If there’s one thing that I’ve learned about living in small spaces over the years, it’s that there’s got to be any easy flow happening in the space. And actually a lot of people tend to struggle with furniture arrangement in smaller rooms in their home. And one of those areas tends to be a small living room.
Defining the function of your space and choosing the right furniture are just a few key tips that can help you create an attractive and functional space in your small living room. Keep reading for more tips!
If you’re dealing with limited space in your living room, maximizing the available floor plan can seem like a challenging task. But with some careful planning and creativity, there are many simple steps you can take to make your small living room look and feel more spacious and comfortable.
#1 Define Your Needs
Before you can set goals, you need to take a step back and assess what you need. Defining your needs gives you a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you can go about achieving it. This process involves taking a close look at your current situation and identifying the areas where you feel most dissatisfied.
Once you know what your needs are, you can begin to set goals that will help you meet them. Keep in mind that your needs may change over time, so it’s important to re-evaluate them on a regular basis. By taking the time to define your needs, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in meeting your goals.
#2 Define The Living Room Functions
Knowing what you want to use the space for is an important step to arranging your living room. For some people the living room is for gathering or watching TV, for others it’s a space to both work and unwind. And for some, the living room is where they practice their morning yoga. It’s important to define a space and it’s function or functions before attempting anything else. This will give you guidance especially when it comes to working with furniture arrangement.
#3 Consider The Possibilities Within Your Floor Plan
Creating an attractive layout can be difficult when you have limited space. So if you’re wondering how to arrange a small living room and all that occupies it’s space-think about the different scenarios for your floor space first. Consider all of the possibilities within your floor plan before settling on a final design.
Look at everything from the wall space to the windows and be sure to note any interesting architectural features in your space that could potentially be a focal point. A fireplace, or large windows that allow a lot of light are examples of things that could determine how you’ll arrange furniture in your living room.
The actual dimensions of your living room are important to note as well. Do you have a narrow living room? Is there an awkward living room layout with fireplace? How much wall space is available and do you even want your sofa against a wall? These are some questions that will help guide your planning.
Once you’ve thought about all of the possible scenarios for arranging your small living room, it’s time to start sketching out some basic designs for your furniture arrangement. I personally love using some sort of virtual room designing software or program that allows me to visualize my room ideas. If you need some free tools I have a post here to help you map out your space and interior design.
#4 Choose The Right Furniture Pieces
Choosing the right pieces of furniture is key for making the most of your small space. Look for items in you particular style. If you already have furniture then go through all of the items that occupy your space and evaluate what you can realistically do without. This may involve moving around existing pieces or getting rid of items that you no longer serve your space. And maybe even think about upgrading to items that will make better use of the space.
There are so many factors to consider, from style and comfort to budget and durability. But if you take the time to do your research, you’ll be sure to find pieces that will suit your needs and last for years to come.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for furniture:
First, consider your personal style:
Do you prefer classic or modern looks? Do you want pieces that are functional or purely decorative? Once you’ve determined your taste, you can start narrowing down your options.
Next, think about furniture function:
If you’re looking for a dining table, for example, consider how many people you need to seat and whether you entertain often. If you’re looking for a couch, think about whether you want a traditional two-seater or a larger sectional.
Finally, don’t forget to factor in your budget:
Furniture can be expensive, so it’s important to set a realistic price range before you start shopping. Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect pieces for your home.
#5 Be Open To Alternative Seating Options
Floor plans vary and you may not necessarily have the sort of space that allows for a traditional living room or family room layout that typically includes multiple seating areas. You might have to opt for alternative seating options that are smaller, less bulky . But small living room furniture doesn’t mean that your room can’t function as a space for entertaining guests or getting together with family. You can utilize a couple of chairs, a chic sectional, even some stools or ottomans which are easy enough to move around.
Your tiny space might be one that a couple of armchairs or a small sectional sofa would make more sense. In even smaller spaces, two chairs might even suffice. If you’re living in a shoebox studio apartment, then maybe a single accent chair in a corner with a side table could be all you need to make it feel like a living room.
