Reveal 86+ Awe-inspiring Living Room Designs For Small Apartment Top Choices Of Architects

Living in a small apartment doesn't mean sacrificing style and functionality in your living room. With some creativity and smart design choices, you can make the most out of your limited space. Here are 10 small living room design ideas that will make your apartment feel bigger and more inviting.

1. Use light colors on the walls and furniture to create the illusion of a larger space. Pastel shades, whites, and neutrals are great options that will make your living room feel airy and open.

2. Mirrors are your best friend when it comes to small spaces. Hang a large mirror on one wall to reflect light and make the room appear bigger. You can also use mirrored furniture to add depth to the room.

3. Multi-functional furniture is a must in a small apartment. Look for pieces that serve more than one purpose, such as a coffee table with hidden storage or a sofa that can be turned into a bed.

4. Don't be afraid to go vertical. Utilize the wall space in your living room by adding shelves and wall-mounted storage units. This will free up floor space and make the room feel less cluttered.

5. Declutter regularly to keep your living room from feeling cramped. Stick to the essentials and invest in smart storage solutions, such as baskets, bins, and ottomans with hidden storage.

6. Choose a focal point for your living room and design around it. It could be a statement piece of furniture, a fireplace, or a large piece of artwork. This will draw the eye and make the room feel more put-together.

7. Opt for furniture with exposed legs to create the illusion of more space. Sofas and chairs with visible legs will make the room feel less heavy and give the illusion of more floor space.

8. Stick to a cohesive color scheme to make your living room feel more cohesive and less cluttered. Choose 2-3 colors and use them throughout the room, including in your furniture, decor, and textiles.

9. Add texture to your living room to make it feel more inviting. Use different fabrics, such as velvet, linen, and wool, and mix in different patterns and textures to add visual interest.

10. Keep it simple. Don't overcrowd your living room with too much furniture and decor. Stick to a few statement pieces and keep the rest minimal to avoid overwhelming the space.

Living in a small apartment means being creative with your space. Here are some space-saving living room designs that will make your small apartment feel bigger and more functional.

1. Wall-mounted TV: Instead of taking up valuable floor space with a TV stand, mount your TV on the wall. This will free up space for other furniture and make the room feel less cluttered.

2. Floating shelves: Install floating shelves on the walls to add storage and display space without taking up floor space. You can use them to store books, display decor, or even as a makeshift bar area.

3. Nesting tables: A set of nesting tables is a great space-saving solution for a small living room. When not in use, they can be stacked together to take up less space. When needed, you can pull them apart and use them as side tables or extra seating.

4. Foldable furniture: Look for furniture pieces that can be folded and stored away when not in use. This could be a foldable dining table, a folding chair, or even a Murphy bed that can be hidden during the day.

5. Ottoman with storage: A storage ottoman is a great way to add extra seating and hidden storage to your living room. You can use it to store blankets, pillows, or even as a coffee table.

Just because your living room is small doesn't mean it can't be cozy and inviting. Here are some cozy living room designs that will make you want to curl up and relax.

1. Warm colors: Use warm and inviting colors, such as shades of red, orange, and yellow, to make your living room feel cozy. Pair these with neutral tones to balance the room and prevent it from feeling too overwhelming.

2. Soft textiles: Add soft and plush textiles, such as throw pillows, blankets, and rugs, to make your living room feel cozy and comfortable. Stick to warm and soft fabrics, like velvet, fleece, and faux fur.

3. Layered lighting: A well-lit room can instantly make it feel more inviting. Use a combination of overhead lighting, floor lamps, and table lamps to create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your living room.

4. A fireplace: If you have the option, add a fireplace to your living room. Not only does it add warmth and coziness, but it also serves as a great focal point for the room.

5. Personal touches: Make your living room feel more personal and cozy by adding items that have meaning to you. This could be family photos, artwork, or sentimental decor pieces.

A minimalist living room design is perfect for small apartments as it focuses on simplicity and functionality. Here are some tips for creating a minimalist living room in your small apartment.

1. Keep it clutter-free: The key to a minimalist living room is to keep it clutter-free. Get rid of any unnecessary items and stick to the essentials. This will make your living room feel more spacious and open.

2. Simple furniture: Choose simple and sleek furniture pieces with clean lines. Avoid bulky or oversized furniture that can make the room feel cramped. Opt for neutral colors and materials, such as wood and metal, to keep the room feeling cohesive.

3. Use negative space: Negative space, or empty space, is an important element in minimalist design. Leave some areas of your living room empty to create a sense of balance and openness.

