1. COVER YOUR SMALL SPACE IN WALLPAPER
Tricking the eye with living room wallpaper is the most fabulous way of detracting from the size of the room, and making a narrow space feel larger.
2. CREATE INTEREST WITH TEXTURE
This small rustic living room could feel quite ordinary but is injected with oodles of charm with wood-clad walls and ceilings that draw the eye around the room and adds texture and pattern to an awkward space.
3. LAYER COLOR ON A NEUTRAL PALETTE
This narrow living room doubles as a playroom, so the muted but colorful scheme feels both fun and fresh while also not giving off too many playroom vibes – it could easily be transformed into a relaxing space too.
4. USE OVERSIZED FURNITURE TO TRICK THE EYE
Large furniture can dramatically change the feel of a room, making it feel more generous than it really is. This comfortable L-shaped sofa from One.World fills the entire space in a complementary neutral hue. 'An oversized piece of furniture is an easy way to change the feel of any room by creating a cozier and a more comforting feel,' says Jason Bensohn, Managing Director of interiors brand One.World. 'When it comes to the color scheme, opt for similar tones throughout by matching your furniture to your walls, rug, cushions, and other accessories. Lighter shades complemented by warm neutrals will help create a sense of space and add depth to your scheme.'
5. GO FOR A LUXURIOUS WABI SABI AESTHETIC
It's a rule of thumb to go neutral and light with living room colors if the space is on the small or narrow side. This approach can often feel a little boring and safe but this exquisite minimal room taps into the crafted Wabi Sabi trend with a handful of furniture. A skinny rustic wood coffee table crushed linen olive sofa and snow-white boucle seating also come together to create a living room like feels both neutral and exciting.
6. OPTIMISE ON YOUR WALL SPACE WITH STORAGE
Optimizing on space almost always means creating more living room storage! This small space uses the only completely solid wall to create floor-to-ceiling bespoke joinery that can house everything from the TV to books and display items. It's made of light plywood and is an inexpensive but stylish way to add storage and the light wood brightens the small space making it feel larger than it actually is.
7. INCORPORATE REFLECTIVE DETAILS
A reflective surface really does visually widen a narrow space. This narrow townhouse features glossy lime green paint around the door frames to provide a soft reflection.
8. CREATE A COMFORTING SNUG
This pink living room is almost fully encompassed by a plush pink corner sofa and walls are full to the brim with artwork creating a maximalist small space bursting with warmth. 'Maximalism to us is all about layering - it’s so important to layer a room in order to create depth and tell a story,' says Sarah Stemp of interior design studio Sascal. 'Especially living in the UK, which is grey most of the time, having a colorful and cozy layered home filled with textures, patterns, art, objects etc. really helps to bring the warmth inside which is often so lacking in daily life. Maximalism means going with your gut and displaying a curated collection of pieces you love which lends itself particularly well to smaller spaces.