As someone who lives in a small apartment, I can attest to the importance of a cozy living space. While many focus on making their small living room look bigger, there’s something charming about a snug, intimate space. Luckily, there are ways to achieve this desired coziness without compromising the size of the room. Here are 15 expert design tricks to help your small living room feel like a warm sanctuary.
Invest in a snug sectional
Informal seating areas in kitchens are becoming increasingly popular. By creating a separate seating area with a sectional, you can make your living room feel more snug and inviting. To add a classical silhouette to traditional decorating schemes, upholster the sectional in colorful fabric like Josef Frank and detail the piece with a pretty gathered skirt.
Use color contrast and a linked layout
With broken plan living room ideas, it’s possible to create a sense of separateness even without the physical barriers of doors and walls by embracing contrast. In small living rooms, use color as the defining feature to create a clear sense of purpose. By playing with colors on the joinery and woodwork, and adding oversized sofas and footstools, you can easily create a mini movie room.
Color match furniture with walls
Painting walls with a gloss paint finish is a clever way to subtly bounce light around your small living room. When paired with furniture in a specific color, the result is an alluring, cozy atmosphere.
Give alcoves a purpose
In small living rooms, every square inch counts. To make the most of your space, don’t let alcoves go to waste. Creating a personalized reading nook, a decorative display case or a home office can give a purpose to even the smallest of spaces.
Invest in texture
As well as color, texture can be used to add warmth to a small living room. By choosing chunky knit blankets, velvet curtains or shag rugs, you can elevate the ambiance of a room without taking up too much space.
Opt for statement lighting
Lighting is the key to a cozy living space, and statement lighting fixtures add warmth and charm to a small living room. Whether you opt for an opulent chandelier or a minimalist pendant light, the right lighting fixture can make all the difference.
Utilize mirrors
Mirrors are a small living room’s best friend. By reflecting light, they create the illusion of larger, brighter spaces. To maximize their potential, try hanging mirror on walls opposite windows. This will create an “infinity effect” that adds depth and dimension to the room.
Maximize natural light
Speaking of light, don’t forget to make the most of natural light. Remove heavy curtains or blinds that block windows, and replace them with sheer or gauzy fabrics that let light in. If possible, avoid bulky furniture in front of windows to prevent light from being obstructed.
Add a gallery wall
Art is a great way to inject personality into a small living room. By compiling photos, prints or artwork into a gallery wall, you create a focal point that can also be used to display cherished memories.
Incorporate plants
Plants are not just beautiful, they also serve as natural air purifiers. Adding greenery to your small living room can purify the air and add a calming element. Try to choose plants that are low maintenance and can thrive in low light conditions.
Experiment with pattern
In small living rooms, patterns can add a cozy touch. By mixing and matching contrasting patterns, you can create an eclectic and whimsical space. Keep in mind, however, that too many contrasting patterns can be overwhelming. Try sticking to two or three patterns in similar color families.
Invest in architectural details
Architectural details, like crown molding or baseboards, add an element of sophistication that can make a small living room feel grander. By drawing attention to the details, you can elevate the room’s design and add an element of luxury.
Get creative with storage
When it comes to small living rooms, storage is key. To avoid clutter, invest in creative storage solutions like hidden cabinets or ottomans with storage compartments. By maximizing storage, you can keep your small living room organized and tidy.
Create a reading nook
There’s nothing more relaxing than curling up with a good book. By creating a personalized reading nook, you can make your small living room feel like a cozy retreat. Include a comfortable chair, a small table, and some ambient lighting to make the space feel inviting.
Layer textiles
As well as textures, layering textiles like blankets and throw pillows can create a cozy atmosphere in a small living room. By using a mix of patterns, colors and textures, you can add personality and depth to the space.
Related Facts:
– In environmental psychology, curved forms engender higher levels of calm than angular furniture.
– Houseplants, real not fake, can reduce blood pressure and increase attentiveness.
– Some studies suggest that large open-plan living spaces in homes can have a negative effect on happiness.
– Glass windows, screens, or partitions can be used to carve out a semi-enclosed space.
– Warm tones of red, violet, orange and yellow can make a room feel really cozy and intimate.
– Footstools and ottomans can add more seating while also adding a cozy touch to the room.
– Using color contrast in small living rooms can give a clear sense of purpose.
– Gloss paint finishes subtly bounce light around small living rooms.
– Texture adds warmth to a small living room.
– Statement lighting fixtures add warmth and charm to a small living room.
– Mirrors create the illusion of larger, brighter spaces.
– Gallery walls can display cherished memories and add personality to a small living room.
– Plants can purify the air and add a calming element to a small living room.
– Patterns, when used in moderation, can add a cozy touch to a small living room.
– Architectural details add sophistication and luxury to a small living room.
– Storage is key in small living rooms.
– Reading nooks offer a cozy retreat.
– Layering textiles adds personality and depth to small living rooms.
Key Takeaway:
Creating a cozy small living room requires a combination of color, texture, lighting, and storage. By investing in a snug sectional, using color contrast and a linked layout, color-matching furniture with walls, giving alcoves a purpose, and adding texture, you can create a warm and inviting space that feels like a sanctuary. With the addition of statement lighting fixtures, mirrors, plants, and architectural details, you can elevate the ambiance of the room even further.
Conclusion:
A cramped up living room can make you feel miserable, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By using the expert tips mentioned above, you can create a snug and warm small living room that feels like a retreat. Whether you choose to add earthy tones, invest in architectural details, or create a reading nook, the key is to make the space feel inviting and cozy. Remember, the ultimate goal is to make your small living room a place where you can relax and unwind.