4. Bring in natural elements: Adding natural elements, such as plants, wood, and stone, can add warmth and texture to a minimalist living room. Stick to a few well-chosen pieces to avoid cluttering the space.

5. Keep it monochromatic: A monochromatic color scheme is a great way to create a minimalist living room. Stick to one color and use different shades and textures to add visual interest.

Storage is a common issue in small apartments, but with some clever solutions, you can make the most of your space. Here are some smart storage solutions for small apartment living rooms.

1. Utilize the walls: Use wall-mounted shelves, racks, and hooks to store items and keep them off the floor. You can also install a pegboard to hang items like hats, bags, and keys.

2. Dual-purpose furniture: Look for furniture that serves more than one purpose. For example, a coffee table with hidden storage or a storage ottoman that doubles as seating.

3. Under-bed storage: If you have a bed with built-in storage or enough clearance, use it to store items like extra bedding, off-season clothing, or shoes.

4. Vertical storage: Use tall bookshelves or storage units to make use of vertical space. You can also hang shelves above doors or windows to store items you don't need to access regularly.

5. Use storage baskets: Invest in attractive storage baskets to keep items organized and out of sight. You can use them to store blankets, toys, or other items that tend to clutter up the living room.

The layout of your living room is crucial in making the most of your small space. Here are some small apartment living room layout ideas to help you optimize your space.

1. Create zones: Divide your living room into different zones for different activities, such as a seating area, a workspace, and a dining area. This will make the room feel more organized and functional.

2. Float your furniture: Instead of pushing all your furniture against the walls, try floating them in the middle of the room. This will create a more open and spacious feel.

3. Use a sectional: A sectional sofa is a great option for small living rooms as it can fit into corners and provide ample seating without taking up too much space.

4. Keep pathways clear: Make sure you have clear pathways in your living room to avoid making the space feel cramped. Leave at least 2 feet between furniture pieces for easy movement.

5. Consider a corner sofa: If you have a small living room with a difficult layout, consider a corner sofa. It can fit into corners and make use of otherwise wasted space.

The right decor can make a big difference in a small living room. Here are some decorating tips for small apartment living rooms to help you make the most of your space.

1. Use large-scale art: A large piece of art can make a statement and make the room feel bigger. Hang it on a focal wall to draw the eye and add visual interest.

2. Add a pop of color: A small living room doesn't have to be all neutrals. Add a pop of color with a colorful accent wall, a bold rug, or brightly colored throw pillows.

3. Incorporate lighting: Use different types of lighting, such as floor lamps, table lamps, and string lights, to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your living room.

4. Hang curtains high: Hang curtains close to the ceiling to create the illusion of taller walls and make the room feel bigger.

5. Add personal touches: Don't be afraid to add personal touches to your living room, such as family photos, sentimental objects, or DIY decor. This will make the space feel more personal and inviting.

Choosing the right furniture is crucial in making the most of your small living room. Here are some furniture ideas for small apartment living rooms.

1. Armless chairs: Armless chairs take up less space and can easily be moved around when needed. They also create a more open and spacious feel in a small living room.

2. Modular furniture: Modular furniture is great for small spaces as you can customize it to fit your specific needs. Look for modular sofas, shelves, and storage units that can be rearranged as needed.

3. Nesting tables: As mentioned earlier, nesting tables are a great space-saving solution for small living rooms. Use them as side tables or pull them out for extra seating when needed.

4. Storage ottoman: A storage ottoman is a must-have in a small living room. It can serve as extra seating, a coffee table, and hidden storage for blankets, pillows, and other items.

5. Wall-mounted desk: If you need a workspace in your living room, consider a wall-mounted desk. It can fold up when not in use and won't take up valuable floor space.

Lastly, here are some general tips for maximizing space in a small apartment living room.

1. Keep it organized: Clutter can make a small living room feel even smaller. Keep your living room organized and clutter-free to make the most of your space.

2. Use small-scale furniture: Avoid bulky or oversized furniture in a small living room. Stick to small-scale pieces that fit the proportions of your space.

3. Utilize multi-functional pieces: As mentioned earlier, look for furniture that serves more than one purpose to save space. This could include a Murphy bed, a storage ottoman, or a foldable dining table.

4. Don't block windows: Keep your windows unobstructed to let in natural light and make the room feel bigger. If you have a great view, make sure it's not blocked by furniture.

5. Be selective with decor: In a small living room, less is more when it comes to decor. Be selective with what you choose to display to avoid cluttering the space.