If the living room in a rental property or condominium feels cramped, it can be made to look more spacious without remodeling, depending on how you choose the furniture and interior decor. In this article, we introduce five techniques for making a small living room look larger, along with recommended interior items and color coordination ideas.
What should you do first to make a small living room look larger?
The first step is to carefully narrow down what you place in the living room. If unnecessary furniture is placed in a limited space of around 6 to 11 tatami mats, it will immediately create a cramped feeling. Store away items you will not use for a while in a closet, and keep only the essentials in the room.
Five techniques for making a small living room look larger
1. Reduce visual heaviness with low-profile furniture
Tall furniture may not take up much floor space, but it blocks the line of sight and creates a sense of pressure. By choosing low tables, low sofas, and low storage pieces, you open up the upper sightline and make the room feel more spacious.
2. Increase visible floor space as much as possible
Arrange the furniture so that more of the floor remains visible. When furniture is placed in a way that suggests easy movement and good airflow, open space is created naturally. A carpet in a calm color is a good choice.
3. Use light colors that visually expand the space
Dark, visually contracting colors such as black make a room look smaller. Using white, beige, pastel shades, and other expanding colors helps the space appear larger. If you want to use dark colors as accents, keep them to accessories and small decor items.
4. Create visual "openness" in the layout
Using a perspective-based layout that places taller furniture in the foreground and lower furniture in the back adds depth and makes the room feel larger.
5. Make the most of the openness created by windows
Simply avoiding tall furniture in front of the windows can greatly improve the feeling of openness. If you must place something there, limit it to low-profile pieces.
What interior items are recommended for a small living room?
- Low-profile furniture: Items such as low tables, low sofas, and ottomans that keep the line of sight open
- Beanbag cushions: They create a relaxing area in place of a large sofa
- Slim TV stands: A slim type with storage minimizes the amount of floor space used
- Furniture made of transparent materials or with thin legs: Glass tables and chairs with slender legs create a light impression and make the floor look more open
What color coordination is recommended for a small living room?
If you use a gradient scheme in which the colors become lighter toward the ceiling, the ceiling will appear higher. To create a cohesive look, organize the room in three layers: base color (floor, ceiling, and walls) → main color (curtains and large furniture) → accent color (lighting and accessories).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is it okay to place houseplants in a small living room?
Yes. However, because large potted plants can create a cramped feeling, it is better to choose small to medium plants placed on a slim stand.
Q2. Will removing the TV stand make the room look larger?
If you use a slim wall-mounted television, you will not need a TV stand, and you can secure significantly more floor space.
Q3. Does a room look larger without a rug?
In general, a room looks more spacious without a rug because more of the floor is visible, but a light rug in a similar color to the furniture can still be used without looking out of place.
Q4. Can wall colors be changed even in a rental property?
Yes, it is possible if you use removable makeover sheets or paint suitable for rental properties. However, make sure to confirm the restoration requirements for move-out before making changes.
