When decorating a smaller space it's just as important to learn what not to do as what you should be doing. Knowing what small living room styling mistakes you need to avoid will save you from wasting money, time and energy.
One of the great things about small living room ideas is that many of the design tips are applicable whether you live in an ultra-modern townhouse or quaint country cottage.
From colourways and pattern choices to lighting and storage, there are plenty of things you should be aware of before you start styling your space. In addition to all of these are, of course, the bigger pieces which help define a living room.
1. Not planning the furniture out
Purchasing furniture without considering shape, size and function can be a costly mistake. 'Before investing in furniture like sofa ideas for small living rooms, measure and measure again. Consider where you will place it and how it will sit alongside other key pieces in the room. When it comes to what should go where in your plan, there are a few rules of thumb to bear in mind. Leave enough space around your furniture so you and your guests can walk around. Leaving a vast open space in the middle of the room actually makes the room feel more enclosed. Instead, opt for comfortable furniture that is closer together, gathered around a central point like a large textured rug or a coffee table.
2. Not considering the importance of mirrors
You may have heard it before, but we really can't stress this one enough. One of the small living room styling mistakes to steer clear of is not including any, or enough, mirrored surfaces. Consider adding a large size mirror or a Venetian style mirror to create the illusion of a bigger space. Strategically placing living room mirror ideas where the light naturally falls is one of the oldest but best tricks in the book.
3. Choosing bulky furniture
Avoid large, bulky pieces of furniture that take up huge amounts of space and block potential walkways. Mark the pieces out on your floor with masking tape or boxes. That way you can easily move the design around without committing to ordering anything. This technique is especially great for modern small living room ideas, as larger, bulkier items tend to feel more at home in more traditional settings.
4. Not finding the perfect pattern
Pattern - be it on fabrics, upholstery or wallpaper - can absolutely work in petite spaces. Avoid making small living room styling mistakes by taking a little extra care when choosing your design and scale. Living room wallpaper ideas have a huge impact on the mood of a room so it’s key to get the design right. When it comes to using pattern, large-scale designs work best when used on larger, statement pieces such as a dramatic pair of curtains.
5. Opting for single use furniture
One of the common small living room styling mistakes is choosing furniture which only does one thing. Avoid pieces of furniture which have only one purpose. Instead choose multi-functional pieces such as storage ottomans that provide an extra seat or a nest of tables which can easily be tucked away when needed. You will save on much needed floor space and limit the risk of walking into cumbersome pieces of furniture which are rarely used.