This New Zealand-based tiny house builder is one of the industry’s most popular and acclaimed names beyond national borders. There’s no Build Tiny house that doesn’t innovate in one way or another and impress with clever solutions that maximize spaciousness. Among all of these, the lovely La Sombra was so inspiring that it got featured on a TV show in the Fall of 2019 when it was completed.
From the outside, La Sombra looks like any other tiny house, and it doesn’t seem to stand out in terms of size either. But the thing that quickly made it famous was the fact that it was meant to house a mother and her three children.
The ingenious layout makes the most of the eight meters (26 feet) length and 2.4 meters (7.8 feet) width, incorporating two separate loft bedrooms, a cozy kitchen, and a living area. A few more unexpected features make the space even more functional without cluttering it at all.
Photo: Build Tiny
One of the distinctive features of Build Tiny designs is the minimalist exterior. These are not the kind of homes on wheels that turn heads on the road. Instead, they emphasize solid construction using sustainable materials and methods. La Sombra combines a vinyl cladding that’s meant to keep things light with a poplar interior for added warmth.
The open-plan configuration of the main floor makes La Sombra instantly welcoming and comfortable. At one end, you’ve got a small but cozy living area, fitted not just with a sofa and a table but also with some beautiful shelves.
The kitchen is also compact, compared to other tiny houses this size, but still manages to integrate full-size appliances. It’s fitted with a fridge, a full-size gas oven, a washing machine, and even a dishwasher. This might be the perfect kitchen for a house with three kids living inside. Plus, the countertop is big enough for preparing meals, and there’s plenty of storage room.
One of La Sombra’s surprises is the cute dining spot somehow squeezed between the staircase and the ladder. It’s an unusual placement but a good idea for sure. A house this size would typically use the countertop as a breakfast bar or include a tiny folding table, at best. In this case, the family can enjoy dinner at a dedicated table, which makes the entire place feel more like a traditional home.
Photo: Build Tiny
The staircase with integrated storage leads to the main loft bedroom. This area is another pleasant surprise, thanks to the generous headroom. A built-in bed base was added for airing the queen-size or king-size mattress, and the large windows bring in the fresh air and natural light. This loft bedroom even features a full-height wardrobe and built-in storage boxes that don’t take up too much space.
The second loft area inside La Sombra was turned into a children’s room, and it looks precious. There’s a generous window here as well, and a beautiful protection wall made of the same light–colored wood adds safety as well as privacy. The smaller space is suitable for young kids while also feeling airy and bright.
Another clever feature actually came from the owner herself. She asked the team at Build Tiny to integrate a clothes airer on a pulley. The rack itself is made of the same kind of wood as the furniture so that it blends in seamlessly. By using the pulley system to lower it only when necessary, it takes very little room and doesn’t clutter the space.
Photo: Build Tiny
Plus, the builder installed this smart clothes-drying rack in proximity to a tiny fireplace that was made locally. This way, clothes can dry in no time – another great feature for a house full of children.
Space-saving solutions include the cavity sliding door used for the bathroom. Inside, you’ll find a shower with a rollaway door, a small vanity, and an eco-friendly, hand-crafted bamboo toilet. Style-wise, La Sombra keeps things nice and simple, leaning more on the practical side. This might not be the most stylish tiny house out there. Still, the fact that it can comfortably accommodate a mother and her three children is enough to make it special.
Without all of the removable items, the La Sombra tiny weighs the maximum that’s allowed legally in New Zealand (3,500 kg/7,716 lbs) and was built on a standard detachable trailer. Last, but not least, it was fitted with a generous solar array that enables it to go entirely off-grid. La Sombra is just as much a free-spirited house on wheels as it is a warm and welcoming home for kids.
Planning small living room ideas shouldn’t be seen as a hardship, but rather an opportunity to flex your creativity. A tiny living room presents the opportunity to create a bold and cosy space, something that isn’t always easy to do in larger living room ideas.
That being said there is a certain amount of skill involved when crafting a petite living room into a functional space that works for the whole family. In a small space, you have to dedicate time to getting the building blocks of the room right, including how to arrange furniture in a small living room, once you get the right everything else should be gravy.
‘With a small living room, it’s worth taking time to really plan where your furniture is placed. Although the available space may limit your options, the right layout can make a space seem larger than it actually is,’ explains Adam Brown, Director at The Painted Furniture Company (opens in new tab).
‘Avoid the obvious solution of pushing everything back against the walls, instead allow space around key pieces of furniture. This will allow the eye to see more floor space, making your room seem bigger.’
Small living room ideas
We’ve rounded up all the best small living room ideas from design experts to help you realise the potential your micro family room could be hiding. There are tips and design tricks that will create the illusion of space, but also make sure you’re still able to make a style statement.
1. Go big with a rug
(Image credit: Future PLC )
In a small living room, the worst design mistake you can make is going small with your rug choice. If it is floating like an island between your furniture it will only make the space look smaller. This is your opportunity to go big so seize it.
However, you do need to make sure the rug your choose is in proportion to your furniture and space. ‘A good guide to follow is to ensure that your rug is larger than the biggest piece of furniture. For example, the longest side of the rug should always be longer by at least 6 inches than the largest piece of furniture, eg. sofa,’ says Therese Germain, Vice President of Product at Ruggable (opens in new tab), our go-to machine washable rug brand.
‘In a small living room, a 150x215cm rug will fit underneath a coffee table, or in front of a fireplace with two comfy chairs sitting almost completely on the rug.’
2. Go bold with your paint choice
(Image credit: Future PLC )
‘First instinct for a small living room is to keep it light, bright and de-cluttered (the word du jour right now) and while this is a perfectly acceptable decorating thing to do, especially if the room is flooded with natural light, sometimes going bolder can also be a wonderful option,’ says Patrick O’Donnell International Brand Ambassador at farrow and ball.
Patrick recommends trying a mid-tone green living room ideas for an invitation oasis like French Gray or Lichen. Alternatively, consider taking the plunge with a bold and dark colour like Down Pipe. ‘Our perennially favourite grey that never comes across as too chilly- it will just cocoon you in a softly dramatic way!’ adds Patrick.
3. Embrace the colour drenching trend
(Image credit: Future PLC / Veronica Rodriguez)
‘Another good trick is to paint EVERYTHING in one colour- a soft neutral such as Joa’s White or Stirabout will work in all lighting conditions and create a good backdrop to introduce your personal identity through cloth, pictures and furniture,’ says Patrick at Farrow and Ball (opens in new tab).
Embracing the colour-drenching paint trend as Patrick suggests works by distracting the eye from the edges of the room which are usually picked out in another colour. However, don’t feel you need to stick to soft neutrals, bold dark greys and navy can also look great in a small living room.
4. Define space with paint
(Image credit: Future PLC / Rachel Smith)
Even small living room ideas can benefit from the power of zoning a room with colour. If you use the room for dining and unwinding in front of the TV use contrasting paint colours to divide the room.
‘Using contrasting paint colours to create division in a room is an effective way to manage smaller spaces,’ says Paula Taylor, Head Stylist at Graham & Brown (opens in new tab). ‘If you were to split the wall up with contrasting paint colours, such as a deep blue and vibrant yellow, it will create the illusion of separate spaces, without the need to use furniture or physical divisions.’
Alternatively, for a softer look zone spaces with different shades of the same colour.
5. Switch out the sofa for a lounger
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
Can a living room still be a living room without a sofa? The answer is a responding yes! While choosing the best sofa might be the conventional furniture choice if you’re working with tiny living room ideas it could be worth considering a lounger, day bed or cuddle seat, over small living room sofa ideas.
‘Not every living space needs a sofa but often we feel the need to fill a space. When it comes to choosing seating, think about how the space is going to be used, who by and at what times of day. You might find a small chaise or classic mid-century lounger will be perfect,’ says Tom Rutt (opens in new tab), founder of TR Studio
6. Open up the space with shutters
(Image credit: Future PLC )
In a small space, it pays to be clever with your window dressings and consider forgoing the usual living room curtain ideas. Instead, blinds or shutters could be a smart option to open up the space.
‘Changing accessories in your living room can make a huge difference. Although curtains add an element of luxury to your relaxing space, if your living room is small, it might be worth swapping them out blinds or shutters,’ says Lisa Cooper, Head of Product at Thomas Sanderson (opens in new tab).
‘Blinds and shutters both make a room look taller, as they free up space on either side of the window.’
7. Experiment with a coloured ceiling
(Image credit: Future PLC / Anna Stathaki)
‘Paint is your friend in a small space, particularly when it comes to giving the illusion of height,’ says Lick’s Director of Interior Design and Colour Psychologist Tash Bradley. ‘By painting your ceilings in a light blue or light green, such as Lick’s Green 13 (opens in new tab) or Blue 02 (opens in new tab) the room will appear taller.
‘Or, paint your walls, ceiling and skirting all in the same colour so your eye does not get drawn to the corners of the room, which will create the feeling of space.’
8. Pick pink
(Image credit: Future PLC )
Pink living room ideas are perfect for a small space as an alternative to neutral living room ideas, the trick is to keep the shade light and powdery. ‘Lighter neutral colours will help reflect light around a small room, or a lovely soft alternative to a neutral is pink,’ says Lick’s Tash.
