head of design studio
Greetings, owner of an apartment with a small living room. You have a unique chance to take advantage of the help of professional designers. They will help you arrange the room with maximum comfort. You will be able to receive guests and spend time with your loved one. What's the point of being content with little if professionals have already thought of everything? Just read the recommendations and feel free to implement them. I assure you, you will like the result. And admiring words from guests are guaranteed. They will be delighted with the room, furnished with the utmost taste. Let's take a journey through the world of small living room design right now!
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Sofa seat
in the design of a small living room
First you need to use visual planning
. I suggest you draw a plan for the living room, in which the furniture will already be installed. You need to follow all dimensions to avoid any mistakes. After some time, your views may change. Who knows, maybe you'll want something more. This is absolutely normal, believe me.
It is best not to place the sofa in a draft
. You will feel uncomfortable. It is important not to place it on an imaginary line from window to door. It is for this reason that you first need to draw a floor plan of the room. You can forget about the draft.
The location of the sofa in the living room
. As you can see in the picture below, it is quite possible to place the sofa in different ways. You will understand that depending on the task at hand, the placement will change.
1. The design project involves placing a sofa in front of the TV. Just look at how he's standing diagonally from the door. The location is more than perfect. Just sit down and enjoy your favorite series.
2. The sofa is near the door. You can quickly accommodate guests who decide to stay overnight.
3. In a three-room or two-room apartment, you can put a corner sofa. Just set it up in the far corner of your living room. Then the living room will look more spacious!
Correct opening of the door in the living room
In or out?
Opening the door in the living room
. If there is no point in attracting increased attention to the door to the living room, you can always install an invisible model without platbands. It can dissolve in the space of the home if it is the same color as the surface of the walls. As you can see, there is nothing difficult in creating the most comfortable living conditions.
Should the door be opened outwards or inwards? This should be considered at the planning stage. Please note that the door should not interfere with the movement of people. Free access to a closet or dressing room deserves special attention. You can always use a sliding sliding door or a book door. Then you won't have to hit the door against the wall.
1. Quite a good option for positioning the door. There will be no obstructions to the corridor as seen in the picture. The only negative is that if you open the door, especially sharply, you can hit the closet wall. No one will like this, and defects on the furniture are guaranteed.
2. The interior design of the apartment in this case will be a real obstacle to entering the living room. You will find that all the free space is blocked by a door. How can you move freely in this case? It is much better to use an accordion or a book door.
3. Quite a strange option. You'll have to step back to open the door to the living room. If the corridor is narrow, it is very inconvenient. It is better to think about a sliding or folding door.
4. The most convenient option to install the door. No obstacles to approach the living room. And the firefighters will appreciate it.
TV in the living room
size and location
Placing a TV in the living room
. If the diagonal of the TV is large, we can talk about its special beauty in the interior of the apartment
Location
. The TV can be installed on the wall, which is considered opposite from the sofa. Designers claim that this is the best place for equipment in the living room. In this case, you don’t have to think about the distance to the sofa. It all depends on personal preference. Designer advice is never superfluous, even in the case of a TV.
Cabinet or bracket?
It all depends on what you want to arrange in your living room. The design studio is trying to make the television area look presentable and neat. You can't leave everything to chance. You can often notice how wires hang in the living room, spoiling the entire impression of the renovation. Remember that you will be in this room for a long time. It is for this reason that you should take care of maximum comfort.
Height from floor
. It is best to install the TV 1 meter from the floor surface to the middle of the screen. In this case, you won’t experience eye fatigue while watching.
Diagonal size
. If you have the financial opportunity, you should think about a 50-inch diagonal. We can say that small screens look unpresentable on the wall. What's the point of saving on your comfort?
Film projector as an alternative
. More and more people are choosing some kind of home theater. If you have perfectly smooth white walls in the interior of your apartment, you can simply install a projector. If you don’t have them, you can purchase a full-fledged screen with an electric motor. Don't forget about protruding wires. They should be avoided to avoid tripping again. And you can always choose a removable option or a permanent, reliable mount. Don’t forget about full lighting so that nothing interferes with watching a football match, your favorite TV series or the premiere of a movie with your favorite actors.
