Design tips and tricks for decorating a small living room (2024)

Loveseats are a neat solution for smaller living rooms – they can typically fit two people, although it’s a prerequisite that you are comfortable in each other’s personal space. One of the joys of a loveseat is that extra attention is usually paid to design elements that promote comfort, like deep cushions and sumptuous fabrics.

Read more: 28 best loveseats for snuggling up or saving space

Investing in bespoke display units will give you more control over the depth of your shelves or cubbies. This is a particularly lovely example because of the varying heights of the shelves – a lack of uniformity like this can be really charming and interesting to look at. We love the framed print taking up its own spot in the middle.

Read more: How to style and display accessories in your home

If you only have space for a small armchair, shop around for something with a deep seat and low arms – what it lacks in size will be made up for in comfort.

Shop now: Country Living Quinton Accent Chair at DFS

There is a natural inclination to pare back accessories and textiles in a small space, but equally we don't want it to be totally devoid of character. Layers are a little more forgiving in this instance because you can pile a couple of soft furnishings together to maximise impact but minimise footprint.

Pictured: Country Living Falmouth Lamp and Croyde Stripe Cushion, both at Homebase

Even the smallest of living rooms can accommodate a tiny home office. It's wise in this instance to shop for vintage or antique tables to serve as a desk, as they can often have smaller proportions. The windowsill and adjacent bookcase are sufficient storage too.

Read more: 20 small desks perfect for bijou home offices

Another sofa alternative if a loveseat is too small. A daybed can be generously sized, but has a slightly smaller footprint than a sofa because it will sit flush to your wall. They are exceptionally comfortable too, as this handsome boy can attest to.

Read more: 13 creative ways to use fabric around the home

Runners are great in narrow hallways, but they can also be a neat zoning device living rooms. They work most effectively to delineate small pockets like reading corners – this is a nice example of a runner drawing the eye towards the view beyond.

Shop now: Country Living Arniston Navy Runner at Carpetright

Low-slung furniture is a great choice if you have heavy cottage ceilings. Having sink-in sofas, low units and drawing the eye downward with patterned or colourful rugs makes a room feel casual with a design nod to the 1970s.

Read more: How to decorate the space above a sofa

One for truly compact living rooms. A sweet window seat invites plenty of soft furnishings, and the joy here is that you can create extra storage underneath.

Read more: The dos and don'ts of styling an accent chair

Painting a small living room room – including the ceiling – in an all-over uniform colour blurs its edges and boundaries giving the impression of space. This is particularly effective if you paint woodwork, doorframes, and radiators to match.

Read more: 7 common painting mistakes and easy tips to avoid them

Multi-functional furniture is a gift in small spaces. Storage footstools can double up as coffee tables or an extra seat in a pinch.

Shop now: Country Living Charlbury Pinstripe Storage Footstool