‘Lick’s Pink 01 (opens in new tab) and Pink 04 (opens in new tab) are great for small spaces as they make the room feel warm and welcoming, but also help to reflect the light.’ Pair the pink with a vibrant colourful sofa to add character and interest to the space.
9. Focus on one feature wall
(Image credit: Future PLC / Katie Jane Watson)
We know it’s hard, but in a small living room it is important to hone in on just a few key living room wall decor ideas.‘In a small space, it can quickly feel claustrophobic if there’s too much asking for attention as your eye doesn’t know where to rest,’ explains Lucy Henderson, Head Designer at My Bespoke room.
‘Creating a clear focal point to draw you in is essential for rooms of any size but in a small one, try to scale it back. Pick just one wall to be the real show stopper, whether that’s with wallpaper or a gallery wall.’
10. Choose furniture with legs
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Kelly Collins from Swyft Home (opens in new tab) recommends furniture that’s raised off of the ground. ‘Selecting a sofa or armchair that sits on raised legs will help to bring a sense of light and space and make even the smallest living rooms feel airy,’ she says. When more of the floor is visible, the room appears bigger.
This trick lends itself well to any living room, as many of the best sofas and armchairs are finished with beautiful turned wooden legs. Lots of beautiful mid-century pieces are raised on legs, from sideboards and cabinets to sofas, keeping the floor on show.
11. Create a focal point with a gallery wall
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
Centre your lounge space with gallery wall ideas above the sofa. Frame photos, prints, wallpaper samples and pressed flowers to create something that brings personality. The visual interest created by a cluster of prints will distract from the fact the room is small and anchors the space.
12. Enlarge with wide flooring
(Image credit: Future PLC / Jon Day)
Elements of the room with large surface area, like the walls and floors, have a huge impact on how a small space feels. Consider flooring options that will expand the space.
‘Use wide flooring planks or those laid on a diagonal tangent across the room,’ advises interior designer Vanessa Morgan (opens in new tab). Chunky floorboards will work better than slim ones, and a Berber rug with a diamond pattern will also create the impression of a broader area.
13. Break up a neutral palette with boho patterns
(Image credit: Future PLC / Anna Stathaki)
Like we mentioned earlier, neutral tones will help a small room to feel larger. Light coloured carpets, walls and furniture are a great way to keep a space feeling bright and airy, whatever the size of the room.
We love the little extra touches in this charming living room – the wall-mounted shelving unit provides the perfect space for personal mementos and accessories. If you’re prefer a modern small living room idea like this one, then simplicity is key.
14. Hide corners to enhance the sense of space
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen (opens in new tab) explains a simple bit of science around corners, and how to make a room feel larger by drawing the eye away from its edges. ‘Our minds become confused in a room, if our eyes can’t see corners,’ he begins.
‘If our eyes can see corners then our mind knows exactly what size the room is, but if you can find ways of disguising corners, hiding corners, drawing the attention of the eye to the middle of the wall rather than the edge of the wall, that will always help significantly.’ He suggests placing a tall plant or even having a table lamp in the corner of a room to distract the eye from the perimeter.
15. Go oversized with artwork
(Image credit: Future PLC )
A gallery wall will always be a popular way to decorate the wall behind a sofa and display favourite artwork and photos. But in a tight space, one large piece of artwork could stop the space from feeling cluttered and busy. Here, a large abstract print with tones of mustard and pink tie in with the sofa, while the rest of the space is kept bright and minimalist.
16. Hang easy breezy curtains
(Image credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore)
‘Try to maximise the use of natural light with floaty window dressing and a statement/group of mirrors,’ suggests Paula Taylor from Graham & Brown. Keep window treatments sheer and light rather than having anything too heavy, and it’ll make the area around the window feel more spacious.
17. Soften with curved edges
(Image credit: Future PLC / Anna Stathaki)
When decking out your small living room, look for furniture with curved edges to offset all the harsh angles, from the doorframe to the windows. An oval midcentury coffee table in warm wood softens the look in this small, cosy living room, and the glass top prevents it from feeling bulky.
Circular cushions work well too, and we can personally recommend this circular jute rug from La Redoute (opens in new tab), available in a range of sizes (go as big as possible). Curvy furniture, soft furnishings and even the cute rounded leaves of a money plant will make a small living room feel inviting.
18. Prioritise multifunctional designs
(Image credit: Future PLC / James Merrell)
Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill says multifunctionality is the number one rule to making the best of a small living room. ‘Go all in with multi-functional furniture,’ she says. A storage ottoman, at Wayfair (opens in new tab) is a great idea as it can triple up as a coffee table, footstool, and storage box.
‘It’s an aesthetic statement piece of furniture which is also storage savvy,’ Nadia adds. Just add a tray and some coffee table books when using as a table.
19. Go dark
(Image credit: Future PLC )
Ideal Home Editor Heather Young has just painted her living room (opens in new tab) in Railings by Farrow & Ball, and if you’re toying with the idea of a dark makeover, Lucy St George from Rockett St George says go for it. ‘It’s no secret that we’re big fans of a dark and dramatic living room scheme at Rockett St George (opens in new tab) and it’s a common misconception that black will make your room feel smaller,’ she begins.
‘In fact, it has the opposite effect. Painting the walls and ceilings of your living room in black leans into the cosy feel and helps creates an illusion similar to looking up at the night sky.’ Plenty of candles, table lamps and soft throws and you’re all set for optimal cosiness.
20. Choose storage furniture with a small footprint
(Image credit: Future PLC/Fiona Walker-Arnott)
Whilst living room storage ideas are still very much needed, regardless of the size of your space, try to make the most of ceiling height and avoid using too much floor space.
‘More and more customers have embraced ladder-style shelving to store and display, from paperwork and keys to houseplants and prized possessions,’ says Kate Gibson, Home Buying Manager, Habitat (opens in new tab). ‘A versatile storage solution, this style provides valuable shelf space with a minimal footprint.’
21. Create space using mirrors
(Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Luscombe-Whyte)
It’s the oldest trick in the book, but it really does work. You can instantly create the illusion of space by simply adding more living room mirror ideas. All the better still, like above, opt for an oversized mirror to cover an entire wall. The mirror will create the illusion of space by reflecting light and of course the interior decor – doubling up your small living room ideas.
‘We always recommend going for the largest mirror you can afford to make the most of the reflection and bounce as much light back into the room as possible. Alternatively, create a feature on the wall of your living room with a mix of vintage, foxed or antiqued mirrors for a unique take on the classic gallery wall,’ says Jane Rockett, Co-founder of Rockett St George.
22. Choose a broken plan layout
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
The modern interpretation of open-plan living, broken plan layouts are perfect for small living room ideas. This contemporary look is well-suited to modern living room ideas. You’ll have all the benefits of the sense of space that you get from open-plan. However, what broken plan also does if offer more of a visual separation between your zones without having to block them off with doors.
If a simple wall jutting out doesn’t separate the spaces enough, look to glass doors, instead.
23. Use paint to trick the eye
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)
Living room feature wall ideas do much more than just add pretty decoration. Trick the eye into your room appearing taller by carefully considered painting. Coat the bottom half of the wall in your favourite bright shade, which will draw attention.
Then paint the top half and the ceiling in a more neutral colour so it seems to disappear by comparison, and blurs the lines of where the walls end and the ceiling begins.
24. Open up with a serving hatch
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Forget all those 70s connotations of serving hatches. Instead, think of how this addition could bring light and space to your small living room ideas.
A simple rectangle cut in between your living room and kitchen will make both your rooms feel larger without having to commit to an open-plan living room layout. Plus, you can still use the space for its intended purpose, except leave the pineapple hedgehogs behind.
25. Boost light with floor to ceiling windows
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
There’s nothing like natural light to make a space feel bigger. Amp up the sense of space in your lounge by giving your back wall totally over to floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows. If you have a lush garden beyond, this will only enhance the sense of light and space.
26. Open up to the hallway
(Image credit: Future PLC/Anna Stathaki)
While this might seem a dramatic move, you can increase the sense of space by opening up the wall behind the sofa, revealing the light-filled hallway ideas behind.
This is a clever idea if your front room feels dark and crammed, and won’t impact too much on the structure of your rooms, as you’ll only be opening up part of the wall. Always seek professional advice before grabbing a sledge hammer but keep in mind a ‘hole in the wall’ could be the answer to your small space issue.
27. Choose a neutral sofa
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
‘A neutral sofa can help lighten the space, however it’s worth remembering that neutral doesn’t have to mean selecting a plain design,’ says Suzy McMahon, Buying Director, Sofology (opens in new tab). ‘Opting for styles with beautiful details, such as curves, buttons or fluting, will add character to a small space without overpowering your scheme.’ Bear this in mind when looking for sofa ideas for small living rooms.
‘Additionally, cushions and throws in bolder shades and patterns can keep the look from feeling too pared back. Alternatively, an accent chair is a great way to add a pop of colour and will effortlessly lift a darker space.’
