21 Stylish Small Living Room Ideas That Maximize Your Space

This is a post about small living room ideas!

Are you ready to transform your small living room into a cozy and stylish sanctuary? Just because your living room might be lacking in space, it does not mean it has to be lacking in style. You just have to be smart and strategic when it comes to decorating!

Whether you’re dealing with limited square footage in your apartment or trying to make the most of a snug space in your home, I’ve got you covered with 21 stylish small living room ideas to spruce up your living room and make it feel more inviting.

Let’s get into it!

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1. Install Vertical Shelves

Maximize your storage and display space by installing tall, narrow shelves that draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more spacious.

Take it one step further by painting your shelves for a fun pop of color. I love the way these shelves are painted blue – they add a whimsical touch to the space.

Get The Look:

SUPERJARE Modern Ladder Shelf, 5-Tier Open Wall-Mounted Bookshelf with Stable Metal Frame, 72 Inches Storage Rack Shelves, Stand Bookcase for Home Office – White/Gold

HOMISSUE Industrial Bookshelf 6-Tier Open Wall Mount Ladder Bookshelf, Modern Bookcase with Metal Frame and Wood Style for Home Office, Wall Mounted Industrial Iron Pipe Shelf, Brown

YGEOMER Floating Shelves, Rustic Wood Shelves, 4 Sets of Wall Mounted Shelf for Bathroom Decor, Bedroom, Living Room and Plants (Carbonized Black)

2. Use Neutral Colors

Light hues such as soft whites, creams, and grays can make a small living room feel brighter and more open. Plus, they create a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Add pops of black accents for extra depth and interest.

Get The Look:

Yaheetech Boucle Fabric Accent Chair, Vintage Rattan Vanity Chair with Wood Armrest and Legs for Living Room Bedroom Makeup Room, Ivory 1

Creative Co-Op Stoneware Bowl w Reactive Glaze, White

Kate and Laurel Sylvie Modern Circles and Going in Circles Framed Linen Textured Canvas Wall Art by Teju Reval, 2 Piece 18x24 Gold Abstract Wall Decor

Kate and Laurel Sylvie Modern Circles and Going in Circles Framed Linen Textured Canvas Wall Art by Teju Reval, 2 Piece 18×24 Gold Abstract Wall Decor

3. Add Some Big Mirrors

small living room ideas elegant — Credit: @niobytrivett

Strategically placing mirrors can instantly amplify light and create the illusion of a larger space. Try hanging a large mirror opposite a window to reflect natural sunlight.

Get The Look:

OLIXIS Arched Full Length Mirror 64″x21″ for Bedroom, Full Body Mirror with Stand, Hanging or Leaning for Wall, Aluminum Alloy Thin Frame Floor Standing for Living Room, Tall, Black

Kate and Laurel Arendahl Traditional Arch Mirror, 24 x 36, Antique Gold, Baroque Inspired Wall Decor

Sweetcrispy 64″x21″ Full Length Mirror, Full Body Floor Mirror for Bedroom Large Wall Mirror with Stand Full Length Aluminum Alloy Frame Standing Hanging or Leaning Against Wall, Gold

4. Roll Out An Area Rug

small living room decor on a budget — Credit: @mybohemianhouse

Define different zones within your living room with area rugs. They add warmth underfoot and help delineate seating areas in an open-concept space. Try a vintage style rug to add visual interest – just make sure the color doesn’t clash with the rest of your decor.

Get The Look:

Valenrug Washable Rug 8x10 - Ultra-Thin Antique Collection Stain Resistant Area Rug for Living Room Bedroom, Distressed Vintage Rug(Red, 8'x10')

Valenrug Washable Rug 8×10 – Ultra-Thin Antique Collection Stain Resistant Area Rug for Living Room Bedroom, Distressed Vintage Rug(Red, 8’x10′)

Bavni Area Rug 8x10 Machine Washable Vintage Distressed Print Ultra-Thin Chenille Bedroom Living Room Accent Rug, Low Pile Lightweight Non Slip with Gripper, Sage/Charcoal

Bavni Area Rug 8×10 Machine Washable Vintage Distressed Print Ultra-Thin Chenille Bedroom Living Room Accent Rug, Low Pile Lightweight Non Slip with Gripper, Sage/Charcoal

Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Sinclair Collection SIN-01 Rust / Lagoon 5′-0″ x 7′-0″ Area Rug

5. Get Some Cozy Layered Lighting

small living room lighting ideas — Credit: @caropeony

Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to add depth and dimension to your small living room. Think floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces.

