It’s not always the most straightforward process to decorate a small space practically, and it can be even trickier when you’re on a tight budget. But there are a few tricks that will work no matter how small the space is, and they don’t require taking on massive credit card debt. Keep reading to find the answer to how to decorate small living rooms on a budget.
As a result, it is possible to make a cozy space look both thoughtfully decorated and more prominent than it is — if you know which tips to employ. Here’s how to decorate living rooms on a budget.
5 Ways to Make a Small Space Bigger
First, let’s talk about subtle ways to trick the eye with unique decorative illusions to increase space.
1. Focus on Items That Are Visually Light or Transparent
Glass and acrylic furniture are popular design choices for small spaces because they can almost disappear into the space, removing visual clutter and opening up the room. For example, a glass coffee table or acrylic chairs will ensure you can see more of the other design choices in the room, like the fabulous rug or table you want guests to notice.
2. Keep the Paint Colours Light
Another trick for small spaces is shying away from darker walls. Instead, soft, light, bright walls open up the room — making it feel larger than it is. And a fresh coat of paint is also one of the most affordable ways to overhaul a space, so it’s the perfect option for budget redecorating. White walls can offer a clean, sleek gallery feel, but if you want a pop of colour, soft blues or neutrals will work just as well.
3. Declutter as Much as Possible
If you don’t have enough space for all the items you need to store, it’s time to Marie Kondo your home. Go through your things to ensure you’re not holding onto items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. A variety of curiosities can make a space look busy and cluttered. This activity will lighten the load in each room and won’t cost you anything. If you have items you no longer use that are still in good condition, you can sell them and take that money to invest in helpful space-saving hacks for your new smaller space.
4. Don’t Put Everything Against the Wall
When decorating a small space, the automatic reaction is to move things against the wall — as that seems like it would leave more floor space for other items. The reality is, visually, having everything against the wall can make your area feel cluttered, making it appear smaller. It also forces you into a layout that might not make the best use of the room. Instead, float your couch and chairs to keep an open space.
5. Make Good Use of the Walls
When floor space is limited, you can get creative with your walls. For example, you can put hooks on the walls to hang items like jackets, purses and keys — avoiding a coat rack or essential tray. You can install sconce lighting instead of adding another floor lamp. And consider mounting the TV as this avoids needing a TV stand.
4 Decor Pieces to Include In Your Small Living Room
Now that we know what to do to make a space appear larger let’s talk about what types of decor would work.
1. Find Multi-Use Pieces
Storage is king in a small space, so finding items that serve more than one purpose will help clean up the area without taking up more floor space. Couches, coffee tables, benches and ottomans with built-in storage are vital to keeping a small space organized.
2. Mirrors are Your Friend
Using mirrors to open up a small space is the oldest design trick in the book because it works. Mirrors reflect light, and light opens up your space. If you’re on a tight budget, you can buy multiple smaller mirrors or invest in one or two more oversized mirrors to focus the area around. You can also look for estate sales which offer great deals on vintage pieces.
3. Make Sure Your Rug is the Correct Size
While your instinct might be to buy a small rug for your smaller room— a too-small rug can inadvertently make a room look smaller than it is. How to know if it’s the correct size?
All furniture in the living area should fit directly on the rug, meaning all furniture legs should comfortably fit within the rug space. If some legs are off the edge of the carpet, your room will look smaller, drawing the eye to what looks like a shrinking rug.
4. Choose Slim Furniture
Large sectionals or couches with rolled arms are not your friends in a small space as they add unnecessary bulk to the room. Furniture with a slim profile will look sleek and avoid adding extra weight to the area. If you’re looking for additional seating, two small couches across from each other will open up the room much more than a sectional while providing just as much seating.
How to Decorate Small Living Rooms Successfully
Adjusting to decorating a small space can feel tricky at first, but once you know how to make it work — your space can be just as gorgeous and functional as a larger home. You have to play to your strengths and focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t. Hopefully, these decorating ideas will help you answer the question of how to decorate small living rooms on a budget.
