15 Small Living Room Layouts That Maximize Space

Focal Point Layout

living room with salvaged marquee letters — Kim Cornelison

Plan a small living room layout around a designated focal point. A TV, fireplace, window, or wall decor can all serve as the room's center of attention. Position furnishings around or directly facing the focal point to maintain a clear view.

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Small Living Room Layout Mistakes

Living room with area rug and lounge chairs — Tria Giovan

Maintaining an open space in the middle might seem like a small living room layout that will make your space appear larger, but the opposite is true. Avoid this common furniture arranging mistake by pulling sofas and chairs away from the outer walls. Gather furniture in the center of the room to create a cozy conversation area.

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Light Visual Weight Furnishings

Living room with fireplace, coffee table, and chair — Stacey Brandford

Pay attention to the visual weight of furniture, not just its actual size. Light-color furniture or pieces with legs appear lighter than dark or boxy upholstered pieces. In this small living area, the leggy, armless chair doesn't obstruct views of the floor or fireplace, making the space more open. The small marble-topped coffee table also consumes very little visual space.

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Small Living Room Layout Tricks

Living room with clear coffee table and geometric chairs — Annie Schlechter

This small living room layout employs several design tricks for an open, orderly look. Helping the space appear larger, an acrylic coffee table offers practical storage while taking up virtually no visual space. Matching armchairs, poufs, and table lamps are mirrored on either side of the room, creating a streamlined and aesthetically pleasing effect.

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Small Living Room Neutrals

renovated neutral-colored living room with pink and blue accent pieces — Lisa Romerein

Using a neutral palette throughout a small living room is one of the best ways to create the illusion of more space. The eye can roam freely through a neutral color scheme, making the area feel more expansive. Choose white, cream, tan, or gray variations for walls and large pieces of furniture, and bring in small touches of color or pattern with accents.

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Space-Defining Layout

open floor plan kitchen and living room — Robert Brinson

A small living room can feel even smaller when it shares space with a home's kitchen or dining area. To help distinguish the two spaces, position the sofa with its back facing out of the living room. Arrange accent furniture next to or across from the sofa, maintaining a clear pathway into the room.

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Vertical Space in Small Living Rooms

living room gray couch black table — Brie Williams

A room includes more than just its horizontal dimensions. Invite the eye to move above and below eye level to make a small living room furniture arrangement look more substantial. In this living room, emphasis on the vertical comes from floor-to-ceiling draperies that hang just below the ceiling.

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Small-Scale Furniture

Choose furniture with a scale appropriate for the room and the people who use it. In a small living room layout, pairs of armchairs can make better use of the space than a large sofa or sectional. These chairs' sleek design and smooth lines ensure the small room doesn't feel crowded.

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Light-Enhancing Window Treatments

seating area with wicker chair and white sofa — Annie Schlecther

Take advantage of all available light to help enlarge a small living room. Use white or pale colors, which increase the brightness of a room by reflecting light. Keep window treatments simple and avoid blocking the windows with heavy layers of fabric. Arrange small living room furniture near the windows to best enjoy the effect.

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Open-Concept Small Living Room Layout

open-concept living area with exposed beams — David Tsay

In an open floor plan, stake out an area for the living room with a small sectional, a large coffee table, and a rug. This small living room layout's seating placement distinguishes a cozy living space from the kitchen and dining area beyond. Filling the floor space with large furnishings might seem counterintuitive, but using a few big pieces in a small space visually simplifies the room, making it feel spacious.

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Light Furniture Colors

white living room with blue decorative pillows — Kim Cornelison

Repeat light colors across furniture choices for a bright, open feel. This small living room escapes feeling constrained thanks to white walls, slipcovers, and accent furniture. White unites the room's elements, while pops of blue add crisp contrast.

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Dual-Purpose Living Room Furniture

white living room sofa two chairs large brown square ottoman — Edmund Barr

Multifunctional furnishings help small living room layouts work harder. A large upholstered ottoman doubles as a coffee table when you add trays to provide a flat surface for drink glasses or a vase of flowers. When guests come to visit, it can serve as overflow seating.

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Small Living Room Layout Traffic Paths

interior living room with sofa chairs and artwork

Arrange small living room layouts to direct traffic around the conversation core rather than through it. In this living area, a pair of armchairs marks the beginning of the seating space. Traffic from the door is directed to go around them rather than directly through the conversation area.

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Small Living Room Furniture Alternatives

view of window seat with red chair — Alec Hemer

Look for creative alternatives that can maximize your small living room furniture arrangement. For example, a window niche with a built-in seat can stand in place of a traditional sofa. Instead of a large coffee table, place a matching pair of small side tables in the middle of the seating area. Choose slender, leggy furniture over plush, heavy-looking pieces.

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Small Living Room Layout with Storage

Eclectic style living room with gallery art wall — Werner Straube

Factor storage into your small living room layout. This bank of cabinets adds grand character and maximum function without taking up additional space. This unit incorporates concealed storage and open cubbies, which help the piece feel lighter in the room.

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