TV in the living room
Basic Rules
When decorating windows, you should remember a few important rules. There are few of them, but they are fundamental and will help you avoid serious mistakes during the work process.
- Choose a design that matches the overall style of the room.
- The type of design must correspond to the configuration features of the opening and hide the shortcomings.
- Choose decor that will have design and functionality.
Furniture in the living room
Furniture in the living room
. Notice how well this wonderful blue chair fits into the living room. A great color accent, and how comfortable it is to sit on!
- Armchair.
Often the designer’s ideas are as follows: it is the chair that attracts all the attention. Look how this piece of furniture decorates the room. Moreover, its color, as well as its shape, compare favorably with all other furniture. You can climb into a chair after work to read a book or listen to music from your phone. In addition, you can just have guests, and then there is no point in choosing an easy chair. Pay attention to its size in order to please yourself and not experience any inconvenience. - TV stand.
Remember that today there is no point in installing large TV stands. They are no longer as fashionable as they used to be. You will no longer have to store newspapers, discs, cassettes, and other valuables in them. It is best to choose a rather interesting table or an elegant cabinet. - Coffee table.
An excellent piece of furniture that will create a truly cozy atmosphere. In addition, most models can easily turn into a more spacious table. You can quickly pull it out during a family holiday, and then push it back. It won't take up much space. - Side tables.
If it is not possible to install a full-size coffee table, you can use extension options. In the design of an apartment it is worth considering a variety of product options. You can see how comfortable they are and how easy they are to move around the apartment. No extra space or extra hassle. The original models deserve special attention. Then the side table will become a real decoration of the living room. - Rack.
Quite a useful piece of furniture. You might think that in a two- or three-room apartment, only trinkets, books, and various items would be stored on the rack. Designers have long used shelving for zoning. You can count on it to be an excellent partition. There will be no interference with the light. An excellent option for any apartment. Pay attention to it anyway. - Additional storage cabinet.
If you have dimensions in the living room, you can always install the sofa at a certain distance from the wall. You can put it in the very center of the room. You should definitely think through the layout of the room in advance in order to make maximum use of all the places, niches, shelves where you can store items. You will find that the space in the house is organized to the maximum. - Fireplace.
We are talking specifically about electric fireplaces. The manufacturer has also provided the function of an air humidifier with appropriate heating. It is the 3 in 1 models that can bring great benefits. You can choose a product in accordance with the approved interior style of the apartment. The main thing is not to choose an option that is too original, so as not to spoil the impression. And you don’t need to save on a full-size fireplace with a large wall.
Square hall design
The design of a hall in a private house in the form of a “square” is recommended to be designed taking into account:
- existing architectural elements;
- level of natural light;
- location of window openings;
- area.
In a large square living room, you can install a set of chocolate-colored upholstered furniture, “filling” the room with warmth.
Glossy surfaces would be inappropriate here, since there is already plenty of space.
Highlighting the compositional center of the room can be done by lighting or placing a large carpet or fireplace on the floor. Nearby you can install an unusually shaped table with an openwork tabletop and twisted legs.
A small square hall should be filled with light-colored furniture, decorating the walls in the same way. The presence of all kinds of niches in the hall can be filled with comfortable lamps with cozy armchairs, creating a relaxation area here. They are also great for arranging flower pots and arranging shelves with books.
Kitchen + living room
Quite often, designers are faced with a decision when they have to tear down the partition between the kitchen and the room. This allows you to increase space. And in general, you can find a sufficient number of fans for this solution in the interior.
Kitchen-living room design
. You can choose several shades of color as a bright accent in the interior.
By combining the living room with the kitchen, you can create a luxurious room with at least two windows. This way you can enjoy being in a space filled with light and air. In addition, you can always create a full-fledged dining area. You can prepare a culinary masterpiece for the whole family to serve right away. The family won't have to wait long. The main thing is not to forget to choose a suitable dining table.
