Living in a small space can be both charming and challenging. A small living room will need more strategic thinking when it comes to furniture, layout, and decor for it to be comfortable and stylish.
Obviously, we wondered what could be the 11 worst mistakes to avoid when decorating a small living room. We made our topmost common answers (given by interior designers), and we compiled a list, so you will know what to stay away from when redecorating.
Do you want to create a space that is not cramped, cluttered, or less than welcoming? Then keep reading this article.
1. Overcrowding the room with furniture
One of the biggest mistakes when decorating a small living room is overcrowding the space with too much furniture that is also not functional. If you try to cram in multiple pieces of furniture, you will only make the space feel tight and uncomfortable.
You can avoid this situation by buying multipurpose and compact furniture. For example, you can buy an ottoman with hidden storage or a coffee table with shelving.
Another idea is to leave enough breathing room and ensure that there’s space between furniture pieces for you to have a clear pathway to move around.
2. Overlooking proper lighting
Lighting can make or break the ambiance of any room, but it’s especially important in a small living room. If there is not enough light, it will make the room feel gloomy; if there’s too much light, you will have discomfort. A lot of people only have one light source, like an overhead light or a single lamp, which can create uneven lighting and leave parts of the room feeling dark.
You can combine different light sources and ambient lights so you will add warmth and dimension to the space. You can also maximize natural light by keeping your windows unobstructed.
3. Choosing Dark Colors for the Walls and Furniture
Dark colors may be cozy and dramatic in big spaces, but in a small living room, they will make the space appear even smaller. Dark walls or dark furniture pieces will visually shrink the room and will make it feel more confined than it is.
When painting the walls, you should go for lighter shades like white, soft beige, or pastel colors that can make a small room feel open and airy.
If you love bold colors, use them for smaller accents like throw pillows, rugs, and art, rather than as the main wall color or large furniture pieces.
4. Ignoring Storage Solutions
When decorating your small living room, you should think about storage solutions because these are very important in maintaining order and preventing clutter.Small rooms need smart storage solutions that will keep things organized.
Who would want their space to become a dumping ground for everyday items?
You can avoid this mistake by installing shelves or wall-mounted units to keep your floor space clear. As we said before, it is a good idea to buy furniture pieces that double as storage space.
5. Choosing the Wrong Rug Size
A rug that is too small for the space can make a small living room feel even smaller. On the other hand, an oversized rug can overwhelm the space and make it feel less open.
You should think hard and pick the right rug size for your space. Choose a rug that’s large enough so that all the big furniture pieces can be placed on top of it. This will define the space and add warmth to it.
In cases where the room layout is tricky, you can use multiple, smaller rugs that come in different shapes and colors.
6. Neglecting Using Vertical Space
Many people forget to get creative when it comes to using vertical space. You should definitely use the walls when decorating your small living room so you will get more usable space. If you use the walls, you can draw the eye upwards, making the space feel taller and more open.
Floating shelves, mounted cabinets, and hooks can free up floor space while still providing storage. Mirrors can be a nice touch and can double as decoration. If you can, you can buy taller bookshelves or cabinets that draw the attention upwards rather than wide and horizontal pieces.
7. Using Too Many Patterns
Even if patterns can add interest to a room, you shouldn’t use too many conflicting patterns because they can make a small living room feel visually busy and overwhelming. An overuse of patterns can also make the space feel cluttered and chaotic, so moderation is key.
If you want to add a pattern, you should choose one or a maximum of two statement pieces, like a rug or a throw pillow, and keep the rest of the decor simple and neutral.
You can also mix patterns with solid colors to obtain a balanced look. For example, you can combine a solid-color sofa with some patterned cushions.
8. Forgetting About Maintenance
In a small living room, clutter and dirt can accumulate really quickly if you have kids or pets. If you don’t think about this, your room might lose its appeal over time.
To avoid damaging your furniture and decorations, you should try to use easy-to-clean materials and finishes that will maintain a new-looking appearance for a longer time.
It is very important to have a regular cleaning routine that will keep your room tidy and neat so the room will keep its appeal.
9. Using Too Much Matching Furniture
We know that it can be tempting to buy matching furniture sets because it seems easier, but this approach might make your space look boring or too rigid. If you choose to buy matching furniture, you won’t be able to be creative, your space will be monotonous, and you won’t have any kind of personality.
You should look for some variety when buying your new furniture and pair different colors, styles, and textures. For example, you can mix and match a modern sofa with a vintage chair or a sleek coffee table with a rustic bookshelf.
Try to combine different colors or different shades of the same color to bring some life to the room.
10. Choosing Overly Trendy Decor Pieces
When they are new, trendy decor pieces look great, but they quickly become outdated. In a small living room, where you can see every decor piece if you choose items based solely on trends rather than timeless style, it can cause the room to feel dated quicker than expected.
Even if it’s fun to experiment with new trends, you should invest in classic furniture and decor pieces that will remain stylish for years to come. You can use trendy accessories such as pillows, rugs, and vases that are easier to swap over time.
Whether you prefer minimalist, boho, or traditional decor, you should look for pieces that look and fit well together for a timeless look.
11. Not Adding Personal Touches to the Space
If you don’t add personal touches to the space that you are decorating, the room will be boring and won’t have any personality.
You should try to add elements that show your personality, such as framed photos, souvenirs from your travels, artwork, or a gallery wall. This will make your room feel like home.
You can also use a statement piece of decor like a vintage chair, an heirloom piece of furniture, or a colorful rug to bring more character to your room.
If you need some advice on how to decorate your bedroom, check this article out.
