Just because you have a small living room doesn’t mean you can’t make a big statement. With a few strategic design choices you can transform your small living room into the central focal point of your home.

At RCID, we specialize in high-end residential design for spaces big and small, and we know just what it takes to make your living room stand out, no matter the size. Here are our top 10 small living room design ideas to maximize space in your home.

1. Draw attention to the windows

When it comes to small living spaces, windows are your best friend. Windows help make a small room feel larger by increasing the amount of natural light in the room and making the space feel more connected to the outdoors. They also blur the lines between the inside and the outside which naturally makes the room feel bigger.

Make your windows a central point of your living room by designing the space around them, without blocking any of their beautiful natural light. Our renovation at the Carlson Residence is a perfect example of how to make your windows really shine and open up a small space.

2. Incorporate mirrors

Mirrors help make a small living room feel larger by reflecting light, increasing depth, and creating a sense of there being more space than there really is. It is a tried-and-true tactic that is often used in smaller restaurants to expand the visual space.

You don’t have to turn your living room into a funhouse to reap the benefits, however. A few intentionally placed mirrors, like those used in our Lakeview Residence project, make the space feel larger without being too much.

3. Embrace minimalism

Less is more in a small living room space. Too many items can quickly clutter the area and make the space feel cramped. Instead, try adopting a minimalist approach when designing your small living room to make it feel open and airy.

Go for clean lines and simple statement pieces, like the ones used here at the Altadore Residence. Not only will it make the space feel bigger, it has the added benefit of calming you and your guests as soon as you enter the room.

4. Play with texture

Texture is an easy way to bring a small living room to life. It works by bringing visual interest to the space, while adding depth and dimension. Embracing texture in your living room also makes the space feel cozy and inviting which can naturally give the illusion of a more substantial space.

Layer different textured furniture together for an interesting living room that you want to curl up in. At Lake Bonavista Reno, we paired different textures together in their living room to open up the space and make it really feel like home.

5. Hang curtains high

Here’s another quick tip to bring attention to your windows and make your small living room feel bigger: hang your curtains high. By hanging curtains as high as you can, you draw the eye upwards while elongating the living room and giving the illusion of space.

Take your curtains up to the ceiling, and don’t be afraid to let them become a statement piece. At Elbow Park Residence we framed the living room between two beautiful elongated statement pieces, making the whole space feel larger.

6. Pull couches away from the wall

If your couches are crammed up against the wall, you may be doing your small living room a disservice. Pulling your couches away from the wall creates a small gap that visually makes the room feel more open and energetic.

At our Sage Hill Residence project, we used a few different techniques to make the room feel bigger including hanging the curtains high, embracing texture, and of course, pulling the couches away from the wall.

7. Use light colors

Light colors are a popular design choice for making a room feel more inviting. But did you know it can also make a small living room feel larger? Lighter colors reflect light and make the space feel expansive, filling the room with light and making it instantly look and feel larger.

Opt for light colored paints on the wall, like white and off-white, and lighter pieces. Our Richmond Road Project uses light colors throughout the home, including the living room, which creates an open and welcoming feel.

8. Add artwork to your walls

Art is an interesting and beautiful way of making a small room feel a lot bigger than it really is. Hanging art on your walls, particularly a large statement piece, helps to draw the eye outward and create the illusion of expansiveness.

Go for a statement art piece, like a beautiful shot of the natural world, to give your living space more character and more depth. At Canmore Residence, we gave this fun family a statement piece for their living room wall that reflected their personality and brought the whole room together.

9. Lift furniture off the floor

One thing that you will commonly see in small living rooms is furniture that sits off the ground. This is because lifting furniture away from the floor gives the idea of there being more floor space than there really is, helping a small living room feel instantly larger.

Embrace chairs, couches, and coffee tables that sit high up off the ground to create a sense of space. At our Altadore Residence project, you’ll notice all of the pieces are lifted up off the ground. This makes the room feel instantly bigger by giving your eye more to see.

10. Be intentional with your furniture choices

When designing your small living room, be mindful of the furniture you’re choosing for the space. Look for sleek pieces, furniture with legs, and mid-century modern designs that won’t visually clutter a space.

At our Bayview Residence project, we curated our furniture intentionally for the space including lifted chairs, textured ottomans, and simple couch to tie the space together.

Start designing your small living room today

At RCID, your trusted Residential Interior Designer, we specialize in high-end residential design for spaces big and small, creating beautiful living environments that reflect your unique style and maximize the potential of every corner of your home.

Don’t let your small living room limit your creativity. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a warm, bright, and inviting living room, no matter what square footage you’re working with.

Interested in learning more about how our team can support you in making your dream home come true? Get in touch today.

Top 10 Small Living Room Design Ideas