A small living room can be warm and cozy, ideal for lazy afternoons and quiet evenings. The small living room can also be fun and funky and an interesting space for entertaining in an intimate setting. Designing for a small living room requires a unique approach, one that includes optimizing space and using color to showcase the room's architecture.
Scale
One small love seat and two spindly chairs won't open up the space or make the room look larger. Such a seating arrangement will make the room look sparse and uninviting. Instead, focus on two or three upholstered pieces that have low backs and arms but provide comfortable seating. Use tables that have cubbyholes or drawers for storage; these will not only help control clutter but will also add some needed weight to the room without taking up space.
Arrangements
Keep the seating arrangement tight, using the standard U-shaped seating for entertaining. Place your couch against a wall and set the upholstered chairs to either side, facing each other. For watching television, the chairs can be turned. This will maintain the flow of space and traffic and allow the arrangement to serve two purposes: entertaining and watching television.
Accessories
Use accessories sparingly, but use them to bring in color and texture. Large canvases of colorful artwork, oversized pots and floor cushions stacked in a corner all add splashes of color and a tactile sense to the room. If you want to display a collection, use a wall niche or a corner display cabinet to contain the pieces.
Color
Use brilliant hues on your walls and in your fabrics to brighten the room. Play up any architectural elements, such as arched entryways. With these, paint the interior of the arch a color that contrasts with your wall color. If you prefer lighter-colored walls, add a darker hue on an accent wall or play up the windows with colorful window treatments. Use bold colors in your patterned fabrics and anchor the color with solid fabrics in a neutral shade.
Lighting
Use lighting to show off the colors and textures in the space. Flank your couch with table lamps that stand tall on the end tables. In each opposite corner, set floor lamps that mimic the shape and color of the table lamps. This will flood the room with light without overpowering it. Keep the top of the lamps at the same height; this will create continuity and make for more even lighting as well.
Flooring
Use an area rug to pull the whole space together. Choose an area rug that is large enough to "support" your entire seating arrangement. This will define its space and give the room a sense of extended space beyond the seating arrangement.
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