Get The Look:

Globe Electric Novogratz x 61000043 Novogratz x Globe 62″ Floor Lamp, Faux Wood Finish, White Pleated Fabric Shade, Pivot Joint on Shade, in -Line On/Off Foot Switch, Black Cord, Reading Lamp

LA JOLIE MUSE Scented Candle Vanilla Cake, House Warming Gifts New Home, 8 oz 50 Hours Burn, Natural Soy Candle, Candles for Home Scented

Small Beside Table Lamp, Wood Tripod Table Lamp with White Fabric Shade, Cute Boho Nightstand Lamp, Minimalist Desk Lamp for Bedroom Living Room Nursery Kids Room Office Dorm, Bulb Not Included

6. Use Scaled-Down Furniture

small apartment living room — Credit: @estherbschmidt

Opt for petite sofas and armchairs with sleek profiles to avoid overwhelming your space.Bonus points if they have legs to create a sense of airiness.

Get The Look:

YuuYee 82″ Sectional Couch w/Chaise Sleeper, Reversible Chenille Small L Shape Sofa Couch, Sofa with Chaise Mid-Modern Century Couch with Removable and Washable Cushions (Cream)

Marrakesh Gallery Genuine Leather Round Pouf Unstuffed – Moroccan Ottoman Footstool, Footrest Cover – Boho Decor – Bohemian Living Room, Bedroom, Kids Room, Gift & Wedding (Dark Brown)

VASAGLE Round Coffee Table, Small Coffee Table with Faux Marble Top and Glass Storage Shelf, 2-Tier Circle Coffee Table, Modern Center Table for Living Room, Marble White and Pale Gold ULCT072W59

7. Install Floating Shelves

small living room ideas shelves — Credit: @wanderinginmyhome

Floating shelves are a fantastic way to display your favorite books, photos, and decor without taking up precious floor space. Get creative with your arrangements!

Get The Look:

PHPH Wood Floating Shelves for Wall, Wooden Wall Shelves for Bedroom, Set of 6 Light Brown 17 Inch

Homeforia Rustic Farmhouse Floating Shelves, Bathroom Wooden Shelves for Wall Mounted, Thick Industrial Kitchen Wood Shelf – 24 x 6.5 x 1.75 inch – Set of 2 – American Walnut Color

WOPITUES Floating Shelves with Gold Metal Guardrail, Shelves for Wall Decor Set of 3, Wall Shelves for Bedroom, Bathroom, Kitchen, Living Room, Plants, Picture Frames, Art- White and Gold

8. Embrace The Power of Plants

small living room plants — Credit: @intothewild_home

Bring a touch of nature indoors with potted plants or hanging greenery. Not only do they add visual interest, but they also purify the air and boost your mood.

Get The Look:

LA Jolie Muse White Planter with Stand,Mid Century Planters for Indoor Plants,Ceramic Plant Pot with Stand – 8 Inch Unique Modern Flower Pots Indoor with Drainage Holes

7.6FT (92”) Olive Tree Tall Skinny Artificial Plants for Home Indoor, Fake Potted Olive Silk Tree for Modern Home Office Living Room Floor Decor Indoor

LE TAUCI Plant Pots, 4.1+5.1+6.5 inch, Set of 3, Ceramic Planters with Drainage Hole and Saucer, Indoor Flower Pot with Hole Mesh Pad, Gifts for Mom, Reactive Glaze Beige

9. Bring In The Natural Light

small living room decor — Credit: @sharedesignideas

Keep window treatments sheer or opt for blinds that can be fully opened to let in as much natural light as possible. Sunlight can make even the smallest space feel airy and expansive.

