Share with friends

15+ Small Living Room Remodeling Ideas That Feel Open

Small living room remodels work best when the space feels light, uncluttered, and easy to move through. The goal isn’t to make the room bigger, but to remove visual barriers and improve flow so the space feels open and comfortable.

Here are small living room remodeling ideas that help compact spaces feel airy and well balanced.

1. Choose a Light, Neutral Color Palette

Save

Light colors reflect light and reduce visual weight.

Stick to:

• Warm white
• Soft beige
• Light greige

2. Rework the Furniture Layout First

Save

Layout has more impact than decor.

Focus on:

• Clear walking paths
• Furniture pulled away from walls

3. Use Fewer, Better-Scaled Furniture Pieces

Save

Too much furniture closes the room in.

Choose:

• One main sofa
• One or two accent chairs

4. Select Furniture With Visible Legs

Save

Visible floor space makes rooms feel larger.

Choose:

• Raised sofas
• Open-base chairs

5. Anchor the Room With a Properly Sized Rug

Save

A rug defines space and adds cohesion.

Use:

• One large rug
• Light or neutral tones

6. Keep Window Treatments Light and Simple

Save

Heavy curtains block light and space.

Use:

• Sheer curtains
• Simple roller or Roman shades

7. Add Mirrors to Reflect Light

Save

Mirrors visually expand the room.

Place:

• Across from windows
• On narrow walls

8. Use Built-In or Wall-Mounted Storage

Save

Wall-mounted storage frees floor space.

Add:

• Floating shelves
• Wall-mounted media units

9. Choose Low-Profile Seating

Save

Lower furniture keeps sightlines open.

Choose:

• Low-back sofas
• Slim armchairs

10. Limit the Color Palette

Save

Too many colors shrink a room visually.

Stick to:

• One main neutral
• One soft accent

11. Improve Lighting With Layers

Save

Good lighting opens up small rooms.

Add:

• Floor lamps
• Table lamps
• Soft overhead lighting

12. Keep Decor Minimal and Intentional

Save

Clutter makes small rooms feel tight.

Limit to:

• A few curated accessories
• Functional decor only

13. Use Glass or Light-Visual-Weight Tables

Save

Light materials feel less bulky.

Choose:

• Glass coffee tables
• Slim wood or metal frames

14. Let the Walls Breathe

Save

Negative space is intentional.

Allow:

• Open wall areas
• Space between furniture pieces

15. Finish With a Careful Edit

Save

Editing is key to openness.

Remove:

• Extra furniture
• Anything unused

Final Thoughts

Small living room remodels feel open when simplicity, scale, and flow guide every decision. By choosing light colors, streamlined furniture, and thoughtful layouts, even compact living rooms can feel spacious, calm, and easy to live in.

FAQs

What makes a small living room feel bigger?

Light colors, fewer furniture pieces, and good lighting.

Should furniture be against the walls in small rooms?

Not always—pulling furniture slightly away can improve flow.

Do mirrors really help small living rooms?

Yes, they reflect light and visually expand the space.

What furniture works best in small living rooms?

Low-profile, slim, raised-leg furniture.

Are rugs good for small living rooms?

Yes, one properly sized rug helps define and open the space.

What is the easiest small living room upgrade?

Rearranging furniture and removing excess decor.