28. Keep it cohesive
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
When working with small living room ideas, try and keep your colours cohesive, when it comes to furniture, accessories and wall colour too. ‘A cohesive colour palette boosts light creating a tranquil, snug oasis,’ says Nadia from Wayfair.
Sticking to two or three key colours will mean everything seamlessly sits together and nothing will jump out too much, making it dominate the room. Use living room paint ideas to zone spaces within the room and add plenty of plants to bring a feeling of life to the room.
29. Opt for built in everything
(Image credit: Future PLC)
If you need a lot of storage space in your living room, why not opt for built in everything!
Built in shelving and cupboards are much better space savers than freestanding. But a built in seating area too, will mean no space is wasted at all, especially if you add under-bench storage too. Choosing a coffee table with an open, wire base will also make the space feel roomier.
30. Save space with wall lights
(Image credit: Future PLC/James French)
In small spaces, it’s all about saving precious floor space so the room doesn’t seem too cluttered. Bear this in mind when choosing your perfect living room lighting ideas.
‘Opt for wall mounted lighting with a sleek profile to regain valuable floor space that would be lost to floor lamps or lamp topped side tables,’ advises Anna Cross, Home Living Buying Manager, Habitat. ‘We’ve seen high demand for plugin designs, as customers seek to create a cosy glow without the hassle of rewiring.”
31. Paint the skirting boards
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)
Breaking with convention, the trick to make a space feel bigger is to paint the skirting boards in the same colour as the wall. No more bold white borders. ‘One little tip, paint the skirting boards,’ advises interior designer Kelly Hoppen (opens in new tab). ‘It will make the whole wall look a lot taller. When you paint them white it’s a bit like wearing a sock and your trouser leg being too high. It kind of looks a bit odd!’
A brilliant analogy for the look of bold white skirting boards standing out from the wall colour, for all the wrong reasons – especially prominent when using a dark living room colour scheme. This trick will prevent the wall from being divided – helping to elongate them, so the room feels taller and therefore bigger.
Kelly Hoppen’s advice for painting skirting boards is a real game-changer in small spaces.
32. Add a feature wall in a warm colour
(Image credit: Future PLC/Fiona Walker-Arnott)
We all want our living rooms to feel cosy and restful. However, in a small space, you may feel apprehensive about introducing too many dark colours for fear of making the room feel cramped.
In that instance, pick a rich warm colour as a backdrop to a part of the room that’s all about relaxation, such as behind the sofa or your favourite armchair. So if you’re after cosy living room ideas, that deep shot of colour is a visual ‘hug’ that relaxes and draws us in, without making the room feel smaller.
33. Seamlessly transition to an outdoor space
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
If your small living room has an adjoining outdoor area, embrace the feeling of extra space. Sliding or bifold doors that open out fully will open up the space and create a sense of flow between the indoor and outdoor space. Choose coordinating furniture and furnishings to decorate the two areas to unite them and make the journey from one to the other feel seamless. This will help to make any small living area feel more generous by simply knowing the outdoor area is just beyond the threshold.
Alternatively, you could blur the boundary between indoors and out by painting your window frames the same colour as the walls, suggests Catharina Björkman, Scandi interiors expert at Contura (opens in new tab). ‘This directs your gaze towards the view as opposed to the window, which is now uninterrupted by the shock of a different colour frame and can be incredibly peaceful for the mind. Connecting with nature is vital for wellbeing, so allowing your home to blur into the view from the inside out is a great way to start,’ she says.
34. Use lighting to your advantage
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
In order to make the most out of your space ensure you have at least three working lights in the room. Light should be located at different heights, be indirect and allow your eye to move about the room. More light and more varied light is always good for a compact room.
35. Take storage to new heights
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme)
Don’t let vertical space go to waste. Hang pictures, choose tall furniture and think about practical living room shelving ideas. A striking picture or wall hanging will draw the eye up, making a space feel more expansive than it actually is.
Just because your living room is verging on the small side, it doesn’t mean that you should hide away all your favourite belongings in storage.
If you have objects that are worthy of showing off then display them along an open shelf, above the sofa. This idea is great for when floor space is at a premium.
36. Replace curtains with blinds
(Image credit: Future PLC/Alexander James)
Kelly Hoppen’s design advice for small spaces is to ditch the curtains and go for a living room blind idea instead. ‘Often people focus on something which really doesn’t need to be changed,’ explains Kelly. She suggests it can be as simple as changing a few little tiny things to make all the difference – such as the curtains.
If you are wondering how to dress a bay window, particularly one that is small and challenging then steer away from curtains. ‘I would put blinds up rather than curtains,’ advises Kelly. ‘This would actually make the room seem taller.’
What a great insider design tip to help make any small space feel instantly larger. The free space either side of the windows would create the illusion of airy space.
37. Up the storage potential
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
The key in a small space is to make the most of every inch available. When it comes to storage think outside the box and create bespoke storage solutions that use the free vertical space on walls and unused corners and nooks created by living room fireplace ideas as an advantage.
An affordable way to use a recess space for storage is to fit stacked floating shelves. Staggering them allows you to use both sides of the wall. The openness helps to keep the look light and airy, rather than boxed in. Just don’t overwhelm the room with clutter, warns Lisa Cooper from Thomas Sanderson (opens in new tab). ‘It may look like you can fit a lot inside, but in the long run, your room may look messy,’ she says. Use the shelves for displaying your very favourite books and trinkets.
38. Wall-mount and conceal a TV
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)
A wall-mounted TV is always going to be the better option for small living room ideas. Firstly we don’t want it taking up valuable space! Secure your modern flatscreen to the wall to create a streamlined look, freeing up the space beneath where you would otherwise have to accommodate a TV stand. Above a disused fireplace helps to use up otherwise redundant wall space too.
Look for smart ways to disguise your TV to prevent it standing out as point of focus. Cleverly concealing the large black oblong, that looks like a black hole, will help to stop it encroaching on a small space.
39. Make your own media centre
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)
Free up floor space, from storage units, by creating your own media centre that takes up minimal space. Fix an MDF panel to the wall and mount your TV screen and floating shelves on it, one above and one below if needed.
The space saving shelves will allow for storage without taking up too much needed space. The area underneath the bottom shelf allows for extra storage for items such as slim drawer units or drum storage stools.
40. Utilise awkward architectural spaces
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Cleveland)
Does your living room lack space due to awkward room proportions? Often with period properties the features which we love the most, such as bay windows, present a logistical nightmare for arranging furniture. If you have a compact sofa it should fit neatly into the position, without taking up valuable floor space.
Alternatively use the awkward area to house larger, bulkier furniture pieces such as sideboards and TV units. This prevents the pieces overpowering the rest of the small living room ideas, because the space would be otherwise unused anyway.
41. Hang baskets to provide extra wall storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)
If you are faced with small space living the only way really is up! Make the most of any floor space by keeping it as clutter-free as possible. That includes any small bits and bobs you might otherwise have laying around.
Willow baskets are an attractive way to solve the storage problem. Ideal because one they look great and two they are sturdy enough to hold all manner of clutter – a storage idea for a family living room.
Hanging from decorative hooks that can take a lot of weight, these baskets are great for quick end-of-day tidy-ups for toys, books, magazines, iPads and all the other stuff that tends to lay around.
42. Add storage near the ceiling
(Image credit: Future PLC/Georgia Burns)
Mount some carefully camouflaged white storage units at the top of the living room walls to stash clutter out of sight. Off-the-shelf kitchen wall cabinets are ideal for this. That said, be very careful about the maximum load that each unit can take when wall-mounted – you don’t want everything crashing down.
43. Avoid a corridor effect with a corner sofa
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
If your small living room ideas are based around a long, thin space, then it can be prone to feeling rather corridor-esque. Dark sofas will enhance this, so look for a pale L-shaped design to both open up the space and create a useful and cosy corner.
Choosing the best corner sofa set up means there will also be more room for extra seating by way of large floor cushions or a footstool.
44. Draw attention to the windows
Walls in Cream White and Mustard Jar Easyclean Matt emulsion, £25 for 2.5ltrs, Crown Paint
(Image credit: Crown Paint)
To let as much light in as possible make sure there is nothing obscuring your windows. Painting the window surround can help to draw attention to the source of natural light, which aids the feeling of space.
Also, remember to keep on top of cleaning windows, this will lighten and brighten up the room beyond.
45. Make your coffee table work harder
(Image credit: Future PLC)
When it comes to small living room ideas, hard-working, multi-functional pieces of furniture are key. Coffee tables are often overlooked as items which can double up their use. Look for versions which have integrated storage, allowing you to clear away any clutter at a moment’s notice.
Some options also come with removable trays in addition to the storage, providing an extra surface which can be added as and when needed.
46. Lead the eye away from the door
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
Whether a country cottage or a studio flat, it can be tricky to create a relaxing bolt hole when your front door opens straight into your living room. Take the emphasis away from the entrance by creating a focal point with thoughtfully arranged living room seating. Arrange your seating and surfaces facing into the centre of the space, visually blocking the door.
47. Factor in textural pieces
(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)
Decorating with white on walls, ceiling and floor always wins for small living room ideas, but it can leave it feeling clinical and stark.
