9 by 9 Living Room: How to Make the Most of a Small Space
Living in an apartment often means dealing with limited space, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the living room. Measuring just 9 by 9 feet, this room can easily feel cramped and overwhelming. But with the right design and decor choices, you can turn your small living room into a cozy and stylish space that you'll love spending time in. In this article, we'll share our top 10 tips for creating a beautiful 9 by 9 living room in your apartment.
1. Start with a Plan
Before diving into decorating, it's important to have a plan for your apartment living room. Consider the function of the space and how you want it to look and feel. Will it primarily be used for relaxing and watching TV, or do you need it to function as a home office as well? By identifying your needs and goals for the room, you can make more informed design choices.
2. Embrace Small-Space Living
Instead of fighting against the small size of your living room, embrace it. Small living rooms can have a cozy and intimate feel that larger spaces often lack. Emphasize this by creating a seating arrangement that encourages conversation and connection. Consider using a loveseat or a pair of armchairs instead of a bulky sofa to save on space.
3. Keep it Simple
Avoid clutter and keep your cozy living room feeling open and airy by sticking to a minimalist approach. Choose a few key pieces of furniture and decor and let them shine, rather than filling every available surface with knick-knacks. This will also make the room feel less overwhelming and more relaxing.
4. Utilize Vertical Space
In a small living room, every inch counts. Make the most of your vertical space by adding shelves or hanging artwork on the walls. This will draw the eye upwards and make the room feel larger. Just be sure not to overcrowd the walls, as this can have the opposite effect.
5. Lighten Up
Dark, heavy colors can make a small room feel even smaller. Instead, opt for light and bright colors in your apartment decor. This will reflect natural light and make the space feel more open and inviting. If you do want to incorporate darker colors, do so sparingly as accents.
6. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
In a small living room, every piece of furniture should serve a purpose. Look for pieces that have hidden storage or can be used in multiple ways, such as a storage ottoman that can double as a coffee table. This will help save space and keep your living room clutter-free.
7. Go for a Cohesive Look
To make your 9x9 room design feel more spacious, aim for a cohesive and consistent look throughout the space. This means choosing a color scheme and sticking to it, as well as using similar styles and materials for furniture and decor. This will create a sense of flow and make the room feel more put together.
8. Incorporate Mirrors
Mirrors are a small space's best friend. Not only do they add visual interest to the room, but they also reflect light and make the space feel larger. Hang a large mirror on one wall or incorporate smaller mirrors throughout the room to create the illusion of more space.
9. Think About Scale
When choosing furniture for a small living room, pay attention to scale. Oversized pieces will overwhelm the space and make it feel even smaller. Instead, opt for furniture that is proportionate to the room. For example, choose a slim and streamlined sofa rather than a bulky sectional.
Making the Most of Your 9 By 9 Living Room in Your Apartment

Small space, big possibilities
