If you have a small living room, you might feel like you’re doomed to feel boxed in by the lack of space. Tiny rooms present challenges to everyday living. You might feel overwhelmed by the clutter, or it might seem that all furniture is created for larger spaces. But there are ways to make even the smallest living room, whether it’s in a house or a small apartment, feel open and inviting. Here are some of the best tricks that you can use.

Use the Right Kind of Furniture

One of the most important ways of making a tiny room feel inviting is by using the right kinds of furniture. First of all, the furniture that you use needs to be scaled to the size of the room. Bulky furniture will only make the room feel smaller. This requires that you ditch the overstuffed reclining armchairs and couches. Instead, choose smaller items with sleek designs. You also need to choose furniture pieces that can do more than one job. For instance, you can choose an ottoman that also has a storage compartment where you can store extra blankets or children’s toys. Blankets and toys are nice to have close by, but they’re better off out of sight.

Finally, choose furniture that fits into the corners of a room. You need to make sure that every inch is planned out, and all of the nooks of a room are properly used. Keep in mind that just because you are using multi-purpose furniture doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style. For example, when adding built-in cabinetry and bookshelves, you can add finishing with visible joints to give the space a craftsman-inspired design. This is a simple way to add character to the room without adding more furniture. Cabinets and bookshelves have the added benefit of providing storage, which helps to reduce clutter in the room.

Make Use of Scents

Adding scents to a small room can transform it. Smell is the most powerful sense we have, as scents can be used to evoke emotions, create new experiences and enhance your mood. It has the power to improve your environment, which is why it can impact your home. Essential oils in a diffuser can have a transformative effect on your living room. Try lavender to promote a feeling of calm. You can also use rose oil for a luxurious aroma. According to Dimensions, “scent can be used to transform a space, and you can even get creative in how you combine scents, so let your creativity soar with the combinations that you create.”

Bring in More Light

When you have a small room, you want to let additional light in so that the space will feel clean and bright. Start by choosing light window coverings,  such as sheers. This step will bring in more natural light and make the room feel lighter. In addition to maximizing natural light, strategic lighting design can enhance the look and feel of a small room.  As HELIUS explains, “The use of contrast, light, shadow and color can have an extreme effect on any surface, texture or mood as we experience architectural spaces.” Smart lighting strategies can have a transformative effect on any room — big and small. 

When you have a small living room, you need to be careful about the materials and pieces of furniture that you put in the room. Decorating a tiny living room can be challenging, but it’s entirely possible to create small spaces that you love spending time in.