A living room, no matter the size, should be a cosy, relaxing and inviting space to walk into. While a small living room naturally lends itself to that cocooning feeling, there are things that can make a small living room unwelcoming and best avoided.
Separating the good small living room ideas from the bad ones can be challenging since your lounge needs to do a lot, and if the space is limited, fitting everything in is a challenge. I always try to look at it as a fun challenge that pushes me to be more creative. But if you try to do too much or go the other way and don’t do enough, the room can end up feeling unwelcoming.
That’s why I’ve called on interior designers to break down what makes a small living room unwelcoming and share what to do instead to avoid or fix an uninviting look and feel.
1. Don’t overcomplicate things
Although even a small living room needs to be functional and tick a lot of boxes, a common mistake people make is trying to make the space do too much given the compact dimensions.
‘Trying to make the room do too much results in it being filled with too much furniture,’ says Francesca Leat, interior designer and owner of Francesca Leat Interiors. ‘Work with the space you have and don't try to make the room something it isn't. An overly cluttered living room that has been filled with furniture to serve as a dining and office space can feel claustrophobic.’
Franky Rousell, CEO and founder of sensory-led interior design practice Jolie, explains the importance of having some empty - also referred to as negative - space, ‘The key is to be intentional. Negative space is often overlooked, but it's one of the most powerful tools in a small room. Leaving areas of visual calm allows the eye to rest, helping the brain and nervous system feel more settled. I always prioritise a few meaningful pieces in a small room, rather than filling every corner.’
2. Invest in high quality pieces of furniture
Opting for something of good quality and comfort goes for all furniture you’d put in your small lounge, but the seating especially – go for the best sofa that’s made to last and also looks and feels super comfy and therefore inviting to sit on.
‘Work with what you have and focus on making that beautiful and functional first. Don't rush the process and look to invest in good pieces over time even if it means sitting on the floor before you can afford a good sofa,’ Francesca Leat says.
3. Steer clear of a single overhead light
‘Poor lighting is a major factor,’ says interior designer Bilal Rehman. ‘A room that relies on a single overhead light can feel flat and harsh rather than inviting, particularly in the evening.’
If you’re looking for the right lighting for your small living room, opt for a layered approach which combines several different sources of light dotted around the room. ‘Layered lighting is essential. Combine ambient, task and accent lighting through table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights to create warmth and depth,’ Bilal adds.
4. Don’t go too sparse
As already mentioned, an overly cluttered space is a big no-no if you’re aiming for a welcoming feel in a small lounge. But the opposite extreme isn’t going to work in your favour either.
‘I think being too sparsely furnished is a common mistake people can make,’ says Jo Lane, founder and interior designer at online interior design service See Your Place. ‘You still need all the functional pieces of furniture in a small space that you would have in a larger space, otherwise it starts feeling less homely.’
‘For example, don't skimp on a sofa side table if you're worried about space, just pick one that's not too bulky. Think about how you will use the room, for example having somewhere to display treasured items (a sideboard in a larger space, which could be swapped for a wall shelf in a smaller space), or somewhere to put down your drink, and make sure this need is met whatever the size of your space, so that your space will feel comfortable and liveable,’ Jo advises.
My top picks for a welcoming small lounge
This M&S glass table lamp has sold out multiple times before but it's currently available and perfect for injecting texture, warmth and layered lighting into your lounge.
King Living's new Delta 5 is not only a super stylish and comfortable sofa, but it also comes with hidden internal storage and removable covers.
I have this very shelf in my own very compact home. As Jo at See Your Place recommends, something like this is the perfect alternative for bulky pieces of furniture.
A slim side table like this one from Debenhams is perfect for a small living room as it won't take up too much space but will provide a functional surface for a cup of tea or a snack.
As an owner of a wiggly floor lamp, I can confidently say they work wonders in a small lounge, bringing a sense of movement and playfulness. And this new Habitat design is bound to be a hit.
Varied, layered textures make any space feel cosier and more inviting, a small living room included. So you can never go wrong with dressing the floor with a gorgeous rug like this expensive-looking John Lewis number.
Creating a space that’s well balanced and is (but also looks and feels) considered is the key to an inviting and stylish living room, even if it’s on the smaller side.
