How to Make a Small Living Room Look Bigger: 21 Ways

Wondering how to make a small living room look bigger? Let’s chat about it!

We all know that smaller spaces can sometimes feel a bit cramped, but don’t worry! You can totally create a more open feel with some smart design tricks.

From choosing the right colors and fabrics to rearranging furniture and adding thoughtful decor, there are plenty of ways to maximize your space and make it feel so much larger.

Now, let’s dive into these 21 awesome ideas that will transform your living room into an open and airy retreat!

How to Make a Small Living Room Look Bigger

1. Choose a Light Color Palette

What color makes a small room look bigger?

Lighter colors are perfect for creating a light and airy vibe. Think of neutral colors like soft whites, light grays, beige, and pastels. But that doesn’t mean you have to have an entire neutral living room with only light colors.

Instead, infuse some vibrant accents here and there, like with throw blankets, pillows, and decorative items.

2. The Right Scale for Furniture

When you’re picking out furniture, it’s key to find pieces that aren’t too big or too small. If the furniture is too big, it’ll just overwhelm your space. But if it’s too small, it can look off-balance and make you want to fill that empty space with even more stuff.

So, try to look for furniture that’s the right size for your living room to help it feel more open.

3. Wall Mirrors

Mirrors are such a simple way to make any space feel larger! Plus, they can double as a nice decor piece.

And if you want to maximize natural light, try positioning the mirror across from a window so it can reflect even more light into the room.

4. Make the Most of Natural Light

Natural light is by far the best light you can get, so try to make the most out of it. Keep the windows clean and unobstructed, choose sheer curtains to maintain privacy while still letting in enough sunshine. You can use mirrors to reflect even more light.

5. Layer Lighting

Speaking of lighting, layering it is just as important. Especially if your living room doesn’t get enough natural light. You can best achieve this by mixing accent, ambient, and task lighting.

Consider mixing ceiling lights with table lamps or pairing floor lamps with accents like fairy lights for the best results.

6. Declutter

I think we all know that a cluttered living room can make a small space feel even smaller. So, definitely keep that clutter at bay! Take a good look around and figure out what you actually need and what can be put away out of sight.

7. Choose Legged Furniture

Also try to go for legged furniture, as the visible floor space underneath will create a more open feel in your living room. This will not only make your room appear larger, but will also add a stylish touch to your interior.

8. Keep Pathways Free

An easy way to make your living room appear more open is to keep the pathways clear. Try arranging furniture in a way that allows for easy movement and doesn’t overcrowd the space, so it won’t feel cramped.

9. Use Vertical Stripes

Adding some vertical stripes—whether through wallpaper, paint, or curtains—is a fantastic way to make your space appear larger than it is.

Vertical stripes visually elongate the walls and make your ceilings seem higher by drawing the eye upward. This simple trick can create a more open atmosphere in your living room.

10. Vertical Storage

Think vertical when it comes to storage options in your living room! Tall bookshelves, storage cabinets, floating shelves, over-the-door storage, and hooks are all great choices for maximizing space while also making the room feel more open and spacious.

11. Go for Multifunctional Pieces of Furniture

Another way to maximize your living room space and avoid clutter is to go for multifunctional furniture pieces. Think of coffee tables that double as storage, nesting tables, etc. There are endless options!

These will help you make the most of your living room and save space without overcrowding your room. Plus, it’s a great way to keep everything organized.

12. Go for Light & Airy Curtains

how to make a living room look bigger and brighter

When it comes to curtains, definitely pick light materials such as linen, cotton or sheer fabrics. These give your living room a very open and airy feel. They also don’t overwhelm the room as much as heavier curtains and help to avoid visual clutter.

Plus, they let in more natural light and create a bright atmosphere!

13. Hang Curtains High

This is a nice trick! Hanging your curtains closer to the ceiling draws the eye upwards and makes your ceilings appear taller than they are. As a result, your living room looks more spacious. Nice, isn’t it?

