Designing a small living room can be especially challenging as it is where you probably spend the most time and entertain guests as well. How do you balance between making the room feel as spacious as possible while also squeezing in extra seating? What furniture should you choose, and where do you put it? These design tips will help you make the most of your space.

 

Choose Small-Scale Furniture

Look for small settees, love seats and chairs that can work for your space. In some spaces a full-size sofa just won’t do. Try a slimmed-down love seat or a petite sofa on for size instead. Choose one with clean lines and exposed legs for the airiest look

 

Use Multifunctional Furniture

In a small living room, each piece of furniture should be chosen with multifunction in mind. Think of using ottomans that work as a coffee table or extra seating, nesting side tables that can be moved around as needed or versatile little stools that can be seats or tables.

 

Embrace Vertical Space

If you are lucky enough to have high ceilings, take full advantage of that extra space. While vertical space doesn’t help with squeezing in an extra seat, drawing the eye upward does help give the impression that your room is far larger and grander that it would otherwise seem. Fill the vertical space with an eclectic art gallery.

 

Add Hidden Storage

Choose furniture with built-in storage to limit clutter. A trunk or storage ottoman as a coffee table works well. Along the perimeter of the room, try a small chest of drawers or a small credenza instead of a console table to boost storage options.