7 Tips for Maximizing a Small Living Room Space
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have the feel cramped. With some design tricks and the right furniture, you can create a beautiful, comfortable, open-feeling living room. Check out these 7 tips that can help maximize your space:
1. Use Open Furniture. Bulky furniture can easily overwhelm your space. Using furniture that has open spaces allows light to flow throughout the room making the space feel more open. Cabinets or bookcases are great options for displaying and storage. You can always get decorative boxes to hide your stuff.
2. Think Minimally. More isn’t better, especially when you have a small space. Take time to declutter your space by getting rid of items you don’t need or rarely use. You may need to take some inspiration from Marie Kondo.
3. Use Multifunctional Furniture. Because your space is small, having furniture that can serve multiple functions is a necessity. Here are some great examples:
- Having a sofa table that can double as a desk like the Valerie Sofa Table from American Drew. The top is on a hinge so you can easily double the size when needed for a workspace. You can also tuck storage bins or stools underneath.
- Stools that have storage, so you have extra seating and a place to tuck things away.
- A lift-top coffee table like the Square Lift Top Cocktail Table from Liberty Furniture. Half the tabletop lifts to give you the ability to use it as a desk while the other side provides you ample storage.
4. Use A Light Color Palette. Dark colors will make the room feel small. Lighter colors reflect light more so using them on the walls and floors will make a place feel large. You can bring in darker colors by using fun, smaller accents like a chair or artwork.
5. Use a Mirror. Mirrors can make a space look larger and brighter because they reflect light and the view, thereby tricking the eye into perceiving more space.
6. Think Vertical. Storage is often an issue with small spaces and some people make the mistake of buying large bulky pieces to hide their stuff away. Instead of using tall, open bookcases, like an etagere to both store and display your things. Another great option is using shelving. Don’t be afraid to use shelving higher up on the wall, especially for things you don’t need access to a lot.
7. Use A lot of Light. Making a small room bright is essential to making it look and feel larger. If you don’t have the luxury of large windows, use strategically places lamps and chandeliers to brighten up the room. Also, be aware of the type of lightbulbs you are using as they can cast different hues of color. Get bulbs that are closer to daylight for a brighter look.
If you are challenged by a small space stop into our store in Allen Park and let our on-staff interior designer help you create the perfect space.