Having a small living room doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice when it comes to design! It’s all about using the right accessories to trick the eye. These decorating tips will help you make the most of your living space:

Rethink your coffee table. Instead of using a bulky, square table, think outside the box. Use plush ottomans that double as storage or decorative elements with small glass tops to replace a traditional coffee table. You’ll save on space and add interest to the design of your living room.

Find furniture with storage. Your makeshift coffee table shouldn’t be the only thing that serves as storage. All of the furnishings in a small living room should serve more than one purpose. The clutter of throw blankets, remote controls, and magazines can quickly make a small space feel cramped. Invest in furnishings that have hidden storage in them to open up floor space.

Hang ’em high. Stretch the appearance of your windows by hanging window treatments higher. Regardless of the size of your windows, installing a curtain rod closer to the ceiling and hanging drapes that touch the floor can trick the eye into thinking the windows are bigger than they appear, opening up your living room.

Go for bulk. Seems off, right? You might fit more furniture into a small space if you go for slimmer models, but you risk sacrificing comfort. Bigger items appear more comforting to the naked eye, making them ideal for living spaces. Instead of cramming a ton of small furniture into your living room, fill the space with larger, more plush versions. You’ll amplify comfort tenfold!

Think bright. Big, bold patterns play well in small spaces. Use statement pieces to brighten your living room and expand the feel of it. Additionally, you’ll add a bit of personality, making the room cheerful and inviting.

Free up floor space. Opt for lighting that can be attached to walls or hung from the ceiling to save valuable floor space. This also frees up more table space when you entertain.

Let furniture float. Pushing your furnishings up against the walls can make a space feel smaller than it already is. Creating space around your furniture can expand a small living room and make it feel expanded.

Expand the look and feel of your living room with these design tips! For more help with decorating your small living room, contact Rebecca Lane, an Olathe interior decorator.