Ideas for the kitchen-living room
Decorative elements
Decorating the living room interior simply and tastefully does not mean leaving it without decor. Such a design will seem boring, even uninhabited. Various little things complement the simple interior, making the environment complete and cozy. Regardless of the chosen style, the following are usually used as additional accessories:
- A floor carpet, most often complementing a guest area or a soft corner for relaxation;
- Decorative sofa pillows;
- Photos on the walls;
- Paintings, panels;
- House plants in pots;
- Bouquets of fresh flowers or compositions of dried flowers;
- Beautiful vases;
- Large candles;
- Figurines;
- Caskets, chests;
- Chandelier, lamps.
When choosing various accessories to decorate a room, do not overdo it with quantity and brightness. Too much decor clutters up the space, plunging it into chaos.
Bedroom + living room
You can often find a combination of a bedroom and a living room. However, if the family is large, this option will not be the best. If we talk about the owners of a one-room apartment in Moscow, they will appreciate it. Moreover, a regular rack can act as a partition. This will allow you to divide the room into certain zones, and the natural space will remain. In addition, you will be able to get additional space to store small items, arrange books, and photographs.
Bedroom design with living room
. A wonderful design option for a bedroom-living room!
Justification for partitions when room space is limited
If the living room has a small area, how justified is it to divide it with the help of additional partitions? If it is necessary to place several zones in one room, for example, relaxation and receiving guests, such a division may be completely justified.
Justified use of partitions
The partitions themselves in the living room can be of two main types:
- Decorative.
- Fundamental.
Partitions can form original arches, transform into niches of interesting shapes, and stand out in color and material.
Partitions can have the most interesting shapes
Decorative partitions
They play not only a functional role, zoning the room, but also a decorative one. They can be decorated using glass, bead pendants, fabric panels, etc. Or shelving with open shelves can be used for books, souvenirs, an aquarium, etc.
If glass is chosen, then most often preference is given to the matte version, as the most versatile. The matte effect is not completely transparent, but allows enough color to pass through and can go with most styles.
Decorative function of partitions
Fundamental partitions
Solid, created over the years, such partitions play the role of a real wall. They are reliable, but have their drawbacks:
- take up quite a lot of space;
- degrade the natural light in the room, especially if there is only one window;
- they are very difficult to dismantle and almost impossible to move.
Here the partitions play the role of a real wall
For a small living room, a fundamental partition is not the best option . It can be used only in cases where other options cannot be implemented.
Living room + office
In a small apartment it is not always possible to organize a full-fledged place for arranging a desktop. It can be installed in the living room or bedroom. However, its size and location will depend on how often it will have to be used. For a table specifically for a laptop, you can choose a width of 60 cm, and a stationary one – 70 cm in depth.
Living room design
. In this project, the shelves and a small work table were made invisible precisely due to the color scheme. They merged with the surface of the wall. At the same time, the table could become a real decoration of the room.
You can choose among three convenient options for placing your desk in the living room.
1. The desktop is installed in the far corner of the room. This is a great option if you need to start working in the living room. To make your workplace less noticeable, you can choose a color to match the walls themselves, install a shelving unit or a beautiful screen.
2. A spacious work desk by the window is the most suitable option for all freelancers who have to work from home. In addition, if the table has an extended window sill, it can be used for a desktop computer. A tabletop can significantly expand a room.
3. Desk, which is built into the closet. You can quickly open and close it. This way you can hide the mess if guests come. The interior of a small living room will only benefit from this solution.
Desk in the interior
Air conditioner
in a small living room
It is extremely important that the cold air does not disturb people sitting on the sofa. Nothing pleasant. The internal housing of the air conditioner should be placed as comfortably as possible for you. However, if you install the unit near the door, you will have to pay money. Remember this.
Air conditioner indoor unit
- cannot be called the most beautiful thing in the apartment. It is best to install the block on a white wall. You can hide it.
Designers suggest thinking about the three most common options for placing an air conditioner.
1. The indoor unit fits perfectly above the door. Try to choose this option.
2. Placing the air conditioner next to a window is a good option. It is also often chosen by professional designers.
3. Terrible location of the indoor unit itself. The cold air coming from the air conditioner will blow onto the sofa. People will not be able to fully relax in this case.
