How To Lay Out A Small Living Room

All spaces present design challenges, but as the living room is where you probably spend the most time (and certainly the one guests experience the most of), designing a small one can be especially tricky. How do you strike a balance between making the room feel as spacious as possible while also squeezing in extra seating? What furniture should you choose, and where do you put it?

1. Add hidden storage. Pick furniture with built-in storage to limit clutter. A trunk or storage ottoman as a Coffee Table works well. Along the perimeter of the room, try a small chest of drawers or a small credenza instead of a console table to boost storage options.

2. Choose small-scale furniture. There is more to living room furniture than full-size sofas and bulky armchairs. Antiques shops are a great place to look for small-scale furniture, because the average room size was typically quite small until the last half century or so. Look for small settees, love seats and chairs that can work for your space.