Small living rooms can often seem cramped, cluttered, and even unusable. You might be overwhelmed by your small space’s limitations but you have more options than you think.
Check out these clever designs and ideas, and you can be on your way to a much more functional living room in no time.
A Shelving Unit With a Fold-Down Table Is Perfect if You Need a Desk From Time to Time
You can purchase shelving units with fold-down tables to use as you please. Whether you need a study nook, somewhere to complete crafts, or a place to work, these units can tick all those boxes. When you’re finished for the day, you can fold up the table, stow away your chair, and enjoy it as a storage shelving unit once more. Photo: IKEA/Ivar
Utilize Your Corners for Storage
All you need are a few DIY skills and an eye for detail, and you could have a practical and aesthetically pleasing form of storage for your home or apartment. While you can find a few organizational ideas on the internet, you can install these cubes however you please. What’s more, if you leave gaps between the cubes, you have the perfect book nook for all your favorite titles. Photo: IKEA/Eket Cabinet
A Laptop Stand Can Also Be Used as a Side Table or a Small Coffee Table
Use the Empty Space Above the Sofa for Cabinets
In that case, why not build cabinets above your sofa? They can work in harmony with the style of your lounge suite and even blend into the wall, and they don’t use up any space you would have used for anything else. Photo: IKEA
A Sturdy Shelving Unit on Wheels Can Double as Seating
If you purchase a robust shelving unit with a hefty weight limit, you can put a soft mat on the top and use it as a form of seating. You can still utilize all the storage space underneath, but you now have a convenient seat for when you don’t have enough chairs at your dining table.
Although, it’s important to ensure that whichever shelving unit you purchase has a flat top, robust structure, and a weight limit suitable for children and adults. Photo: IKEA
Rails Aren’t Just for Kitchens
You can use them for bags, scarves, umbrellas, handbags, and so much more. There are also plenty of different design options to choose from, so you likely won’t have trouble finding one to suit your home décor. Photo: IKEA/NEREBY Rail
Replace Your Bookcase With Shelves Under the Ceiling
Not only do you free up your wall space for a gallery wall and your prized artwork, but you can eliminate that small living room look that might have driven you crazy. A big, bulky bookcase isn’t always as necessary as it seems. Photo: IKEA
Create a Platform for a Hideaway Bed
As such beds are hidden away out of sight, they don’t have to be the focal point of your apartment. You can also still use the platform for daily living and enjoy a bit of definition between your living, dining, and kitchen area. Photo: Atmospheres-design
Opt for Wall and Ceiling Lights
But that doesn’t mean you have to sit in darkness. Consider purchasing wall and ceiling lights that can provide as much light and warmth as you need. There are plenty of options on the market that are designed to look like they’re floor-standing without actually taking up any of that valuable floor space. However, just keep in mind that some options on the market are required to be wired in, and this job is best performed by a professional. Photo: Overstock/Swing arm lamp
Choose a Coffee Table With Nesting Ottomans for Extra Seating
When you don’t have enough space to buy a larger lounge suite but you need more seats for visitors and home occupants, nesting ottomans can be the best option. You might even be able to find small ottomans that fit underneath your current table, saving you from having to buy a new table altogether. Photo: Crate & Barrel/Nesting coffee table
A Convertible Sleeper Chair Can Double as a Guest Bed
However, you might be able to enjoy a comfortable seat and a bed for guests if you purchase a convertible sleeper chair. By day, they are a relaxing place to sit and read a book, but by night, they fold flat to form a single bed for one person. Some even come with built-in storage as an added bonus. Photo: Wayfair/Dionigio Chair Bed
Invest in a Coffee Table That Converts Into a Dining Table
Many coffee tables on the market are designed to transform into dining tables with just a few changes to the top layer. When you have friends around for a cup of tea, they are more than suitable for placing your beverages on. However, if those friends were to stay for dinner, you could extend the table and have plenty of space for up to four people. With a tiny home revolution upon us, such tables are becoming more popular by the day. Photo: Amazon/Convertible coffee table
Separate Your Open Kitchen From Your Living Space With a Counter Height Table With Storage Ladder
These storage ladders can be placed where your kitchen ends and your dining or living area begins. Some even have storage hooks so that you can hang your kitchen utensils. The table component can provide extra meal prep space, but it can also be used for work or study. The options are endless. Photo: IKEA/HÅVERUD Table with storage ladder
Combine Pets and Furniture
For example, you might purchase a side table that you can build a cat bed into underneath or TV cabinets with the interiors consisting of built-in crates for your dogs. The options are endless. Photo: Wayfair/Side table with cat bed