Overall, being open to alternative seating options, as well as thinking creatively about ways to make the most of your space, can help you get the most out of your small living room. By experimenting with different layouts, your furniture arrangement, and exploring other creative design ideas, you should be able to get what you need from your space.
#6 Utilize Multipurpose Furniture
Living rooms or any living space that lacks square footage, can really benefit from multipurpose furniture. Look for items that offer multiple functions, such as ottomans or chaise lounges with storage or seating options.
Additionally, consider multifunctional tables such as coffee tables that can be used for additional storage or extend into a dining table. Even nest coffee tables offer additional function when needed. Keeping clutter unseen can make a small space feel larger as a result. Multipurpose furniture just makes the most sense in small room layouts. And this sort of style of furniture in a small space is one of my favorite tricks.
#7 Arrange Furniture Around A Focal Point
Another important consideration is to arrange your furniture around a focal point in the room. This might be an attractive fireplace, a large window or even the television if it isn’t overpowered by other elements in your space. This focal point will draw people’s attention and give them something interesting to look at while they spend time in the room.
The key is to know your floor plan and consider the most effective way to arrange your furniture around a focal point or within the space. And remember this can be changed as many times as you need to, so don’t be afraid to move furniture around if it doesn’t feel quite right.
#8 Experiment With Furniture Arrangement!
Consider where you place furniture and how you organize your space. Try placing pieces diagonally across from each other can make a small room feel larger and more open. Additionally, try experimenting with different furniture arrangements to find the best layout for your space. This can involve moving around couches and chairs, or even playing with the arrangement of smaller items like rugs, lamps, and coffee tables.
#9 Think Outside The Box
One of the best ways to maximize your living room space is by thinking outside the box and getting creative with your layout. For example, you may be able to make use of awkward corners or unused nooks in your space by installing shelving units or furniture that utilizes these areas for storage. Similarly, you can look up at your ceiling and explore other options for incorporating additional storage into otherwise underutilized spaces.
#10 Create Conversation Areas
By choosing quality pieces and arranging them carefully, you can maximize the space in your small living room and create an inviting area that all of your guests will enjoy. For a cozy, intimate atmosphere, arrange your furniture around small conversation areas where guests can easily gather and talk. These small groupings will make your room feel more welcoming and comfortable, while also helping to minimize distractions.
#11 Incorporate Storage Space Into Your Design
It’s also important to consider storage space when designing your living room. Opt for items that are both functional and attractive, such as wall-mounted shelving units, built-in bookcases or coffee tables with hidden storage compartments. This will help you organize clutter without taking up any additional floor space in the process.
Look up at your ceiling and explore ways to incorporate storage into any unused nooks or niches. Some options include installing shelves along the sides of walls or under stairs, using furniture with built-in storage, or hanging artwork that has extra inches of depth for small spaces.
And remember to keep your floor clear of unnecessary clutter so that it looks clean and spacious, too. By following these simple tips, you can maximize your living room layout and create a welcoming space that feels much larger than it actually is.
#12 Illuminate your space.
The right lighting can completely transform a room. Create ambiance with floor lamps, table lamps, and candles. And don’t forget the power of natural light – open up those curtains and let the sun shine in!
And if you don’t get enough light in your living room then there are plenty of ways to use artificial light to maximize small spaces.
#13 Add Decorative Touches
I don’t know about you, but the smaller a space is the more I’m paying attention to other things in the space like the smaller details. Anything even a small living room can be offset with interesting decor items. In fact, sometimes these little visually interesting things can make more of a statement then perhaps the pieces of furniture. Other visually interesting things can be a beautiful light fixture or rug layered over a different styled rug. Small can be mighty so keep that in mind.
Your home is your personal sanctuary so make it a reflection of your unique style. Incorporate personal touches to your living room: Use family photos, heirlooms, art, and other cherished items to infuse your space with personality. Arrange these items in creative ways to achieve a one-of-a-kind look.
Whether you’re looking to maximize a small living room or simply create a more functional space, these tips can help you make the most out of your limited floor plan. Small living doesn’t have to be negative, and it can give us great insight into what it really means to make a home or room feel like your own. I hope you found this helpful and use these tips to maximize your small living room.
