Decorate a Small Living Room in Style: 10 Game-Changing Ideas

Little did we know adulting would revolve around finding the perfect wall color, the coffee table that fits just right, the rug beautiful enough to sweep you off your feet, and the bed that sinks you right into your good dreams.

Because in the end, it's not just about a house. It's about building a home—one where you fall in love, start a family, and rush back to just to feel the warmth of a space that lets you unwind and truly be.

At Spacejoy, we get it. We always understand the assignment.
Our top-rated interior designers work 1:1 with you to bring your vision to life. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook or your entire dream home, we’ll have your personalized space designed in just 7 days—and here's the best part: You don’t need to search the internet for furniture and decor. Explore and shop stunning pieces from Spacejoy’s exclusive collections, all in one place.

So, ready to fall in love with your home again?

1. Choose White Walls — But Make Them Luxe

White walls are still in, but in 2025, it’s all about layered neutrals. Think warm whites like alabaster or creamy vanilla, paired with soft taupe or sandy beiges. These create an airy, soothing vibe and work as a flexible base for any style.

Spacejoy Tip: Want to go bolder? Pair your white walls with sculptural decor and statement lighting in gold or matte black for a minimalist-meets-luxury aesthetic.

2. Create a Cozy Nook, Not Just a Corner

Got an awkward alcove or slanted ceiling? Turn it into your secret hideaway. Add a plush accent chair, a small bookshelf, and some moody lighting. Bonus points for built-in seating with hidden storage.

 Designer Pick: Try a boucle chair and side table combo from our Luna & Luxe collection for that elevated cozy factor.

3. Scale It Like a Pro

Small doesn’t mean mini everything. Contrast a compact coffee table with a generously sized sofa or mix in oversized art with a slender console table. Playing with scale adds depth and makes your space feel curated — not cramped.

4. Float Your Furniture (Literally)

Mount your shelves. Hang your planters. Choose pieces with slim, lifted legs. Keeping the floor visible creates an illusion of openness.

6. Pattern & Texture > Loud Colors

Instead of flooding your space with color, add personality through visual texture. Think ribbed vases, woven ottomans, or patterned cushions.

 Design Hack: Mix matte and shiny finishes for subtle contrast that still reads as cohesive.

7. Decorate Vertically

Maximize height to make your room feel taller. Try vertical bookcases, tall plants, hanging lights, or a slim gallery wall going all the way up.

8. Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall…

Mirrors bounce light, double up visual space, and look super chic. In 2025, curved-edge mirrors and antique brass frames are trending. Place one across a window or behind a lamp.

9. Gallery Wall That Tells Your Story

Frame your favorite photos, abstract art, and maybe even a little typography. Arrange them in a casual but intentional cluster. Keep spacing tight for a clean look.

10. Go Big on Rugs

Small rugs chop the room visually. A large area rug pulls everything together and grounds your furniture layout.

Size Rule: The front legs of your sofa and chairs should all sit on the rug. Trust us.

Hanging plants, tall leafy ones in corners, and mini succulents on shelves — greenery adds visual height and natural texture. Even faux plants are cool if they look real.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you decorate a small living room?

When you’re decorating a small living room, you want to make sure every single item in the room has a purpose. Use mirrors and wallpaper to trick the eye into thinking the space is bigger. Add hidden storage to get the most out of your room. Choose lightweight and small-scale furniture to create a clutterless look. Add plants to liven up the space and add brightness. 

How do you make a small living room cozy?

It can be challenging to make a small living room look cozy. But when you start noticing the architectural details and highlighting these, it can make a huge difference. Use a conversational layout to keep everyone close together and give the illusion of a cozier space. Choose meaningful and personal decor like family photos or heirlooms to make it more private. 

How do you make a small living room look bigger?

To make a small living room look bigger, you really want to scale down your furniture by choosing low-profile furniture pieces with leggy bottoms. This will free up a lot of visual space and make the room feel less cluttered. Use mirrors and glass elements to reflect light and make the area look more spacious. Emphasize vertical decor and keep your walls white or in pastel colors to give the illusion of a bigger space. 

Loved these small space hacks?

If your Pinterest boards are overflowing but your living room still feels “meh,” it’s time to bring those ideas to life — for real. With Spacejoy, you get your own expert interior designer (yes, a real human), working 1:1 with you to create a space that’s not just pretty, but perfect for you.

With our interactive 3D design technology, you can visualize your exact space, move furniture around like a pro, and see what works before you commit. Oh — and the best part? You can shop every single piece right from your design. No tabs. No guessing. Just joy.

Ready to turn your “one day” into day one? Start your design project with Spacejoy now.