You have a new home and are now forced to contend with the size of your small living room. But do not worry! If you know how to make it functional, you will forget that it is small and you will have created a space where you can relax and have fun. Here's how to get started.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: The Larger Objects
Step 1. Choose light colors
Lighter colors take up less visual space and enlarge the room. Set up a glass table with thin legs so that you can see the floor through it, making it practically invisible. Avoid dark colors, wood, or colors that have a heavy effect, which restrict the room.
Give a minimal cut to the furniture but choose bright and warm colors. Usually the cold colors fade leaving the room in the center of attention, so that wooden floor should not be dyed a darker color than it already is. Choose a maximum of three colors; if you love tone on tone, go monochromatic
Step 2. Evaluate the lines
It is easy to focus only on the available surface in a room and forget that it is much more than an area to fill: look up. If you can get your eye off the floor, you are ready. Grab a simple lamp or tall thin vase, full-length curtains and hang the pictures and mirrors overhead.
This also applies to furniture. Lean furniture often takes up less space, but offers all the beauty and convenience of a larger piece
Step 3. Resize the furniture
If the room is small, choose suitable furniture. Look for chairs that take up less space (without armrests or with thinner legs), sofas, ottomans, etc. At the end of the day, there will be more space in the room. Think of a bench instead of a traditional coffee table, but if the table is better for you, choose a glass or polymethyl methacrylate one.
However, too many small items will make the room seem cluttered. Just because you have smaller items doesn't mean you have to have thousands. Think Diet: Just because popsicles are low calorie doesn't mean you can eat a dozen. Having dozens of small shelves is overkill
Step 4. Get a large printed rug
If you have a dark floor, this is a good idea. A large printed rug, theoretically with lines, will open up the space and give it more brightness.
It doesn't have to take up the whole room. But a large rug that accompanies the furniture will give that effect you were looking for
Step 5. Get some multifunctional furniture
Begin to consider dual use for each piece. A large ottoman in the center of the living room can also serve as a coffee table if you put a decorative tray in it, or it can turn into an extra seat. Or, consider a woven wooden side table as a storage unit as well.
However, when choosing tables, aim for those with well-spaced legs. Being able to "see through" the furniture makes the room seem larger
Step 6. Choose some transportable pieces
Choose small furniture that can be rearranged. Three tables joined together to form a larger one, for coffee, can very well be "scattered" around the house to create more space when needed; for example, to make children play.
Use the space under the tables to let other things slide under them as you please. A decorative basket is nice to look at, but it can also be used as a container and you can take it away when not needed
Method 2 of 2: The Smallest Objects
Step 1. Use the mirrors
Mirrors can easily make a space seem larger; we all entered a room that, at first glance, seemed huge, but at second glance it showed itself for what it was. If you can, use a mirror that develops vertically.
Sometimes, however, it's not that simple. Mirrors work best when they reflect light, so make sure they're facing light sources or a light-colored wall. Check what it reflects by placing yourself in various places in the room
Step 2. Take care of the lights
To truly appreciate a room, the lighting must be correct and for a small room this rule is double. All curtains should be bright, light and drawn to the sides, natural light is best after all.
To avoid occupying the space with lamps, choose appliques; you don't need an electrician, the new ones can be placed wherever you want. If you can, put lights on top of the works of art as well. Think natural light (from windows), ceiling lights (especially dimmable ones), sconces, and table lamps. If there are no dark corners in your room, you have reached the goal
Step 3. Check for clutter
There are things in the room that you need but wish you didn't have, so be creative when it comes time to tidy them up. Invest in some cute cube, boxes or baskets. They divert attention and do not make the room oppressive.
Minimize trinkets and doilies. The less confusion there is in the room, the more pleasant it will be to stay there. Put away what is unnecessary and what thwarts the feeling of more space
Step 4. Create closets
If your budget allows, design some light-colored cabinets or shelves to put in the room. Not only do they lead the eyes upwards but they also give character to the room and are functional. Plus you can store things in it!
If you don't have the ability to create these spaces, be imaginative. Use the space under the furniture or put a couple of shelves. Buy a side table that can also act as a bookcase and put some hooks on the wall
Advice
- Add a couple of cushions to spice up your plain sofa.
- Place a couple of plants in the living room to brighten the mood.
