20 Small Living Room Decor Ideas That Make It Feel Bigger

A small living room has to do a lot. It needs seating for family and guests, a place for the TV, storage for everyday things and still feel calm and open.

These small living room decor ideas start with layout, because the right furniture placement matters more than any decor. You will find real sizes for sofas, rugs and walkways, space saving furniture, vertical storage, layouts around a fireplace or TV wall and simple decor tricks that make the room feel bigger.

Most ideas work in apartments, condos and small houses alike, with gray, neutral or warm color schemes.

011. Plan the Layout First

Good layout makes a small room feel bigger right away.

Measurement	Good size
Walkway	30 to 36 inches
Sofa to coffee table	14 to 18 inches
Seat to TV	About 1.5 times the screen size
Rug	Front legs of all seats on it

Measure the room and draw it on paper first. Moving furniture on paper is much easier than in real life.

022. A Right Sized Sofa

The sofa takes the most space, so its size matters most.

• Choose an apartment sofa, about 70 to 80 inches wide.
• Pick slim arms instead of wide rolled arms.
• Look for raised legs so you can see the floor underneath.
• Choose a seat depth of 20 to 22 inches.

A sofa on legs feels lighter than one that sits flat on the floor.

033. Nesting Tables

Cost: Medium | Time: 10 minutes | Skill Level: Beginner

Nesting tables are perfect for small living rooms. They tuck together into one table most of the time, then pull apart when guests need a place for a cup. Round or oval tops are easier to walk around than square corners.

044. Space Saving Furniture

Furniture that does two jobs saves the most space.

1. A storage ottoman for blankets and games.
2. A lift top coffee table that rises for eating or working.
3. A drop leaf table that folds flat against the wall.
4. A sofa with hidden storage underneath.

Choose one or two hard working pieces rather than many small ones.

055. Vertical Storage

When floor space is tight, store things up the wall.

• Tall, narrow bookcases about 12 inches deep.
• Floating shelves above the sofa or TV.
• Wall mounted cabinets for media.
• Baskets on high shelves for things you use less.

Tall storage also draws the eye up, which makes the ceiling feel higher.

066. A Smart TV Wall

A wall mounted TV frees up floor and surface space.

Detail	Good choice
TV height	Center about 42 inches from the floor
Console	Low and floating, 12 to 16 inches deep
Cords	Hidden in the wall or in a cord cover
Decor	Keep it to one side

A floating console makes the floor look bigger, because you can see under it.

077. Seating Around a Fireplace

A fireplace and a TV can compete for attention in a small room.

1. Make the fireplace the main focal point.
2. Place the sofa facing it.
3. Angle two small chairs on either side.
4. Mount the TV beside the fireplace or above it only if the height is comfortable.

Keep at least 36 inches between the hearth and the coffee table for a clear walkway.

088. Maximize Seating

Extra seating does not have to mean extra furniture.

• Poufs that tuck under a console.
• A bench under the window.
• A small armchair instead of a second sofa.
• Floor cushions stored in a basket.

When guests leave, the extra seats disappear and the room opens up again.

099. Make a Small Living Room Look Bigger

A few tricks make any small room feel larger.

1. Hang curtains high and wide.
2. Lean a large mirror opposite a window.
3. Choose furniture on legs.
4. Use a glass or acrylic coffee table.
5. Keep walls and large pieces light.

Light colors and reflection bounce daylight around the room.

1010. A Gray Couch Living Room

A gray couch is easy to decorate if you warm it up.

• Add cushions in cream, oat and taupe.
• Use warm wood, like oak or walnut.
• Choose a jute or warm toned rug.
• Add a plant for life.

Gray and taupe together feel soft and calm, not cold.

1111. Neutral Cushions and Throws

Neutral cushions make a small room feel calm.

Sofa size	Cushion plan
Loveseat	Two 18 to 20 inch cushions
Apartment sofa	Two 20 inch cushions and one lumbar
Full sofa	Two 22 inch, two 20 inch and one lumbar

Too many cushions take up seat space, so keep it simple in a small room.