Take the chill off a compact nook by mixing and matching fabrics and textures. Think leathers, woods, sisal and raffia to add both a tactile dimension and warmth with the natural tones. This is perfect for a country living room idea.
48. Distract the eye with characterful furnishings
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
While banishing clutter might help small living room ideas feel more open, if you’re a fan of the cosy, lived-in look such a pared back scheme will do little for you. But small doesn’t have to mean bare and characterless. Try the classic combination of dark leather furniture and traditional fireplace – there’s nothing like it for creating a warm, cosy environment.
Add much-loved items and accessories – in an interesting, character-filled scheme, no one will be thinking about how small the room is.
49. Make storage fit in seamlessly
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Use architectural features to incorporate smart storage. Build storage seamlessly into alcoves either side of a fireplace, for example. Give the surrounding original features a modern update with a fresh coat of paint and light retouching to keep things contemporary.
Small living room ideas need to be kept fresh and uncluttered with well-chosen storage. A great way to make a small living room feel larger is to keep it meticulously tidy and in order to do that, everything in the room needs to have its proper place. Bespoke fitted floor-to-ceiling shelves and cupboards that make use of every inch of spare space in alcoves beside a small living room fireplace.
50. Keep it to scale
(Image credit: Future PLC/Oliver Gordon)
If you have a little living room, don’t go overboard with a huge L-shaped sofa that’s big enough for the whole family, the dog and the neighbours when they pop round for a cuppa. There are plenty of living room sofa ideas that could be a better fit for your space. ‘Oversized pieces will create a crowded effect which can be unsettling in a relaxing environment,’ agrees Paula Taylor from Graham & Brown.
So keep it simple – a two-seater sofa is often all you need. Especially when paired with other seating solutions such as floor cushions or an ottoman. Ask yourself if you could manage with an equally comfy but far less invasive ‘snuggler’ or ‘loveseat’. Otherwise known as a 1.5 seater, this small living room ideas staple can easily accommodate a parent and child – or a cuddly couple.
How do you make a small living room look bigger?
‘If you are short for space in the living room, adding some height to your key pieces of furniture will help create an airy, open feel to help enlarge the room,’ advises Patricia Gibbons, Designer, Sofa.com (opens in new tab). ‘Not every piece needs to be elevated but adding legs to your sofa would be most effective for bringing in the illusion of space. There is something about being able to see more floor which creates the feel of spaciousness especially when you aren’t spoiled for it.’
And in terms of a flooring choice, David Snazel, Hard Flooring Buyer at Carpetright (opens in new tab) offers this advice, ‘For small rooms, a light wood finish floor with a single plank design will help create the perception of space within small living room ideas. In a broken plan layout carry the same flooring through from the kitchen to conjoining areas to create a consistent flow between the rooms. Chevron wood flooring can be especially effective running from a narrow kitchen into a separate dining or living space to help these areas feel harmonious. ’
How can I decorate my living room when it is small?
It’s all about making clever choices when buying furniture for small living room ideas. ‘Linear furniture designs with a minimal profile are ideal for smaller rooms,’ explains Rachael Fell, Furniture Buying Manager at Habitat (opens in new tab). ‘The open lines of a wire metal coffee table gives the illusion of more space as the surrounding scene is visible through it. Look out for designs that incorporate shelving into their silhouette to maximise storage capabilities.’
And when it comes to colour, be brave and go for that bold shade you love, regardless of the size of the room. ‘Some fear that adding a deep or bright colour to a small room will make it appear claustrophobic, opting instead for light neutrals to keep the space open,’ says Helen Shaw, UK Director, Benjamin Moore (opens in new tab).
‘However, when working with a small area, dark colours cleverly absorb the light of a space, making the division between walls appear blurred. This ‘blurred edges’ effect adds depth and dimension to a room, making it appear larger.’
Where do you put a TV in a small living room?
If your living room is more of a snug, and you use it generally for cosying up and watching movies, you don’t need to worry too much about where the TV goes, as it’s all about being comfortable. Céline Erlam of Indie & Co (opens in new tab) advises, ‘A TV needs to be at the correct height in relation to your sofa- you shouldn’t need to look up to view, and ideally, place it central to your sofa.’
She goes on to say, ‘Before you start work on your snug or small living room ideas, think about the audio systems and TV that you have so you can conceal any cabling’
But if you’re not keen on having your small living room TV idea on show, there are some smart tricks to help blend it in.
‘TV’s are a necessary evil so there’s no sense in trying to pretend they don’t exist! Particularly in a small living room, they can stick out like a sore thumb,’ says Lucy Henderson from My Bespoke Room.
‘You can opt for dark colours on the walls so that the TV isn’t such a stark contrast against it. You can also frame it within a gallery wall which stops it from being such a focal point as your eye is then drawn to the pictures beside it.’
What tricks can help make a living room look bigger?
‘There are lots of clever ways to create an illusion and make a smaller sized room look bigger and more spacious. Whilst it may seem boring to some, choosing an off-white paint colour such as Farrow & Ball’s Strong White will really enhance light refraction and make the room feel light and airy,’ suggests Tom Rutt, founder of TR Studio.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t fill your small living room ideas with colour. If you do want to mix it up with dark shades on the wall look to mirrors and clever furniture choices to help your small living room look bigger.
‘Don’t try and fill a small room with furniture. You need to prioritise what is important for you and start there. A large wall mirror will help bounce light and give the impression of more space,’ says Helen Stephens, Creative Director at Stephens + Stephens.
‘Try blinds within the window reveal so they are neatly installed. Large billowing curtains can also overpower a small space.’
What colour furniture goes in a small living room?
‘Any colour furniture will work in a small living room as long as it creates visual harmony with the rest of the space,’ comments Paula Taylor, Head Stylist at Graham & Brown (opens in new tab). ‘A contrasting piece will create boundaries and divide the space so opt for colours that will blend and create a visual colour block.’
Searching for a way to get away without leaving the comfort of your home? You’re not alone! When life’s demands become too much to take, it can be nice to have a space where you can shut the world out and just relax.
Creating a calming environment in your home is easier than you think! All it takes is a few simple ideas and a bit of creativity. Here, we’ll share our tried-and-tested tips on transforming any area into a haven of relaxation. From choosing a suitable color scheme to adding cozy accessories, we’ll cover ideas perfect for your home sanctuary. Let’s get started!
Optimize Furniture Arrangement for Relaxation
When creating a relaxing atmosphere, furniture layout can play an important role. It’s all about finding the balance between comfort and practicality. For example, if you’re trying to make a living room more conducive to relaxation, it’s crucial to consider your furniture arrangement.
Arrange your sofa, loveseat, or chairs in a semi-circle so you can face each other and encourage conversation. Or, consider an ‘L’ or ‘U’ formation for cozy TV viewing. Ensure there’s enough room for people to move around and for traffic to flow throughout the room. Adding floor cushions and low armchairs can also create a sense of comfort and help make the atmosphere more inviting.
In addition, use rugs strategically to define areas within the room or separate spaces like a lounge area from a dining area. If you have hardwood floors, place a large rug under the main seating area—this will add an extra layer of insulation for a cozy atmosphere. Experiment with different layouts until you find one that works best for your space!
Choose a Calming Color Palette
When creating a calming environment at home, the easiest way to make an impact is through color. You don’t need to be a pro interior designer—just pay attention to your chosen colors. For example, go for softer hues like muted blues, greens, grays, or tans rather than vivid primary colors like reds and yellows.
To avoid overstimulating your space with too many colors, stick to two or three shades max from the same family that complement each other. Also, incorporate nature-inspired colors like sky blue, grass green, and peachy pink for an even more organic feel. Different calming accent colors include lavender and baby blue; these help improve relaxation and encourage restful sleep.
Focus on Natural Elements With Plants and Wood Furniture
Bringing natural elements into your home can really help to create a calming and relaxing vibe. Adding plants brings life into the room and naturally purifies the air, making it more pleasant. Plus, you don’t need a green thumb—there are plenty of plants that are relatively easy to maintain!
Wooden furniture can also work wonders when creating a tranquil space. The natural tones of wood will make your room decor feel softer and warmer while adding texture that helps make it feel more inviting. Plus, wood furniture can often easily be moved around or updated—perfect for switching things up or reorganizing your space!
Incorporate Aromatherapy Items
Aromatherapy can be a potent tool to help create a calming at-home environment. Not only do certain aromas produce pleasant feelings, but many of them also have other benefits associated with them. For example, the scent of lavender is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
You can bring aromatherapy into your home with the following:
Essential oils: these are concentrated liquids extracted from plants that contain their natural aroma compounds. A few drops in an oil diffuser or humidifier will fill your entire room with its essence.
Room sprays: These are pre-mixed products using essential oils and other fragrances that can instantly refresh any room with a misty spritz.
Incense sticks: these have been used for centuries for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, but you can light up a few incense sticks to create an atmosphere of relaxation in any space.
Candles: scented candles will effortlessly add ambiance to your home while giving off tranquil aromas that soothe the senses.
Whichever aromatherapy item you choose for your home setup, experiment with different scents until you find the right one that makes you feel the most peaceful and calm in your space!
