Design experts consistently advised against these three items in a compact living room:
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Decorating a small living room can be a challenging task, but with careful consideration and the right strategies, you can create an inviting and spacious atmosphere. Here are some tips and tricks to help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of your compact living space.
One of the most common mistakes is creating an accent wall, as it can draw attention to one section and make the room feel smaller. Instead, opt for a consistent colour palette to create a seamless and expansive look. Similarly, painting trim in contrasting colours on low ceilings can visually lower the ceiling line, making the room feel cramped. It's better to use the same colour on walls, trim, and ceiling.
Using oversized furniture can also make a small space feel crowded. Choose appropriately scaled pieces, and opt for sofas or chairs with exposed legs to keep the visual flow open. Pushing all furniture against the walls can create awkward flow and make the room feel less inviting. Thoughtful furniture placement is crucial.
Blocking natural light with heavy drapes or tall furniture is another mistake to avoid. Obstructing windows reduces light and openness, so opt for sheer curtains or blinds that allow light while maintaining privacy. Neglecting layered lighting can make the room feel flat, so use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting such as floor lamps and sconces.
Using rugs that are too small or the wrong size can break up the floor area and disrupt room proportions. The wrong rug size can make the room feel disjointed and smaller. Hanging curtains too low or too short can also chop up the wall visually and make the room feel smaller. Instead, hang curtains high and wide, and extend them to the floor to enhance the perception of height and space.
Choosing furniture with skirted or low, chunky bases can make the room feel more boxed-in. Opt for furniture with exposed legs to keep the visual flow open.
To create a cohesive look that maximises the perception of space, use smaller patterns and introduce plenty of texture. Smaller patterns can create a calm haven in small living rooms, while introducing plenty of texture can add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Avoid a busy, cluttered look by opting for one larger statement piece of art instead of a gallery wall. Oversized art can be used instead of a gallery wall to add drama and anchor the space without visual clutter. Ruggable's rug design is a good opportunity to inject pattern into a small living room without it being too large or too dainty.
Avoiding these mistakes helps maintain an open, airy, and cohesive look that maximises the perception of space in a small living room. By using consistent colours, properly scaled and visually light furniture, unobstructed natural light, and layered lighting, you can create a small living space that feels luxurious and inviting.
Sara Hesikova, our platform's Certified Expert in Training on Furniture, offers advice on decorating small living rooms. She has tested over 150 different sofas and is a Content Editor at the platform since June 2024, starting as a News Writer in July 2023. Posters can be a budget-friendly alternative to wall art or art prints for larger pieces. A sizeable vase like the one from Kelly Hoppen's collab with M&S is better than lots of little ones that create visual clutter. Treating small spaces as limitations instead of opportunities is a common mistake in small living room decorating.
A soft powder shade of blue is one of the best choices for blue living room ideas, especially when dealing with a small lounge and colour drenching. Embracing visual stillness by choosing a few bold, monolithic pieces can help create breathing room and balance in a small living space. A few well-chosen, generously sized pieces can help a small living space feel luxurious and inviting.
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