Figuring out how to design a small living room in an apartment can feel like a brain-teaser, but with a few smart choices, you can make a space that’s both practical and gorgeous. As someone with lots of experience in small spaces, I’m happy to give you some of my top ideas to help you get the most out of your living room.

1. Add a Statement Light

A statement light makes this small living room look amazing.
A statement light makes this small living room look amazing.

Lighting is super important in a small space. A great-looking light fixture can be the main attraction while also lighting up the room.

These products might help:

  • Chandelier with Crystals: Make your living room elegant with a crystal chandelier.
  • Modern Light for the Wall: Add some style to your walls with modern wall sconces.
  • Vintage Floor Lamp: Add some personality to your room with a vintage floor lamp.

2. Use See-Through Furniture

Glass furniture adds function without making the living room feel crowded.
Glass furniture adds function without making the living room feel crowded.

Furniture you can see through, like glass tables, can make a space feel less cramped. They’re useful without making the room feel heavy.

Try these:

  • Glass Table: Adds space to small living rooms.
  • Side Table: Won’t clutter the room.
  • Console Table: Ideal for compact areas.

3. Bring in Some Green

Indoor plants make this small living room feel alive and fresh.
Indoor plants make this small living room feel alive and fresh.

Plants can make a small space feel alive and fresh. I suggest adding a few indoor plants to your decorations; they can make even the smallest room feel energetic.

Products that could assist:

  • Set of Potted Plants: Make your living room better with plants that bring freshness and natural beauty.
  • Hanging Basket for Plants: Add something special to your room with a hanging planter that’s great for plants that spill over the sides.
  • Shelf for Plants with Pots: Show off your plants in style with this plant shelf and matching pots that don’t take up much room.

4. Go for Furniture That Does More

A stylish small living room using multi-functional furniture like a sofa bed and a coffee table with storage.
A stylish small living room using multi-functional furniture like a sofa bed and a coffee table with storage.

In a compact living room, each furniture piece needs to pull its weight, so I’m a big fan of multi-use items. Consider a storage coffee table or a sofa that turns into a bed; these do twice the work without taking up more space.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Coffee Table with Hidden Storage: Mix style and usefulness with this coffee table that has lots of hidden storage.
  • Sofa Bed Combo: Get the most from your space with a sofa that quickly becomes a comfy bed.
  • Shelving that Sticks to the Wall: Use wall space by adding great-looking shelves for decor and storage.

5. Build Up with Shelves

Floating shelves bring storage and style to a small living room.
Floating shelves bring storage and style to a small living room.

When you don’t have much floor area, the walls become super useful. I often suggest shelves that appear to float or built-in units to take advantage of vertical space. They’re great for showing off books and decorations without filling up the room.

Check these products out:

  • Floating Shelves Kit: Make your space better with stylish floating shelves for your books and decorations.
  • Brackets for Wall Shelves: Strong brackets to safely put up wall shelves, perfect for your plants and picture frames.
  • Bookshelf with Multiple Levels: A great-looking multi-level bookshelf that gives you lots of storage without using up floor space.

6. Use Corners Wisely

A cozy reading nook uses corner space in this small living room.
A cozy reading nook uses corner space in this small living room.

Corners are often not used as much as they could be. I like to put a comfy reading spot or a small desk in a corner to use every bit of space.

A few helpful options:

  • Reading Chair: A seat that is great for reading or relaxing.
  • Corner Bookshelf: Saves space and shows off your things.
  • Adjustable Lamp: Ideal lamp for small spaces.

7. Use Mirrors to Create Space

A mirror placed well can really make a small living room feel bigger.
A mirror placed well can really make a small living room feel bigger.

Mirrors work wonders for making a space feel bigger and more open. I like to put a big mirror on one wall to bounce light around and make the room seem deeper.

Useful items to consider:

  • Large Mirror with Wood Frame: Make your room feel bigger and brighter with this elegant wall mirror.
  • Full-Size Mirror to Lean On: A stylish mirror that leans against the wall. Great for adding class and making any room feel bigger.
  • Big Floor Mirror: Get a fancy look and more light with this big floor mirror.

8. Let in Natural Light

Sunlight fills this small living room, making it feel bigger.
Sunlight fills this small living room, making it feel bigger.

Keep your windows clear so you get as much natural light as possible. Soft-colored curtains will make the room feel softer without blocking the sunlight that makes a room feel bigger.

You might give these a try:

  • Sheer Curtains: Brighten up your room with these sheer curtains, which add privacy without blocking light.
  • Planter for Window Sill: Small planters for your window sills that look great in the sunlight and add some green to your room.
  • Cushion Covers in Neutral Colors: Soft cushion covers in neutral colors that make your room brighter and softer.

