How Designers Would Make the Most of a Small Living Room
When it comes to designing a small living room, most professionals have a few golden rules they use to make the most of the space. Here, two architects and two interior designers share their go-to tips and tricks to ensure a small room is big on style and function.
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They Look at the Space Beyond the Walls
“It’s important to think about how a space is perceived, rather than focus on its dimensions,” says Sean Ronnie Hill of RISE Design Studio. “When designing a living room, especially a small one, we have to assume there’s little scope to change its shape or extend its area without compromising other parts of the home.
“However, we do have control over what it feels like to inhabit the space,” he continues. “An oriented view through a large glazed feature, for example, can make a room feel twice its size.”
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“Get your room layout right, starting at the door,” says Eva Byrne of Houseology. “In a traditional house, doors open so you look at the wall of the room when you enter. If budget allows, re-hang the door, so you can see the whole room as you walk in. It makes it seem more spacious and easier to get into.”
They Consider Zones
If your living room doubles as a dining space or work area, clear zones can help it feel less cluttered. “When you’re planning your space, it’s important to understand your needs,” says Olga Alekseev of Black & Milk. “Study your room, think about seating requirements and draw up a clear list of functions the space will have. Based on this information, you can divide the space into zones.”
They Go Custom for Storage
The best way to maximize storage in your small living room is to go for customized cabinets and shelves, rather than freestanding ones.
“Use every millimeter of space,” says Claudia Dorsch of Claudia Dorsch Interior Design. She suggests a balance of open shelves and closed storage. “Lots of open shelving can make a smaller living room feel oppressive and cluttered,” she says. “Storage that’s painted in the same color as your walls will not only give you somewhere to put stuff, it will also recede into the background.”
They Add a Feature
Dorsch recommends bringing in a focal point. “That way, the living room’s smaller proportions won’t dominate and you’ll give the room its own identity,” she says. “Try a large piece of art or a fabulous chandelier to create a sense of indulgence.”
“Add a built-in eccentricity that will give a personal touch to a small space,” Hill says. “It could be an oriel window where you can curl up and read a book, or a built-in seating space that ends up being used as a table by the little ones.
“By taking a leap and introducing something bespoke and unexpected, you’ll bring up surprises,” he adds. “Each user will find a different purpose for it, making the room more personal and dynamic.”
They Pay Attention to Details
Elevate the impact of a small living room by giving it a high-quality feel, our experts suggest. “One of the most important factors that makes any room stand out is the quality of its finishes,” Hill says.
“It’s amazing how sometimes the perception of beauty in a space comes down to details, such as whether the corners are well finished and sharp,” he says.
They Stay in Proportion
“You can trick a room into looking bigger by choosing furniture that’s comparatively modest in size,” Byrne says. “A large sofa in a small room, for example, will dwarf the space and accentuate its diminutive size. Choose a two-seater sofa, of compact design and raised on legs. This will allow for a greater sense of space and flow. Apply the same logic to every piece of furniture you choose.”
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The opposite applies when it comes to choosing a rug, however. “People tend to make the mistake of using small rugs and cluttering the room, but in fact a big rug may give the illusion of a bigger space,” Alekseev says.
They Let in Light …
Simplicity is key when designing a small living space. “Use neutral colors and have simple walls, steering away from any superfluous architectural details,” Alekseev says.
“The brighter you can make the room, the larger it will feel,” Byrne adds, “so choose a pale shade for the walls and add color through accessories and art. Carefully placed mirrors will magnify the space and boost the light.”
… But Aren’t Afraid of the Dark
If your living room doesn’t benefit from plenty of light, however, white walls can make it feel dull, Dorsch says. “Instead, use darker, richer tones, which will give a small room drama, or a cozier, enveloping feeling,” she says. “Make the size of the room the statement.”
They Layer Up the Lighting
You can use lighting to add a feeling of depth to your small living room. “Strategically placed lamps and wall lights will add a wash of light to different parts of the space, or focus on a specific feature,” Dorsch says. “This draws your eye around the room, as it creates depth and shadow.
“Hidden LEDs in ceiling coving are another great way to achieve mood and grandeur in a smaller living room,” she adds.