There is nothing more welcoming than visiting guests seeing a small yet warm and cozy living room that has been well decorated and invites you to curl up and stay awhile. This is one of the most used spaces in your home, so you want it to be functional and well-organized, which is extremely important when you are tight on space.

You don’t want this space to feel cluttered, so small furnishings is key. Built-ins can be really helpful for small decorative items and keeping this orderly and out of the way. You want your space to feel airy and bright, so please stay away from darker colors! Consider a neutral color palette with bold bursts of color.

Lots of windows can help to really lighten a space, but if you don’t have this option, good lighting also works. A large mirror in your living room can help to make the space feel bigger. If you need a less expensive option, pick up some pieces of glass at IKEA and mount them to your wall. Think smart storage solutions, such as using functional furnishings like a coffee table with drawers, or an ottoman that has a lid.

Window sills can be transformed into a small cozy seating nook, just add some pillows and a throw. A sleeper sofa can be used for overnight guests if you don’t have a spare bedroom. A small space is typically more cozy than a larger one, so have fun with it and make it your personal oasis.

Decorate your small space using a neutral color palette for the walls, ceiling, and furniture to create an illusion of space and make the room feel larger. Avoid dark or heavy colors that can make the room feel closed in.

Note: Have a look below at some excellent decorating ideas for your small living room and remember, it’s all about the layout! If you are looking for some additional inspiration, don’t forget to have a look at some of our past articles on 51 Inspiring small living rooms using all available space and Small living room solutions for furniture placement.

Tell Us: Which one of these small living room design ideas do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below!

1. Use light colors on walls and furniture to create an illusion of space.

2. Opt for multifunctional furniture, such as a sofa bed or storage ottoman.

3. Strategically place a mirror in your small living room to reflect light and give the impression of a larger space. Mirrors can visually expand the room and enhance natural light if positioned opposite a window.

4. Opt for space-saving solutions by selecting furniture and decor items that are designed specifically for small spaces to create a feeling of openness.

5. Avoid clutter by organizing and minimizing decorative items.

6. Utilize floating shelves to maximize vertical storage.

7. Use rugs to define different areas within the living room.

8. Incorporate a small-scale armchair or accent chairs instead of bulkier options.

9. Opt for a small-scale sofa or loveseat instead of a large sectional.

10. Use a large statement piece of artwork instead of multiple small ones.

11. Select furniture that serves multiple purposes, like a coffee table with built-in storage.

12. Incorporate a desk that can be used as a workspace for a multi-purpose room.

13. Incorporate built-in storage solutions, such as wall-mounted shelves or cabinets.

14. Use curtains or blinds that allow natural light to enter the room.

15. Utilize wall-mounted shelves or floating shelves for storage without taking up floor space.

16. Use a wall-mounted TV above the fireplace to save floor space.

17. Create a focal point in the room, such as a statement wall or a striking piece of furniture.

18. Incorporate a variety of textures and patterns to add visual interest.

19. Place a large mirror opposite a window to reflect more light into the room.

20. Hang curtains that are long enough to touch the floor to create the illusion of height.

21. Install sconces or wall-mounted lights instead of floor lamps.

22. Use a narrow console table behind the sofa for additional storage and display space.

23. Opt for a small-scale sofa or a sectional that fits the proportions of the room.

24. Incorporate lightweight and transparent furniture, like acrylic or glass tables.

25. Choose furniture with clean lines and minimalistic designs.

26. Hang curtains close to the ceiling to create the illusion of taller walls.

27. Add a large mirror behind furniture to create depth.

28. Place a large area rug to anchor the seating area and create a cozy feel.

29. Mount the TV on the wall to free up valuable floor space.

30. Choose lightweight and transparent furniture, such as acrylic or glass, to maintain an open feel.

31. Opt for furniture with hidden storage compartments such as an ottoman.

32. Hang curtains that are the same color as the walls to create a seamless look.

33. Select furniture with raised legs to create an airy feel.

34. Select a coffee table with removable or nested stools for extra seating — or a table you can store additional seating underneath.

35. Use a cohesive color scheme to create a visually unified space.

36. Use a striped or patterned rug to add visual depth and dimension to the room.

37. Opt for a round or oval-shaped coffee table to minimize sharp corners. (via One Kings Lane)

38. This compact studio apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side is full of clever design details. On the walls, removable wallpaper can be found on one side, and hand-painted pinstripes on the other. A multi-purpose console table is used as a workspace, dining table, and vanity. (via LABLstudio)

39. This stunning living room features the Migliore Modular Sofa. It is a beautiful space-saving sofa sourced from Expand Furniture that offers a versatile modular solution for your living room decor. Its unique design allows you to reconfigure it into various seating arrangements, making it a fantastic addition to your space. You can set it up as a love seat, or you can add more pieces to transform it into a three-piece sofa or a sectional sofa. (via Expand Furniture)

40. A small living room with a cozy reading nook featuring bookcases and comfortable cushions and pillows. (via @landonvonderschmidt for @westelm)