Conclusion
Creating a calming at-home environment doesn’t have to be complicated – minor changes to your space can make a big difference. Remember to select colors, decor, and furniture that bring peace and joy to you, and ultimately, make sure to add a personal touch of your own to make it truly unique.
There is no right or wrong way to create a calming and relaxing space. Whatever style you choose, choose pieces that make you happy, that you can enjoy and look forward to seeing each day. With these simple ideas, transforming your home into a calming and serene atmosphere can be done in no time.
Mix and match patterns, embrace bold colors, layer rugs, and so much more—we have plenty of tips for decorating the space where you enjoy conversations with friends and family. No matter if you call it a living room, family room, den, or even keeping room, you’ve got that one room in your home, aside from the kitchen, that’s intended for both family and company. And we bet you want it to look both pulled together and comfortable. It’s possible to create a well-decorated living room that will impress company and remain relaxed enough for your family to enjoy. Here are our best easy decorating ideas to create a living room that’s just right for you, whether that’s a more formal living room or a relaxed family room.
Bring the Outdoors In
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Materials that connect to your location are key to adding character. In this coastal Lowcountry living room, a natural sisal rug hints at marsh grasses and is also durable and easy to clean. The alligator skull speaks to the local wildlife, while palms in antique glass and fern-patterned pillows add to the room’s Lowcountry vibe and carefree polish. A vintage kilim is layered over the sisal rug in a spot that is protected from heavy traffic.
Enhance an Architectural Feature
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
The owners of this historic Louisiana home painted the coffered ceiling in a whimsical light blue to make it stand out. A similar approach could be used with decorative wall paneling. An Early American sofa is covered in a contrasting dusty rose silk velvet.
Invest in Antiques
Photo: Laurey Glenn
As your budget allows, invest in one fine antique per room. Here, a round French marble-topped gueridon table becomes a focal point and provides rich color in an otherwise ivory room. A pair of armchairs by the windows creates a secondary gathering space in this Birmingham home.
Use a Bold Accent Color
Carmel Brantley
White upholstery and the natural texture of the rug, blinds, and furnishings set the tone in this relaxed room. Vibrant pillows and drapes in bright, beachy colors add a tropical flavor. Try a strong punch of your favorite color to add interest to a subdued space.
Make the Room More Inviting
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
In this family-friendly remodel, multiple rooms were cleared away to make one large living space. The sofas offer plenty of room and invite conversation and games. With such a light, inviting space, the family is certain to spend hours here.
Host Like Your Grandparents
HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ STYLING BY: HOLLY SMITH
This living room already had good bones, but it was due for a once-a-century makeover. Laura Kay, owner and interior designer wanted her Chattanooga home to have touches that give the space just enough flair. “I splurged on this space. I wanted it to be a little fancy. The antiques give it a collected persona, but I also made sure to keep it youthful with lively prints like Lee Jofa’s Althea Linen and a classic animal print, Brunschwig & Fils’ Les Touches on the curtains, with funky ikat pillows from Etsy,” says Laura, who carved out three seating groups within the living room. “There’s purposely no TV, and we love to entertain here after dinner.”
Visually Divide a Great Room
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Modern homes often have an open floor plan in the living space. Use architectural details, like the cedar ceiling beams in this room, to help visually divide the living room from a dining area or kitchen. In this Georgia home, a rug and a pair of leather chairs also define the space.
Make An Indoor Garden
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
A classic floral chintz pattern was used here for both the curtains and the armchairs. Chalky green walls and botanical-themed accessories, like the prints around the fireplace and even a branch under the coffee table, complete the garden effect. The shades and lamps also add a natural element.
Modernize Heirloom Pieces
Laurey W. Glenn
The settee in this room was given a modern update with wild fabric, while neutrals were used to cover the curved vintage sofa and rounded swivel chairs. The brightly colored lamps, art, and fabrics add a punch that keeps this room from being stuffy or staid.
Lighten Up with Whites
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Achieve a luxe neutral look with white upholstery and decorative accents in a variety of soft hues to add extra depth and dimension. By using overstuffed furniture, this formal living room feels more relaxed. Try washable slipcovers if you have a high-traffic area.
Embrace Ideas from the Past
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Pursell
Try a great idea from the past. Glass-fronted cabinets are a common feature in historic bungalows that can be incorporated in a newer home. In this living room, green leather chairs offer a modern touch.
Let History Take Center Stage
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Comfortable furnishings, historic moldings, and museum-quality antiques go together in this 1830s Charleston living room. “Rooms in Charleston have a personal, collected look that is rich with layers of history,” says interior designer Jenny Keenan. “If you don’t include those traditional pieces, such as an antique secretary, you’re cheating all the people who lived in your home before you.” Use antiques to anchor your room and then mix in modern touches with bold fabrics, mid-century lighting, and sculptural accessories.
Make Existing Pieces Work
Brian Woodcock; Styling: Page Mullins
Because the house was already full of furniture, the designer, Allison Allen, didn’t have to start from scratch. In the living room, for instance, Allen re-covered the traditional sofa in a white stripe and wrapped a couple of ottomans in a cheeky animal print. New pieces—like the pair of skirted love seats and wicker urns from Mainly Baskets Home— provide a welcome layer of youthfulness.
Round Up Pieces with Personality
Dane Tashima, STYLING: Buffy Hargett Miller
The couple who bought this weekend escape in Pass Christian, Mississippi, knew exactly what style they wanted. They filled their living room with color, bamboo and rattan, beachy things and an eclectic mix of artwork. To find these treasures, the homeowners went to eBay, Chairish and estate sales. The resulting bounty reinforces what the couple calls the Palm Beach-meets-Bahamas-meets-Fantasy Island vibe.
Use a Barn Door
Laurey W. Glenn
A barn door allows the living space to be separated from the kitchen if nessessary, while taking up less space than traditional hinged doors. Close it to make your living room feel private and intimate. Then slide the door open anytime you have a free-flowing party.
Unify Your Space
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Designer Sam Blount used the biggest rug possible to tie this blue and white space together. “I’m a big fan of large rugs in small spaces—too many bitsy ones visually chop up the floor.” says Blount. The rug and upholstered chairs also have similar prints that tie them together.
Play With Color
Laurey W.Glenn
An elk antler trophy is the focal point in this primarily gold-hued living room. The soft wall color and muted ceiling keep this space feeling relaxed, while a palm tree triptych and blue, green, and mulberry furnishings and fabrics provide colorful accents. Adding splashes of color in an otherwise monochromatic space makes for a more lively room.
Whitewash the Walls
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Allow your guests rather than your walls to provide any color to the space. Here a homeowner painted all of the background surfaces, including the brick fireplace, a clean shade of white. A few touches of deep blue make the whites appear even more brilliant.
Forgo the Chairs
Laurey W. Glenn
These oversize sectionals allow everyone to sit with plenty of room to spare. The bench-style seat cushions look cleaner and don’t shift around like multiple seat cushions do. With a furniture arrangement like this, you’ll be lounging and conversing comfortably for hours.
Create a Neutral Backdrop for Collections
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
If you’re a frequent redecorator, keep the base neutral in order to let accessories really shine. White or off-white walls and furniture stay the same while a rotating collection can change with the seasons. You’ll have the freedom to add a splash of color or change things up with pillows and throws.
Mix Instead of Match Fabrics
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
“I don’t think fabrics have to be matchy-matchy to communicate with each other,” Lindsey Ellis Beatty says of her sunroom. “If they share a similar vibrancy and color temperature, they’ll look good together.” The designer set the room’s happy mood with a bright color palette of pink, turquoise, and chartreuse. A base of whites and neutrals helps keep the space grounded.
Mix Up the Seating
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Seating shouldn’t be limited to club chairs and sofas. Utilize benches, ottomans, and odd side chairs to accommodate more people. As a plus, the bench in this Sea Island beach house allows for conversation in either direction and can be moved around the room.
Layer Neutrals for a Relaxed Look
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
“To give Country French my minimalist spin, I avoid the expected ruffles and plaids and keep it about the painted antiques and white linens,” says homeowner and designer Regina Lynch. “In this house, curtains would have been too much, so instead I painted the trim a dark gray for a similar, but cleaner, look.” Soft green walls and a seashell lamp make the space relaxed and beachy.
Use Unexpected Materials
Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Scott Martin
Horizontal wood paneling clads this chimney from floor to ceiling instead of the usual brick or stone. The wood material ties together with the built-ins flanking the hearth, making the entire wall an interesting feature of the room. Deeply stained wood floors and furniture add additional warmth to the space.
Try Bold Patterns
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
This Louisiana living room shows that you don’t need to shy away from bold patterns or unusual colors in a small space. A loveseat is covered in an unexpected lilac, while an animal-print chair heightens the drama. A floral rug and coordinating pillows add further texture and color.
Let the Light In
Photography: Laurey W. Glenn
Short on windows to capture natural light? Replace solid exterior doors with glass ones for an airy feel and pretty views of your yard. A skylight was added when renovating this 1935 cabin to make the room even brighter.
Add Historic Charm
Laurey W. Glenn
Former editor-in-chief Lindsay Bierman sprang for real V-groove wood ceiling to add more character to the ceiling of his lakefront hideaway. Beaded board is cheaper and looks great too. It adds historic charm to any brand-new house. Ditto for chunky window casings.
