A small living room can look spacious, stylish, and be your central, favorite room in the house. How to achieve this economically and effectively? Learn the rules of decorating a small room to create a stylish and functional living room despite limited space. We'll advise you on how to plan its layout and choose decorations and lighting to optically enlarge it.

In a small living room, every centimeter counts, so it's worth planning an optimal furniture layout.

1. Place larger elements, such as a sofa, shelf, or table, so that they do not block light and at the same time allow for free movement around the room. Remember that even in a small living room, the sofa doesn't have to stand against the wall – sometimes it's worth using it to separate the relaxation area from the dining area.
2. It's worth hanging the TV on the wall, and if you don't have that option, opt for a small, light-colored, and simple TV stand.
3. If space allows, create a mini zone for work or reading. Measure the living room and the furniture you already have precisely, and then check how much space you actually have left to furnish. You can do this on paper or use a space planning program or app – some are free, especially in their basic versions.

In a small living room, every piece of furniture should be both aesthetic and functional. Instead of a massive seating set, choose a light, visually light sofa on legs or a practical modular corner sofa.

Multifunctional furniture also works great, e.g., a coffee table can have a shelf or drawer and be used for storing small items, as can an ottoman or stool with a storage compartment. Coffee tables that come in pairs – one larger, one smaller – also work well, as they can be separated or slid one under the other. It's also worth using vertical space: tall, narrow shelves and wall shelves don't take up floor space, but add lightness to the interior.

Remember the visual aspect – choose large furniture in semi-matte or matte finishes, as they subtly reflect light. Use full gloss, e.g., glass and metal, in accents such as coffee tables, photo frames, lamps, decorative cushions, or mirrors. Elements made of transparent material, e.g., a chair or table, are also great as they are almost invisible but serve many functions.

If you want to give your living room an individual character, do it subtly – choose an armchair in a color contrasting with the rest of the interior, a designer lamp, or fabrics with an unusual texture.

Interior design accessories can work wonders. Even the smallest living room can look brighter and more spacious if you approach its decoration skillfully. The main rule is fewer decorations, but of higher quality. Start by choosing a few larger living room decorations that will give the interior character without creating a cluttered effect.

• Mirrors – this is a classic way to optically enlarge space. Place one opposite a window to reflect daylight.
• Light-colored fabrics– e.g., curtains, cushion covers, throws – reflect light and make the interior look more spacious. If you like colors, use them in details.
• Textures– shiny or semi-matte surfaces reflect light, making the interior appear larger. Glass vases, metal lamps, or photo frames are small elements that will visually add space to the living room. However, avoid a cacophony of patterns and contrasting colors. It's better to combine a few similar materials than to mix too many motifs.
• Take care of lighting– not only overhead but also additional, side lighting. Wall sconces, table and floor lamps, and string lights optically enlarge the space, and spot lighting directed at the walls visually pushes them away.
• Utilize vertical space. Arrange accessories so that they draw the eye upwards. Tall vases, potted plants on stands, and vertical decorations will work well.