15 Styling Tricks That Make A Small Living Room Seem Bigger Than It Is

#1 Keep It Cozy

“Cozy” is always the keyword for “cramped” space, but in this case, leaning into what makes a room feel genuinely cozy — as in, an enveloping cocoon from the craziness that is the real world — can be totally soothing. Keep seating close together and intimate, and choose a plush, soft rug. Don’t you want to just curl up and relax?

#2 Add A Hammock Chair

Hammock chairs are super trendy right now, but they’re also a life saver in a small living room. You can add seating without taking up a ton of floor space, like you would with a traditional armchair.

#3 Go All White

Keep walls and floors all white to brighten up the space. A gallery wall with wide-matted art and white frames blends in with the wall, so the effect is eye-catching — yet not a bit cluttered. That way you can make a colorful piece of furniture the focal point of the room, so it’s not like the walls are closing in on you.

#4 Keep Curtains Light

Light curtains and shade help maximize the light in a small living room. It’s even better if you can match them to your wall color.

#5 Choose A Big Rug

Choosing a larger rug — even in a bold pattern — is a trick that makes a room feel bigger. Unlike smaller rugs, the large size doesn’t visually break up the floor.

#6 Add Ottomans

Use ottomans in place of a traditional coffee table to make better use of your space (because, let’s face it, a tiny house means your living room often does double or triple duty when people come over). You can top them with a tray to hold flowers and books, or call them into use as extra seating.

#7 Rethink Your Coffee Table

Use two small tables to take the place of one big coffee table. They’re better for traffic flow and easily moved to wherever else you may need them.

# 8 Hang Curtains A Couple Inches Higher

Curtains hung well above a window add airiness and height to a small room. Keep the curtain design basic but use extra fabric for fullness.

#9 Bring In Dramatic Colour

Dark, glossy walls create a sophisticated backdrop for simple, clean-lined pieces. Use the small space to your advantage and make it feel like a jewel-box.

# 10 Play With Scale

Don’t be afraid of oversize chairs. Lots of little things in small spaces can make the room feel cluttered, so stick to a few larger pieces for comfort.

#11 Opt For Double-Duty Furniture

When the space is lacking, you’ve gotta get creative. This desk can become a dining table, making it perfect for entertaining.

#12 Install Smart Lighting

Choose lighting that can be attached to the walls or hung from above to save room on floor space. Swing Arm lamps also free up space on side tables.

#13 Float Furniture

Resist the urge to push all of your furniture up against the walls. If you create space behind the furniture, it makes the room look wider than it is.

#14 Display Artwork Strategically

Bring your artwork up to trick the eye and expand or accentuate the height of the room. A gallery wall might seem too busy for a small space, but it can actually make it feel larger if it extends to the ceiling.

#15 Buy Low Seating