A small living room doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or comfort — you just need to think creatively about your space. While the challenge of fitting your design vision into limited square footage may feel daunting at first, understanding a few key principles can transform your room from cramped to captivating.
Quality materials and textures create visual interest without overwhelming the space. The key is strategic placement and thoughtful arrangement, allowing each carefully chosen element room to make its statement. Here are proven design strategies that will help your small living room feel more spacious while reflecting your personal style, drawing from established interior design principles that work across various style preferences.
1. Hang Plants

Hanging plants strategically around your living room will create a mirage of a more open space. Hang the vine loosely for that flowy yet elegant effect. They’ll add color, depth, and beauty to your room — and even help to freshen the air.
Plants like the Boston Fern, English Ivy, and Arrowhead Vine are great options for vertical spaces in your living room.
2. Get Rid of Clutter

Clutter has a way of sneaking up on us – those magazines we’ll read “later,” the toys that never quite make it back to their bins, and the random decorative pieces we’ve collected over time. When these items pile up, they make a room feel cramped and chaotic. But here’s the good news: simply by being thoughtful about what you keep out and creating smart storage solutions, you can make your space feel open and inviting. The key is maintaining organization that lets your room breathe.
If you don’t know where to begin, a Forbes Article recommends sorting through the mess and only keeping what’s necessary. Take your time to figure out a few items that your living space can’t do without and get rid of the rest.
3. Have One Color Scheme

Different color schemes can feel confusing for a small space. If anything, they take away from the size and make it feel even smaller. If you stick to the same color palette, you’ll create a unique flow through the room which makes it appear larger.
Grey, navy blue, sea green, and taupe would work well in a monochromatic scheme. They trick the eye into not knowing where the walls begin or end.
4. Go for Beautiful Textures

Although you’re choosing monochromatic colors for your small living room, you don’t want to go for an all-pale look. Opt for beautiful textures that won’t take up your space visually.
Grained wooden pieces and sheepskin rugs are a few things that will warm up your room instantly. Depending on your taste and style, you have plenty of options. Marble and metallic will also keep the room fresh by adding texture, and a luxe feel.
5. Choose Open Furniture

A sofa with a traditional back design is a classic but with evolving décor styles, an open sofa is better suited for your small living room. It will hit the mark on all fronts.
The idea behind this type of sofa is that it wouldn’t block one end of the living room from another. This notion makes the room look bigger and longer than it is.
6. Have Accent Tables

The height of your tables plays a crucial role in how spacious your room feels. Tall tables can dominate a small space, drawing the eye upward and creating visual bulk that makes the room feel cramped.
Instead, opt for lower-profile tables that work in harmony with your space. Coffee tables and end tables that sit closer to the ground help maintain open sight lines across the room while still providing functional surfaces for essentials like lamps, decorative pieces, and drinks. This lower height creates a more balanced look and allows the eye to travel smoothly around the room, contributing to an overall sense of spaciousness.
The goal is to make the room look proportionate and balance everything. Low accent tables will do this for you!
7. Let Your Pieces Serve Double Duty

Get all the décor pieces you want but ensure they are multipurpose. In essence, you’ll be getting more for less. Multipurpose interiors are not only minimalistic but also won’t hoard your space.
The goal? To create a space that’s pleasing and good for usage. Think of an accent table with drawers at the bottom, large baskets, or a versatile TV holder.
8. Accessorize Carefully

Although beautiful art will look stunning in any living room space there’s nothing wrong with changing your décor preferences to enlarge your space.
Go for décor choices like patterned wallpaper or a collection of antiques to replace wall art pieces. They will soften the room and have everyone who walks in focus on what’s important — those around you.
9. Panel the Living Room

If you’re not into patterned pieces, paneling is the best way to add architectural character to your small living room. While paneling traditionally protected the walls from furniture, you can use it decoratively to add dimension to your space.
Simple wood will help you create geometric paneling and strips will add traditional paneling elements to your room. Take time to go through your options and decide what will best complement your décor.
10. Ditch the Walls and Wallpaper the Ceiling

The secret to elevating your interior and opening it up to look wider is adding wallpaper to your ceiling. It will always draw eyes up. Ensure you don’t go for dizzying wallpaper colors and patterns.
A light geometric pattern will keep it subtle. Wallpaper comes with many versatile uses and it’s the magic you need for a total transformation.
11. Don’t Forget About Your Heirlooms

Family heirlooms and cherished pieces tell a story while adding visual interest to your living room. Unlike mass-produced decor, these personal treasures create natural focal points throughout your space, drawing the eye from one meaningful item to the next. When you display pieces that hold special memories or family history — whether it’s your grandmother’s vintage mirror or a travel souvenir that makes you smile — you’re more likely to give them the care and attention they deserve.
This emotional connection often inspires us to maintain, restore, and thoughtfully arrange these items, ensuring they remain beautiful additions to our homes for years to come.