The list of things to never put in a small living room is just as important as the list of things you always want to include – it is well worth having to avoid expensive mistakes. They are the items that make it hard to move around, or look out of proportion, compromising the room’s style.
Small living rooms have to work hard in order to fulfill all the functions they need to, but they should be as stylish as larger spaces, too. That’s the reason why some things are no-nos for compact rooms.
We asked designers to share the things you should avoid putting in a small living room to make planning and decorating these interiors easy and avoid any small living room mistakes from the beginning. And they’ve also given their advice about what you should choose instead.
1. Small area rugs
We’re not suggesting ditching a living room rug altogether, but we are saying no to small versions – getting rug size right is crucial for a great-looking space.
‘A small area rug might seem the right solution for a small living room, but it really isn’t,’ says Hebe Hatton, head of interiors at Homes & Gardens. ‘It will look lost in the sea of floor space. What’s needed is a rug that’s large enough for all the furniture to sit on. This will make the room look bigger and, of course, it’ll make it feel a whole lot cozier.’
A jute rug is always a top choice as they are the perfect balance of form and function. They look good, but they hide dirt and are really durable. A paler jute like this one is a good choice for a smaller living room to keep things light at floor level. This design adds just a touch of pattern, too.
Printed to look like needlepoint, this floral rug will add an instant rustic touch to a small living room. It's not so bold that it's going to overwhelm your small space, but it's not going to blend into the background either. It comes in three sizes, so you can pick the one to fit your space best – but remember, don't go too small.
This is the kind of rug you could go really big with. Almost fill the room with most of the furniture sat on top. It would be a lovely, subtle backdrop, ground the room and of course add a softness underfoot.
2. Bulky decorative accessories
The things to keep out of a small living room aren’t limited to the furniture that will compromise its open feel. There are some decorative accessories that won’t work.
‘Overdecorating with large statement pieces or thick decorative accessories can generate visual clutter and overwhelm a small living room,’ says Elissa Hall. ‘Instead, choosing a few well proportioned pieces – minimalist art or slick living room lighting fixtures, for example – helps the space retain equilibrium, while also bringing out the room’s strengths.’
Tall and sleek, these brass candle holders would be the perfect decor in a small living room.
In a small living room, you want to create height, so a tall vase filled with a gorgeous array of branches and blooms is a lovely way to add some interest without taking up lots of space.
Stripes will always be a win in a small living room. This light might not be super slim line, but it is the perfect example of the kind of decor you should be bringing into a small living room.
3. Horizontal storage
Just like a larger space, a small version needs good living room storage, but keep designs that are long and take up a large amount of floor space out of the room.
The better solution is to go vertical. ‘Creating vertical lines in a space will make it feel taller,’ says Paul Dashevsky, co-CEO at GreatBuildz and Maxable. ‘Think of ways you can draw the eye upward.’
Vertical storage will help maximize every inch of available space, which is particularly beneficial in smaller rooms or apartments with limited floor space, he points out, as it frees up valuable floor area and creates a sense of openness. ‘Vertical storage can also be aesthetically pleasing,’ he adds.
If you are looking for a statement piece for your small living room this is it. It's a big piece, but it's not a bulky one, and as designers have suggested, this is going to draw the eye upward.
Vertical, but not super narrow (avoid narrow furniture in a small living room for the same reason to avoid a small rug, it just looks awkward floating against empty wall space), this shelving unit is made from solid wood to add warmth to your space.
This looks like a bigger piece than it is, in a good way. It's just 31.5 inches wide, but it's 55 inches high, so perfect for a small living room.
4. Overstuffed sofas
A substantial sofa is one of the things to keep out of a small living room. ‘One of the most common mistakes is using an overstuffed or heavy silhouette sofa that dominates the space,’ says Minoo Hinman, interior designer and VP of showroom design at Hooker Furnishings. ‘These pieces can make the room feel cramped and closed in.’
Consider scale, as well as size and shape too. As designer Kathy Kuo explains, ‘Try choosing slightly smaller options for all of your anchor pieces and get a perfectly scaled living room look.'
The features to look for to get the best couch for a small living room? Those of the design shown above. Minoo recommends elevated legs and tighter upholstery profiles.
This couch looks so much more than the just over $400 that it is. It's perfectly suited for a smaller living room as it has a low slung profile, tapered legs and sleek lines.
5. Opulent coffee tables
Swerve a coffee table design that’s overexpressive in its style, says Elissa Hall, lead designer at RedAwning.
‘Overexpressive furniture, including grandiose coffee tables, can quickly dictate the terms for a compact area and interfere with the natural ebbs and flows of movement,’ she explains.
Think about how living room furniture shapes can ensure good circulation, too. ‘I like to suggest a round table or even a pair of nesting tables that can be shifted and tucked away when not in use,’ says Elizabeth Vergara at Vergara Homes.
A circular coffee table is best suited to a small living room as it doesn't break up the flow and walkways as much as a square design does. This Lulu & Georgia piece would give a focal point to the room, but not overwhelm it.
6. Thick drapes
Keep thick drapes out of a small living room. Like overstuffed sofas, they take up space that they really shouldn’t.
‘Typically made of heavier fabrics and lined, too, drapes can make the room feel more crowded,’ explains Hebe. ‘For elegance, you might still want to select a floor-length window treatment,’ she says. ‘But go for sheers or lighter fabrics that won’t create bulk at the window. As an alternative, Roman shades look luxurious with their fabric pleats, but aren’t space-hogging in a small room.‘
Add just a hint of pattern with these subtle, neutral drapes from Wayfair. They are a lighter cotton blend, so a really classic look that will add elegance to any room. The detailed trim is embroidered, not printed, adding a luxurious finish.
Going super light with your drapes in a small living room makes sense, and these from Wayfair have a lovely linen texture too. If privacy is an issue, they add a discreet roller blind underneath.
Not all sheer curtains need to be some version of white. These terracotta drapes would add a lovely warmth to a small living room, and there are plenty more colors to choose from too.
Knowing what to leave out of a small living room can be just as important as knowing what these rooms need. When you are dealing with smaller proportions, it pays to be picky with what you are bringing into this space. While many of these points will help to make a small living room look bigger, that's not always the point, so don't make that the sole focus of all your design decisions. You want a small living room that's in proportion, works for the people using it, and maybe even leans into its smaller dimensions.
