Best Collection Of 86+ Inspiring Living Room Ideas Small Apartment Therapy Most Outstanding In 2023

Are you struggling to make the most out of your small living room in your apartment? Look no further! We have gathered the top 10 apartment therapy small living room ideas to help you transform your space into a cozy and stylish retreat. So, let's dive in and get inspired!

1. Use Multipurpose Furniture

When dealing with a small living room, it's essential to maximize every inch of space. One way to do this is by using multipurpose furniture. For example, a storage ottoman can serve as a coffee table and provide extra storage for blankets or pillows. A sleeper sofa can also be a guest bed when needed.

2. Utilize Vertical Space

Don't forget about the vertical space in your living room. Floating shelves or wall-mounted cabinets can provide storage without taking up valuable floor space. You can also use tall bookshelves to display books and decorative items while adding height to your room.

3. Opt for Light Colors

In a small living room, light colors can make a significant difference. They reflect light, making the room feel more spacious and airy. Consider using light shades of white, cream, or pastel colors for your walls and furniture. You can add pops of color with accessories such as pillows or artwork.

4. Add Mirrors

Mirrors are a small living room's best friend. They reflect light and create an illusion of a larger space. Hang a large statement mirror above your sofa or lean a few smaller mirrors against the wall. You can also opt for furniture with mirrored surfaces to add a touch of elegance to your room.

5. Invest in a Sectional Sofa

A sectional sofa can be a game-changer for a small living room. It can provide ample seating without taking up too much space. You can also choose a sectional with a chaise or storage compartment, adding even more functionality to your furniture.

6. Go for a Minimalist Look

When it comes to small living room design, less is more. Avoid cluttering your space with unnecessary furniture or decor. Stick to a minimalist approach by choosing a few statement pieces and keeping the rest of the room clean and simple.

7. Use Rugs to Define Areas

Rugs can help define different areas in your living room, making it feel more spacious. Use a large area rug to anchor your seating area and a smaller rug to define your dining or workspace. Choose light-colored rugs with simple patterns to avoid overwhelming the room.

8. Incorporate Plants

Plants not only add a touch of nature to your living room but also help purify the air. Choose low-maintenance plants such as succulents or air plants and place them on shelves or tables. You can also hang some plants from the ceiling to save floor space.

9. Consider Built-in Storage

Built-in storage is a great way to save space and keep your living room organized. You can install built-in shelves or cabinets to display your books, collectibles, or media equipment. You can also opt for built-in seating with hidden storage compartments.

10. Play with Lighting

Good lighting is crucial in a small living room. Use a mix of overhead and task lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can also incorporate wall sconces or floor lamps to save space on your side tables.

Now that we have covered the top 10 apartment therapy small living room ideas, let's take a deeper dive into some design tips to help you make the most out of your space.

1. Create a focal point.

In a small living room, it's essential to have a focal point to draw the eye and create visual interest. This can be a statement piece of furniture, a bold piece of artwork, or a fireplace. Make sure to keep the rest of the room simple to avoid overwhelming the space.

2. Use small-scale furniture.

When choosing furniture for a small living room, opt for pieces with a smaller footprint. Avoid bulky furniture that takes up too much space. You can also consider using furniture with legs to create a sense of openness and flow in the room.

3. Play with textures.

Textures can add depth and dimension to a small living room. Mix and match different textures such as velvet, faux fur, and woven materials to add visual interest. You can also add texture through rugs, throw pillows, and curtains.

4. Don't be afraid of patterns.

Patterns can make a small living room feel more lively and spacious. Choose one or two patterns in light colors to add interest without overwhelming the room. You can use patterns on accent pillows, curtains, or even a statement wall.

5. Consider a statement ceiling.

While most people focus on the walls and floor when designing a living room, the ceiling is often overlooked. A statement ceiling can add a unique element to your small living room. You can paint it in a bold color, add wallpaper, or install decorative ceiling tiles.

Aside from furniture and design, decor plays a crucial role in making a small living room feel like a cozy and stylish space. Here are some decor ideas to help you achieve just that.

1. Use a gallery wall.

A gallery wall is a great way to add personality and style to a small living room. You can mix and match different frames and artwork to create a unique display. Make sure to keep the frames and artwork in similar colors and styles to avoid a cluttered look.

2. Incorporate cozy elements.

To make your small living room feel more inviting, add some cozy elements such as throw blankets, plush rugs, and soft pillows. These not only add comfort but also help break up the space and add texture.

3. Display items vertically.

In a small living room, it's essential to use wall space wisely. Instead of displaying items horizontally, try displaying them vertically. For example, you can hang hats or baskets on the wall, use floating shelves to display plants or books, or hang a tapestry or macrame wall hanging.

