Top 5 Ways to Decorate a Small Living Room

Making the most of limited space is the name of the game in apartment living.

Live comfortably and enjoy your apartment space by employing proven decorating strategies when arranging your living room.

You can make a smaller living room feel much larger when you find space-saving furnishings that serve multiple purposes, create clever storage solutions, and add unique decorative accessories.

Choose lighter colors

Lighter colors open up a room, but darker tones can create a cramped feeling. The choice of paint color can transform a living room dramatically; stay with only two or three complementary shades for the best effect. If your lease and landlord allow, you might try painting the ceiling one shade lighter to make it seem higher, and the room light and airy.

Cool shades of green, blue, gray and beige look great and complement most color schemes. Match your wall colors with upholstery and accessories that generate a clean-lined appearance.

More on adding color in your apartment:
Color Do's and Don'ts for Creating an Accent Wall
Add Color to Your Space without the Commitment of Painting

Select furniture for the space

Furniture that doesn't fit well into a smaller space becomes an obstacle and makes the room feel cluttered. If you decide to buy new furniture for a small living room, choose pieces that can multitask with storage, for instance. Look for apartment-sized sofas that work perfectly in smaller living spaces.

Choose furniture that makes sense for the space you have. A 52-inch plasma television monitor might be inappropriate for a smaller living room. Try to incorporate built-in cabinetry, recessed daybeds, covered storage areas or other space-saving techniques to create living utility and architectural dimension.

Read more on furnishing your apartment:
How to Find Cheap Furniture
Multi-Purpose Furniture Packs a One-Two Punch
Maximize Energy Conservation in Your Apartment by Rearranging Furniture

Create a focal point

Creating a focal point is one of the time-honored traditions of skillful, focused decorating. Placing one or two pieces, such as a single large wall hanging or a unique design placed strategically on a wall, can open up the feel of a room, whereas scattering too many pieces around can make a room feel cluttered. Carry the color or pattern of the focal area into decorative touches throughout the room, like throw pillows, for a finished, professionally-designed look.

Add decorative mirrors and lighting

Decorative mirrors generate an illusion, making a room appear longer or even larger. While you may not be able to physically change a space, you can use reflective surfaces like mirrors to add a sense of depth.

Make careful lighting choices, as well. Natural sunlight enhances any room, though it is not always available. Lamps help to soften a space; consider placing lamps at varying heights throughout a room for subtle lighting. Wall sconces add decorative flair and light up special features like fireplaces and mantels without taking up floor space.

Control clutter

Clutter creates cramped living spaces, but unfortunately, every apartment home accumulates some amount of it. Create a designated area for coats, umbrellas, boots and other paraphernalia to keep clutter in one general area, preferably near the front door. This strategy will help keep the rest of the space reasonably clear and navigable.

Read more on maintaining a clutter-free apartment:
How to Optimize Space in a Small Closet
Tips to Tame Your Cluttered Room of Shame
How to Divide Chores with Your Roommates

You can incorporate creative design and storage strategies to make smaller spaces provide all the comforts of home. Remember that Apartment Guide can help you find the right combination of space, location, price and features that make apartment community living stress-free and comfortable.