Small living room design ideas and decoration in different styles
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The living room is a multifunctional living area, especially nowadays with open floor plan architecture. Kitchen, dining and seating areas are united in one and often the living room performs more than one function. However, may people are facing the challenge to create modern interiors in small rooms. Although a challenge, it is not an impossible task and we have collected beautiful and inspiring small living room design ideas which feature very creative interior solutions.
Small living room design ideas – basic rules of interior design
The basic rule for a small living room design is to use all available means to expand the space visually. Adding extra square footage is impossible so the creative use of the entire space would be the best solution. One of the best ways to expand the space visually is to use small furniture pieces as they create a perspective. The focal point is very important as it is the balance of the design. Many small living room design ideas use a sofa or a fireplace as a focal point and small-sized seats beside it make the room appear larger and much more pleasant to look at. Other important elements of the design in small areas are light, colors and accessories.
Small living room design ideas – choosing the right colors
The main and most effective element in the interior of a small living room is the use of bright colors. For example, wallpapers with small prints or pastel colors add more volume to the space. Vertical stripes make the space look taller. Avoid large and bright finishing materials, even if they have incredibly beautiful designs as they tend to overwhelm the space.
Professional designers use either monochrome palettes – black and white, or gray with a careful addition of complementary colors. Creating visual color contrasts is another trick but this should be done with great caution. One accent wall is enough to create a fresh decor. A bright wallpaper with a fine pattern can be used as an accent wall as well. If the room has a low ceilings vertical stripes will “elevate” the ceiling visually. A bright mural is another way to divert attention from the low ceilings and small size of the room.
Small living room design ideas – choosing the lighting
Light is one of the greatest design elements for a small living room – natural and artificial. The more light in the room, the more spacious it will look. Take advantage of natural light and do not block it with heavy curtains or blinds. Roman shades are an excellent solution as they do not “steal” the window area Avoid heavy drapes and blackout curtains as they appear too heavy in a small space. Elegant tulle curtains would be the right window treatment. Avoid massive chandeliers as they take too much space. Using different types of spot lights is much more advantageous. It is not only fashionable, but also a great opportunity to recreate the illusion of airiness in the space. Small lamps or sconces, floor lamps, table lamps – the possibilities are endless. Check out the gallery for fantastic small living room design ideas where you will find a lot of inspiring ideas.
