Last Updated on December 14, 2023 by SampleBoard
As the global population in cities all around the world is rapidly increasing, we are starting to see a shortage of space and housing. This has led both architects and designers to create a compromise between space and location because a lot of people are prepared to sacrifice space for in order to live in more convenient, accessible places. While homes in Europe are being built in order to tackle this problem, in USA small homes are becoming an ever increasing lifestyle choice.
Designing a small space often presents a design challenge, especially when dealing with a living room as it’s the place you probably spend most of the time. How do you make a room feel as spacious as possible while squeezing in extra seating at the same time? Which furniture should you choose and how best to arrange it? Here are some design tips on how to give your living room the illusion of spaciousness while maintaining functionality. Let’s get started!
Natural light is every interior’s best friend! Possessing a living room that receives an abundance of natural light and has big windows is a huge advantage. Because brightness increases space, leave the windows uncovered or opt for long sheer curtains instead of heavy drapes.
Mirrors are perhaps the best way to visually expand a space. Use strategically placed mirrors to boost light and add depth to your living room. Place one where it will reflect light the most, usually across from a window. That way it will reflect the view outside and give the impression of an extra window. Watch your living room double in size!
Now is not the time for full-size sofas and bulky armchairs! Search for small settees, love seats and chairs that can work for your space and add a few backless pieces like x-benches, poufs, and stools for extra seating. And in order to get that desperately needed extra storage space, pick furniture with built-in storage such as an ottoman.
There are a couple of ways you can use rugs to expand your living room. If you wish to give the illusion of more square footage throw a large area rug in the mix and if you want to achieve the appearance of having more than one space within a room, place multiple rugs in different areas. For example, if your living and dining room share a space.
What could be more expansive than the great outdoors? Plants are a great way to add depth and a breath of fresh air to a small living room. Soften the corners with lush greenery and fool the eye into thinking there is more to the room than there really is. Plants are also especially effective beside or behind sofas and chairs.
When using overhead lighting they tend to focus the eye to only a small part of the room. However, by installing a few smaller lamps in each corner you are going to draw the eye around thus making the room appear larger.
Tiny as the space may be, you ought to let yourself be creative because sometimes the most unexpected design can turn out to be just the right one.
