Transforming Small Living Rooms into Stylish Sanctuaries
A reader recently commented that she’d like to see smaller homes or spaces that are more affordable than some of the high-end homes you see here on Town and Country Living. I think it’s a good idea. While custom homes can certainly inspire and provide ideas, it’s often the more humble house that speaks to us. So today I’m featuring small living rooms that provide inspiration on how to transform a room with less money.
I love this first shabby chic style space with quaint windows and painted, vertical paneling. The furniture could easily be second-hand. You’ll find wicker furniture at thrift stores and flea markets. Give it a coat of fresh paint and bring it inside. The look is charming and affordable.
By The Little Greene Paint Company Manchester
You might think a sectional sofa is too large for a small room, but it’s actually a great choice. It makes optimal use of space because you’re adding a lot of seating, unlike a loveseat and chairs that have space in between them. Not to mention, purchasing a sectional can prove less expensive than buying several pieces of furniture.
Large windows create a feeling of spaciousness in small living rooms. Here, facing loveseats are positioned with great sightlines to the outdoors. The windows alleviate the feeling of claustrophobia.
Photo by Emily Hughes Interiors
A monochromatic color palette can help “expand” a room because the eye flows through the room and isn’t interrupted by blocks of color.
Rugs help define a room, too. Ideally, part of the furniture should be on the rug to create the illusion of a larger room. This is another one of today’s small living rooms that enjoys large windows. The modern style round coffee table plays against the sculpted straight lines of the rug. The sofa (or is it a daybed?) doesn’t have a back so you can see more of the window and the space outdoors. The wooden ceiling echoes the woodsy outdoors.
One side of this Nordic style room serves as the living area. The rug defines the area and furniture is minimal. Wall art is also kept to a minimum. Less clutter is often best in smaller spaces.
A vaulted ceiling provides a lofty feeling in this classic living room. Once again, a sectional sofa creates optimal seating. A built-in bookcase on the opposite wall houses the television and adds needed storage space.
Photo by Tim Barber Architects
This transitional white living room appears to use portions of a sectional sofa to create seating. The lack of high arms on the mini couches make the room feel airier and larger. Wood flooring adds the right touch of warmth.
Notice anything familiar? If you guessed a sectional sofa – you’re right! Great use is made of various textiles in this super cozy room, from an “x” on the ceiling that also features wallpaper, to the stone fireplace, board and batten walls, and fuzzy faux fur mini rugs on the floor.
A window seat with lots of pillows makes a creative place for lounging, with plenty of pillows to lean against. Smaller chairs add extra seating without taking up a lot of space.
Photo by Jetton Construction, Inc.
I hope you enjoyed today’s feature of small living rooms. They all feel so quaint and cozy, don’t they?
Nice spaces. The “Nordic” room reminded me of a little farmhouse that we lived in when we were first married. It was quite charming with closed-pane windows above the sink and cabinets wrapped around 2 sides of the kitchen. All the walls were old fashioned shiplap and, like in the corner of the “Nordic” room, they didn’t butt together well. One morning I walked into the kitchen and noticed something poking out of the corner of the wall. It was the coil of a snake that was apparently residing in the wall!! My husband, being the snake handler that he is, gently poked Mr. Snake back into the wall and we never saw the critter again. I do think that hubby sealed up that part of the wall a little better though. Hey, we were young, in love and newly married; ALL LIFE was an adventure! Almost 50 years later, we feel the same and still say that THAT farmhouse kitchen was the best kitchen we ever had!
Thanks for your ideas for small living rooms. I am in the process of shopping for a new sectional.All I can find are grey or blue and I want one in beige or taupe tones,even brown. I may have to wait till next year when the samples from our NC furniture mart filter down to the furniture outlet stores. Any ideas? I can’t afford made to order or custom. Thanks Kathy
My favorite’s is the shabby chic and the monochromatic. I can picture living with both and being comfy. I tend to lean shabby chic anyway. but I mix it up too. Thanks for this post I too like more everyday looks. I think they are more relatable.
I had to save some of these ideas for small spaces. If there is a bookcase involved I love it! They just make the room have a warm feel. Who knew a sectional could appear smaller scale in a small space. These spaces are much more attainable than the very large scale homes we see featured…a good one today!
Thanks for these ideas, they were all very creative and perfect ideas for smaller homes.
Oh, your post has given me so many ideas, thank you!! Just what I needed, inspiration, ideas galore!.
I’ve saved this post to my “ideas and dreams” folder!