Making The Most Of A Small Living Room

For the millions of 20-something college students and 30-something couples that have found small housing in big cities, every square-inch of space needs to be maximized. 
Although the knee-jerk reaction is to be turned off or inconvenienced by a small space, it isn't so much about the size of the living room, but rather how it is utilised. Foolish design and placement of furniture can make a large room clunky and uncomfortable in the same way that innovative design and creative placement of furniture can make a small room very efficient and comfortable. 
Luckily, furniture makers and home decor stores have had a few decades to adapt their products to fit smaller living spaces. Gone are the days of grandiose bureaus and large dressers that take up more room than a car parked in a garage. Much of today's furniture is built with a minimalist approach of space saving and multi-usage. 
Always use light and soft colors when putting together a small living room. By using a series of creams, beige or a variety of subtle greens and violets, an aura of peace and tranquility can be established, making the space feel welcoming and safe.
The size of the furniture that you place inside of a small living room should obviously be minimized, but the shape of the pieces is important to preserving space as well. Look for a couch, table and chairs that are all compact and square-shaped. Avoid pieces with large armrests that protrude outward from the base of the piece. It is important to maintain a decent portion of visible floor space in order to avoid the feeling of being cramped. 
When purchasing desks, shelves and items that can double as storage areas, look to go vertical instead of horizontal. Stacking small pieces on top of one another will bring the focus of the room toward the wall while creating substantial storage areas that have a minimal impact on the overall square-footage. 
Fold-out or stowaway furniture is also a friend of a small living room. Many designers have hired engineers and artists in recent years in an attempt to create cutting-edge styling that serves a double or triple purpose. Soft, block-shaped stools can be tucked away underneath a coffee table when not in use and a bevy of other modern innovations are multi-functional. 
By using the benefits of modern design with living room furniture and a little creativity and resourcefulness, small living rooms can be big successes.