1212. The Right Size Rug

A rug that is too small makes the room feel smaller.

• A 5 x 8 foot rug suits most small living rooms.
• Use 8 x 10 feet if the room allows.
• Place the front legs of every seat on the rug.
• Choose a light, low pile rug.

The rug should define the seating area, not float in the middle of the floor.

1313. Simple Modern Decor

Modern decor suits small rooms because it keeps things clean.

1. Choose clean lined furniture.
2. Limit decor to a few strong pieces.
3. Use one large artwork instead of many small ones.
4. Add black or brass accents for contrast.

Fewer, larger pieces look calmer than many small ones.

1414. A Cozy Condo Living Room

Condo and apartment living rooms can feel cozy too.

• A warm lamp in every corner.
• A soft throw on the sofa.
• A plant near the window.
• A few books and personal pieces on display.

Warm lighting makes the biggest difference in the evening.

1515. Lighting for a Small Room

Layered light makes a small room feel larger and cozier.

Light	Where
Floor lamp	Behind or beside the sofa
Table lamp	On a side table
Wall sconces	Beside a mirror or above shelves
Ceiling light	On a dimmer

Wall sconces save table space, which helps in tight rooms.

1616. A Large Mirror

Cost: Medium | Time: 10 minutes | Skill Level: Beginner

A large mirror is one of the best tricks for a small living room. Place it opposite or beside a window so it reflects daylight and the view. A tall floor mirror leaning against the wall makes the room feel taller as well as wider.

1717. A Calm Color Palette

A small room looks bigger in a calm, connected palette.

• Walls, curtains and rug in similar light tones.
• One medium tone for the sofa.
• One accent color in cushions or art.
• Warm wood for warmth.

When colors flow together, the eye does not stop at every edge.

1818. A Small Living Room Makeover on a Budget

A makeover does not have to cost much.

1. Move the furniture to improve the layout.
2. Swap cushion covers.
3. Add a large plant.
4. Change the rug or curtains.
5. Clear out anything you do not use.

Often the biggest change comes from removing things, not adding them.

1919. A Moody Small Living Room

Dark walls can work in a small room too.

Element	Moody choice
Walls	Deep green, navy or charcoal
Sofa	Cream or camel to stand out
Light	Warm lamps, not ceiling lights
Wood	Walnut or dark oak

Painting walls, trim and ceiling the same deep color blurs the corners and makes the room feel cozy rather than small.

2020. Keep It Clutter Free

Do:

• Give everything a home, like baskets and closed storage.
• Clear surfaces every evening.
• Keep decor to a few meaningful pieces.

Don’t:

• Push all the furniture against the walls.
• Use too many small rugs or small decor pieces.
• Block windows with tall furniture.

A clear room always feels bigger than a full one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a small living room look bigger?

Hang curtains high and wide, lean a large mirror opposite a window, choose furniture on legs, keep colors light and connected and clear clutter from surfaces.

What size sofa fits a small living room?

An apartment sofa about 70 to 80 inches wide with slim arms and raised legs fits most small living rooms.

What size rug should go in a small living room?

A 5 x 8 foot rug suits most small living rooms. Place the front legs of every seat on it.

How do I arrange furniture in a small living room with a fireplace?

Make the fireplace the focal point, face the sofa toward it and angle two small chairs on either side. Keep 36 inches clear in front of the hearth.

How much space should be between the sofa and coffee table?

Leave 14 to 18 inches between the sofa and coffee table, and keep walkways 30 to 36 inches wide.

How do I add more seating to a small living room?

Use poufs that tuck under a console, a bench under the window, a small armchair and floor cushions stored in a basket.

Final Thoughts

A small living room works best with a smart layout, right sized furniture, storage that goes up the walls and a calm, light palette. Add warm lighting and a few personal pieces, and it feels both bigger and cozier.

This weekend, measure your room, check your walkways and try moving the sofa a few inches off the wall. For more ideas to style the whole room, see our living room decor ideas. These small living room decor ideas will help your space feel open, calm and easy to live in.