Eight ways you can to create space in a small living room

Living areas in confined spaces are always a challenge for homeowners whether you’re preparing your property for sale or have just moved in and trying to create the perfect home.

Everyone loves the idea of a palatial, open-plan living area but sometimes the prevailing styles of home in the neighborhood, or your budget, just doesn’t allow that luxury.

Don’t be despondent: there have been many remarkable transformations of living areas despite being challenged by the lack of space.

The key to success is to let in as much light as possible. Curtains are often replaced by blinds that roll up above the windows, skylights can be installed, and furniture is selected to ensure each piece suits the room.

Oversized couches and coffee tables, even giant flat-screen TVs, will shrink the impression of space you’re trying to create.

Below are some techniques and ideas that might be suitable for your home.

1. De-clutter – Make sure all the items in your living area have a purpose. Remove anything that does not contribute to your enjoyment of the space.
2. Hide and seek – Invest in concealed storage areas, as this will dramatically reduce the stress of trying to keep a perfect home while living a normal life.  Consider even building a small mezzanine area to provide storage space underneath it. Bespoke, built-in cabinetry is another great approach.
3. Shelf life – Open shelving is a popular style. Always use floating shelves, rather than fixing big brackets to the walls and don’t clutter the shelving. A nice balance of books, photographs and ornaments gives a room a homely feel.
4. Pack it away – If your living area can handle a coffee table, then perhaps you might consider using a trunk instead. It will give you another storage option. Buy one that’s not too big or too high. A choice that sits at the height of a couch seat, or lower, works nicely.
5. TV technique – Hanging a TV on a wall is a common approach, but surrounding it with open shelving and even cabinetry will enhance the space. Built-in shelving can give you up to 40% more storage than free-standing cabinets. 
6. Hide cables – In tight spaces, electric cables must be kept out of sight. Cabinets around your TV will give you an opportunity to do this. Wire in your TV and entertainment boxes so their cables are hidden behind the wall.
7. Be neutral – With colour, you should stay away from anything too bold, especially if you’re preparing your home for sale. Buyers are often put off by risqué colours. A neutral tone will help shelving recede into the background. For example, white shelving against a bright red wall will look busy and reduce the impression of space.
8. Nook strategy – Many smaller living areas have nooks or alcoves that can be a nuisance. Actually, this is a great opportunity to use them for a specific purpose. You might make yours a reading area, installing a dedicated chair and reading light. An alternative could be creating a play area for the kids.