11 Small Living Room Hacks That Make Your Space Look Bigger

Living with a small living room can feel like a never-ending puzzle.

Where do you place furniture? How do you make the room feel spacious yet cosy?

Although a small living room can be incredibly charming, it can also be challenging to style.

However, with the right small living room hacks, you can transform a cramped, cluttered room into a cosy gathering space that feels a lot larger than it is.

So whether you live in a studio apartment or simply have an oddly shaped living area, these small living room hacks will help you maximise your space without sacrificing style.

Photo: Domino

1. Choose Furniture With Exposed Legs

Furniture that sits directly on the floor can make a room look cramped.

Pieces with exposed legs create visual openness by showing more floor area.

Look for mid-century modern sofas, elevated coffee tables, and airy sideboards.

Photo: Kisaf

2. Hang Curtains High and Wide

Mount curtain rods close to the ceiling and extend them well past the window frame.

This draws the eye upward and outward, making windows and the room appear larger.

Photo: Relixiy on Pinterest

3. Opt for Light, Neutral Colors

Soft whites, beige, muted grays, and earthy tones reflect light, making small rooms feel bigger than they are.

If you love color, use soft pastels or incorporate bolder hues in small doses.

Photo: Maeve and Modern

4. Use Mirrors Strategically

Mirrors are one of the easiest ways to visually double your space.

Place a large mirror opposite a window to amplify natural light, or use mirrored wall panels to add depth to a narrow room.

Even a mirrored coffee table can help bounce light.

Photo: My Modern Cave

5. Mount Your TV on the Wall

A TV stand consumes valuable floor space.

Mounting the TV frees up room for storage or décor and keeps surfaces clear. If you can, add a floating media shelf beneath it for a clean, modern look.

Photo: Viva

6. Use Vertical Storage

Don’t ignore your walls, use them!

Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vertical cabinets, wall-mounted shelving, and tall plants draw the eye upward.

Photo: Pinterest

8. Create Zones With Rugs

Even a small living room benefits from defined zones.

Use an area rug to ground the seating area or separate a tiny work corner.

Rugs also add texture and a cosy feel to the space.

Photo: Decor Swag

9. Declutter With Hidden Storage

In tight spaces, clutter accumulates fast.

Choose furniture with hidden storage, such as lift-top coffee tables or baskets under consoles to stash remotes, chargers, books, blankets, and everything else that usually ends up scattered around.

Photo: This is a beautiful storage table/ottoman from Oka

10. Try a Floating Shelf Instead of a Side Table

If your sofa is tight against a wall, switch a traditional side table for a floating shelf. It holds your drink, book, or decor without occupying valuable floor space.

Photo: Lovely Harbor

11. Incorporate Large Art Instead of Gallery Walls

Surprisingly, one large statement artwork can make a small room feel larger and less cluttered than many small pieces.

A single oversized print creates a focal point that expands the space visually.

Photo: My Domaine

Key Takeaways on 11 Small Living Room Hacks That Make Your Space Look Bigger

That concludes this list of my best small living room hacks!

By maximising storage, choosing the right furniture, and relying on visual tricks that expand space, you can create a room that feels far more spacious than it is.

And the best part? You don’t need to renovate or spend a fortune; just a few smart adjustments can transform your living room into a space you genuinely enjoy.