A large couch in a well lit room.

38 Furniture Ideas for Small Living Spaces

When designing the layout and functionality of our living spaces, we have to take lots of different little elements into consideration. There are many different clever tricks and tools we can use to our favor to turn a small space into a cozy and inviting space. Get your tape measure out, a color palette or two, and a keen eye for furniture, plants, and art.

What to Keep In Mind When Thinking About Furniture Ideas For Small Living Spaces

When in more of a compact type of living space, we want to take some tools and best practices into account. Let’s take a look at some of the best ideas you can implement to create a great living space.

38 Furniture Ideas for Small Living Spaces

Free Up Floor Space

Our selection of furniture will definitely impact what we end up with. We also need to take the walls into consideration, the more we use them to liberate much necessary floor space, the better.

Use Vertical Storage Solutions

When talking about furniture ideas for small living spaces, you can use shelves, to go with the idea of mounting on the wall rather than using space on the floor.

Use Vertical Space

A beautiful painting or wall hanging will lead the eye upward, making a room appear larger than it is.

Use Art Wisely

Hanging pictures and other decorations can make a space feel boxed in, cramped, and cluttered. Instead, place a couple of big pieces of artwork to make your living room feel broader and more open.

Symmetry May Help Your Small Space Look Bigger

Symmetry creates equilibrium in a room by starting with a focal point, such as a fireplace or the windows in the sitting room.

Choose Functional Furniture

The best furniture ideas for small living spaces include tall furniture that allows for more internal storage and breaks the surface of those walls for more interesting accommodation and arrangement.

Go For Furniture That Can Serve Multiple Functions

Multi-functional furniture will make a world of difference if your living area also serves as a guest room. A custom-made daybed serves as both a sofa and a comfortable area for guests to lay their heads.

Prioritize the Flow of Your Layout

Just like we want to flow through life, we need to be able to flow through our layout perfectly. Don’t place furniture in spaces where there’s constant walking or in front of windows and light sources.

You Can’t Go Wrong With Neutral

Neutral and natural colors create a cozy atmosphere when it comes to furniture ideas for small living spaces. Furniture that appears light or disappears, such as glass or acrylic pieces, can also be used.

Make Spaces More Welcoming With Mirrors

Mirrors can make any room look bigger and brighter. It's the oldest trick in the book, but it works. You may create the illusion of spaciousness by simply adding more mirrors.

Strategize With Glass

Besides hanging mirrors around, you can also use glass tabletops to provide the impression of an open flow. Cabinet doors with mirrors can also help to make rooms feel more spacious and tidy.

Use Mirrors To Expand A Compact Space

Cover an entire wall with a huge mirror. The mirror will provide the impression of extra space by reflecting light and, of course, the interior design, thus doubling your internal space.

Leverage Natural Light

Shutters are an excellent alternative to curtains since they provide privacy and light control while occupying very little space. If you do use curtains, make sure they are light and can be quickly swept away from the window.

Draw Attention To The Windows

Instead of hanging heavy drapes, choose basic blinds. The window surround can be painted to help draw attention to the source of natural light, which can help to create a sense of space.

Draw Attention Away From The Door

When your front door leads directly into your living room, whether it's a country house or a studio flat, it might be difficult to create a soothing haven. Create a focal point with intelligently designed seating to detract attention from the entryway.

Use Light Colors

To keep your room plan light, airy, and open, stick to lighter tones like white, cream, and gray. Any small living space will feel light and airy, intimate but not constraining, with light hues.

Keep To A Simple Color Scheme

Decorating with primary colors is a great method to bring excitement to a tiny living room concept because it allows you to create a space-saving neutral room with more exciting splashes of color in accessories that you can switch around depending on your mood.

Go For Light Colored Furniture To Add More Space

When the color of your walls and your furniture match, the furniture will blend into the wall. As a result, the space looks wider. Layer and blend as you wish to further accommodate or arrange your living space.

