Compact spaces have their own benefits. There is less to clean and they can be decorated in a smaller budget. However, most homeowners feel that smaller spaces can also be a burden as they can easily cross the line into appearing overcrowded, over-decorated or unnecessarily cramped. This is especially a source of anxiety when it comes to the living room, as this is the focal point of the house. Fret not! Here are some tried-and-tested tips that will answer your most pressing question: how to make a living room bigger and brighter. And the best part? You can easily make your small living room look bigger without any structural changes.  

#1: Use the Same Colour on Curtains and Walls

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Use neutral colors and whites to create an impression of a larger room

One sneaky hack for how to make a small room look bigger is to use curtains of the same wall color. This works to make any small living room look bigger as the similar use of color adds a certain seamlessness to the space. We also recommend using a lighter fabric for the curtains so that they help make the space seem airier and lighter. For more ideas scroll down to read about colours to make a room look bigger. 

#2: Get Multipurpose Furniture Equipped with Storage

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This shoe rack comes with storage and seating

Making a small living room look bigger is also about implementing some clever space-saving ideas. And storage-friendly furniture is a designer-approved way if you’re wondering how to make a room look bigger. Take the above picture of the living room, for example. This sleek piece of custom furniture is neatly tucked behind the door and offers seating and storage. You can always contact our designers to get custom-made furniture tailored to your needs.

#3: Move Furniture Away from the Walls to Make Your Small Living Room Look Bigger

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Moving furniture away from walls makes for a neat layout along with adding moving space

Contrary to popular belief, setting up the furniture against the wall makes the room appear cluttered. So, how to make a small living room look bigger when it comes to placing furniture? Bring the pieces to the centre of the room. The trick is visual, often leaving the impression that the room is big enough to spare the walls. This type of arrangement is called ‘floating’ furniture.

Also Read: Borrow Practical Design Ideas From These 5 Best Livspace Living Rooms

#4: Employ Leggy Furniture to Make Any Small Living Room Look Bigger

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 Investing in furniture with slim legs to create a lighter look is how to make small living room look bigger

If you’re wondering how to make a small living room look bigger in terms of the kind of furniture you should buy, then opt for pieces with thin legs and slim silhouettes. They are typically less bulky and more modern, while performing the same functions as mammoth furniture. Trade floor-heavy coffee tables for mid-century modern versions and do the same for TV consoles and side tables. By implementing this idea, the question of how to make a living room bigger and brighter instantly is easily dealt with.

#5: Make a Small Living Room Look Bigger with  Neutral Colours and Patterns

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Think neutral or monochromatic when you think about colours to make a room look bigger

It must be pretty tempting to add a sea of colours to your living room. However, if you want to know how to make a small room look bigger, you’d have to ditch those multiple hues. Instead, choose monochromatic colours or a neutral palette that will make the room look more cohesive. You can always choose to use accents and patterns to infuse your personality into your room.

#6: Use Mirrors and Reflective Elements

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Can you spot the mirror on the left wall?

Mirrors are the best option when you’re brainstorming on how to make a room look bigger. This living room has a carefully placed mirror that maximises the space in this dark-hued compact living room. Reflective elements such as mirrors, glossy laminates and glass create the illusion of space and use the existing colours to make a room look bigger.

Do Not Miss: 8 Compact Living Room Designs That are Neat and Pretty

#7: Layer on the Lights to Make a Small Living Room Look Bigger

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Using all the types of lighting fixtures is an innovative solution to how to make a small living room look bigger

If you haven’t already done so, then consider layering lights in your living room. It is a foolproof answer for how to make a small living room look bigger. This living room has false ceiling lights and two types of floor lamps, not to mention the natural light pouring in from the window. This is how to make a living room bigger and brighter. Always make sure to plan your lighting in such a way that the room is evenly lit, as is the case with this compact living room. 

These design tricks on making a small living room look bigger can easily be incorporated with a few civil changes and some ideas won’t even need those! And if you’re looking for more ideas about how to make a small room look bigger, then read this! 

How Can Livspace Help You?

Want stunning interiors? Livspace can help you! All you have to do is book an online consultation. If you prefer meeting in person, you can also find Livspace designers at the IKEA Damansara store. Hurry up and get quality home interiors from the best in the industry!