4. Use functional decor.

In a small living room, decor should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also serve a purpose. Consider using decorative baskets to store throw blankets or magazines, a tray to corral items on your coffee table, or a decorative box to store remote controls.

5. Don't forget about the windows.

Windows are a great opportunity to add style and natural light to your small living room. Use curtains or blinds in light colors to make your windows feel bigger and let in more light. You can also add a window seat with hidden storage for a cozy and functional touch.

Choosing the right furniture is key when it comes to designing a small living room. Here are some furniture ideas to help you make the most out of your space.

1. Opt for a slim console table.

A console table is a versatile piece of furniture that can serve as a desk, bar, or storage space. In a small living room, choose a slim console table that can double as a workspace, and add stools that can be tucked under when not in use.

2. Use a bar cart.

A bar cart is another versatile piece of furniture that can serve as a bar, storage, or decorative element. In a small living room, a bar cart can be easily moved around to serve different purposes. You can also use the bottom shelf to store books or display decorative items.

3. Consider a nesting coffee table.

A nesting coffee table is a space-saving solution for a small living room. You can use the smaller tables as side tables when needed and tuck them under the larger one when not in use. This allows for more floor space and a clutter-free look.

4. Use a bench as a coffee table.

Instead of a traditional coffee table, consider using a bench. It can provide additional seating when needed and can act as a coffee table with the use of a tray. You can also use a storage bench to provide extra storage for blankets or pillows.

5. Opt for a wall-mounted desk.

In a small living room, a wall-mounted desk can serve as a workspace without taking up valuable floor space. You can also choose a desk with shelves or drawers for additional storage.

The layout of your living room can make a significant impact on its functionality and style. Here are some layout ideas to help you make the most out of your small living room.

1. Create a conversation area.

In a small living room, it's essential to have a designated area for conversation and socializing. Arrange your furniture in a way that encourages interaction, such as placing a sofa and two chairs facing each other. Make sure to leave enough space for people to move around comfortably.

2. Use the corners.

Don't let the corners of your living room go to waste. You can use them to place a corner shelf, a floor lamp, or a small accent chair. This will help fill up the space and add interest to your room.

3. Consider an L-shaped sectional.

An L-shaped sectional can be a great solution for a small living room. It can provide ample seating without taking up too much space. You can also use the chaise as a divider to create a separate area in your living room, such as a reading nook or workspace.

4. Use a floating furniture arrangement.

In a small living room, floating furniture can give the illusion of more space. Instead of pushing your furniture against the walls, try arranging it in the center of the room. This will create a more intimate and cozy seating area.

5. Divide the room with a rug.

If you have an open-concept living room, you can use a rug to divide the space visually. Place a large area rug under your seating area to define it, and use a smaller rug under your dining or workspace to separate it from the rest of the room.

Storage is crucial in a small living room to keep clutter at bay and make the most out of your space. Here are some storage ideas to help you stay organized.

1. Use floating shelves.

Floating shelves are an excellent way to add storage without taking up floor space. You can use them to display books, plants, or decorative items. You can also install them above your TV or in the corners of your living room to make use of every inch of space.

2. Opt for a storage ottoman.

A storage ottoman can serve as a coffee table and provide extra storage for blankets, pillows, or board games. You can also use it as additional seating when needed.

3. Use baskets and bins.

Baskets and bins are a simple and effective way to store items in a small living room. You can use them to store books, toys, or even extra blankets. Choose baskets in similar colors and styles to maintain a cohesive look.

4. Invest in a media console with storage.

A media console with storage can provide a stylish solution for your TV and media equipment. Look for one with shelves or drawers to keep your living room clutter-free. You can also use the top of the console to display decorative items.

5. Get creative with storage solutions.

When it comes to small living rooms, thinking outside the box is key. You can use a bookshelf as a room divider and extra storage, install shelves above your windows, or use a hanging shoe organizer to store small items. Get creative and find unique ways to maximize storage in your living room.

Lastly, let's talk about decorating your small living room. Here are some ideas to help you add the finishing touches to your space.

1. Incorporate different textures.

As mentioned earlier, textures can add dimension and interest to a small living room. You can mix and match different textures through pillows, throws, rugs, and curtains.

2. Add a pop of color.

While light colors are recommended for small living rooms, don't be afraid to add a pop of color. You can do this through pillows, artwork, or a statement piece of furniture. Just make sure not to use too many bright colors to avoid overwhelming the room.

3. Choose the right window treatments.

Window treatments can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a small living room. Choose light-colored curtains or blinds to let in more natural light and make the windows feel bigger. You can also opt for sheer curtains to maintain privacy without blocking light.

4. Hang artwork at eye level.

When hanging artwork in a small living room, make sure to do it at eye level. This will help create a sense of balance and make the room feel more cohesive. You can also mix and match different sizes and styles of artwork to add visual interest.

5. Layer your lighting.