Creating the Illusion of Space 

Having a small living room doesn’t have to feel cramped or suffocating. With the right design techniques and decor choices, you can create the illusion of a larger space. Keep reading for some clever tips and tricks that will help you make your living room look bigger, brighter, and more inviting! 

 

Choose light colours

Light colours have the power to visually expand a room. Opt for neutral tones like whites, creams, soft greys, and pastels for your walls, furniture, and decor. Lighter shades reflect more light and create an airy atmosphere, making your living room feel more spacious. 

 Read our ‘Embracing Neutrals in Interior Design’ blog for more inspiration on how to incorporate neutrals. 

Use Mirrors Strategically

 Mirrors are magical when it comes to creating the illusion of space. Hang a large mirror on one wall to reflect light and make the room appear bigger. Position it across from a window or a light source for maximum effect. 

Minimise Clutter

 Clutter can make even the largest rooms feel small. Keep your living room organised by choosing multi-functional furniture with built-in storage and remove unnecessary items and keep surfaces tidy to create a sense of openness. 

Scale your Furniture

Properly scaled furniture is essential in a small living room. Choose furniture that suits the size of your room – avoid oversized pieces that dominate the space. Go for sleek, streamlined designs that don’t overwhelm the room visually. Find your favourite Parker Knoll sofa and download a product card to see how it will fit in your home! 

Embrace Vertical Space

Draw the eye upward by utilising vertical space. Floor-to-ceiling curtains and tall bookshelves can create the illusion of height, making the room feel more expansive. Avoid heavy, low-hanging light fixtures that can visually shrink the room. 

Use Furniture with Exposed Legs

Furniture with exposed legs, such as sofas and chairs, creates a sense of openness by allowing light to flow underneath, giving the impression of more floor space, our Isabelle Sofa is the perfect example of this! 

Keep the Space Well-Lit

Good lighting makes a significant difference in how spacious a room feels. Incorporating a mix of natural and artificial light eliminates shadows and dark corners.  

Create Visual Continuity

Avoid using too many distinct patterns and colours that break up the visual flow of the room. Create a sense of continuity by using a consistent colour palette and keeping patterns subtle and cohesive. 

 

Using these top tips you can transform your house into the space you can call home!