Sockets
in a small living room
When renovating and planning, it is extremely important to consider the location of outlets. It is important to decide where the table lamp and other electrical appliances will be placed. You can also install a TV right in the room. In this case, you should make sockets with a reserve, who knows what kind of equipment will be purchased after some time. Yes, and you can buy a set-top box or some other devices for the TV itself. The electric fireplace deserves special attention, as well as garlands and the long-awaited New Year tree.
Loft
It seems that people in Russia have begun to get used to this unique style, but it still causes bewilderment in many of us. How can you decorate the interior walls with some broken bricks and strange metal structures?
I agree, loft is not a classic at all, and its features are very specific. This style is the embodiment of brutality and toughness; it is able to express the rebellious spirit of the apartment owner.
It originated in America and became popular by the 21st century. People liked the provocative idea of converting abandoned workshops, basements and other technical premises into housing. Freedom – and that’s all!
This style is characterized by materials such as metal, wood, concrete, glass, brick, and plaster. The lines are sharp, broken, breaking. Few people would want to decorate a children's room in loft-style. But for a recreation area this aesthetic is quite suitable.
Lighting
in a small living room
The organization of light directly determines whether the room will be cozy. It is extremely important not to skimp on everything. Another question is that an ordinary chandelier is not enough here. The design project should include several lighting options.
Living room lighting
. Notice how an ordinary brick wall sparkles with new colors. It was enough to choose minimalist lamps of various shapes.
Lamps
They represent a really important part of the decor, so that there is a combination with the approved style of the entire room. At the moment, different lighting devices in the same style, but presented in the collections of certain years and collections, have gained relevance. You can provide main, local, intimate light in the living room. You will like how your own mood has changed.
overhead light
considered the main type of lighting. This applies to the chandelier itself, as well as spotlights. At the same time, the chandelier will not only provide bright lighting, but will also be part of the design and become an interesting art object.
Toward the local light
This includes different floor lamps, sconces and table lamps. It all depends on your imagination, on the interior of the apartment itself.
Intimate light
represents candles and garlands. You'll love the smooth, warm white light. At the same time, you can create a cozy atmosphere in the living room. And the role of a night light for this lighting device has not been canceled.
Candles
. Most often they are used to create a romantic atmosphere. In fact, you can choose completely different candles, and their colors can be monochromatic. For a classic style, white products with a matte or rough surface are suitable.
Zoning
. The lamps are truly ideal for organizing the zoning of a room. This applies to the living room - kitchen. Just imagine how interesting pendant lights will look over a bar counter or dining table. In addition, in the living room area itself, you need to think about the main and local light. Don't forget about a cozy lamp behind the sofa, as well as a floor lamp near the window.
Highlighting one of the walls: mirrors and photo wallpaper
If you need to visually “expand” the living room space, you can use mirrors. They should not be small, but large, allowing you to create the effect of perspective. An example is the use of furniture with mirrored facades or placing a mirror surface above the sofa.
Highlighting a wall with photo wallpaper is a fashionable and effective technique. Pasting photo wallpaper will help correct the irregular shape of the room, as well as shift attention to the original design. A three-dimensional image will help to visually lengthen a square room or balance a narrow living room.
Highlighting walls with photo wallpaper
Tip In addition to the walls, you can decorate the ceiling in the living room with mirrors.
Highlighting one of the walls of the living room in the relaxation area with a bright color or a catchy pattern of photo wallpaper will help give the room dynamism. Near this wall you can place original decorative items.
Modern style in the living room
A fairly multifaceted and at the same time interesting style that will fit quite well into the interior of a small living room. It is distinguished by its conciseness and simplicity. Quite convenient, beautiful and at the same time functional.
Modern living room design
. Luxurious geometric lines and patterns in the interior are one of the highlights of the modern style.
Signs of style
. Sophisticated white and black, neutral gray and beige - can be called the main colors related to the neutral style. Don't forget the bright accents. If they are not provided for, the interior will turn out to be rather faceless and monotonous. In a modern interior, it is extremely important to hang posters of your favorite artists or large paintings. Do not allow accumulation of decorative items. They should be bright and original. Please note that they should fit into the style of the room itself. At the same time, do not forget about practical, comfortable furniture. It should be simple and minimalistic in form.