Get The Look:

MIULEE 2 Panels Solid Color White Sheer Window Curtains Elegant Window Voile Panels/Drapes/Treatment for Bedroom Living Room (54 X 84 Inches White)

3 Globe Mid Century Modern Floor Lamp for Living Room, Contemporary Gold Lamp with Frosted Glass Shade and Bulbs Included, LED Standing Tall Pole Lamp for Bedrooms, Office – Antique Brass

SCWF-GZ 20x30 Arch Mirror Rectangle Wall Mounted Metal Frame Mirrors for Entryway Bedroom Bathroom Living Room 20 30 24x36 inch Black Silver - Gold

SCWF-GZ 20×30 Arch Mirror Rectangle Wall Mounted Metal Frame Mirrors for Entryway Bedroom Bathroom Living Room 20 30 24×36 inch Black Silver – Gold

10. Hang a Gallery Wall

small living room gallery wall — Credit: @curtistaylorjr_

Transform a blank wall into a focal point by hanging a curated collection of artwork, photographs, or prints. It’s a great way to showcase your personality and add visual interest.

Get The Look:

Giftgarden Multi Black Picture Frames with Mat for Multiple Sizes Photos, Four 4x6, Four 5x7, Two 8x10 for Gallery Photo Frame Collage Wall or Tabletop Display, Assortment Pack of 10

Giftgarden Multi Black Picture Frames with Mat for Multiple Sizes Photos, Four 4×6, Four 5×7, Two 8×10 for Gallery Photo Frame Collage Wall or Tabletop Display, Assortment Pack of 10

RAIFOOLLY Picture Light, 16in Battery Operated Picture Lights for Paintings,Metal Remote Control Display Art Light with Timer and Dimmable for Wall Painting,Frame, Portrait, Dartboard-Brass

Frametory, Aluminum Picture Frames Set of 7 - Gold Gallery Wall Kit - Displays One 11x14, Two 8x10, and Four 5x7 inch Photos for Home Decoration

Frametory, Aluminum Picture Frames Set of 7 – Gold Gallery Wall Kit – Displays One 11×14, Two 8×10, and Four 5×7 inch Photos for Home Decoration

11. Try Leggy Furniture

small living room ideas coffee table — Credit: @amy.loves.teaching

Furniture raised on legs creates a sense of openness by allowing light to flow underneath. Plus, it makes cleaning a breeze!

Get The Look:

LAVISH HOME Modern Industrial Coffee Table with Hairpin Legs, 41 Inch, Gray

GERANT Multifunctional Vanity Stools – Velvet Round Ottoman Modern Dressing Stool -Upholstered Footrest Stool – Side Table Footstool with Golden Metal Leg for Living Room, Bedroom (Gray)

mopio Chloe Futon Sofa Bed, Couch, Small Sofa, Sleeper Sofa, Loveseat, Mid Century Modern Futon Couch, Sofa Cama, Couches for Living Room (Light Gray Fabric)

12. Invest In Dual-Purpose Pieces

small living room ideas inspiration — Credit: @mypracticehome

Look for furniture with built-in storage compartments or convertible features, such as a sleeper sofa for overnight guests or a nesting coffee table for added surface space.

Get The Look:

aboxoo Coffee Table Nesting White Set of 2 Side Set Golden Frame Circular Round and Marble Pattern Wooden Tables, Living Room Bedroom Apartment Modern Industrial Simple Nightstand

REDEARTH Round Pouf Ottoman – Cable Knitted Boho Poof – Home Décor Cord Pouffe Handmade Circular Footrest for Living Room – Bedroom – Kids Bedroom – 100% Cotton Pouf (18″ x 18″ x 14″) – Ivory

SEJOV Sofa Bed Chair 4-in-1 Convertible Chair Bed, 3-Seat Linen Fabric loveseat Sofa with 2 Throw Pillow, Single Recliner for Small Space with 5 Adjustable Backrest, Brown Grey

13. Cut The Clutter

small living room apartment — Credit: @sokointeriordesign

Embrace the mantra of “less is more” by decluttering regularly and only keeping items that serve a purpose or bring you joy. A tidy space feels instantly larger and more inviting. Keeping your living room minimalist and clean brings a whole zen vibe that is perfect for relaxation.

