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In today’s fast-paced digital world, apartment hunting has transformed, and the virtual apartment tour is leading the charge. Gone are the...
If your apartment living room feels more shoe closet than chic retreat, it’s time for a transformation. Whether you’re working with a studio or a snug one-bedroom, these small living room ideas for apartments will help elevate your home without overfilling the space or sacrificing your personal style.
The first step when learning how to decorate a small apartment living room?: space perception. These are a few easy ways to make a tiny room feel bigger, brighter, and more breathable.
Instead of mounting your curtain rod just above the window, place it closer to the ceiling, and let your curtains fall all the way to the floor. Trust us! This simple trick will give your room the illusion of taller walls and larger windows, making the space feel more open.
Pro tip: choose a light, neutral color for your curtains to enhance the airy feel!
Mirrors work like magic in small spaces. By reflecting light and the surrounding area, they make a room feel twice as big. Hang a large mirror across from a window or lean one casually behind your couch to help bounce natural light around and visually double the space. If you can’t hang a mirror, lean a tall one against the wall for a modern, casual aesthetic.
Dark tones tend to shrink a space. Instead, opt for soft neutrals like beige, ivory, pale gray, or pastel tones for walls, rugs, and larger furniture. Layer in color through smaller pieces like art, plants, or throw pillows to add interest without overwhelming the room.
Let the sunshine in! Keep your windows unobstructed by large furniture or heavy curtains. Natural light is your best friend in a small space. Even the tiniest room feels bigger, warmer, and more inviting when it’s full of light.
Now that we’ve made your space feel bigger, let’s talk about layout! The way you arrange your furniture can either open up your space or make it feel even tighter. Let’s go for the open option, shall we?
One of the best very small apartment living room ideas is this: keep furniture in proportion. Your sofa should be about two-thirds the width of the wall it’s placed against, and your coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa. This rule keeps your layout visually balanced and avoids an overcrowded or underwhelming look.
Is your furniture pushed up against the walls? Not anymore! Pulling your sofa a few inches away or arranging it at a slight angle creates flow and allows the space to breathe. It also adds a more dynamic, inviting vibe to the room while creating a better flow for foot traffic.
A well-chosen rug can pull the whole room together. Go for a rug large enough to cover the area under the front legs of your couch. This anchors the space, making it feel more polished and intentional. Plus, it adds comfort underfoot! Rugs are a cozy way to make your space feel delineated, cozy, and stylish all at once.
If your living room is also your dining or office space, use furniture placement to separate areas. A slim console table behind your sofa can act as a desk. A standing bookshelf can serve as a soft divider. The goal is to create function without adding clutter.
When space is limited, every piece you bring in has to earn its spot. Look for furniture that offers flexibility, hidden storage, and a slim silhouette.
Pieces that do double (or triple) duty are your best friend. Need a few multifunctional furniture ideas? Think ottomans that open to store blankets, nesting coffee tables that expand when guests come over, or benches that provide both seating and storage. A fold-down wall desk, for example, can give you a workspace without taking up any floor space.
Furniture with visible legs creates a sense of openness. Mid-century styles work especially well in small living rooms because they tend to be sleek, low-profile, and elevated off the ground. Avoid anything too bulky or skirted, which can feel heavy in a small room.
Instead of a big media unit, mount your TV on the wall. Pair it with floating shelves or a narrow media console to keep your electronics tidy. This not only saves floor space but also helps your living room feel more open and modern.
Storage is essential, but in a small living room, it has to be beautiful, too. These design small living room storage ideas will keep your stuff hidden and your style on point.
Place woven baskets under a coffee table, next to the sofa, or on open shelving. They’re great for hiding items like remotes, magazines, and extra cords while adding texture and charm.
Free up floor space with vertical storage. Wall-mounted bookshelves, pegboards, or modular shelving systems allow you to showcase décor and store items without taking up valuable square footage.
A low-profile bookcase behind a sofa can act as a divider and provide space for books, lighting, or décor. Hollow ottomans or lift-top coffee tables can store blankets or board games out of sight.
You don’t need to go big to make a big statement. A few thoughtful accents can elevate your space from functional to fabulous.
Skip harsh overhead lights and instead use a mix of light sources: a floor lamp in the corner, a small table lamp on a side table, and even wall-mounted sconces or string lights. Multiple light sources help create ambiance and depth.
Different textures—like a soft velvet throw, a wool rug, or a textured pillow—add warmth and interest to the room. Stick to a limited color palette to keep things balanced, but don’t be afraid to add a variety of textures for extra dimension.
In a small space, less is definitely more. Choose décor items you truly love and display them with intention. A few well-placed accessories will have more impact than lots of cluttered bits and pieces.
Sometimes the secret to designing a small living room starts before you even move in. ApartmentSearch can help you find a space with a layout that makes small living easier—think built-in shelving, large windows, or flexible corners that work great as reading nooks or mini home offices.
And once you’ve found the right place, CORT Furniture Rental can help you make the most of it. From space-saving sectionals to multi-functional storage pieces, you can rent stylish, right-sized furniture that’s made for small-space living—without the commitment of buying.
Whether you’re downsizing or just starting out, ApartmentSearch gives you the tools to find the right apartment with features that support your style and your needs—then CORT helps you settle in beautifully.