Add Color to Collectables
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Don’t be afraid to personalize the items you buy. Almost every chair in this North Carolina living room was refinished: Two armchairs were whitewashed, and the blue velvet chair was gilded. “Neutrals can be so beautiful, but I am always drawn to bold color because it brings a room to life,” says interior designer Megan Young. “Using a variety of colors adds to the sense that furniture and objects have been collected, not just bought for the space.”
Know When To Save or Splurge
Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Heather Chadduck,
This sofa with its supreme comfort, rich color and fabric, and clean lines is definitely a forever piece, so it was worth spending a little more money on. The honeycomb mirror over the fireplace was an inexpensive purchase from a chain store. It’s unique enough to look like a custom-made piece.
Add Interest with Decorative Trim
Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett
The designer of this room in a Georgia mountain home added trim to the bottom of a basic sofa to dress it up and a mix of custom pillows to pull colors from around the room. Diamond-shaped molding on the walls provides an unusual focal point, while grass-cloth walls also add interest and texture.
Accent with Red
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Liz Strong
Use bright colors and strong patterns to punctuate an otherwise neutral space. The red upholstery and fabric in this living room add energy without overwhelming the area. Boldly patterned pillows also bring in a touch of blue.
Fake a Tall Ceiling
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn / Styling: Anne Turner Carroll
In a restored 19th-century farmhouse, ceilings were made to look taller by painting the baseboard and crown molding the same color as the walls. The uniform wall color also allows the original mantel and wood-paneled ceiling to shine. Wingback chairs and an antebellum piano hearken to the past in this historic home.
Get Inspired by a Favorite Textile
Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett
Use a fabric pattern to inspire the color scheme and style of your room. The fabric on these armchairs pulls together the bright red and gold tones of the family room in this Georgia mountain home. The coffee table and built-in furniture provide space for storing games and books.
Create a Keeping Room
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
The term “keeping room” is centuries old, but the concept is just as relevant today. Since guests typically gather in the kitchen, a keeping room is ideal for overflow and comfort. They can relax in a small seating area while still keeping company with the cook. Consider using furniture that is comfortable and durable, as this space is sure to be one of the most used in your home.
Center a Collection Around Color
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
In this living area, we established a pretty focal point with a vintage painted secretary that displays a collection of blue books and collectibles. The secretary also provides a spot for note writing and gift-wrap storage. A blue-striped rug repeats the theme.
Slipcover in Style
Charles Walton IV
Ready for a change? Washable slipcovers in lighthearted new fabrics perk up old upholstery and give the furniture a longer lifespan. Stools at the counter are slipcovered in coordinating fabric.
Achieve Balance
Laurey W. Glenn
Asymmetrical arrangements can be intimidating, but formal symmetry is easy to pull off and adds a calm balance to a room. In this Nashville home, the simple symmetrical arrangement above the fireplace is clean and elegant. The stain-treated fabrics in this formal-looking room are designed to stand up to wear and tear.
Balance Masculine and Feminine
Laurey W. Glenn
“You have to give credit to a husband who’s confident enough to handle a pink-and-purple-themed living room,” jokes designer Barrie Benson. Her expertly layered feminine touches are part of the well-executed yin and yang that balance this Tudor living room’s more masculine architecture. She also wove in menswear-inspired fabrics like wools and plaids with floral and chintz patterns.
Create a Cozy Spot for Reading
Photo Robbie Caponetto / Styling Anne Turner Carroll and Fran Keenan
This armchair is re-covered in a botanical print fabric. The legs are painted white to lighten the visual weight of the piece. Tucked into a corner of the living room and paired with a set of nesting tables, the chair is a perfect spot for reading.
Open Up Your Living Space
Laurey W. Glenn
Although less than 2,500 square feet, this North Carolina cottage feels larger because of the homeowners’ clever decision to open up and connect the main living spaces. The family room is also vaulted to reveal the loft space above―yet another way of providing extra volume to a relatively modest space.
Upgrade Your Doors and Windows
Photo by: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling by: Elizabeth Demos
To enhance the home’s 9-foot ceilings, these homeowners upgraded to 8-foot-tall doors and 6-foot-tall windows to let in maximum light. They also aligned the doors and windows at the same height to draw the eye up and create the illusion of more space. As a result, this prefab coastal college is airy and bright.
Accessorize with Nature
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Tortoise and conch shells accessorize this coastal living room, while starfish adorn the mantel. Books on South Carolina’s coastal area lie stacked on the coffee table and topped with shells. Vases of palm fronds simply picked up from outside complete the tropical decor.
Pick Interchangeable Furniture
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Use furniture that can be used flexibly around your home. In this home, the designer peppered the living room with turquoise and lavender, while in the den (which opens to the main living area), a deeper teal and violet dominate. A pair of whimsical Moroccan-inspired stools upholstered in a striped fabric serves as a coffee table, but can be converted to extra seating in either space.
Repeat Prints
Photo by: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling by: Natasha Louise King
Repeating patterned fabrics in adjoining spaces is a great way to tie them together. Here, the dining chair upholstery is repeated in accent pillows on the living room sofa. At the same time, other prints on drapes and pillows keep the space from becoming matchy-matchy.
Build-In Your Entertainment Area
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
These homeowners flanked the hearth with bookshelves, one of which is designed to accommodate the television. They also removed a wall to open up the space into the kitchen. Now everyone can get in on the action in their Alabama home.
Retrofit Your Lighting
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Heather Chadduck,
Don’t be trapped by a light’s intended use. This homeowner painted an outdoor lantern and wired it for the indoors. It’s a whimsical choice for a room painted in a lighthearted pink and green.
Use Art to Achieve Height
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Heather Chadduck,
In this living room, artwork arranged over the door casing serves to draw the eye upward. Painting the ceiling an airy blue also makes it soar. The translucent chandelier and long drapes help the room feel taller.
Use Outdoor Fabric for Durability
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
A sectional sofa covered in a khaki Sunbrella sailcloth floats in the center of this room. The outdoor-rated fabric won’t fade and will easily shed stains. Outdoor, washable rugs can also be used in a high-traffic family room.
Use Flexible Furniture in a Great Room
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
This living area contains leather swivel chairs that can be rotated to face the kitchen or the TV and fireplace. The long upholstered ottoman does double duty as a coffee table and a bench. In this Tulsa, Oklahoma home, everything is designed to be family-friendly.
Curate a Rotating Mantle Display
Laurey W. Glenn
Display an ever-changing arrangement of artwork and accessories above the mantel. Pick up one-of-a-kind finds at the flea market or antique store. As you find new collectibles, swap them out as a quick way to change up the look.
Make Room for Family
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Designers eliminated the breakfast room in this home and incorporated it into a more casual family room that connects to the kitchen. The den wall was taken down and the space was reappropriated as a sunroom, filling the main living area with more light. A mostly blue palette sets apart the area, which has plenty of seating to accommodate a crowd.
Hang Mini-Galleries
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Hang mini-galleries throughout the house to maximize limited wall space and showcase art. Create groupings within her collection of artwork based on styles, weight, and frames. Use artwork wherever you see an opportunity –above doors, between windows, or even wrapped around the TV.
Create a Nook for Artwork
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
A stacked fieldstone fireplace takes center stage in this family room. Rather than just a sheer wall of stone, the exposed chimney is designed with a central recess for artwork, along with tapered edges on either side, to keep it from appearing too overpowering. Sconces mounted directly to the stone are an attractive way to shed plenty of light on the antique timber mantel.
Splash on the Color
Laurey W. Glenn
Don’t be afraid to try a rainbow of colors. This cheerful space incorporates lemon yellow, green, and tangerine. A neutral sofa and rug help keep the room grounded.
Create Display Cubbies
Photography: Laurey W. Glenn
Cozy built-in cubbies provide the perfect place to display antique collectibles and heirlooms in this living room. Built-in shelves and floating shelves add additional display space. Beautiful baskets can do double duty, hiding away your collection of remotes.
Salvage Original Materials
Photo: Helen Norman
Salvage materials to add unique architectural features to your home. Doors, windows, and trim can be rescued from an abandoned home or found at an antique or reuse store. In this living room, simple Shaker-style cabinet doors from a lumber salvage yard mimic the look of a custom paneled wainscot for much less.
Maximize Small Spaces with Built-Ins
Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins
In this small room off of the front entry of this Kentucky home, a built-in bookshelf also provides storage behind closed doors and a flip-out desk. This multi-functional room can serve as a workspace, a quiet escape, or a fun entertaining space. Especially with more families working from home, these multi-functional areas are becoming more popular and a priority.
Divide Up Large Rooms
Laurey W. Glenn
How do you make a gigantic room look cozy in an open floorplan? Turns out it’s all about dividing the room into cozy seating areas. A console table and lamps behind the sofa help to separate the space.
Go Bold With Color
Robbie Caponetto
“I thought I could be a neutrals girl, but I’m not. I’m embracing who I am and throwing in color wherever I see fit,” says homeowner Stacie Abdallah. She fearlessly painted these bookshelves in her remodeled home a bold navy to great effect. The bookshelves were an Ikea purchase that she repainted and framed in for a custom built-in look.
