13 Maximize Space With These Living Room Layout Ideas
When it comes to decorating a home, the living room is arguably the most important room in the house.
It is the first room that guests see, so it should be a reflection of your unique personality and style.
While it can be a bit of a challenge, it is possible to decorate a small living room that fully embraces your personal style.
Whether you have a small apartment or a small house, it’s important to make the most of your small space.
1. Use the small space to your advantage
If you have a small living room, you can still create a space that looks and feels larger than it is.
This living room from us is a great example of how to do it.
The large rug creates a defined seating area, and the furniture is arranged in a way that makes the room feel open and inviting.
2. Keep things symmetrical
Symmetry is a design principle that’s easy to put into action.
It involves organizing your room so that both sides are identical or at least very similar.
You can see how the designer of this living room used the concept of symmetry to create a balanced look.
Everything from the placement of the sofas to the wall decor is mirrored on either side of the room.
Pro Tip: Symmetry is a great way to make a room feel more formal and pulled together.
3. Use a small sectional to create space
A small sectional is a great way to create a cozy, intimate space in a large room.
In this layout, the sectional is pushed up against the wall and flanked by a pair of side tables.
This creates a clear pathway to the rest of the room and keeps the space feeling open.
A pair of chairs provides extra seating and creates a balanced look.
The chairs in this room are the same style as the sectional, which makes the layout feel cohesive.
A bench or a pair of ottomans could also be used in place of chairs.
A large rug anchors the sectional and chairs, creating a designated seating area.
The rest of the room is left open, with a couple of side tables and a console table creating a visual break between the living room and the rest of the space.
4. Create a focal point
Every room has a focal point. In a bedroom, it’s usually the bed. In the living room, it’s often the TV or fireplace.
However, if you don’t have a fireplace or if you prefer to arrange your living room layout around something else, you can!
In this living room from Havenly, the focal point is the large piece of art above the sofa.
You can also arrange your seating to create a conversation area, with the seating facing each other rather than a TV or fireplace.
5. Choose a small coffee table
If you have a small living room, it’s important to choose a coffee table that fits the space.
A large coffee table can make the room feel crowded, so it’s best to choose one that’s proportional to the size of the room.
You can also choose a coffee table with a lower profile to make the room feel more spacious.
This will help to create an open and airy feel in the room, even if it’s on the smaller side.
6. Put your side table in the corner
If you don’t want to take up valuable real estate in the middle of the room, consider putting your side table in the corner.
This layout is great for small spaces, and it’s also a good solution if you have a sectional sofa and can’t use a traditional coffee table.
A side table in the corner can be a great place to put a lamp and hold drinks and snacks.
You can also use it to display plants or other decorative items.
7. Use a console table to define the space
If you have a large room or a space that’s open to other areas of the home, use a console table to define the living room area.
This simple piece of furniture helps anchor the space and provides a natural place to hang art or a mirror.
Pro tip: When using a console table to define a space, make sure it’s wide enough to look intentional.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a console table that’s at least 2/3 the width of your sofa.
8. Add wall sconces
If you have a smaller living room and don’t want to take up floor space with a lot of lighting, consider adding wall sconces.
They’re a great way to add light to the room without taking up any floor space. Wall sconces can also add a lot of character and style to a room.
You can choose from a variety of styles, including traditional, modern, and industrial.
You can also choose from a variety of finishes, including brass, chrome, black, and white.
Wall sconces are also a great way to add light to a room that doesn’t have a lot of natural light.
9. Use a rug to draw the eye to the living room
If you have an open concept floor plan, you can use a rug to define the living room area and draw the eye in.
The rug in this living room creates a distinct space for the living room and anchors the furniture.
The large rug also helps to make the living room feel cozy and inviting.
When using a rug to define a space, make sure that the rug is large enough to fit all of the furniture.
The front legs of the sofa and chairs should be on the rug, and the rug should extend beyond the coffee table.
10. Add a mirror to create the illusion of space
Strategically placing a mirror in your living room can make it feel bigger.
The reflection will create the illusion of more space and also bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter.
If you want to make a statement, consider a large mirror that will act as a focal point in your room.
If you’d rather keep things simple, a small mirror will do the trick.
11. Use the space under the sofa
The space under your sofa is prime real estate for storage.
To keep it looking neat and tidy, use baskets or bins to hold your items.
You can also add a skirt to the bottom of your sofa to hide the clutter.
12. Choose furniture with exposed legs
When it comes to living room furniture, you have a lot of options.
But if you’re working with a small space, you might want to consider furniture with exposed legs.
This design feature creates the illusion of more space, making the room feel larger than it really is.
It also makes it easier to clean underneath your furniture, which is always a plus.
You can find sofas, chairs, and even coffee tables with exposed legs, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
13. Opt for furniture that can double as storage
If you’re trying to make the most of a small living room, consider investing in furniture that can pull double duty.
For example, a storage ottoman can be used as a coffee table, extra seating, or a place to store blankets and pillows.
A sofa with built-in storage is another great option.
You can use the space under the sofa to store things like books, games, or even extra throw pillows.
Look for pieces that are both stylish and functional to make the most of your space.
Conclusion
With a little creativity and some innovative furniture and decor, you can make your small living room feel much bigger.
