Hey there! Got a tiny living room that feels like it’s closing in on you? Been there! Whether it’s cramped quarters or just not enough light making things feel claustrophobic, we’ve got your back with some tried-and-true tricks to open up that space and let the sunshine in.
But hey, if you’re itching to expand those cozy quarters visually, I’ve got your back! Simple fixes like clearing out clutter, adding reflective surfaces, choosing neutral colors, and more.
These are the insider tips you need if you’re on the hunt for ideas to maximize your small living room look larger. Trust me, I’ve tested them out myself, and they work like a charm!
1. Pick a Proportionate Sofa
When you’re jazzing up your living room with cool furniture, it’s all about finding the right size and putting things in the perfect spots. If your space is tight, think about getting furniture custom-made or with proportions that fit well.
Now, let’s talk about sofas. Sure, a big, comfy luxury one might seem tempting, but think about how much space it’ll take up. Look for a sofa that leaves some room around it and the walls. It’s like giving your room a breather, making it feel more relaxed.
Another option? Modular sofas. They’re like puzzle pieces you can rearrange however you want. Go for a smaller sofa size and mix things up with armchairs, benches, and ottomans for that versatility a small living room needs.
2. Choose a Simple Color Scheme
Alright, let’s talk about colors. White, gray, and all those chill neutral tones work like magic to open up a tiny room, making it feel bigger, brighter, and breezier. But hey, don’t hold back, if you love color, go for it!
Here’s the deal, save those bold colors for smaller stuff like cushions, blankets, or a splash of flowers in a vase.
Stick to light, airy shades for the big pieces like the sofa and walls to keep the space feeling spacious. That way, you get a room bursting with personality without sacrificing any breathing room.
3. Use of Multifunctional Furniture
You know what’s the trick to making your cozy space feel bigger? It’s all about furniture that can multitask. Imagine this, a sofa that turns into a bed, a footstool with secret storage, or a table that folds up when you’re not using it.
You can get more out of your space by making your living room multi-functional. Keeping those smaller areas clutter-free is key to making your living room seem larger than life.
So, why not think about getting some cool shelves or furniture that can double as storage? A sofa with hidden compartments? That’s a game-changer! You can stash away extra throws, cushions, or anything else you need without taking up extra space. It’s like getting the best of both worlds!
4. Use Glass to Lighten Up Areas
Here’s the deal, when your living room feels a bit cramped, try using glass or acrylic to make it feel more open. These materials work wonders in small spaces because they’re light and airy. So, if you’ve got a bulky, dark sofa taking up too much space, swap it for a sleek glass coffee table to lighten things up.
Now, let’s talk about seating. If you need more seating but your room feels crowded, think about getting a bench or ottoman with some acrylic parts. They’re see-through, so they won’t make the space feel too heavy.
But remember, don’t go overboard with glass or acrylic. Too much can change the vibe of your room and make it feel like a funhouse. And trust me, that’s not the look you’re going for!
5. Duplicate the Area with Mirrors
Let’s dive into why mirrors are such a game-changer in small spaces. They’re like a secret weapon! Not only do they make your space feel bigger by bouncing light around, but they also add serious style. Whether it’s round, organic, or bold shapes, a mirror with some flair can really jazz up your living room.
It might be the oldest trick in the book when it comes to making small living rooms look bigger, but the clever placement of mirrors can help any space look larger than it actually is.
That’s because mirrors can create the illusion of more square footage by doubling your interior space and reflecting light. Bradley adds, the larger the mirror, the better!
6. Place Your Furniture Off the Walls
When it comes to the arranging your furniture. It’s important stuff. You might think it’s smart to push everything against the walls to make more space in the middle, but surprise! That big empty spot in the center isn’t helping anyone.
Time to rethink your strategy! Try pulling a few pieces away from the walls, even just a little bit. Trust me, leaving a gap between your sofa and the wall can really open up the room. Plus, bringing furniture closer together makes for cozy chats.
Also by doing this, furniture doesn’t block the aisles, also clears the walkway and just makes everything feel larger and more expansive!
7. Add an Oversize Area Rug
I know it might seem weird to use a big rug in a small room, but believe me, it’s a trick designers swear by. The smaller your room, the bigger your rug should be. It’s like magic, making everything look more spacious.
So, how do you know what size to pick? Easy. Sketch out your room, measure it up, and plan where your furniture will go. Then, picture a rectangle around your seating area, that’s your rug size.
Now, if you’ve got an open layout or a cozy living room with smaller furniture, just focus on your seating area. Make sure the front legs of your sofa, chairs, and coffee table all sit on the rug.
Even though it seems like a small thing, a rug can totally change the vibe of your space, making it feel way bigger. So, don’t be afraid to go big—it’s the secret to making your small space feel grand!
8. Bring Curtain All the Way Up
Window curtains is a big deal in design, seriously! They’re like the star player in any room makeover. Now, if you’re debating where to splurge and where to save, I vote to go big on quality curtains.
But hey, if the budget is tight, no sweat! There are plenty of awesome ready-made options that’ll give you that custom look without draining your wallet.
Now, here’s the secret sauce for fancy windows: hang those curtains high! Like, as close to the ceiling as you can manage. Measure from the top of the rod down to the floor for that perfect length, no awkward gaps, just curtains gently kissing the floor.
Oh, and speaking of fabric, keep it light and breezy. Sheer or gauzy materials are perfect for adding softness without weighing down the room. Skip heavy fabrics like velvet or tapestry, they’ll cramp your style!
9. Opt for Furniture with Legs
When it comes to furnishing small spaces, go for pieces with legs! It’s like a magic trick that makes rooms feel bigger. Legs create visual space above and below, which helps avoid that cramped feeling.
Think about it—big, solid pieces like ottomans on the ground can make things feel crowded and dark, even if they’re light-colored. But swap them for pieces with legs, and voila! Instantly, the room feels more airy and open.
Remember to stick to the leggy vibe for your sofa, accent chair, and coffee table too. And keep in mind that the taller the legs, the more cleaning you’ll have to do underneath.
In my small space, I’ve got a mix of leggy and grounded furniture. I went for a low sectional to keep things kid-friendly , but for everything else, it’s legs all the way. They lift everything up, giving the room a fresh, breezy feel.
So, In small living rooms, you can avoid feeling cramped by using the above clever tricks to create space and brighten things up! Choose furniture wisely, go for light colors, and opt for multifunctional pieces. Mirrors, curtains, and furniture with legs can also help add depth.
Whether you’re starting fresh or updating your space, these tips will make your small living room feel open and make the small Living Room Look Larger.