Room ideas

Small living room ideas

A small living room can seat guests, hold a TV and still feel open — if the furniture is sized for it.

Minimal living room after a Redecorly redesign — Minimal living room — a real Redecorly redesign of one of our test photos. Drag the handle to compare.

The same living room before, as photographed — Minimal living room — a real Redecorly redesign of one of our test photos. Drag the handle to compare.

Size the sofa to the room

An apartment sofa (72–80 inches) or a loveseat plus a chair usually works better than a full three-seater. Look for slim arms and a low back: they take less visual space. A sofa on legs makes the floor look continuous.

A layout that keeps paths open

Put the sofa against the longest wall and face it toward the focal point.
Use one or two armless chairs or a pouf instead of a second sofa.
A round coffee table, or nesting tables, keeps walkways smooth.
Mount the TV on the wall and skip a bulky media unit.

Luxury living room after a Redecorly redesign — Luxury living room — a real Redecorly redesign of one of our test photos. Drag the handle to compare. See this design

Try it on your own room

Snap a photo of your room, pick a style, and see it redesigned in seconds — then shop every piece in the picture.

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Multi-use furniture

Storage ottomans, a coffee table with a shelf, a console that doubles as a desk, and a sleeper sofa all earn extra points in a small space. Every piece should do at least one job besides looking good.

Light and reflection

Swap one overhead light for three soft sources: a floor lamp, a table lamp and maybe a sconce. A large mirror across from a window makes the room feel deeper. Sheer curtains hung high and wide let in light while still softening the window.

Colors and rug

Keep walls and large pieces in a narrow, light palette and add color in pillows and art. A larger rug (front legs of all seating on it) makes a small room feel bigger than a small rug does.

Mistakes to avoid

Pushing every piece against the walls, which leaves a dead, empty middle.
Oversized sectionals that block the walkway.
A tiny rug — it makes the whole room look smaller.

Budget tips

Decluttering and rearranging cost nothing and often solve the problem. Next, invest in a well-sized sofa; accessories can come over time.

Not sure what fits? Upload a photo to Redecorly and see your own living room redesigned with real pieces in seconds.

FAQ

What size sofa fits a small living room?

Usually 72–80 inches long with slim arms. Measure the wall and leave at least 18 inches at each end for a side table or walkway.