Dress Up a Rustic Room
Laurey W. Glenn
Even a rustic wood cabin can be softened and made more sophisticated with fabric and furnishings. Barn builders used post-and-beam construction in rough-hewn yellow pine in this farmhouse living room. Linen curtains with vintage trim add elegance to the rustic room.
Mix Up Monochromatic
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Make monochromatic more interesting. The homeowners combined several shades of blue, from almost-black navy to a pale sky blue, in the light-filled living room. A print over the fireplace also plays up the monochromatic theme.
Add Your Own Creations
Photo: Helen Norman
In his cottage living room, designer P. Allen Smith wanted a one-of-a-kind art piece over the mantel. “It’s more affordable than you might think,” says Allen, who mounted old farm tools to make a big impact for little cost. “Original artwork adds so much soul to a home.”
Choose a Statement Sofa for a Large Room
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
A tufted chesterfield sofa covered in family-friendly Sunbrella fabric adds scale and traditional style in this farmhouse restoration. Tip: A large sofa needs large pillows—ours are 26 inches square. Bonus Tip: Reinvent vintage finds in a new setting. Here, an old flat file cabinet works as a coffee table.
Use a Range of Textiles
Laurey W. Glenn
In this Tudor renovation, designer Barrie Benson combined 10 different textiles and prints in a single, orderly viewpoint without flinching. “I’m not shy about mixing patterns,” she admits, “as long as the scale is significantly different.” Three boldly distinct but equally strong upholstery selections converse easily with one another in this mise-en-scène, and the lighthearted purple, pink, and white leopard print on the window seat cushion keeps pace with the other prints without overwhelming any of them.
Add In Rustic Elements
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Front and back doors open directly into a two-story-high living room, where spruce-planked walls and wood beams salvaged from an 1890 Tennessee barn reflect the home’s rural setting and give the space a refined, barnlike feel. Interior decorator Phoebe Howard balanced the rustic elements in this Nashville house with color. “I added an air of elegance with a soft color palette that reflects the surrounding sky and hills,” she says.
Layer Patterns and Prints
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cox
Sprinkling the same print throughout a room (on throw pillows, curtains, and walls) is an old decorator’s trick. Scattering patterns that are similar—in scale, motif, or color (like the diamond shapes in the living room)—but just a little different keeps things interesting and really wakes up the room. Colorful, loose abstract art pieces keep a formal room from feeling stuffy.
Hide Private Spaces
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Use design elements like these louvered doors to make private spaces inconspicuous. “We needed a powder room in the part of the house where the living was going to happen, but having bathrooms right off living spaces is a real pet peeve of mine,” says architect Chris Sanders. In this Austin home, he helped design a wall of louvered doors that hide an almost 5-foot-wide powder room, a small wet bar, and a row of air vents that run across the top.
Showcase Antiques
Laurey W. Glenn
Antiques are the hallmark of Southern homes, but you don’t have to have a room full of fine antiques—one nice piece in a room can elevate everything around it. The antique hutch in this room gives a sense of history.
Decorate with Cottage Style
Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason
Layer floral patterns and stripes on casual furniture for a cozy, cottage feel. Try a knotty pine table that won’t be ruined by spills and scratches. Cottage style is all about creating a comfortable space for the entire family.
Create a Statement with Accomplishments
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Liz Strong
A family collection of fishing-tournament awards were arranged here to create a gallery feeling in the den. The walls and sofa reflect a color pulled straight from one of the pieces. With such bold colors, matching the sofa to the wall color prevents it from overwhelming the room.
Keep it Neutral
Helen Norman
Keep the beautiful views the primary focus. A neutral palette is devoid of area rugs or window treatments, camouflaging this lake house living room with its surroundings. The soft color gives the room a restful feel.
Bring the Outdoors In
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Don’t underestimate your living room’s greatest feature: the view. The two-story-tall window in this living room maximizes natural light. An undivided lower sash and a window seat take maximum advantage of the serene exterior view.
Give Your Living Room a Sense of Place
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
This home’s boho beach style is well-developed. Palm fronds and shells are scattered around the room. A painting of a seascape hangs on the wall, and the blue-and-white color scheme echoes the area’s white sands and blue waters. A large rattan coffee table gives the room a mellow, beachy edge and doubles as a game table.
Reflect Your Surroundings
Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
In this mountain home, interior designer Lauren Liess infused the living room with earthy color palettes and a tree-stump side table to create a cozy gathering space just as relaxed as the beautiful Blue Ridge setting. The living room had to be equal parts hangout spot, entertaining center, and functional pass-through. “I often use new upholstery but bring in quirky antiques—like the Victorian armchair—to add charm,” Lauren says.
Put Your Feet Up
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox
Designer Whitney McGregor wanted every room in this Highlands, North Carolina cabin to be more inviting than the next. “This is a mountain cabin, and the wood is cozy, so I decided to roll with it and keep the walls,” she says. While a crisp white sofa and chintz slipper chairs dress the space, McGregor favors ottomans over coffee tables. “I want people to lie back and put up their feet. Comfort is my number one goal,” she says.
Make Height a Showstopper
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Shannon Gini
In this 1940s Georgia home, an addition provided the opportunity to create a showstopping living room. The space is adorned with clean, traditional moldings and a hipped box-beam ceiling set just high enough to wow. Atlanta designer Amy Morris accentuated that height with a statement light fixture from Currey & Company and enhanced the room’s feeling of openness with a pair of large-scale mirrors to “create a feeling of windows all around,” she says.
Save With Thrifty Finds
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Kiera Coffee
“I love the hunt of finding cool things for a good deal,” says homeowner EJ Brown, who scored the round wood coffee table for $20 at a local Goodwill store. “I look for furniture you can feel comfortable in. You can put your feet up on that table like it’s no big deal,” she says. Mixing thrift store finds with newer modern pieces like the shimmering Serena & Lily globe pendant keeps this Alabama cabin feeling fresh.
Harmonize High and Low Style
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
This unpretentious living room seamlessly blends one-of-a-kind finds with discount-store purchases. Luxe custom upholstery and antique-auction furnishings mingle well with bargain buys such as a modern flower chandelier from Ikea. Interior designer Virginia Mary Brown sought to create a woodsy vibe with the tree-adorned Arbre de Matisse Reverse Brown on Tint fabric by China Seas (quadrillefabrics.com) on two bold club chairs, along with other nature-inspired accent pieces in the space. To ensure the room’s look didn’t skew too rustic, Brown layered in sleek pieces like the lacquer-and-acrylic plastic coffee table.
Keep the Charm
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Built around 1890, this beautiful Tennessee mountain cottage is a study in simplicity, mixing natural materials including stone and timber to create a warm, inviting, and welcoming space. A neutral color palette and beaded board ceilings throughout the home allow historic features to shine. “There’s not one thing that feels contrived about this house. It’s relaxed and natural,” says homeowner Terry Banta.
Celebrate the View
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Stunning views of the marshland drove the design of this Palmetto Bluff living room. The floor-to-ceiling clerestory bay window is more than just a grand gesture to the landscape; it also ensures that the wraparound porch won’t steal a sliver of light from this ethereal space. To balance the towering white walls, the dark, richly colored floors and hearth draw the eye downward.
Make a Strong Impression
Laurey W. Glenn
Bold, geometric prints reign supreme in the artwork, fabrics, and floor covering of this living room. The soft neutral upholstery and wall color allow each piece to pop. At the same time, the limited color palette of the prints prevents the room from being overwhelmed.
Open the Floor Plan
Hector Manuel Sanchez
These days most every homebuyer—or home remodeler—wants an open plan house. A multi-purpose room lets people in the kitchen keep an eye on the goings-on in the living room and vice versa. Being able to see what is happening in every room is both inclusive for hosts wanting to be included in the party or parents with busy toddlers. That’s why this practical layout is undoubtedly here to stay.
Inside Style and design Masters’ head choose and interiors professional, Michelle Ogundehin, reveals the most crucial space in your dwelling to get correct.
When subsequent household decor tendencies, it can generally be hard to know wherever to target all your awareness in a home’s furnishing and decorating method. Should you prioritise communal locations, like fleshing out living home concepts or receiving a lot more intimate areas, this sort of as your bed room dressed to a tee to start with?
We have prolonged turned to Michelle Ogundehin for her strategies and information about our households, from making sure that we are clued up about the invisible interior style and design rule, to assuring us that the era of tendencies is in excess of, she’s definitely a voice to belief when it will come to interiors – and this time just isn’t any unique.
White bed room with double bed and hanging crops on equally sides
The most significant home in your house to get proper
We requested the interiors skilled which area in the house is the most significant to get right, to which she responded, the bed room.
‘I feel in my guide it can be the to start with detail I converse about as it is wherever you begin and end each solitary day. Curiously, with receiving your bed room correct, the decor is the pretty last matter that you must believe about,’ explains Michelle.
White bed room with mattress with environmentally friendly bedding and massive windows and blinds
It’s about making the foundations to start with of the space, thus, right before even selecting to embark on checking out your present day little bedroom strategies, make positive you have taken the time to devote in the best mattress to start with and foremost.
