Houses are getting smaller and smaller by the day, at least in packed-up urban spaces. Now, this does impose some limitations on what you can and cannot do with your living space but it certainly does not mean that your small apartment should look any less beautiful than its larger suburban counterparts. Apart from the architectural and décor elements, your choice of furniture will determine the aesthetic appeal and functional utility of your space. If you are buying lounge furniture for a rather cramped living room, here’s what you might want to keep in mind.
Use a lighter color palette
This is one of the easiest ways to give your room an open, airy feel. White, off-white, taupe, and pastels are all neural colors and are easy to mix and match. Light hues also reflect light to make your living room look more spacious. To avoid monotony, use different textures, fabrics, and patterns. Even a self-print helps add depth to the space.
Don’t waste the corners
Every inch of space is precious and you do not want furniture that takes up unnecessary space. Corner modular help you make use of corners that would otherwise be rendered redundant with an odd vase sitting in them to fill up the emptiness. Modulars also give you more seating capacity and leave a more open area in the center of the room.
Choose multipurpose furniture
If your living room is small, chances are that the rest of your home is too. Maximize your space by opting for furniture that serves a dual purpose. For example, the ottoman could have underlying storage and the sofa could be pulled out into a double bed. This also enhances the utility of the space, especially if you have to entertain house guests.
Pick furniture with legs
Upholstered furniture does give your house a rich, cozy feel but it is also bulky and space-consuming. Light, minimalistic pieces, on the other hand, give an unobstructed view of the floor, thus making the space look larger. The key is to choose furniture that “looks” light, irrespective of its actual size and weight.
Keep the lines simple
You may be tempted to buy that semi-circular contemporary sofa but can your space really accommodate it? When you are short on space, always choose furniture with clean, straight lines that fit easily against the wall.
Play up the vertical
We often forget that our room also has a vertical element to it and it is surprising how this can be used to give the illusion of a more expansive space. Emphasize the vertical lines by using striped curtains that run from floor to ceiling or a printed/textured blind against a blank wall.
Be careful about the coffee table
If you must have a coffee table pick one that is inconspicuous and doesn’t obstruct the view of the room. A small-sized table with clean lines and perhaps a glass top is any day recommended over a large blocky game table. Narrow benches also make for wonderful center tables as they are functional and take up minimal space.
