4 Must-Have Features for a Small Living Room

1. Built-In Units

This is an obvious one, but it needs to be here. Built-ins are the ultimate when it comes to making the most of a small space. Custom fitted units can be built into awkward angles and alcoves, and store-bought furniture simply cannot compete in this area.

Storage is necessary to keep a home uncluttered and show that’s it’s been thoughtfully designed; it also can improve the shape and function of interior spaces overall.

Think outside the box (or window) when considering built-ins for your living room walls. See how a beautiful statement feature was created in this living room in lieu of trim and a plain blank wall. And notice how the soft drapes span the interior of the millwork, creating a finished look.

There can be other “framing” opportunities in a small living room. Notice how the built-ins here fit tightly around the petite sofa, maximizing the wall space and giving the room tons of storage.

The designer could have added even more storage where the artwork currently hangs, but I like how the openness creates more head space and helps break up all the cabinetry. The design also allows for a punch of personality .

Built-in window seating is a smart way to transform underused or even “dead” spaces into functional and stylish additions. And it also can include hidden storage below for things like blankets, pillows, games and toys.

You could also consider lining multiple sides of a room with built-in seating. Cushioned backing would eliminate the need for stand-alone furniture such as sofas and chairs, freeing up valuable floor space.

Off-the-shelf TV storage units are often bulky to accommodate a wide range of television sizes. And that means they often take up a lot of square feet. Instead, consider going the custom route to create the right-size piece that also aligns with your decor style.

2. Alternative Furniture

While it can be a hard truth to accept, some small living rooms just can’t — or shouldn’t — fit a standard-size sofa. But another truth is that a sofa isn’t always necessary. A great alternative is an array of club chairs. This arrangement provides adequate seating, creates a stylish look and encourages conversation.

Chairs provide plenty of options in terms of style and function. You might feel more comfortable going with a bold color and fabric, such as green velvet, on a chair than you would on a large piece like a sofa. Plus, chairs offer a bit more flexibility in creating traffic paths through a tight living room.

Consider chairs with a swivel function, which will allow you and your guests to comfortably face one another, another area of the room or a view.

Chaise lounges also are great alternatives to a sofa if lying down in your living room is a must for you. When you want to maintain a view, have good traffic flow or stretch out to watch TV, this just might be the better option.

Also note that the traditional coffee table concept isn’t the only — or even necessarily the best — option. A side table can provide the right amount of surface without clogging up traffic flow the way a bulkier piece might.

3. Statement Pieces

The fact that your living room doesn’t boast tons of square footage doesn’t mean you have to forgo big design statements. Creating a showstopping moment with a statement piece can often distract from the size. A statement piece is an item that becomes the focus of your design and draws people’s eyes when they walk into the room. It can come in many forms.

In this midsize living room in a New York townhouse, a striking double demilune coffee table and large patterned rug add big style, making the space appear larger than it is.

In this compact French living area, a feature wall elevates what could have been a low-energy look into something remarkable. Also notice the alternative to a coffee table!

4. Plenty of Decor Items

It might sound counterintuitive, but I recommend filling your small living room with lots of furniture and decor items that reflect you and your family members’ personalities — without making it feel overcrowded, of course.

In this Atlanta living room, the designer kept the well-decorated approach from feeling overwhelming by sticking to a light and bright palette. There’s a lot going on in here with various furniture pieces, window treatments, accessories on display, lots of pattern and millwork. But the space feels open and welcoming, and is bursting with personality and interest.

An easy way to give your space that filled-in look is to layer rugs. This works best when the rugs are different sizes, as shown in this Austin, Texas, living room, where a small red deep-pile rug lies atop a larger jute rug.

One rug should be large and more dominant. The other should be smaller and contrasting in material, color or pattern. Also, the large rug should lie straight, aligning with the perimeter of the room and your furniture arrangement. The second layer often works best offset from the bottom layer.

Mirrors help bounce light around and give the illusion of more space — two important factors in a small room. Also notice the ottomans tucked away under the shelving here. They fill out the visual space and provide extra seating or end tables for guests.