7 Decorating Mistakes Designers Want You to STOP in Small Living Rooms
Just because your living room is small doesn't mean you have to skimp on style. With some creativity, clever decorating tricks and smart furniture choices, you can put your preferred interior design style on full display. Believe it or not, unique patterns, eye-catching accent walls and statement pieces are still up for grabs — so long as you do it the right way.
Luckily, with help from designers, we've compiled a list of what not to do when decorating your small living room. And while there are definitely certain design tactics to avoid, nothing is necessarily off limits when it comes to personalizing your space and making sure it looks and feels the way you want it to.
So don't let your small space cramp your style. Follow these designer-approved tips on what not to do and you'll have a living room worth loving regardless of its size.
❌ Don't overlook vertical space.
When there's not a lot of floor space, it can feel impossible to decorate and furnish your home. However, the solution may be as simple as tilting your head. "Draw the eye up!" says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Interiors. "Installing draperies right under crown molding instantly makes a room feel bigger."
When you start thinking vertically, you open up the door for more decor and storage space. "Wall-mounted consoles and shelves make the floor visible and help enlarge the space. I also recommend using mirrors to make a space feel larger and focusing on verticality — if you have the opportunity to add drapery panels, do it," says Gideon Mendelson of Mendelson Group.
❌ Don't rely on one source of lighting.
Let's face it: Overhead lighting is not always the most ideal. Luckily, there are many slim lamps and wall-mounted lighting fixtures out there to brighten up any space and make it feel bigger.
"Layering lighting is key — use a combination of overhead, floor and table lamps to brighten the space. Wall-mounted fixtures are a great way to save floor space, and mirrors can be used to reflect natural light, making the room feel larger," says Amanda Leigh of House of Rolison.
❌ Don't ignore the 'elephant in the room.'
We all love a big, comfy couch. But not at the cost of a room's functionality.
"Scale is so important in a small room! While it's tempting to purchase a deep, comfy sectional, it can end up looking like a (literal) elephant in a small room," says Jay. "It's important to consider the height of the ceilings along with the available floor space and purchase pieces that feel proportionate."
Although you might feel like you can squeeze in that sectional, take measurements and find a couch that's truly right for you and your space. There's no point in having a large sofa if the room becomes impossible to navigate.
❌ Don't buy chunky furniture that only serves one purpose.
While all of your furniture doesn't need to serve multiple purposes, it's important to choose a couple pieces that provide extra storage space. Whether it's a coffee table with shelving beneath it or a television console with extra storage, these pieces are super valuable in improving the functionality of a small living room. However, there's no need to go overboard. Simply pick what you feel is helpful and works for your space.
"Choose furniture that can do double duty! Many coffee tables offer storage, but it's important to balance storage needs with the need to keep the space somewhat streamlined so it doesn't get overwhelmed," says Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke.
❌ Don't avoid statement pieces.
When designing a small space, you might automatically assume you have to avoid anything too bright or flashy. However, designers say you should go for those standout pieces. While incorporating too much furniture is a no-go, choosing that one special statement piece can actually help bring your small space to life.
"Keep things uncluttered. It’s important not to over-furnish a small space — a few purposeful pieces can really do the trick. One over-scaled item is a nice way to add some interest to a small space," says Mendelson.
❌ Don't shy away from certain colors or patterns.
You may have been told at one point or another to stay away from dark paint colors when working with a small space. While that's certainly the safer option, that's not the only option. "Both dark and light paint colors can work well if you balance them with the right decor," says Mendelson.
So if you consider yourself a maximalist, don't be afraid to let it shine! Go for decor that complements your aesthetic, whether that means choosing a darker paint color for the walls, picking out patterned rugs or decorating with bright-colored furniture.
❌ Don't push furniture up against the wall.
Although your first instinct might be to push furniture as close to the wall as physically possible to open up more space in the middle of the room, designers actually advise against this. "Float furniture slightly away from the walls to create a more open look," says Leigh. "Keep pathways clear for better flow."
While pushing your couch too close to the wall can make your space appear cramped, pushing it too far away can make it feel disconnected. Experiment with its placement, positioning furniture just slightly away from the corners and edges of the room.
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