Get The Look:

Carrot’s Den Donut Vase, Set of 2 – Minimalist Nordic, White Ceramic Hollow Donut Vase Decor | Table Centerpiece, Olive Plant, Wedding, Living Room, Bookshelf, Office, Modern Home, Entryway, Console

DEJAVU Cordless Linen Roman Shades for Windows, Washable Lined Fabric Roman Window Shades, Custom Blackout Light Filtering Roman Blinds for Doors, Kitchen Windows, Bedroom, Linen Oatmeal

MONDAY MOOSE Decorative Throw Pillow Covers Cushion Cases, Set of 4 Soft Velvet Modern Double-Sided Designs, Mix and Match for Home Decor, Pillow Inserts Not Included (18×18 inch, Orange/Teal)

14. Embrace Different Textures

Incorporate a variety of textures, such as plush throws, velvet pillows, and woven baskets, to add depth and visual interest to your small living room. I love how this small living room plays with texture in the space. The plush area rug, velvet couch and rattan light fixture bring a great variety of materials into the room.

Get The Look:

Brilvibera Rattan Floor Lamp- Black Standing Floor Lamp with Remote Control and Dimmable Bulb, Adjustable Rattan Lamp Shade Boho Floor Lamps for Living Room

Jobtical Boho Light Fixtures Ceiling Mount,Mini Rattan Chandelier Light Fixture with Dimmable LED Bulb,Hand Woven Ceiling Light Fixtures Flush Mount for Hallway Bedroom Kitchen Entryway Living Room

SAFAVIEH Hudson Shag Collection Area Rug – 6′ x 9′, Ivory & Grey, Modern Diamond Trellis Design, Non-Shedding & Easy Care, 2-inch Thick Ideal for High Traffic Areas in Living Room, Bedroom (SGH281A)

15. Make Wall Storage

Install wall-mounted shelves, hooks, or pegboards to keep clutter off the floor and maximize storage potential without sacrificing precious square footage.

Get The Look:

Felidio Wood Wall Hooks, 4 Pack Coat Hooks Mounted Rustic Wooden Heavy Duty Robe Hook Hat Rack | for Hanging Bathroom Towels Clothes Hanger (Beech Wood)

Tatub 29” Coat Rack Wall Mount with Shelf, Wood Wall Hooks with Storage, Entryway Shelf with 5 Hangers for Bathroom, Living Room, Bedroom, Rustic Brown

Rebee Vision Decorative Key Holder for Wall with Shelf: Farmhouse Mail Rack with 5 Sturdy Key Hooks for Home Decor, Apartment, Entryway and Hallway (Light Brown)

16. Add Creative Seating

Consider floor cushions, poufs, or even a window seat with built-in storage to provide additional seating options for guests without overcrowding the room.

Get The Look:

Tbfit 35.5″ Large Square Storage Ottoman Bench, Tufted Upholstered Coffee Table Ottoman with Storage, Oversized Storage Ottomans Toy Box for Living Room, Beige

Intelligent Design Azza Floor Pillow, Large Cushions Sitting for Adults, Floor Pillow for Meditation or Yoga, Lustrous Chenille Tufted with Scalloped Edges for Bench/Chair Cushion, 20″x20″x5″ Grey

COSTASKF Ottoman Foot Stool, Upholstered Cushion Vanity Stool with Gold Metal X-Leg,Small Make up Stool for Vanity,18 Inch Leather Foot Stool, Square Makeup Stool for Bedroom, Living Room, White

17. Utilize Every Nook and Corner

small living room inspirations — Credit: @snc_interiors

Don’t let those awkward nooks or corners go to waste! Transform them into functional spaces by adding a small desk, a reading nook with a cozy chair and floor lamp, or even a mini bar cart for entertaining.