Many modern living rooms
Ceiling: “increasing” the height
The design of the ceiling affects the perception of the entire room. If the height of the living room walls is small, you will have to abandon complex multi-level structures and dark colors. The lighter the shade chosen, the better.
Avoid the pompous ceiling
A feeling of spaciousness can be created using optical illusions in the form of prints on tension structures. It is better to give preference to a satin or glossy finish, which visually adds dimension to the living room. Matte surfaces look more traditional. But with proper lighting arrangement, they are also capable of “raising” the ceiling.
Neoclassical style in the living room
Design studio specialists in Moscow often delight their customers with interiors in the “gentle neoclassical” style. This can be called a modernized version of the usual classics. At the same time, do not forget about the original lamps, watercolor shades, and upholstery in the “carriage screed” style. This all relates to neoclassicism.
Living room in neoclassical style
. Multi-sized, compact pillows in interior colors will look truly luxurious in both modern and classic designs.
Signs of style
. Styles such as neoclassical and classical style are distinguished by the special arrangement of accessories and furniture arrangement. Pay attention to the exquisitely flowing and draped curtains and curtains, furniture facades. The owner of a living room in a neoclassical interior will more than like these elements.
Living rooms in neoclassical style
Other living room styles
Scandinavian style
Fusion
Loft
High tech
This interior style is suitable for a small room where simplicity, modern technology, metal and glass surfaces are preferred.
Colors
Beige color in the design of a small living room
When decorating the living room interior, you should not choose only white color. This can lead to a feeling of “officialdom”. There are many examples of truly bright and original designs. Just think how interesting accent walls will look. This applies to modern and classic style. At the same time, we must not forget that it is the bright living room options that are worth choosing for a number of reasons.
Beige visually expands the space
. The interior of a small living room will only benefit in this case. You can visually enlarge the room. The effect produced will pleasantly surprise any skeptic.
Compatibility
. Delicate beige colors can be successfully combined with both cold and warm tones. You can add many bright accents to your interior. From decorative items and textiles to furniture.
Create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort
. You can see how cozy the room has become. You will be comfortable in the living room; you won’t want to leave the apartment for a long time.
Beige color in the living room
. In most cases, warm shades of beige are used to design a living room in a classic style. But cooler, grayish tones will look better in modern interiors, in particular, high-tech style.
A selection of beige living rooms
Gray color in the living room interior
Gray color in the living room
. Gray is considered a calm and neutral color.
For example, we can note the absorption of light by black colors. You can be a fan of different subcultures, but you can’t always be in such a room. And a living room that is too white will cause irritation. If we talk about gray color, designers classify it as neutral. It will not cause eye fatigue and will go well with all shades.
A selection of gray living rooms
Where to begin?
The creation of any interior begins with the design of the floor, ceiling, walls, and the choice of furniture. Having outlined the main direction of the design, you can move on to detailing.
We combine the floor and ceiling with the interior
If the living room is not only small in area, but also requires the combination of several functionally different zones, then this factor must be taken into account from the very beginning of the design. Zoning, if necessary, is performed using the following techniques:
- organization of niches;
- proper arrangement of furniture;
- using wallpaper of several shades;
- placement of partitions;
- use of lighting of various directions and organization;
- organizing a podium in part of the room;
- combining living space with a balcony.
Placement of partitions
The main points in creating a living room interior are based on a suitable choice:
- Lighting.
- Color range.
- Furniture.
- Accessories.
Other colors
In the living room design
White color in the living room
Blue color in the living room
Dark living room design
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Fireplace in the living room
Recommendations
Saving space and its rational use should include the proper arrangement of each item:
- It is better to hang the TV on a free wall opposite the sofa;
- highlight the window with decoration, but without pomp;
- It is advisable to choose thin tulle and avoid heavy curtains;
- It is recommended to use Japanese roller blinds;
- with a large amount of decor, the design of the walls should be neutral;
- It is better to choose a flat aquarium.
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