Design Solutions For Tiny Living Rooms

Trust us, you can make a small space work.

You’ve finally scored the apartment or home of your dreams, but there’s just one tiny caveat: It’s a touch on the small side. Luckily, tiny homes can pack just as much glamour and wow-factor as a spacious McMansion—it’s just a matter of getting the right design approach down. Even if you only have a mere 300 square feet to your name, these space-saving tips will whip your digs into tip-top shape.

Photo via Belivin’ Design

Bulky couches, coffee tables and chairs have a tendency to weigh a small space down and make it feel cramped. Opt instead for leggy, streamlined styles (mid-century modern options are particularly on point) that will make your living room feel more spacious.

Pieces that can pull double duty—like an innovative coffee table or an old-world trunk—are key when you’re short on space because they provide extra storage to keep clutter at bay.

Use a collection of quirky mirrors to decorate the walls in your living room and add visual intrigue while creating the illusion of a large, lofty space.

Free up floor space by taking advantage of unused wall space and add a mounted book shelf or a funky geometric unit to display books and unique decorative accents. An added bonus? Mounted shelving draws the eye upward, emphasizing ceiling height.

Form and function—lucite, acrylic or plexiglass furnishings give you the best of both worlds, infusing your room with a touch of glamour and creating the illusion of more space.

Floating window shelves do so much more than provide save space. These minimal shelves offer a seriously chic way to display petite plantings and provide a bit of extra privacy—which, in a big city, is always a good thing.

Open concept has its perks, but it can also make a small living space feel even tinier, swallowed up by the rest of the room. Define your space with luxe accents, like an eye-catching rug, unique lighting and luxe textiles to make your living area feel like a distinct space.

Photo via SF Girl by Bay

Tiny spaces are conducive to big, clunky desks, but that doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of a work space. Wall-mounted options are a savvy solution, providing you with a small work station without taking up precious floor space. This is also a great option if you have an awkward corner or nook that’s too small for focal pieces.