Your living room, irrespective of its size, should be able to serve as a space for unwinding and relaxation. However, if the room is cramped and claustrophobic, you are never going to find that zen.
If you have ever wondered how to make the living room appear larger than it really is, how to arrange furniture without cramping on space, and how to maximise light and space, these eight simple yet genius decorating tips can inspire you to do just that:
Hang curtains high
While you cannot do much to increase the horizontal space of your living room, you can make the most of the vertical space by decorating it in a manner that draws the eye upward.
A curtain hung well above the window imparts heights and adds style to your room. Keep the shades of the curtains neutral to add brightness and airiness to the room.
Place mirrors strategically
The strategic placement of mirrors in small areas makes them appear larger by reflecting light.
One of the most popular ways of using mirrors in the living room is to place a large mirror in a central location to create an accent wall. Use small artworks and accent lighting to add a nice ambience to the mirror.
You can experiment with mirror-frames and go all vintage to add some retro style.
Positioning the mirror opposite to the window also gives the illusion of another window and reflects the view.
Choose furniture that appears light
Dark coloured, box-shaped furniture may make your living room look constricted.
Therefore, when shopping furniture for a small living room stick to pieces that look lightweight. Choose furniture with long, thin legs as compared to those that are boxy.
Similarly, select pieces with pale colours or neutral hues over darker ones. A furniture that does not obstruct the view will make your living room look open and inviting.
Give the large wooden coffee table a break and choose a glass-top table instead. Glass tables are see-through and make the floor space around it look empty and airy.
You can also replace one big coffee table with two small drum tables. They are better for traffic flow and can be moved easily.
Allow furniture the space to breathe
Keeping furniture pushed against the wall may make the small living room appear small and claustrophobic. It is a good idea to keep the furniture central and not against the wall.
Add plants for some natural effects
Nothing adds beauty to a living room like some natural greens.
Houseplants like ferns and spider plants add a lovely texture to the room whereas colourful blooms like daffodils and tulips prettify it. When placed in small pots, they take very less floor space. These are affordable, low maintenance, and purify the air too!
Go for smart lighting
Free up space on the side tables by choosing lighting that can be hung from above or attached to the walls. This saves floor space and eliminates a piece of furniture from the room, thereby reducing clutter.
A small chandelier hung high above at the centre of the ceiling helps in uniform distribution of light across the room making it appear brighter and larger.
Use artwork to add height
Placing artwork strategically can accentuate the height of the room. Using bold and bright colours against a light-shade wall adds drama and depth to the living room décor.
When decorating a small living room, make use of every inch of floor space you have.
Avoid using too much of furniture and add pieces that can serve double-duty. All you need is a little planning and some careful arrangement, and your small living room can look grander than its actual size.