Decorating small spaces can be more challenging than furnishing larger areas, and a small living room is no exception—especially when working with a tight budget or downsizing from a larger home.
Starting from scratch can feel daunting, but a simple, minimal approach can evolve into something uniquely yours. Beginning with a mix of collectibles and worn or mismatched furniture, however, can be frustrating. Too often, people settle for throwing a room together with whatever they have.
Whether you’re starting fresh or working with existing items, approach the room with a clear plan. Keep what you need and love, and let go of anything that doesn’t serve your vision.
Since we’re focusing on living rooms, this space will likely function as a family room or a place for informal entertaining. Assess who will use the room and determine the furniture needed to make it functional for everyone. Consider its purpose—will it be a space for dining, watching television, or both? Think carefully about colors, wall surfaces, and floor finishes. Decide whether you’ll follow a specific style or theme. Finally, consider ornamentation, such as artwork or treasured knickknacks, to add a personal touch.
Key Elements for a Cohesive Living Room
Most living rooms serve a shared purpose. Here are the key aspects to consider:
- Theme and color scheme,
- Seating,
- Tables and other furniture,
- Doors and windows,
- Storage,
- Wall and floor finishes, and
- Finishing touches.
Theme and Color Scheme
A cohesive plan needs a clear purpose. While a living room’s function is inherent, that alone isn’t enough for effective décor.
A well-defined style can unify a small living room’s design. Color is equally important, and a consistent color theme helps tie everything together. Your starting point might be an existing carpet, upholstery fabric, or curtain material. Alternatively, mood can guide your color choices—yellow for a cheerful, bright vibe or pale blue for a cool, calm atmosphere. Once you’ve chosen a starting point, select furnishings and accessories that align with your vision.
Seating
Every living room needs comfortable, versatile seating. In a small space, you’re limited to one seating area, and the room’s size dictates how much seating you can include. Evaluate what you have and what you still need.
To plan the layout, measure the room and draw it to scale. Create scaled cutouts of your furniture, marking windows and doorways (including door swing directions). Experiment with different arrangements using these templates to visualize the layout while ensuring the furniture fits.
People generally prefer sitting in circular arrangements to facilitate conversation. If the room is used for watching television, avoid letting the TV dominate the space—a challenge in small rooms. Positioning it to the side of the seating circle or inside a cabinet can help. Once you’ve finalized the seating layout, decide if existing pieces need reupholstering or refreshing to match your theme or simply to look vibrant again.
Tables and Other Furniture
Tables are essential for drinks, books, paperwork, or even dining. If the room will serve as a dining area, include a reasonably sized table that doesn’t overwhelm the space. Try to separate couches from the dining table to create distinct areas, allowing some people to gather around the table while others relax on the seating.
In tight spaces, a nest of tables or a coffee table that doubles as storage (like a chest) is practical. Additional furniture, such as a decorative sideboard or drinks cabinet, can enhance the décor if space allows. Always ensure your choices align with your purpose and fit both physically and aesthetically.
Doors and Windows
Doors and windows enhance light quality, especially with features like double internal doors. A good view from one or more windows can serve as a focal point when arranging furniture.
Windows shine decoratively through curtains or blinds. Choose coverings that complement your style, pattern, and texture preferences.
Storage
Storage for books, glassware, or other items is useful but not always essential. Before adding cupboards, cabinets, or shelves, consider their visual impact. If storage is limited elsewhere in your home, the living room may need to accommodate books or other items. In such cases, make storage a feature rather than an afterthought.
Storage can double as display space. A cabinet can hold glassware and ornaments, while shelves can showcase books or collectibles, enhancing the room’s personality.
Wall and Floor Finishes
Wall and floor finishes are both practical and decorative, determining whether a living room feels vibrant, cool, or cozy. Walls offer an easy way to introduce color, while floors provide soundproofing, insulation, and warmth. Neutral floor colors are versatile, but rugs can add a splash of color and pattern.
Finishing Touches
Finishing touches are where personal style shines, often making the decorating process feel rewarding. These details—unique to you—might include a special painting, cherished items on the mantelpiece, a stenciled motif along the wall, or fresh flowers in a simple glass vase on the coffee table. Thoughtful finishing touches elevate the room, making it distinctly yours.
