of color and tuck some cube-shaped stools underneath in case you need additional seating.
16. Make It A Collection Of Chairs
Ditch the large couch and go for a collection of plush, oversized chairs. Create dimension by adding a large rug and placing the chairs around the perimeter. For a stylish look, go for an eclectic collection of chairs.
17. Add An L-Shaped Couch
![oopen brick white furniture.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-open-brick-white-furniture.jpg)
Source: Danielle Moss for the Everygirl
An L-shaped or sectional couch can help you use your space efficiently and set your living room apart from the rest of your house. For a fresh and open feel, we recommend a bright or neutral sectional paired with white chairs.
18. Create A Reading Nook
![high ceiling fireplace.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-high-ceiling-fireplace.jpg)
Source: Apartment 34
A window sill is the perfect opportunity for a cozy reading nook. Simply add a large throw pillow and a blanket to add some dimension without taking up floor space.
19. Display Your Decor Vertically
![decorative pillows.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-decorative-pillows.jpg)
Source: The Homes I Have Made
Placing canvas art, frames and other wall decorations like sconces vertically helps elongate your room, thus making it appear larger. Add a few tall plants and a narrow, floor to ceiling bookshelf to complete the look.
20. Use Neutrals
![neutral living room in gray.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/decorate-small-living-room-small-end-table.jpg)
Source: Sinnen Rausch
Sticking to a neutral or earthy color scheme will help brighten up your room and give it an airy feel. For a youthful vibe, combine a main neutral color scheme with vibrant pops of color like yellow, blue or green.
21. Place Furniture Away From Walls
![small living room in colorful chic tones.](https://shutterflywpe.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/decorate-small-living-room-colorful-chic-tones.jpg)
Source: Tessa Neustadt
Placing your furniture away from your walls not only adds a bit more walking space but will help give the illusion of a roomier living room. Adding low sofas, chairs and tables will help add to a more spacious looking room.
After picking some ideas that work best with the size and shape of your space, you’re ready to decorate a beautiful and inviting living room. Be sure to also check out creative ideas to decorate a small bathroom or bedroom.