Sounds obvious, but think really carefully about what furniture you bring into a small living room. We would say go as far as to draw up a floorplan and check if any new furniture you are buying would fit nicely into the space.
You want your pieces to have room to breathe. And you don’t want to have to squeeze between furniture to be able to move around your space. This might mean you have to cut down on the amount of furniture you have or pick small pieces so the room doesn’t feel too cluttered.
We spoke to the interior design experts on how to choose furniture for a small living room if you’re a little unsure of what to shop for, and here’s what they had to say:
‘Maximize space in a compact living room by first considering the key pieces of furniture,’ explains Jen & Mar, founders of Interior Fox.
‘Many people think they need a small sofa in a small living room but actually filling it and getting the biggest sofa that can fit the space will make it feel cozier and bigger. Choose a sofa that has legs, it will reveal more of the floor and give the illusion of space. Coffee tables are often considered essential when actually a side table that can be easily moved around the room could be a much better option.’
‘A soft footstool is another great coffee table alternative. Pop a tray on top to balance drinks or use it for additional seating for when guests visit.’