14. Incorporate Glass and Lucite Pieces

Going for glass or Lucite pieces will help create a more open feel in your living room and allow more light to pass through, which also makes the space feel less cluttered. But try not to go all out with Lucite or glass. Instead, just pick a few pieces to find a balance.

15. Layout Ideas – Floating Furniture

Floating furniture creates an open and inviting feeling in your living room by placing it away from the walls. Here are some simple ways you can do this:

Sofa: Place your sofa in the center of the room, facing the other seating areas.
Coffee table: Position a coffee table in the center between the sofa and chairs for easy access.
Separate chairs: Place two accent chairs away from the walls around a small table to create a cozy nook.
Activity area: Place a small table and chairs away from the walls to create a dedicated reading area.

These examples will help you maximize floor space and improve the flow of your living room.

16. Incorporate Reflective Surfaces

Mixing in some reflective surfaces in your living room is a nice way to brighten it up and create the illusion of space.

Think of mirrors, glass furniture, metal accents, glossy finishes, and reflective decor like mirrored trays. These will create an open feel in the entire room!

17. Hang Some Plants

There’s nothing better than adding some greenery, right? But in a small living room, it can be tricky to find a home for every plant without overcrowding the space. Instead, try hanging them up to save room while still enjoying the freshness and life they bring.

18. Strategically Use Artwork

Every living room needs some personality, and there’s no better way than to hang up some artwork!

However, to keep your space from looking and feeling too cluttered, make sure you only pick a few larger pieces instead of creating a gallery wall with multiple smaller ones.

19. Add Texture

how to make a small living room feel bigger

Keeping your living room free from clutter shouldn’t mean making it look sterile and cold. So choosing some cozy textures is just as important for making your space feel inviting.

Think faux fur rugs, cozy throw pillows (like velvet), soft throw blankets, wooden furniture, and wicker baskets, for example.

20. Mount the TV

Mounting the TV is an easy way to make your living room look less cramped since it frees up floor space. Plus, it looks much cleaner too!

If you still want a console table, consider going for a minimalist one or opting for a floating shelf instead, so it won’t take up any valuable floor space either.

21. Create a Focal Point

When the attention is on one specific area in your living room, the rest of the space will seem to recede a bit, giving you that nice open feel. Think about highlighting your fireplace, a gorgeous piece of art, or an accent wall.

It’ll make your space look and feel larger without being overwhelming, and it adds a personal touch as well.

What Color Makes a Small Room Look Bigger?

Light colors are definitely the way to go for smaller rooms! Shades like soft whites, light grays, pale beiges, pastels, and cool tones are just a few examples that can really open up your space. These colors help create that airy vibe, making your room feel so much bigger!

How to Make a Small Living Room Feel Big?

Here are some great and easy ideas on how you can create the illusion of more space:

Use Light Colors: Soft whites, light grays, and pastels.
Incorporate Mirrors: Reflect light and create the illusion of space.
Choose Multi-Functional Furniture: Opt for pieces that serve more than one purpose.
Keep Pathways Clear: Arrange furniture for easy movement.
Use Vertical Stripes: Add height with vertical patterns on walls or textiles.
Hang Curtains High: Extend curtains closer to the ceiling for a taller look.
Add Light and Airy Fabrics: Choose thin, breathable materials for upholstery and curtains.
Create a Focal Point: Highlight one area to draw attention and create depth.
Incorporate Shelves and Vertical Storage: Use wall space for storage without cluttering the floor.
Minimize Clutter: Regularly declutter and organize your space to maintain openness.

What Are the Best Sofa Colors for a Small Living Room?

Darker furniture can definitely make your living room appear more cramped, while lighter colors help create a more spacious feel. Think of light shades like soft beige, white, light gray, and light taupe. These colors can brighten up the space and make it feel more open and inviting!

Conclusion

And there you have it—simple yet effective tips on how to make a small living room look bigger! By playing with light, textures, and smart furniture choices, you can create a cozy space that feels open and inviting. Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance and making the most of what you have. So go ahead and try out some of these ideas, and watch your living room transform into a stylish retreat that feels so much more spacious!

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How to Make a Small Living Room Look Bigger: 21 Ways