We imagine the ideal living room as spacious enough to include several comfortable seating options, an entertainment centre, decorative elements, and enough space to walk throughout it without bumping into the furniture all the time. Unfortunately, this often doesn’t happen in an ideal world. Many of us have cramped tiny living rooms where we feel like we have to make décor compromises in order not to overwhelm the space. However, it is entirely possible to bring some pizzazz into your petite parlour. Here are some smart ways to do it.

Mirrors as artwork

It is always recommended to use mirrors in cramped spaces to maximize the amount of light and thus create the illusion of spaciousness. However, think beyond this function, and look at the unrevealed potentials of mirrors. With their beautiful frames, which can be either minimalistic or elaborate, mirrors can step in instead of art pieces. You can create an entire gallery wall (use similar-style frames and different sizes) or display large mirrors strategically throughout the space.

An eye-catching wallpaper

We’ve heard about painting small rooms in light colours (preferably white) to make them appear larger than they are in reality. While this is true, that doesn’t mean you can’t afford to have one boldly-designed wall. All you need is a beautiful wallpaper, patience, and precision. You can choose a striped design, where vertical stripes will visually elongate the room, while horizontal ones will expand it. You can choose between contrasting (e.g., black and white) stripes or go with a less dramatic option, such as different shades of the same colour.

An accent furniture piece

Furniture sets can be an excellent way to get the entire design done at once, and buying in a set usually includes some fantastic discounts. However, they tend to make the living room look dull. You can break the monotony with a single bold piece. That can be a brightly-coloured armchair, a patterned ottoman or a bulky antique item.

Lighting as décor

Illumination plays a crucial role in interior design, particularly in pocket-size rooms. Layering the lighting solutions (ceiling fixture, wall lamps, floor lamps, etc.) will help in creating a light, airy feel. True white is the best shade to choose for tiny spaces. Because of the increased popularity of small urban dwellings in Australia, many lighting shops in Sydney are offering custom lighting solutions, which can be ideal for making the most out of small spaces. These can include everything from ring lights to LED pendants.

Rug layering

Rug layering is a relatively recent trend which includes putting one rug on top of the other to make the space feel comfier and warmer. You don’t have to refrain from applying this trend in a smaller room. In fact, the richness in texture is very much welcome here. Just make sure you choose one neutral and one patterned rug, or one low-rise and one furry. Also, you can use area rugs to define the different zones of the living room (e.g., lounge and home office).

A touch of nature

Decorating with greenery is not a new trend, but it is often avoided in small rooms because occupants don’t feel like they have free space for plants. This is a mistake since plants can instantly brighten up the room. You don’t have to go with large palm trees or bamboo plants to make an impression. Minimalistic touches can be just as impactful. One of the best ways to transform a living room with plants is to hang succulents and cacti. You can score an extra décor point by using geometric pots and plant holders in metallic hues.

Your small living room doesn’t have to be your prison cell. You are not obliged to confine to the limited square footage, as long as you can use the most of it with clever design hacks. Furthermore, you can’t, and, better, mustn’t be shy when it comes to making décor statements. Use the tricks we’ve mentioned above to create bold, yet not overpowering décor moves.