Maximise Storage With Floor-To-Ceiling Shelving
This can be a particularly suitable option for homeowners with staircases, with the stairs providing easy access to those higher shelves. You can then use all the cubbies for your favourite books, plants, and trinkets, while still having as much free floor space as before. Photo: Craft Design
Mount Two Drop-Leaf Tables Below a Window
However, there’s no reason why you have to say goodbye to dining room furniture altogether. If you were to install two drop-leaf tables below a window, you might have the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
When you install two, you can fold the leaves down to free up space when you’re not using them, but then push the leaves back up when you want to dine with your family and friends. While they certainly provide less space than a traditional dining table, they can be an excellent option when you simply have no other choice. Photo: IKEA/ NORBERG Wall-mounted drop-leaf table
Create Extra Storage Space by Replacing Dining Chairs With a Bench
However, if you were to replace two or more of those chairs with a bench, you might be surprised by how much extra space you have to play with. You can store items underneath the bench and still have plenty of room for all your guests. It doesn’t get much easier than that. Photo: IKEA
Opt for a Compact Dining Set With a Small Footprint
Rather than a table and four chairs taking up valuable space, you only have the footprint of the dining table. All that’s left to do is pick the one you like, pair it with a beautiful pendant light and maybe a large area rug, and you have a compact dining area to call your own. Photo: Overstock/Tobey Dining Set
Hang Your Folding Chairs on Wall Hooks
Rather than stacking your chairs in a corner, install hooks on your wall and hang them up. You might then have more space for other living room essentials like a couch and bookcase. Photo: IKEA/NISSE Folding chair
Hang Your Plants From the Ceiling and Walls
There are many different plant hangers on the market, and some are bound to suit your design preferences. They also often come with drip catchers to prevent your floors from being damaged during routine watering. Out of all small living room décor ideas, plant hangers would have to be one of the easiest and most affordable to consider. Photo: Urban Outfitters/Hanging Planter
A Gateleg Table Offers Flexibility and Saves Space
However, as soon as you require them for dining, you can lift a flap and create a much larger table with room for up to four people. Some of these gateleg tables also come with storage space, which is ideal for art and craft supplies, dining supplies, and general clutter you’d prefer to hide out of sight. Photo: IKEA/NORDEN Gateleg table
Hide the Desk Under the Dining Table
However, that might be less of a problem if you purchased a table and desk package with the desk being slightly lower to tuck away underneath the dining table. When you need to study, you can pull it out from underneath and pull up a chair. And when it’s time to serve dinner, you can leave it where it is or slide it back underneath. Many of these tables also come with adjustable legs so that you can place them at the height you need for ergonomic purposes. Photo: IKEA/ OLOV Legs
A Large Mirror Helps Create the Illusion of Space
However, you can’t just place your mirror anywhere and hope it works. It must be strategically placed. Find your focal point and angle the mirror towards it to offer the illusion of depth.
Many people find it helpful to place their mirror near a window and reflect the outside world. When doing this, you also benefit from a much brighter room since mirrors can reflect both natural and artificial light. Photo: Urban Outfitters/Estelle Floor Mirror
A Coffee Table With a Lift-Top Can Double as Workspace and Dining Area
Rather than dedicating an area of your home to study, you can sit on your sofa, pull out the coffee table, and adjust its height to suit your sitting position. Many of these coffee tables also come with extra storage so that you’ve always got somewhere to put your all-important work supplies as well as living room items like throw pillows and blankets. Photo: Overstock/Yaheetech coffee table
A Loft Bed Is a Convenient Solution if Your Living Area Is Also Your Sleeping Area
However, that might all change if you invest in a loft bed. If your ceilings are high enough, you can install a loft bed that effectively looks like a bunk bed but without the bottom bunk. You then have full use of the living space while your bed is on a different level above. Photo: Ettromtil
Save Space With a Compact Loveseat Sofa
Such sofas are designed to look as beautiful as larger lounge suites but with a smaller footprint. They still have plenty of room for at least two people – and sometimes three at a push. Photo: Amazon/Lauren Loveseat
Build a Mezzanine Floor
Staircases leading to the mezzanine can include storage for throw pillows, soft furnishings, and other hard-to-store items, and the new level itself can be useful as a storage room, spare bedroom, or a study. The options are truly endless when you get your creative juices flowing. Mezzanine floors are popular in tiny homes, but there’s no reason why they can’t also be valuable modifications in traditional homes. Photo: Studio Hoka
Nesting Tables Can Be Used as an Extendable Coffee Table or as Side Tables
Use a Storage Ottoman With Built-in Trays as a Coffee Table
When not in use, you can tuck away blankets and throw pillows underneath. But when you need somewhere to sit your morning coffee, you can flip over the lid and make use of the hard surface. Photo: Amazon/Magnolia Storage Ottoman
Use Over-The-Door Storage
Over-the-door storage can be convenient in any room in your house, including the living room. You can use them for remotes, pot plants, digital devices, and much more. You can even purchase some for shoe storage if you have a collection you’d like to keep on display. Photo: Amazon/Hanging baskets
Use Your Duvets as Back Cushions in the Daytime
You might be able to tick both of those boxes if you get creative with your duvet and a curtain rod. Purchase a curtain rod, install it on your wall, and roll up your duvets inside them. When installed at back height, they can become a comfortable sofa back to provide support and blanket storage. Photo: IKEA/RÄCKA Curtain rod
Stackable Stools Can Double as Extra Seating and Side Tables
Hide Your Wardrobe Behind a Curtain
A clothing rack can tick that box, but placement is everything. Rather than leave it out in the open, consider positioning it by a window. That way, you can simply pull the curtains and cover it up when you no longer want to stare at all your clothing. Photo: IKEA/TURBO Clothes rack
Hang Stuff on Hooks
Mount a Shelf Over the Window Sill for Extra Storage
Store Stuff Under Your Sofa
You might be surprised by how much stuff you can fit underneath this previously neglected storage solution, such as blankets, throw pillows, and extra bedding. Photo: IKEA
A Rotating Breakfast Bar Can Double Used as a Dining Table
Use a Shelving Unit as a Room Divider
You can purchase a shelving unit and use it as a room divider. Not only does it function as a wall within one room, but it can provide much-needed storage space, which you’re sure to be lacking. Photo: IKEA/KALLAX Shelf Unit
A Shelving Unit With a Swivel Desk Offers Functionality and Takes up Little Space
You can actually purchase a two-in-one piece of furniture that can serve two purposes with one minor adjustment. For example, you might decide to buy a shelving unit that is nestled into a desk. With one small movement, the desk can pull out and create a temporary L-shaped desk for study or work.
There are many different styles and materials on the market, so you’re bound to find an L-shaped desk with a swivel design to suit your needs. Photo: Wayfair/Zakwani desk
Cut a Keyhole Shape in an End Table
Simply purchase a wooden side table and use your handyman skills to cut a keyhole shape into the center of it. You can then place your plant pot underneath and guide the tree trunk or plant stem through the hole. The result can be so clean and innovative that your friends might question where you purchased your high-end piece of furniture from. Photo: Reddit/Aviator Cam
Separate Kitchen and Lounge Area by Sliding Door With Built-in Table
These innovative sliding doors function perfectly well as a door to separate your kitchen and lounge area but quickly transform into a dining table with two seats. With such a door, you now no longer have to worry about purchasing cumbersome dining tables and chairs that contribute to clutter in a small space. Photo: Tsai Design
Choose a Coffee Table With Built-in Storage
However, some are more practical than others. Consider buying one with built-in storage. Rather than buying a large, cumbersome table that serves no other purpose than to house your latest magazines, you can pull out hidden storage for your throw pillows, remotes, and other living room essentials. Photo: Wayfair/Tylor Block Coffee Table
Shoe Cabinets Aren’t Just for Entryways
Squeeze Extra Book Storage in by Stacking Small Shelves Vertically
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a form of book storage. Consider purchasing small shelves, installing them on top of each other, and storing your books vertically. While you might not be able to keep as many as you would in an ordinary bookcase, you can at least have your favorites on display in a unique way. Photo: IKEA/SIBBHULT Bracket
Hang Your Bar on the Wall
Rather than give up on your bar ownership dreams, purchase one that installs on your wall. There are plenty of wall-mounted bar options with similar amounts of space as table varieties, but that won’t take up your precious floor space. Photo: Amazon/Sauder wall bar
Wrap Your Home Office in Shelving Units
This space is typically underutilized, so you can install floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that gives you more than enough space for all your study essentials. Now, everything has its place, and you can study and work without any chaos or mess around you. Photo: IKEA/Platsa system
Combine Shelving and Dining
Consider purchasing a wall-mounted drop-leaf table with storage. It can provide plenty of storage space for all your study needs but also has a table component that you can pair with chairs when you’re ready to eat. Up to two people can comfortably dine at a small drop-leaf table, and it doesn’t have to take up any extra space. Photo: Photo/NORBERG Wall-mount drop-leaf table
A Rotating Side Table Can Be Used as a Laptop and Dining Table