Living room interior design ideas on a low budget
If you’re wanting to revamp your small living room but don’t have much of a budget- this is for you! There are so many things you can do with little to no money that will completely change the way your living room looks.
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Let’s dive in to the best small living room design ideas:
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Re-arrange the furniture
Don’t feel like you have to stick to the same tired layout- try arranging the furniture in different ways to work with the space you have.
Blocking off a whole corner or keeping furniture from touching the walls can help the room seem bigger.
Add greenery or houseplants
Add some living house plants (or some faux greenery) to bring your small living room to life. Plants help to add a vibrancy that makes the room seem larger.
Repaint with a color to make the room look bigger
“Bright colors like orange, yellow, or even a grassy green can draw more light into a darker room. These bold tones shine in artificial light and are best for rooms with very little natural light. They are the perfect accent to mix up your space and build décor around.” – Painting co.
Interior wallpaper
Use removable wallpaper to create a focal point with an accent wall. This can trick the eye into not noticing how small the room actually is!
RELATED: Where to Find the Best Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Let the light in
If you have windows in your living room, ditch the heavy the curtains and blinds and let the light pour in to brighten the room!
This makes the room seem bigger by banishing all the dark and dreary corners.
Choose a large rug
A smaller rug might seem like a good idea but they’ll actually draw attention to a smaller room. Choose a large rug that extends under multiple pieces of furniture.
Boutique Rugs is having a 50% off sale right now– use the code SUMMER55.
Keep it cozy
Instead of fighting against your small living room, why not embrace it and make it cozy as heck? It’s hard to make large rooms seem really cozy.
Use your smaller space to make it ultra comfy, inviting and warm.
Use ottomans
Instead of trying to squish more furniture into your living room, try using ottomans as extra seating.
They look great and work as foot rests but double as extra seating for guests when needed!
Rethink your coffee table
It became the norm to have a larger, rectangular coffee table in your living room. Why?
If you are working with a tiny living room, use a tiny coffee table! There are so many interesting coffee tables available now- don’t get stuck in an outdated style!
RELATED: 9 Interesting Coffee Tables to Transform Your Living Room
Keep furniture away from the walls
Keep your furniture away from the walls to create more space. This tricks the eye into thinking there is more space than there really is.
This is called “floating” your furniture.
Stay away from traditional furniture
Even if you aren’t living in an apartment, try shopping for apartment sized furniture that’s made specifically for small spaces.
Some companies offering small size furniture:
Extend your gallery wall to the ceiling
Don’t stop halfway up the wall- extend your gallery of pictures and art all the way to the ceiling. This draws the eyes up naturally and creates the illusion of a larger room!
Hang a chair
Using the ceiling space for furniture is a great way to work with a small living room. This also gives you added space underneath the chair making the room appear larger!
You can get the same chair from the photo here.
Install lighting that hangs
Instead of cluttering up valuable floor space with lamps and cords, install some lighting that hangs from the ceiling.
Use mirrors
Adding mirrors is a great way to trick the eye into thinking there’s a lot more space than there actually is. Strategically place mirrors throughout your living room to give the illusion of a larger room.
What is contemporary living room design?
Contemporary style is referring to the style of here and now. Modern style refers to a bygone era.
What’s new in living room design?
Some of the top living room design trends this year include:
Vintage accents
Navy blue
Floral wallpaper
High contrast decor
Curved sofas
How do you layout a small living room?
1. Use mirrors and wallpaper.
2. Keep furniture away from the walls.
3. Choose apartment size furniture.
4. Utilize hidden storage.
5. Make use of multi-use items.
6. Add plants.
7. Paint the ceiling the same color as the walls.
How do you accessorize a small living room?
Use the rule of 3:
If you’re working with vases or stacking things, use three and go from highest to lowest.
Sometimes rules don’t work- go with your gut and work with what “feels” right. Another no-fail method is to stick to just 1 or 2 colors. Using just 1 or 2 colors can add depth and make your living room seem larger.
Stick to one focus point in each area instead of lots of little ones strewn around.
How can I make my living room look modern?
1. Add a fresh coat of light or neutral paint.
2. Decide on just 1-2 accent colors.
3. Focus on geometric or angular shapes.
4. Choose minimal decorations.
5. Go with a sleek glass coffee table.
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How do you make a small living room look elegant?
1. Layer the lighting- use multiple types and sources.
2. Invest in textiles such as throw pillows or a luxurious throw blanket.
3. Make sure your curtains hit the floor.
4. Invest in larger scale art.
5. Mix up your textures- use wood, glass, fabric, velvet.
6. Use a large rug.
7. Use metallics.
8. Replace or add mouldings.
9. Paint walls and trim the same color.
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How do I choose a sofa for a small living room?
When choosing a sofa for a small living space, you want to aim for functionality but make sure it’s still appealing to the eye. Apartment size sofas are a great choice.
Alternatively, you can use a larger sofa and make the room more confined but cozy.
More living room inspiration:
- How to Design a Large Living Room
- Best Living Room Tiles {how to choose the best tiles for your living room}
- The 6 Best Wayfair Sectional Sofas
- The 7 Best Oversized Reading Chairs of 2021