Use Smart Storage Solutions

Decluttering will make your space look wide and bright, and it's one of the best ways to give the idea of additional space. Brilliant small living room storage options, of course, are essential for keeping this clutter-free, space-enhanced vibe.

Declutter

Remove games, plants, trinkets, and other superfluous stuff, and your living room instantly feels larger and more inviting. The area will quickly feel ordered and open with only decor basics properly arranged.

Keep Spaces Free of Unnecessary Bulk

A room stuffed with unnecessary items takes up space, turning it into a disorganized, crowded, and cramped space. Remove any big rugs to make the floor look polished and clean, as this is one of the easiest methods to preserve a feeling of spaciousness.

Modular Sofa

The best furniture ideas for small living spaces also include modular furniture. A modular sofa allows the user to accommodate and change according to the needs and current use you will give to the living space. Modular furniture will offer more ways to use and enjoy the piece you choose.

Multi-Functional Furniture

Multi-functional furniture, such as folding chairs that can be put away when not in use, is a terrific way to make the most of a small space.

Modern furniture in a small living space.

Well-Chosen Furniture

Choose furniture that is proportional to the space you have - big cupboards, sofas, and chairs in the living room will make a tiny space feel cramped.

Choose Furniture That Fit In a Nook

When it comes to storage space, we need to think beyond cabinets and closets. Create custom storage solutions that take advantage of open vertical space, corners, and nooks. For instance, floating shelves are a great way of using extra space while remaining cost-effective.

Choose Size Adjustable Furniture Pieces

Compact table or adjustable furniture allows you to keep things tidy when not in use. For instance, a Transformer Coffee Table serves as a great storage solution while keeping your space looking fresh and tight.

Choose Wall Lights to Save Space

Wall-mounted lighting with a slim design can save you a ton of space with plenty of options that don’t require electrical work.

Built-in Window Seat For The Win

A clever window seat design gives extra seating for guests without taking up valuable floor space with cumbersome furnishings.

Swap Out That Couch For Smaller Seating Arrangements

Consider a 'snuggler' or 'loveseat' that is equally comfortable, but significantly less intrusive. It can comfortably accommodate a parent and child – or a cuddling couple – since it is known as a 1.5 seater.

Add Creative Storage Solutions

Try going for storage under big pieces of furniture, hanging some baskets or cubes, or making custom cabinets near the roof.

Distract or Misdirect With Statement Pieces

Choose one or two statement pieces, such as an oversized table lamp, an eye-catching piece of art, or a fabulously upholstered armchair, and keep the rest of the space clutter-free.

Use Furniture With Legs

Legs on furniture help to generate extra visual space. Our brain interprets this as more physical space in a room than it actually is. Your living area will appear larger if you use a table, sofa, or commode that does not block your visual space.

Display Objects of Interest

If you have items that are worthy of being shown, place them above the sofa on an open shelf. This is an excellent concept for when you don't have a lot of space.

Avoid Putting Furniture Against the Wall

Leave a small space between the walls and your sofa to allow the room to breathe. This generates bathing space, which makes the area appear larger.

Scale Can Help You Generate Impact

Light sources are crucial in a small living room. Use a beautiful ceiling light to make it the focal point of the space. Then, table lamps can complement it to bring more light to the corners of the room.

Unite Two Separate Rooms

If you have a long room that holds space for two rooms, such as a living room and dining room, it's worth choosing a color and using it to tie the two spaces together. This technique can also be used to make a tiny dining space appear larger.

Layer, Balance, But Most Importantly Be Bold

A well-balanced mix of furniture and decor in various designs and finishes gives every room depth and warmth. You can't go wrong if you fill a room with items you appreciate and adore.

Make Sure The Furniture Will Fit

One of the most crucial things to consider is whether or not your furniture will fit via the front entrance, elevator, and stairwell. If it can't turn the corner in your walk-up, it'll most likely not fit in your apartment.