1. CREATE A FOCAL POINT
The first step in planning your living room layout is deciding on the focal point of the room. Often this will depend on what you use your living room for as well as where is the most sensible choice aesthetically. Sometimes it will be an obvious choice, for example, if there is a fireplace on one side of the room, you may want to have your sofa sitting opposite. Other times, there may be no clear focal point so you have more freedom of choice.
2. EMBRACE MINIMALISM
Overcrowding is one of the main issues in small living room layouts, and while it may be tempting to treat your small living room like a big one by filling it with every bit of furniture that you feel is cohesive with the style of the room, it will create a cluttered and disorganized effect. Embrace minimalism to attract attention to the key features of your living room which will have a more striking overall impact.
3. LAY DOWN RUGS
Finding the right area rug sizes for the living room should be high on your small living room layout to-do list. Living room rugs can be used to anchor the rest of the furniture pieces, and must be the right size for the room for your small living room.
4. CONSIDER THE SHAPE OF THE ROOM
'The size and shape of your room will, of course, affect a small living room layout,' says Lucy Searle. 'However, you should look to buy the right size and shape furniture to suit its proportions and to tweak, cheat or fix an awkward-shaped room, if you can.'
5. FURNITURE PLACEMENT
'Placement of furniture is like creating a well-choreographed dance. Every piece should move in harmony, providing space for free movement while serving its function. Think about balancing visual weight and guiding the viewer's eyes around the room. For instance, a large sectional sofa can be balanced with a pair of accent chairs or an arrangement of smaller pieces of furniture,' says Artem Kropovinsky.
6. FURNITURE PROPORTIONS
Making sure your furniture is proportionate is important in any room, but especially in smaller rooms, because not only will any oddly proportioned furniture stand out, but choosing the correct sizes and scales for your small living room can make it seem bigger.
Considering proportion in a room means both the proportional relationship between pieces of furniture and between the furniture and the room itself.
7. STORAGE SOLUTIONS – MAKE IT FUNCTIONAL
Storage in a small living room needs to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical, to make the most of the small space you have.
8. MAINTAIN A FLOW
Artem Kropovinsky advises, 'While it's crucial to establish distinct zones within the living room, it's equally important to ensure a smooth flow. Avoid placing large pieces of furniture in paths of circulation, or grouping everything at the center, making the room's periphery feel like an afterthought. Remember, a well-designed room is one where every corner speaks.'