Designers reveal the mistakes you should avoid in a small living room

Photo: Viktoriya Skorikova//Getty Images

If your home has a small living room, you already know that designing it can be challenging. When every inch counts, you need to think carefully about furniture, lighting, and other elements.

Interior designers point out the most common mistakes to avoid, because they can make the space look cluttered and small, and provide ideas on how to make it more open and functional.

The living room is one of the spaces where the family's daily life takes place: it is where people chat with friends, watch movies or spend moments of relaxation. Even if it is small, it should be comfortable and practical. In addition to avoiding clutter, designers emphasize the importance of creative use of space for storage and decor. Many people forget about vertical space or choose furniture without additional function. It is also recommended that the environment be personal and not built only according to trends.

Below are the main mistakes you should avoid in a small salon.

 Don't neglect vertical space

When floor space is limited, many people focus only on that, but designers suggest looking up.

According to designer Meghan Jay, hanging curtains closer to the ceiling instantly makes a room look bigger. Also, wall shelves and hanging furniture help to make the floor look freer and the space more spacious. Mirrors also help create the feeling of a larger room.

Don't rely on just one lighting source

Lighting from the ceiling alone is often not enough.

Designers recommend combining several light sources: floor lamps, table lamps, and wall lighting. This not only illuminates the space better, but also makes it look larger and warmer. Mirrors also help by reflecting natural light.

Don't choose a sofa that is too big.

In a small space, the size of the furniture is very important.

A sofa that is too large can make a room look cluttered and unusable. Designers advise that furniture be proportionate to the size of the room and ceiling height, so that the space remains functional and easy to move around.

Don't buy furniture that only has one function.

In small spaces, furniture should be as practical as possible.

Furniture that also offers storage space is recommended, such as coffee tables with shelves or TV stands with additional storage. However, you should not overdo it, so that the room does not look crowded.

Don't be afraid of a flashy element

Many people avoid strong decorative elements in small spaces, but designers say this is a mistake.

A large piece of art or a unique object can bring a room to life and make it more interesting, without overwhelming it.

 Don't avoid colors and patterns

There is an opinion that small spaces should only be in light colors, but this is not mandatory.

Even dark colors can work well if combined properly with the decor. Similarly, patterns and strong colors can give personality to the space.

 Don't push furniture completely against the wall.

A common mistake is placing all the furniture next to the wall.

Designers suggest that furniture be “detached” from the walls slightly to create more depth and fluidity in the space. At the same time, it should be ensured that movement in the room remains free and comfortable.