How to Implement a Small Living Room Design

Small living room design can be a challenge. Your room may be so small that it doesn't even seem like it has room for function let alone style. Smaller spaces can seem cozy and save you money on rent or a mortgage every month. If you live in a city you probably are short on space no matter your price range. Design a living room around the small space to make it seem bigger and work for your family. Small living room design gives you the opportunity to show off your decorating skills.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Build up. If you can't build out, build up. A media wall can house electronics, DVD’s, books and kids toys. Measure the maximum amount of space you will need and then go with the slimmest shelves you can find so they don't protrude into the room. Find a home for every item in the room so there isn’t clutter. Stick to a few bold decorative accessories that make large statements instead of several smaller items.

2. Work with the shape of the living room. If you have an L shaped room small living room design can be even more difficult. Arrange the furniture around how you usually walk in the space so ottomans and coffee tables don’t obstruct foot traffic.

3. Break up a living room set. You don't have to have a sofa and a love seat in the same room. Try a loveseat and a chair to free up floor space. Look for a couch that has a built in chaise lounge so you can put your feet up comfortably. Talk to your furniture dealer about a smaller sectional that could wrap around the perimeter of your room.

4. Paint with muted colors. Dark colors can make a room feel heavier and even smaller. Be inspired by calming wide open spaces such as the ocean or a field of wheat. Light paint colors make the room feel airy while neutral furniture gives you more versatility in future designs. Bring in accessories that reflect light such as mirrors for a traditional room or stainless steel accents for a modern room.

5. Create a sense of flow in the room. If your small living room opens onto the kitchen incorporate the same color and wood finishes into both rooms so it feels like a great room. Decorate your patio with inviting brightly colored furniture to draw the eye outward.

6. Pick sophisticated furnishings. Since you will be using fewer pieces in small living room design make sure that every piece has a special element to it. Find a couch with a shimmery fabric and accent it with a mirrored side table for a modern but elegant room. Fill the room with more expensive items so the small space doesn’t seem like a dorm room.