Styling a Small Living Room: Design Tips for Australian Homes
Small living rooms present unique design challenges. In Australian homes, where space can be a premium, making the most of your living area is crucial. This guide provides practical tips to style your small living room, creating a space that feels both stylish and inviting. We'll cover everything from furniture selection to colour schemes and accessorising, helping you transform your compact living room into a comfortable and functional haven.
Choosing the Right Furniture Scale
The biggest mistake in small living rooms is often oversized furniture. Opting for pieces that are too large can make the room feel cramped and cluttered. Scale is key – choose furniture that's appropriately sized for the space.
Sofas and Seating
Compact Sofas: Look for sofas with slim arms and a streamlined design. Loveseats or smaller sectionals can be great options. Consider sofas with higher legs to create a sense of airiness and visual space underneath.
Avoid Bulky Designs: Steer clear of sofas with large, rolled arms or overly deep cushions. These can take up valuable space and make the room feel smaller.
Multi-Functional Pieces: Consider a sofa bed for guests or storage ottomans that provide seating and hidden storage. These pieces maximise functionality without sacrificing space.
Armchairs: Choose armchairs that are smaller in scale and have an open design. Avoid bulky armchairs with high backs that can block light and visual space.
Tables and Storage
Coffee Tables: Opt for a small coffee table or a set of nesting tables that can be easily moved around. Glass or acrylic coffee tables can also create a sense of openness.
Side Tables: Instead of large side tables, consider using smaller accent tables or wall-mounted shelves to save floor space.
Storage Solutions: Choose storage solutions that are both functional and stylish. Floating shelves, wall-mounted cabinets, and storage benches can help keep clutter at bay without taking up too much floor space.
Avoid: Large entertainment units. Opt for wall-mounted TV's and smaller consoles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding: Don't try to fit too much furniture into the room. Less is often more in small spaces.
Ignoring Scale: Always measure the room before purchasing furniture to ensure it fits comfortably.
Blocking Pathways: Arrange furniture to allow for easy movement throughout the room. Avoid blocking doorways or creating tight spaces.
Selecting a Cohesive Colour Palette
The colour palette you choose can significantly impact the perceived size and atmosphere of your living room. Light and airy colours tend to make a space feel larger and more open, while darker colours can make it feel smaller and more enclosed.
Light and Neutral Colours
Whites and Creams: These colours reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness. They also provide a neutral backdrop for adding pops of colour with accessories.
Light Greys: Light greys are a versatile option that can be paired with a variety of accent colours. They also add a touch of sophistication to the space.
Pastels: Soft pastels like light blue, green, or pink can create a calming and inviting atmosphere.
Accent Colours
Use Sparingly: Use accent colours sparingly to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Consider using them on cushions, throws, artwork, or accessories.
Complementary Colours: Choose accent colours that complement the main colour palette. For example, if you have a light grey living room, you could add pops of yellow or blue.
Avoid Dark Walls: Avoid painting all the walls in dark colours, as this can make the room feel smaller and more enclosed. If you want to use a dark colour, consider using it on a feature wall or in smaller accents.
Creating Visual Flow
Consistency: Maintain a consistent colour palette throughout the room to create a sense of visual flow. This will help the space feel more cohesive and unified.
Consider Adjoining Rooms: Think about the colours in adjoining rooms and how they relate to the living room. Creating a seamless transition between spaces can make the entire area feel larger.
Adding Texture and Interest with Accessories
Accessories are a great way to add personality and style to your small living room without taking up too much space. They can also add texture and visual interest, making the room feel more inviting.
Cushions and Throws
Mix and Match: Mix and match cushions and throws in different textures, patterns, and colours to add depth and visual interest. Consider using natural materials like linen, cotton, or wool.
Strategic Placement: Place cushions and throws strategically to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. For example, you could add a throw to the back of the sofa or place cushions on armchairs.
Rugs
Define the Space: Use a rug to define the seating area and anchor the furniture. Choose a rug that is large enough to fit under the front legs of the sofa and armchairs.
Pattern and Texture: Consider using a rug with a subtle pattern or texture to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Natural fibre rugs like jute or sisal can add a touch of warmth and texture.
Artwork and Mirrors
Vertical Space: Use artwork to draw the eye upwards and create a sense of height. Hang artwork at eye level to create a focal point.
Mirrors: Mirrors are a great way to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Place a large mirror on a wall opposite a window to maximise the effect. You might also consider what Littlerooms offers in terms of advice on wall decor.
Plants
Bring the Outdoors In: Plants add life and freshness to any space. Choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of light in the room. Consider using hanging plants or placing plants on shelves to save floor space.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Accessorising: Don't over-accessorise the room. Too many accessories can make the space feel cluttered and overwhelming.
Ignoring Scale: Choose accessories that are appropriately sized for the room. Avoid using large, bulky accessories that can take up too much space.
Creating a Focal Point
Every living room needs a focal point – a central element that draws the eye and creates a sense of balance. In a small living room, it's even more important to have a focal point to help organise the space and create a sense of visual interest.
Common Focal Points
Fireplace: If you have a fireplace, make it the focal point of the room. Arrange furniture around the fireplace and decorate the mantel with accessories.
Window: A window with a view can also be a great focal point. Frame the window with curtains or blinds and arrange furniture to take advantage of the view.
Artwork: A large piece of artwork can be a stunning focal point. Choose a piece that reflects your personal style and complements the colour palette of the room.
Feature Wall: Create a feature wall by painting one wall in a different colour or using wallpaper. This can add visual interest and create a focal point without taking up any floor space. Ensure the colour complements the rest of the room's design.
Arranging Furniture Around the Focal Point
Symmetry: Create a sense of balance by arranging furniture symmetrically around the focal point. For example, you could place two armchairs on either side of the fireplace.
Conversation Area: Arrange furniture to create a comfortable conversation area. Place the sofa and armchairs facing each other to encourage interaction.
Maximising Natural Light
Natural light can make a small living room feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. Maximising natural light is crucial for creating a comfortable and functional space.
Window Treatments
Light and Airy: Choose window treatments that allow as much natural light as possible to enter the room. Sheer curtains or blinds are a great option.
Avoid Heavy Drapes: Avoid using heavy drapes that can block light and make the room feel smaller. If you need to block out light, consider using blackout blinds under sheer curtains.
Placement: Ensure curtains are hung high and wide to maximise the amount of light entering the room.
Mirrors
Reflect Light: Place mirrors strategically to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Place a large mirror on a wall opposite a window to maximise the effect.
Lighting Fixtures
Layered Lighting: Use a combination of overhead lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting to create a well-lit space. This will help to brighten up the room and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can learn more about Littlerooms and our approach to interior design.
Avoid Dark Corners: Make sure to light up any dark corners in the room. This will help to make the space feel larger and more open.
By following these tips, you can transform your small living room into a stylish and inviting space that you'll love spending time in. Remember to choose furniture that's appropriately sized for the room, select a cohesive colour palette, add texture and interest with accessories, create a focal point, and maximise natural light. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a small living room that feels both spacious and comfortable. If you have any frequently asked questions, please feel free to browse our help centre.