At the time you’ve laid the foundations of your bedroom’s room, it really is then very important that you concentrate on lights. Regardless of whether you might be searching via little bedroom lighting strategies or bed room wall lights concepts, the atmosphere is essential in a house as personal as a bed room, so you don’t want to low-priced out on it.
Michelle Ogundehin proceeds, ‘Our skill to sleep effectively underpins each single function of our bodies, our hormones, our muscle tissues, our cognitive talents, all the things. So, form that out and then almost everything else will be so significantly less complicated.’
White bedroom with lengthy white curtains
If you’re seeking to rest better and are currently acquiring a tricky time, it may well be truly worth thinking of how your bed room is furnished as this impacts you a lot more than you could imagine.
So, let’s be absolutely sure to exhibit a small excess TLC to your bedrooms shifting forward. You can thank yourself for it later.
We all hanker after a good-sized dining room, especially for those with families or if you love entertaining. But unfortunately, a large dining room space isn’t always on the cards. If your dining space falls into the small size category, there are several small dining room decorating mistakes you should aim to avoid if you want to create a beautiful fully functioning space.
Get your small dining room ideas right and the space will become an easy-on-the-eye room that’s practical and stylish. Colour is a big factor and one that can dramatically change the size of a room visually and paler shades can be a winning option.
Another area to research is small dining room lighting ideas – get the proportions right and the result will be a light room that has layers of lighting that will ensure your dining room is lit well from the rushed breakfast during the week to a relaxing dinner with friends.
Small dining room decorating mistakes to avoid
Dark, and cramped with oversized furniture is the opposite of what you want one of the most social spaces in your home to feel like. Knowing what small dining room decor ideas work is as important as knowing what doesn’t. Here are the small dining room decorating mistakes we’d recommend avoiding, and what you should do instead.
1. Opting for a tablecloth over a runner
(Image credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore)
‘The use of a tablecloth can be very useful if you want a softer look, or if you just want to cover up a badly scarred tabletop. However, be aware that a tablecloth adds visual bulk to the table and can make the room feel more hemmed-in,’ warns Simon Temprell, interior design manager, Neptune (opens in new tab).
If you’re decorating the table in a small dining room Simon instead recommends trying a table runner. ‘Table runners can offer you a compromise and will give you the opportunity to introduce some colour and texture.’
2. Not considering a circular table
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Circular tables tend to get bad press, but one big advantage is no more bumping into the corners of a square or rectangular design – always a win! They are generally more of a one-sized option but can look fabulous when teamed with chairs that have a curvy element, it all helps the eye to flow, which in the case of a small dining room space is paramount.
Another benefit is they have a smaller footprint than square or rectangular tables of a similar size so can trick the eye into thinking that the space is larger than it is as you can see more floor space. Some designs available utilise a central leg instead of four, solving any legroom issues.
They’re also more sociable as they’re easier to walk around, and everyone can see each other, enabling the conversation to flow more smoothly.
3. Playing it safe with a plain scheme
(Image credit: Future PLC)
A common small dining room decorating mistake to avoid can be defaulting to a plain scheme over one that’s vibrant and full of colour. We tend to think that kind of interior design only works in a spacious room but it can work successfully in smaller space.
Using patterned dining room wallpaper ideas and fabrics will create a scheme that’s bold, and it will help to distract the eye from the size of the dining room and brighten up a dark corner.
Start with a couple of colours that work well together like blue and green and consider a monochromatic element too. Pop in an accent like red or yellow, but do add balance with a plain floor or white table.
4. Scrimping on the storage
(Image credit: Shelved)
When space is tight in a small dining room it’s easy to believe that there’s no room for the usual storage furniture like a sideboard for example. Our brains tell us that it will take up too much room and look cluttered but if you pick wisely and opt for a slimline unit you’ll reap the benefits.
‘The dining room often has many functions, from hosting to casual dining and in some cases homeworking, therefore it’s important to ensure you have enough space to keep everything safely stored away. Not allowing for enough storage in the dining room can sometimes make a small space feel even smaller,’ says Jonathan Clark, creative director, Shelved (opens in new tab).
‘Shelving units are great for displaying your favourite glassware, serving dishes and accessories but cupboards have their uses too, providing the perfect place for the less aesthetic yet practical items often found in the dining room.’
5. Choosing a table that doesn’t fold
(Image credit: Future PLC)
When space is at a premium there is no smart solution that a table that has leaves that fold up and down as you need. Folding tables have been around for decades, and when we think of folding tables we generally think of heavy antique tables with the extra leaf in the middle, but you can get simpler designs (Wayfair has a lovely selection (opens in new tab)) where the leaves fold up rather than having to take pieces out.
These nifty designs enable you to keep the dining table small and neat for breakfast and then open up for evening meals and entertaining. Stools that fit underneath will keep them tidy and out of the way until needed too.
6. Going small with your lighting
(Image credit: BHS )
Good dining room lighting ideas will transform a small dining into a cosy and inviting space. Just because you are working with a small space doesn’t mean you need to go small, however, do choose the dimensions carefully.
‘When hosting family and friends around the table, good lighting is a must! Create a focal point by hanging a decorative pendant light above the dining table – for a statement try a show-stopping chandelier. There is an increasing desire for lighting that looks as good switched off as it does on and this has led to more searches for bubble motif lighting, a trend set to grow as homeowners search for more playful and uplifting interior accents.
‘For smaller rooms, you also may want to choose a lampshade that is narrower, whereas in larger rooms you want a wider lampshade to fill the space better,’ says Julian Page, head of design, BHS (opens in new tab).
7. Trying to fit a large table into a small space
(Image credit: Neptune)
We’ve all done it – tried to get a favourite armchair or table into a room where it doesn’t fit because we love it so. But bulky furniture takes up space, physically and visually so it’s important to choose pieces that are the right size for the space.
‘Square tables are very handy for pushing into corners when not in use, but if you would like to sit chairs around your table every day then remember that you need a minimum of 150cms clearance to push back your chair to get in and out. Consider using a bench on one side of the table to save space,’ says Simon Temprell, interior design manager, Neptune (opens in new tab).
8. Not choosing a common theme
(Image credit: Homebarn)
Choosing furniture that matches – like a rustic theme for example, will give a sense of cohesion to a small dining room and ‘unifies’ a look. It has its place and can create a calming feel.
‘Adding a statement table into the dining room will also ensure that the size of the room is not nearly as defining as the table in the middle,’ says Sarah and Sally Wilkie, founders, Homebarn (opens in new tab). ‘Reclaimed wood is a strong favourite, thanks to its rustic appeal and environmentally friendly nature.’
9. Only using chairs
(Image credit: Future PLC)
When designing a small dining room it would be a big mistake to feel you are confined to the traditional dining room set up of a table and chairs. Bench seating can be a much smart solution to make the most of a small space.
Bench seating is underrated and so useful for small dining rooms – it means you can seat more people and use chairs on the opposite side. One top tip is to ask your joiner to create a long bench seat with a hinge so you can use it for storage too. You can also build your own bench seat yourself with space for storage baskets underneath.
For added decoration pop up a long but narrow open shelf for displaying small artwork and ornaments.
10. Contrasting colours in a narrow space
(Image credit: Fired Earth)
Small can mean a lot of different things in a dining room, if small to you is narrow then you will want to steer clear of too many contrasting colours.
‘Try and avoid too many contrasts in colour or if narrow almost verges on tunnel, paint the end wall a couple of shades darker than the other 3,’ recommends Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador, Farrow & Ball (opens in new tab).
‘This will help the former advance and ‘square’ up the space. You could also consider decorating with paper- something graphic will be visually distracting and even better if the design motif has a horizontal bias, this will help the illusion of width.’
How can I make a small dining room look good?
With a bit of clever planning and considering the size of your basics – table and chairs or bench combination, a small dining room can be both stylish and practical, but do incorporate storage into your design scheme.
‘Modular storage units and sideboards are perfectly suited to small dining rooms; by placing these along one wall and maximising all the available vertical space you can create a solution that not only looks good but functions well too.
By keeping storage units to one wall only, you are freeing up additional wall space for artwork, family photos or a decorative mirror – floor-to-ceiling units will also allow you to save valuable floor space by using vertical space instead,’ says Jonathan Clark, creative director, Shelved (opens in new tab).
How do you deal with a narrow dining room?
Narrow rooms can be tricky, but still have great potential as a dining space and can elevate the room from a walk-through space to one that’s functional and easy to spend time in.
‘Instead of buying a round table for a narrow dining room, a longer table would be much more beneficial. A long table will ensure that there is plenty of space to sit around as well as move around without awkwardly shimmying behind furniture to get to the other side of the room,’ say Sarah and Sally Wilkie, founders, Homebarn (opens in new tab).
‘For long narrow rooms, feature shelving can really help to zone the space, acting as a room divider to create an intimate dining setting. Not only does this offer a place to display photo frames, plants, and other prized possessions, but it will create a clear separation between spaces, helping to break up the room whilst also remaining functional,’ adds Jonathan.
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