Home Decorating Living Room Decorating 7 Simple Small Living Room Ideas From Instagram That Anyone Can Try Sometimes interior design influencers show us unattainable spaces that could only exist in our wildest dreams—that’s not the case here. By Kelsey Mulvey Kelsey Mulvey Kelsey Mulvey is a New York–born, San Francisco–based journalist who covers lifestyle and wellness content. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 5, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Getty Images Very few things can cramp your interior design quite like an inefficient small living room layout. And we won't sugarcoat it: Implementing all the simple small living room ideas that we see on Instagram is easier said than done. However, the one thing standing between you and a well-appointed living room is not your lack of space; it's your lack of experience. Let's face it, most of us aren't the designers we see on social media, and it's much easier to admire an influencer's perfect living room than it is to put that inspiration into action. Fortunately, the concepts we share here prove that the biggest design moments can come in small packages. Best of all? We'll explain exactly how to incorporate these small living room design ideas into any tiny space. (Yes, even yours.) Instagram-Worthy Tips With square footage at a premium, especially for apartment dwellers, small living room decor is all about carefully striking a balance between form and function. While you ultimately want your space to look nice, it's also important to utilize every nook and cranny. Here's how. 01 of 07 Use Wall Mirrors to Reflect Light This small living room emphasizes that you only need to add one piece of decor to make a notable difference in a space. Not only does incorporating a trendy mirror into your small living room look nice, but it can also reflect more light, making your room appear larger than it really is. Now that's what we call decorating magic. 02 of 07 Maximize Storage Space Using Double-Duty Furniture When it comes to selecting furniture for a small living room, practicality is key. Simply put, you don't have enough space for a coffee table, a side table, and a plethora of storage bins. With a coffee table that has built-in storage, this living room decor does double duty. Plus, how cool will this wired base look when it's full of throw pillows and blankets? 03 of 07 Opt for Nested Furniture That Can Be Moved Around If double-duty decor doesn't pique your interest, perhaps a set of nesting tables will. When scattered around your small living room layout, for a dinner party perhaps, these tables look like any other group of furniture. But in reality? They can slip comfortably underneath one another, so you can enjoy maximum furniture that won't take up precious floor space when not in use. As this living room decor proves, this design trick is equal parts stylish and sensible. 04 of 07 Install Several Floating Shelves While we love a well-curated bookshelf as much as the next person, we have to admit they take up a lot of space. When you're already working with teeny, tiny quarters, a bookshelf can make the whole space feel claustrophobic. Instead, take a cue from this small living room and install some floating shelves. Not only is it a great way to showcase your favorite tomes, but it will also help make your space feel light and airy. 05 of 07 Add Small Floor Poufs for Additional Seating Sure, small living room furniture, like a love seat, settee, or tiny sectional, is great when it's just you and your roommates, but what are you supposed to do when you have additional guests? Plush poufs—like the one spotted next to the rolling coffee table—are an easy, space-efficient solution. Scatter them on the floor before a party to make your guests feel welcomed (and rested). Once the festivities are over, load 'em into an airtight bag or place them in storage. 06 of 07 Keep the Scale of Your Furniture Small If you want to carve out a cozy corner in a studio apartment, invest in small living room furniture, like a cozy love seat, a petite recliner, and an area rug. Then, float the furniture in the center of your space to create the illusion of a larger, well-defined living room. 07 of 07 Highlight Vertical Space With Hanging Plants Dare to defy gravity? Take a cue from this small living room and add some hanging plants from the ceiling. In addition to breathing some much-needed life into your space, this technique will draw your eye upward, which makes the room appear taller. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit