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Guest Picks: Chic Finds for a Small Living Room
Versatile furniture and eclectic accents combine for an instant plan that makes a petite living room feel just grand
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/), my blog devoted to all of the things that make a house a home - decorating from the heart, living with intention, and savoring life's simple pleasures.
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/),... More »
Pulling together a comfortable, stylish living room is always a challenge, no matter the size. But factor in postage-stamp proportions, and you have a real conundrum on your hands. The space must work for both entertaining and solo nights at home, provide enough seating for guests and also telegraph your style. This month, I've tracked down finds for a complete living room plan that's perfect for a small space. Packed with versatile, smart designs and an elegant color palette, there is sure to be something you (and your teensy living room) will love. — Laura from Lolalina
by Rowen & Wren
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This gorgeous button-back sofa from UK brand Rowen & Wren has a classic look that would serve you well for many years to come. The soft gray hue and petite proportions (it's a two-seater) make it super versatile.
by Serena & Lily
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A Moroccan tea tray on a stand makes a unique stand-in for the usual coffee table. Plus, it can be folded up when not needed. If you want more table room, position a pair of these tables in front of the sofa.
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After relying on digital devices all day long, it is refreshing to have a little break at home and indulge in some good old-fashioned analog fun. This adorable flower vase–shaped clock from Decoylab is sure to brighten your mood — and keep you punctual.
by Douglas + Bec
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Add texture and save floor space with this sculptural pendant light. The knitted cover creates a soft, glowing effect and adds interest even when the light is off.
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An armchair with straight sides takes up less floor space while still managing to be comfy. This one from Canvas is covered in a sumptuous pale pink linen that works like a neutral.
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by ferm LIVING
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| The modern, graphic print on this cushion from Ferm Living would be a fun accent for the sofa or armchair, and the palette ties in the hues of both pieces. |
by Haus Interior
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You really can't go wrong with a crisp, geometric rug. It adds subtle pattern, grounding the furniture arrangement, and the smaller-scale print won't interfere with your other decor.
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This lovely papier-mâché stool is sure to become a favorite piece. Handmade in Haiti from recycled materials, it is as versatile as they come. Use it as a footrest, side table or extra seat in the living room now, and when you want a change, it can take the place of your nightstand.
by Anthropologie
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I always keep an eye out for unusual knobs and hardware because they can make all the difference in transforming a simple or thrifted piece of furniture into something really special. The glint of gold on this gray knob from Anthropologie would add a welcome note of glamour to the room.
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| Ah, but where to put those knobs? How about on this storage piece from the new Ikea PS 2012 Collection? The small scale is perfect in a petite living room, and the drawers and cabinet would provide much-needed storage space in tight quarters. Stain or paint it in your choice of hue (I would go with chalky white, gray or duck-egg green), swap out the knobs, and you're done! |
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Not in a DIY mood? How about this sleek and chic little number from Schoolhouse Electric? Tucked against a wall, this would be the perfect spot for that Mad Men–inspired bar tray or old-school turntable.
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If a bar tray is not really your style, try a tea tray instead! I love this fun wooden button board from Snug.Studio. Use it as a trivet for your hot teapot and favorite cups.
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No living room is complete without artwork, and I adore the fresh minty color and lovely sentiment of this print from Field Trip's Etsy shop.
by Anthropologie
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Every living room worth its salt needs a place to house that burgeoning library, and this bookcase from Anthropologie will do the job without overwhelming a small space. With a narrower top and open back, this airy piece looks light and easy.
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As a budget-friendly alternative to the Attache bookcase, try this fresh glass-front version from Ikea's new PS Collection. The glass cabinet fronts act like curio boxes, transforming even the most mundane stacks of magazines into a chic statement. For a more personal look, try customizing the piece by painting just inside the door frames in pale blue or yellow.
by Douglas + Bec
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Of course, if you are going to have a bookcase, you will want to style it up — which is where this unique faceted vase comes in. Just as eye catching with or without flowers, it will add interest to your stacks of books.
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This modern, house-shaped doorstop from West Elm is both adorable and surprisingly versatile. Sure, you can use it to hold open the door while you bring in your shopping bags, but I would be tempted to use it as a bookend or play up its sculptural form by placing it on the credenza as an art object.
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Even if your living room is tiny, it's wise to fit in at least three places to sit. For the third seat, I would choose something hard (i.e., not upholstered) but with arms, so it still feels comfortable to sit in for longer periods. Rather than let it float in the room, pull your extra chair up to a cute little desk so that it can do double-duty. My pick is based on a classic Windsor chair, but it's updated with a fresh dip-dyed paint job.
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If you live in a small home, your "office" may need to share space with your living room. The solution? A clean midcentury design like this desk from Schoolhouse Electric. It's chic enough to mingle with your other living room furniture, and the sleek open storage area will inspire neatness, hopefully.
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by ferm LIVING
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| From cabinets and shelves to baskets and bins, storage in a small space is always welcome. This rose-colored wire basket from Ferm Living could be used in tons of ways: Corral kids toys, newspapers, firewood or whatever is currently cluttering up your living space. More: House Tour: Bohemian Elegance in a Small Space |
Ideabook published on Aug. 14, 2012.
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Convex mirrors work fabulously in small spaces - the curved shape of the convex lens means that it has a wider field of vision than a flat mirror, capturing more of the room in its reflection, thus giving a greater sense of space.
This is well demonstrated in these two shots taken from exactly the same angle, the first using flat mirror and the second convex. The difference is quite remarkable.
xo
Melis