Design Vogue

Just because you have a small living room does not mean you have to skimp on style when it comes to decorating. Case in point, the following 15 simple small living rooms. Each one offers ideas for how to pack a lot of style and function into a small space using only simple things, but without making things feel crowded or uncomfortable.

Use a Monochrome Palette

Create a chic small space with an all-white palette. Mix in natural wood and wicker accents and a variety of materials from bouclé to sheepskin on upholstery and accessories for a cozy and inviting feel.

Add Interest With Texture

When square footage is exceptionally tight, make the most of your living room with small-scale furniture as shown in this space by Boston based Jamie Keskin Design. A love seat carves out a cozy spot for two. Two end tables that double as shelving whip up a spot store books. Textural elements like the wicker coffee table and ribbed ceramic lamps punch up the neutral color scheme. 

Include Luxe Accents

You do not need a lot of stuff to make an elegant statement. Mix a luxe accent like a showstopping light fixture, coffee table, or sofa with simpler elements to make an impact in a smaller space.

Add a Cozy Sectional

A minimalistic, "L" shaped sectional sofa is a great way to maximize seating in a small living room. A pitch-perfect example is shown in this space by Los Angeles based interior designer Haley Weidenbaum. Zero square footage goes to waste with the three-piece nesting coffee set. Not only do they provide extra function when needed but the two smaller tables instantly disappear when tucked under the large one. A leather woven chair is both a stylish and compact touch that does not add visual heft. The potted plants bring balance, beauty, and character.

Mix White and Dark Hues

Dark furnishings will depth to a small open-plan living room. Set them on a white rug to add contrast.

Choose Small Furniture

When square footage is minimal, go for extra cozy small-scale pieces like the plush sofa in this space spotted on Haus Modelle. Colorful nesting side tables work as an expanding coffee table. A tiny bentwood stool from IKEA adds an extra seat. 

Mix Design Styles

IDF Studio, an interior design firm out of San Francisco created this small living room, which is a mash-up of California causal style combined with Scandinavian inspired décor. The pale color palette gives the space it's tranquil and relaxing vibe. Notice the backward books? Facing the pages out works with the room's color scheme.

Play With Scale and Color

Here is another example of how playing with scale works in a simply designed small living room. Here the interior designers at Labl Studio based in New York City combine a mini Chesterfield sofa with what appears to be a giant-sized desk lamp. The layered rugs on the floor lend visual texture and bold color. The clear acrylic side table on the left adds function without the visual heft that comes with furniture that is not see through.

Add Lush Greenery

Natasha, the blogger behind Candy Pop, skimps decorative features like a gallery wall in favor of small houseplants in her small living room. She says it makes times spent at home feel like summer 365 days a year.

Dress Up the Corners

Make a small living room that feels stuffed in a tight corner feel more welcoming by amplifying light. Include a floor lamp or hang a mirror on the wall to reflect light and views from elsewhere in the room.

Use Black for Depth

Black walls add depth to this small living room by Utah based interior design firm, Studio McGee. Loads of sunlight and the tall white storage unit on the left keeps the space from feeling cramped or dreary. An inexpensive striped rug anchors the room. The plush sofa makes things extra inviting. The armchair adds a pop of colorful interest. The oval glass topped coffee table takes up very little visual space.

Paint an Accent Wall

A bright yellow feature wall carves out a small living room in a pint-size one bedroom apartment by French interior designer Marion Alberge. Two pieces of small-scale furniture in soft colors, a sofa, and an armchair, bring comfort. The tiny, leggy coffee tables do not hog precious square footage.

Follow a Theme

We love this palm springs inspired living room by interior designer Michelle Gage based in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Plants everywhere and botanic wallpaper both give the simple living room an enormous wow factor. Furniture in soft colors allows the greenery to pop.

Create Areas

If you are working with a small open floor plan, creating a little separation between your different living areas is an efficient way to maximize square footage. In this home by California based interior designer, Haley Weidenbaum a sofa doubles as a space divider. The blue patterned rug anchors the living room. An upholstered coffee table doubles as a comfy footstool.

Choose Colorful Accents

When it comes to creating a simple living room, you can get mighty creative with color. To make it this idea work, keep your walls and ceiling bright white. Here, the interior design duo at California based firm, Taylor and Taylor took this room to the next level with colorful furnishings in contrasting bold and pastel shades.