We love this reading nook with built-in seating and colorful throw pillows. Don’t have built-ins in your space? No problem! Any comfortable seating will do the trick.

Get The Look:

Weture Corner Seat for Modular Sectional Sofa with Storage, Corner Module for Customizable Sectional Sofa Couch, Grey

SUNMORY 5 Tier Corner Shelf Stand,Industrial 65″ Corner Shelves Display Shelf for Living Room Decor,Wall Corner Bookshelf Multi Unit Organizer,Tall Shelf Plant Stand for Bedroom,Bathroom,Small Space

Fixwal Corner Floating Shelves, Wall Mounted Corner Shelf Set of 5, Rustic Wood Wall Shelves for Bathroom, Kitchen, Bedroom or Living Room (Carbonized Black)

18. Hang Curtains Strategically

To make your ceilings appear taller and your windows larger, hang curtains close to the ceiling and let them pool slightly on the floor. This draws the eye upward and creates the illusion of grandeur.

Get The Look:

NICETOWN Natural Linen Curtains 84 inch Long 2 Panels Set, Grommet Top Thick Linen Burlap Semi Sheer Vertical Drapes Privacy Assured with Light Filtering for Bedroom/Living Room, W55 x L84

BGment Faux Linen Curtains for Living Room 84 Inch Length 2 Panels Set, Burlap Textured Thick Long Curtains Light Filtering Privacy Window Curtain Drapes with Grommet, 52 Inch Wide Each Panel, Tan

YNL Gold Curtain Rod for Window 18-45’’(1.5-3.75ft), Small Drapery Rods with 2PCS Curtain Holdbacks, Adjustable Heavy Duty Curtain Rod with Cap Finials, Recommended Window Size: 18”-37”

19. Layer Your Rugs

Layering rugs adds visual interest and can help define different areas within your living room. Try placing a smaller rug on top of a larger one for a cozy, bohemian vibe.

I love how this beautiful boho rug is layered over a larger neutral light version. It ties all the light elements of the room together, while also adding interest.

Get The Look:

SAFAVIEH Natural Fiber Collection Accent Rug – 3′ x 5′, Natural & Beige, Border Basketweave Seagrass Design, Easy Care, Ideal for High Traffic Areas in Entryway, Living Room, Bedroom (NF114A)

RUUGME Washable 5x7 Area Rugs - Large Rugs for Living Room Stain Resistant Carpet Vintage Rugs for Bedroom with Non Slip Backing Home Decor Floor Decoration Mat (5x7 Black)

RUUGME Washable 5×7 Area Rugs – Large Rugs for Living Room Stain Resistant Carpet Vintage Rugs for Bedroom with Non Slip Backing Home Decor Floor Decoration Mat (5×7 Black)

Nourison Essentials Indoor/Outdoor Ivory Beige 6' x 9' Area Rug, Easy Cleaning, Non Shedding, Bed Room, Living Room, Dining Room, Backyard, Deck, Patio (6x9)

Nourison Essentials Indoor/Outdoor Ivory Beige 6′ x 9′ Area Rug, Easy Cleaning, Non Shedding, Bed Room, Living Room, Dining Room, Backyard, Deck, Patio (6×9)

20. Add Personal Accessories

Who says you can’t accessorize in a small living room? Display your favorite books, keepsakes, and mementos to infuse your small living room with personality and charm. Just be mindful not to overcrowd surfaces.

Get The Look:

Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue Vintage Board Game Bookshelf Collection

Reimagine Discovery Medium Checkered Vase, Modern Home Decor, Decorative Ceramic Flower Vase, Aesthetic Black & White Room Decor for Office, Bedroom, Living Room (9.25” Tall)

VOMANA Ceramic Decorative Dish, 12” Large Green Decorative Bowl, Versatile Centerpiece Decor, Key Bowl, Gift Decor Tray for Entryway Table Living Room Dining (12” Dish)

21. Try Mirrored Furniture

Introduce mirrored furniture pieces, like a mirrored coffee table or sideboard, to reflect light and visually expand your small living room. They add a touch of glamour while serving a practical purpose.