Summary: The best small living room design ideas include:
Choosing light colors to visually expand your space
Picking the right-sized sofa or sectional built for small rooms
Placing furniture against walls or corners to free up walking space
Using multifunctional furniture like storage ottomans or nesting tables
Adding mirrors and maximizing natural light to make the room feel open
Keeping walkways clear and layouts uncluttered
Investing in a custom sofa from What A Room designed to fit perfectly
Designing a small living room isn’t just about making it look bigger—it’s about making it work for your everyday life. In cities like NYC or San Francisco, where every square foot counts, your living room has to balance comfort, style, and storage.
Whether you’re working with 200 or 400 square feet, these small living room design ideas will help you create a space that feels stylish, functional, and perfectly livable.
What’s Considered a Small Living Room?
“Small” looks different depending on where you live. In many apartments:
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200–300 sq ft is common in big cities
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A 15x20 ft living room feels spacious by city standards
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If you can walk behind your sofa without turning sideways, you’re doing great
Tip: Knowing your square footage helps you choose the right small living room layout and furniture.
Choosing the Best Sofa for Small Living Rooms
Your sofa sets the tone. In smaller spaces, it should offer comfort without overwhelming the room.
Best options for small living rooms:
Sleeper sofas for occasional guests
Storage sofas with hidden compartments
Chaise sofas with storage for lounging and organization
Pro tip: Custom chaise sofas with storage are ideal for compact living rooms and studios.
Alt text suggestion: Custom chaise sectional with hidden storage in a small living room
Small Living Room Layout Ideas: Where to Place the Sofa
In tight spaces, walls are your best friend.
Place the sofa against a wall or tuck it into a corner to free up walking space
Keep the center of the room open for flow and light
Leave room for a coffee table or a compact accent chair
Best Coffee Tables for Small Living Rooms
A coffee table should be functional and scaled to the room.
Coffee table cheat sheet:
Size: About two-thirds the length of your sofa
Shape: Round or oval to save space and soften corners
Function: Built-in storage or ottoman-style tables that double as seating
Height: Even with or slightly lower than sofa cushions
TV Placement That Saves Space
Bulky TV stands eat up floor space. Try these instead:
Wall-mount the TV to free the floor
Use an articulating mount to adjust viewing angles
Mount in a corner to make use of awkward walls
Custom Sofas for Compact Living Rooms
Every apartment layout is different, which makes custom furniture for small spaces a smart choice.
Great custom sofa options include:
Compact chaise sectionals
Sleeper sofas for guests
Sofas with hidden storage
Pro Tips to Make a Small Living Room Feel Bigger
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Use light, neutral performance fabrics to brighten the space
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Add mirrors to reflect natural light and create openness
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Choose multi-use pieces like storage ottomans or benches
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Reduce clutter with baskets, bins, or under-sofa storage
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Maximize vertical space with floating shelves and tall bookcases
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Swap floor lamps for wall-mounted lighting
FAQs About Small Living Rooms
How do you make a small living room feel bigger?
Use mirrors, light neutral colors, and furniture with visible legs. Keep décor simple and clutter to a minimum.
What type of sofa works best in a small living room?
Compact sectionals, chaise sofas with storage, or sleeper sofas. Custom sizing ensures the piece fits your room.
Can I have a coffee table in a small apartment living room?
Yes. Choose one that’s proportionate and ideally offers storage or doubles as seating.
Is a sectional sofa good for small spaces?
Absolutely. A custom sectional sized to your room provides seating without overwhelming the layout.
What colors make a small living room look bigger?
Light neutrals like beige, ivory, or soft gray visually open up the space.
Final Thoughts: Designing a Cozy, Clever Small Living Room
It’s not about pretending you have more space, it’s about making the most of what you have.
Focus on multifunctional furniture, smart layouts, and clutter-free design. Your small living room can feel intentional, comfortable, and welcoming.
Ready to refresh your living room? Explore custom sofas and sectionals, browse durable performance fabrics and order free swatches, and take advantage of white glove delivery for a stress-free setup.
