Decorating a small living room can be one of the biggest design challenges faced by homeowners and interior designers alike. So today I’m sharing some simple tips on how to decorate and arrange furniture in small-scale living areas.
Since both our formal living room and TV room are tiny, I know how tricky it can be to decorate a cramped living room layout. On the bright side, it’s taught me a lot about decorating a small living room, and today I’m sharing everything I’ve learned.
You’ll find ideas for decorating a living room with an attached dining area, images showing how to arrange furniture in a small space, places to shop for small-scale living room furniture, and more.
If you’re looking for simple tips for decorating a tiny living room, sitting area, or sun room, I hope you’ll find some helpful ideas and inspiration in this post.
By the way, many of these tips can be applied to a large, rectangular, or narrow living room, as well!
Small Living Room Ideas and Inspiration for 2025
Below, you’ll find some easy ideas to help you make the most of a small living space, including tips for choosing the right furniture arrangement, decorating a living room dining room combo, inspiration for how to arrange furniture in a narrow space, apartment living room ideas, open living room layouts, and more.
1. Choose your living room furniture wisely
My first tip is to choose the right furniture for your space.
Whittney Parkinson Design – Sarah Shields Photography – similar coffee table – similar chandelier
Opting for slim furniture that doesn’t take up too much floor space, such as streamlined sofas, love seats, rectangular coffee tables, ottomans, and side tables, and narrow accent chairs, will help make the most of limited space.
In a narrow living room, you might want to use a sectional sofa that can be arranged to fit the length of the room, rather than trying to squeeze in several separate pieces.
Pure Salt Interiors – similar sectionals here, here and here – similar coffee tables here and here
2. Arrange furniture to maximize space
Furniture arrangement in a small space is key. If you can, I recommend pulling your furniture toward the middle of the room, allowing for some empty space between the furniture and walls.
Bringing the furniture inward makes a living room layout look more balanced and creates a more intimate space, encouraging conversation.
In this living room with multiple entry points, a large sectional, rectangular coffee table, small end table, and accent chair help define the space and provide plenty of seating.
Incorporating a window seat is a great way to create more seating in an oddly-shaped living room.
3. Take advantage of vertical space
If your living area has a vaulted or high ceiling, make the most of the vertical space and make your space look larger with bookcases, shelves, statement lighting, wood beams, or large artwork.
You can also use tall floor lamps and potted trees to draw the eye upwards.
4. Add a mirror
Mirrors are a great way to create the illusion of more space and make a room feel brighter and airier.
Studio McGee – Striped Pillow Cover – Chair – Mirror – Lamp
You can also try hanging a mirror on one wall to reflect light and make the room feel more balanced and spacious, as shown in this beautiful modern coastal living room.
5. Emphasize texture
Textured elements, such as boucle chairs, jute area rugs, linen curtains, and velvet throw pillows, add visual interest to a small space.
In this chic coastal living room, a textured rug and ottoman add texture and visual interest, drawing the eye away from the narrow proportions of the room.
Not only does this open concept layout integrate texture via the cane chairs and woven pendants, it’s a wonderful example of how to arrange furniture in a space that serves as a living room dining room combo.
Woven armchairs, as well as a jute rug, bring interest and texture to this narrow family room.
6. Focus on lighting
The right type of lighting is essential to making a tiny living room feel more spacious.
Pure Salt Interiors for Katrina Scott
Here, a modern light fixture draws the eye upward, and the clear glass bulbs enhance the light and airy feeling of this space.
Here’s a similar sitting room, using the same type of lighting and furniture arrangement.
Try using a combination of overhead lighting, floor lamps, and table lamps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Brooke Wagner Design – Brandon Architects
7. Keep it simple
In a small living room layout, try to keep decorative items and accent pieces to a minimum.
This creates a light, airy feeling and helps prevent the space from looking too busy or cramped.
8. Make a statement
Any statement piece, such as a bold piece of artwork, coffee table, or a pop of color, will add visual interest to your space and help draw the eye away from the room’s small proportions.
A fireplace and/or built-in cabinetry can also act as a focal point for your space, helping define your living area and determine furniture placement.
9. Stay neutral
Choosing a neutral or light color scheme makes a small room feel light and airy.
10. Incorporate storage
In a tiny or narrow living space, it’s always a good idea to make use of every available inch of space by incorporating creative storage solutions such as a console table, storage ottoman, or built-in cabinets and shelves.
11. Use multi-functional furniture
I also recommend choosing living room furniture that can serve multiple purposes, such as a coffee table or ottoman that doubles as extra seating or a small stool that can function as both a side table and place to sit.
The square ottomans in this beautiful space add additional seating and visual interest without taking up a lot of floor space.
12. Let in the light
Finally, make the most of natural light sources by keeping your window treatments simple and choosing light-filtering options, such as sheer curtains, linen draperies, or roller shades that tuck away neatly at the top of the window frame.
Pure Salt Interiors – similar sectionals here, here and here – similar coffee tables here and here
Or, if possible, leave your windows completely uncovered to maximize the amount of light in your living space.
I hope you found this post helpful and were able to gather some creative ideas to help you decorate your living room, family room, or living room dining room combo.
Let me know if you have any questions about decorating a small living room or any other tricky spaces in your home. Have a wonderful day! xo Jane
Where to Shop for Living Room Furniture and Decor
Investing in living room furniture and decor, regardless of style, doesn’t have to break the bank.
Below are a few of my favorite places to shop for living room furnishings, rugs, lighting, artwork, and decor:
Wayfair
Pottery Barn
Serena & Lily
McGee & Co.
Arhaus
Dear Keaton
Ballard Designs
Lulu & Georgia
Birch Lane
West Elm
And here’s a selection of living room sofas, chairs, coffee tables, area rugs, decor, and more in different styles and price ranges:
Sofa and Sectional Ideas
Living Room Chair Ideas
Coffee Tables
Living Room Area Rug Ideas
Living Room Lighting Ideas
Living Room Decor and Pillows
Artwork Ideas
Looking for more living room decorating ideas, interior design styles, and home trends? Here are a few favorite related posts from the blog:
Modern Living Room Decorating Ideas and Trends for 2025
How to Decorate a Long Living Room Layout: Solutions for Tricky Spaces
Modern Coastal Living Room Ideas for 2025
How to Add a Touch of Nancy Meyers Style to Your Kitchen and Home
Interior Design Trends for 2025: Beautiful Home Decor Ideas to Try Now
A Simple Guide to Decorating with Transitional Style
Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home
What is Coastal Grandmother Style? (and why I’m loving this trend)
Modern Kitchen Pendant Lighting Ideas
2025 Kitchen Design Trends and Decorating Ideas
2025 Bathroom Trends, Design Ideas and Inspiration for Small and Master Bathrooms
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Bathroom
2024 Colors of the Year: Top Home Color Trends
California Casual Interior Design
2024 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles You Will Love
Modern Bedroom Design Ideas and Trends for 2025
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