9. Add Rugs for Texture

Rugs add definition and warmth to a small living room.
Rugs add definition and warmth to a small living room.

A rug that’s placed just right can set off different areas in your living room. I like using area rugs to make separate zones, which also brings warmth and texture to the space.

Some handy options:

  • Area Rug with Bohemian Design: Make your living room warmer and more textured with this Bohemian area rug.
  • Throw Rug with Rustic Texture: Add layers and define spaces with this throw rug that has a rustic texture and warm colors.
  • Rug with a Pattern: Make distinct zones and add style with this patterned rug.

10. Create a Gallery Wall

A gallery wall adds personality and color to this small living room.
A gallery wall adds personality and color to this small living room.

Art can make your space feel more personal without taking up floor space. I really like putting together a gallery wall to show off art and photos in a small living room.

Explore these options:

  • Picture Frames: Picture frames to make a gallery wall that shows off your style.
  • Wall Art Prints: Wall art to add style to your wall.
  • Removable Wall Hooks: Easy to use hooks to make gallery wall.

11. Pick a Light Color Scheme

Soft tones and bright accents help this small living room feel open and airy.
Soft tones and bright accents help this small living room feel open and airy.

Lighter shades can make a room feel open and breezy. I often recommend soft and bright hues for the walls and furniture to make everything flow together and feel roomy.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Throw Pillows in Neutral Colors: Make your space comfy with stylish throw pillows in neutral colors.
  • Bright Rug: Make your living room warm and stylish with a bright and comfy area rug.
  • Picture Frames in Light Colors: Show off your photos with picture frames in light colors that add visual interest.

12. Go for Simple Decorations

Simple decorations keep this small living room stylish.
Simple decorations keep this small living room stylish.

Sometimes, less is more in a small space. I think it’s best to focus on a few key pieces and keep the rest of the decorations simple so the room doesn’t feel crowded.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Rug with Geometric Design: Geometric rug to add style.
  • Industrial Bookshelf: Bookshelf to organize your room.
  • Abstract Wall Art: Wall art that will make a statement.

13. Add a Focal Point

A fireplace makes this small living room very inviting.
A fireplace makes this small living room very inviting.

Every room looks better with a focal point, even if it’s small. Whether it’s a fireplace or a piece of art, a focal point catches your eye and gives the room a sense of balance.

Give these a look:

  • Canvas: Adds color to any room.
  • Electric Fireplace: Provides warmth without a chimney.
  • Wall Mirror: Makes space bigger and elegant.

14. Add Texture with Fabrics

Fabrics add warmth and texture to this small living room.
Fabrics add warmth and texture to this small living room.

Using different fabrics can make a small room feel more interesting. I like to use throws, cushions, and curtains to create a space that feels rich and inviting.

Possibly handy products:

  • Throw Blanket: Adds style with its rich texture.
  • Decorative Pillows: To make your sofa comfy.
  • Patterned Curtains: Curtains that will add personality.

15. Mount the TV

A tv on the wall opens up space in the living room.
A tv on the wall opens up space in the living room.

Putting your TV on the wall saves a lot of space. It’s a simple way to keep the room open and airy.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • TV Wall Mount: Adjustable wall for TVs.
  • Tilting TV Wall Mount: Reduces screen glare and saves space.
  • Low Profile TV Mount: Saves space for the tv.

16. Hang Curtains High

Curtains add height to the living room.
Curtains add height to the living room.

To make ceilings look higher, I always hang curtains near the top of the wall. This makes your eyes look up and makes the room feel taller.

A few things you might like:

  • Beige Curtains: Elegant curtains that make ceilings look higher.
  • Curtain Rod: Rod for ceilings.
  • Curtain Holders: Holders that enhance natural light.

17. Use Storage

Storage keeps this living room clean and organized.
Storage keeps this living room clean and organized.

A small room can quickly feel cluttered. I suggest using furniture with storage inside to keep things tidy and out of sight.

A few relevant products:

  • Storage Ottoman: Ottoman with extra storage.
  • Coffee Table: Table with magazine space.
  • Bookshelf with cabinets: Bookshelf with hidden cabinets.

18. Play with Patterns

Patterns adds life to this compact living room.
Patterns adds life to this compact living room.

Don’t be afraid to use patterns in a small room—a bold patterned rug or cushions can make the room more interesting and make it seem bigger than it is.

A few choices to try:

  • Patterned Rug: A rug to add style.
  • Pattern Pillows: To add comfort to a room.
  • Wall Tapestry: Adds color to the ambience.