Living room furniture provides seating for a crowd and a place to display decor. To keep a room feeling open and airy, eschew bulky sofas for slim silhouettes like loveseats or chairs with backs that sit flush with the wall. Sleek, acrylic, or lucite pieces add lightness and a sense of open space. For storage, try a bar cart or console table that can double as an end table. A mirrored coffee or side table will also brighten up any room, while adding more visual depth.
For seating, sofas and loveseats are the most obvious choice for large spaces, but there are many creative alternatives. A built-in window seat creates a cozy nook for two, allowing you to tuck away books or magazines without hogging floor space. And a love seat or chaise can serve as a cozy spot for one or a comfy place to relax and read a book for an hour.
Another trick to keeping a room feeling open is to choose furniture with thin frames. While built-ins are an excellent option for maximizing storage in a small room, they're often pricier than freestanding options. For budget-friendly, space-saving solutions, look for multifunctional pieces that can serve multiple purposes in a room, like an ottoman with hidden storage, a rolling bar cart that doubles as a coffee table or end table, or a slender dresser that can hold media, a TV, and more.
A rug can unify a seating area, and choosing one with neutral hues or natural shades will help the space feel bigger. It's best to avoid rugs that are too small for the room, as they can visually chop up a floor and make it feel cramped. If you can't afford a large area rug, opt for a small round or rectangular piece that will fit under the sofa and offer a convenient surface for drinks, snacks, or decorative objects.
A large, well-placed mirror can do wonders for a small room. Not only does it reflect light and give the illusion of extra space, it can also add a touch of glamour to the area. To truly maximize the mirror's effects, frame it with a decorative gilded molding or a simple wood trim, and hang it near an attractive piece of artwork that coordinates with the rest of the décor.
One common mistake that can make a small living room feel even more cramped is pushing all of the furniture up against the walls. Instead, pull a chair or love seat toward the center of the room to help keep things feeling spacious and open. This technique is especially effective when working with a room that's painted a dark color, as it will make the walls appear lighter in contrast. This tip is also helpful for rooms with a lot of architectural detailing or slanted ceilings, as it will help to balance the room's proportions.
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