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How to make your living room look bigger

10 clever ideas to try. - by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
  • 01 Jun 2018

Everyone knows that trick about painting the walls white to make a room look bigger. But what else can you do to visually make the most of your space? Try these 10 tips in your own living room. 

brightbazaar View Profile
3,063 likes - View Post on Instagram
I took inspiration from the hues of @IZZEOfficial Clementine Sparkling Juice to make this colorful fall leaf wreath! #ad 🍁I hung it over a print in my apartment for a splash of homemade autumnal décor! ✨ Check out the full how-to over on the blog today. Link in profile! 🙌🏻 #MakeYouSmileStyle

1. Choose a small media unit

Avoid using large pieces of furniture which can crowd a small space. Invest in a petite media unit in a light colour, and make use of the wall for storage to create a sense of height.

abeautifulmess View Profile
5,471 likes - View Post on Instagram
SO excited to watch @spaceykacey on SNL tonight!! Here's a throwback to her living room we designed together last year. 💓

2. Use see-through furniture

Avoid bulky and heavy furniture. Choose pieces with fine legs to create the illusion of a bigger space.

abeautifulmess View Profile
8,143 likes - View Post on Instagram
Emma's living room reveal is on the blog today! Crushing pretty hard on her pink @joybird chair and sectional. Looks so cozy! 😍

3. Make use of unlikely places

Look for ways to make use of architectural features, like a picture rail for storing books. 

designsponge View Profile
3,032 likes - View Post on Instagram
Today's Texas home tour with @keely.mann celebrates so many of my favorite things: color, pattern, texture and PIIINK. Check out more of Keely and her family's home tour in my profile link above, or swipe UP in stories. Thanks to @keely.mann and @laurennnday for sharing this home tour with us.

4. Keep to a colour scheme

A cohesive colour palette will make a space feel open and less crowded. But that doesn't mean it has to be dull. Use a pop of colour to lift earthy colours.

decor8 View Profile
1,048 likes - View Post on Instagram
This English location home makes me feel all the feels today. @shootfactory // Home belongs to @smita2696

5. Get rid of the coffee table

Not every living room needs a coffee table. If you're short of space, use a small side table with a sleek profile, and ground the space by centering a large light-coloured rug.

decor8 View Profile
1,100 likes - View Post on Instagram
Relaxing in this spot today. It's Easter Monday after all. Wish you a restful, peaceful day! #decor8 #livingroom #wohnzimmer #schoenerwohnen #happyplace #livingathome #schönerwohnen #ilovemyhome #altbauwohnung #jugendstil #circa1900 #naturalliving #naturallight #simplify #hygge #hyggehome #lagom #gemütlichkeit #abmhappylife #germany #hannover #darlingmovement #interiordesign #stylistlife

6. Choose light window furnishings

Steer clear of heavy drapes and dark colours. Your space will feel bigger with sheer curtains and open windows.

decor8 View Profile
632 likes - View Post on Instagram
This was my living room in 2010, right after returning from Turkey where I finished writing the final chapter of my first book, Decorate, in a hotel room in Istanbul. This rug came with me on the airplane, it was a gift I bought for myself for completing my first book, I had no clue what was about to happen in my life months later when it released. I remember feeling so overwhelmed writing an interiors book because I was scared NO ONE would read it. Little did I know!!! Anyway, this was my living room then, November 2010. My style has evolved and so have I, in so many ways. Big hug to you all, I'm in a very reflective mood today.... #livingroom #decorate #interiordesign #interiordesign #turkishrug #grandbazaar #istanbul #eclectichome #eclecticdecor #eclectic #happyhome #cornersofmyhome #ohwowyes #innenarchitektur #mondayfunday

7. Leave some empty space

Don't feel like you have to fill every part of your room. Try positioning artwork off-centre and keep a large section of the wall clean and clear.

houselarsbuilt View Profile
1,879 likes - View Post on Instagram
Find out @kathrynzaremba 's take on if art school is necessary in this day and age. What do you think? Today we're featuring her on this month's illustrator interview. Kathryn created the rad printable poster and bookmark for our @larsbookclub ! Get the full interview on Lars today! #larsbookclub #larsartistinterviews

8. Downsize your sofa

Large sofas can crowd a room and make it seem smaller. Choose a smaller style with legs to create a sense of space.

bletty.interior View Profile
95 likes - View Post on Instagram
I N S P I R A T I O N ✨ . . . I still love round mirrors a lot 🖤 🖤 What do you think?? . . . #interior #interiordesign #interiorlover #interiorstyling #interieur #inredning #interiør #interiör #instahome #interior123 #interior4all #interiorinspo #nordic #nordichome #scandinavianhome #boho #boholiving #bohemian #bohemianliving #bohoinspo #scandiboho #whiteliving #whiteinterior #plant #plants #pilea #pannenkoekplant #roundmirror #rondespiegel

9. Hang a mirror - or two

A large mirror is ideal for a small living room, as it effectively doubles your space and reflects light. If you don't have a big mirror, hang a gallery of smaller mirrors.

apartmenttherapy View Profile
14.4k likes - View Post on Instagram
We can't stop swooning over this studio space. 😍 See the full tour via the link in our bio. (Image: @annaspaller | Home: @maevestier)

10. Move furniture away from the wall

It's tempting to place your sofa along the wall in a small room. Try bringing it forward and anchor it with a rug and side table. Clear the space behind the sofa and clear a thoroughfare. 

RELATED: Small space entertaining

RELATED: 20 big ideas for small gardens

  • Better Life
  • Living Room Ideas
  • Lounge Room Ideas
Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
Rebecca is the Digital Managing Editor of Better Homes and Gardens.

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