Choose a sofa or loveseat with thin or low arms and a low back. The slim profile helps your space feel visually light. Maximize the airy feel of a small living room with a sofa or loveseat that is up on legs. The open space underneath creates a more spacious look.
In a small, narrow living room, it may be a good idea to find a sofa that is small, compact, sleek, and straight-lined. A visually and physically lightweight piece will not only look neat and orderly inside a small living room but also make it look larger.
You're always better off looking for a sofa with a low back to give the illusion of more space. It doesn't mean the back cushion can't be plush and comfortable, but just avoid tall puffy sofas that swallow the room whole.
Opt for a calming neutral shade
'A light-toned sofa in neutral colors, such as beige, cream, light gray, or white, can create a sense of openness in any room. These soft hues reflect the natural and artificial light that enters the room, making the space look brighter, airier, and more spacious.
Contrary to popular belief, sectionals can work well in small spaces. A chaise sectional or a small L-shaped sectional sofa can help you make the most of a small living room or a studio apartment. The best position in spaces like this will likely be in a corner or against one wall.
Sometimes picking a large sectional sofa can make a small living room feel larger. The key is to keep it the same, or similar color to the walls it's against so it's much more subtle and doesn't just dominate the entire room.
'A light-toned sofa in neutral colors, such as beige, cream, light gray, or white, can create a sense of openness in any room. These soft hues reflect the natural and artificial light that enters the room, making the space look brighter, airier, and more spacious.
In general, light, bright colours help to reflect ambient light and make a room feel bigger. Dark colours tend to absorb light and so can make a space feel smaller than it is, especially if they're used in abundance.
In fact, choosing a larger couch (as long as it physically fits in the room) over a smaller option can actually make the room look bigger. That's because people's gaze goes to the couch, and with a big couch, they see plenty of inviting room for getting comfortable.
A sofa that's the full length of the wall in front of which it is positioned could prove overbearing in a room scheme. But it's also the case that a sofa can look too small. One approach to getting the right proportions is to aim for a sofa that's about two-thirds of the wall length.
When you need to fit several people or guests in a small space but don't want to give up luxury and comfort, an L-shaped sofa is an ideal option. You can place a stylish L-shaped sofa in a variety of ways as per your aesthetic choices.
Ottomans and stools can make great seating options in small spaces. They are usually smaller than traditional chairs and can be easily tucked away when not in use. Upholstered ottomans are one of the most popular options when it comes to adding extra seating to a small living room or bedroom.
If you do have a smaller sized living room, corner sofas are loved for their space-enhancing effect. Now, why wouldn't you want to make your lounge look and feel bigger?! Creating a sense of space and comfort is simple when you invest in a corner or l-shaped sofa.
Grey – The Most Popular Of All Sofa Colors
It's a neutral tone, which means it creates a great foundation for a space. You can add color to a grey sofa using toss pillows, throw blankets, and area rugs.
Add reflective surfaces
Yes, you know that mirrors make a space appear larger. (“It's like doubling a room,” Curtis says.) But other reflective surfaces — high-gloss painted ceilings, lacquered furniture, shiny tile on a kitchen backsplash — have a similar effect, casting light and creating the illusion of volume.
'If your sofa is the only thing that fits or it blocks the natural flow of traffic – it's too big. Let your room dictate the scale of your furniture, not the other way around. Smaller seating is nice for occasional use, or smaller rooms that are tight on space.
The upholstery of the seats and backs of luxury sofas is of very high quality, while their fillings are dense and compact. Deep and high cushions are characterized by their springiness, yet they are firm enough that when you sit on them you don't feel the wooden structure and the seat doesn't collapse.
Bright colors such as yellows, oranges, sky blues, and greens instantly make any room brighter and can often make small rooms look bigger too. These hues are some of the most positive colors too so can lift moods and energize the home.
It's a common misconception that small spaces can't handle large furnishings. One large piece can do a lot to make a small room inviting, anchored, and even feel bigger!
Dark-coloured sofas can make interior 'zoning' easier, and create a focal point. If your room is particularly small and doesn't get a lot of natural light, then adding darker furniture can make it feel smaller.