How to Style a Small Living Room Without Sacrificing Comfort
City living comes with its perks but space isn’t always one of them. Whether you're in a cozy Sydney apartment, a Melbourne townhouse, or a beachside unit in Brisbane, creating a warm, functional living room in a smaller footprint is entirely possible, and even fun. Here’s how to make every square metre count.
1. Choose a Compact, Comfortable Sofa
Your sofa is the anchor of the living room but in smaller spaces, it needs to work harder. Opt for compact sofas or modular sectionals with clean lines and neutral tones. A low-profile design makes the room feel more open, while still offering comfort and style.
✨ Tip: Look for pieces with hidden storage or removable covers.
2. Swap a Large Coffee Table for Nesting or Multifunctional Ones
Instead of one bulky table, go for nesting coffee tables that can be tucked away when not in use or even used as side tables. Alternatively, choose ottomans or benches with storage inside, doubling as seating and table space.
✨ Round shapes also soften the room visually and are great for narrow layouts.
3. Make the Most of Your Walls
When floor space is limited, walls become your best friends. Mount your TV on the wall and pair it with a floating shelf or a slimline TV unit to keep the area grounded without overwhelming it.
✨ Bonus: Add vertical bookshelves or wall art to draw the eye up and expand the feeling of height.
4. Layer Softness with Rugs and Lighting
Small rooms feel more inviting when they’re layered with textures. A soft rug, throw cushions, and ambient lighting can completely transform the space. Use floor lamps or wall sconces instead of table lamps to save on surfaces.
✨ Choose a light-toned rug to make the room feel bigger and brighter.
5. Go Light and Neutral But Add Personality
Stick to a light, neutral base to open up the space, but don’t be afraid to add pops of color through cushions, vases, or artwork. Keep the room cohesive with 2–3 main tones and a few accent pieces.
✨ Think: a white linen sofa with warm wood tones and olive green accents.
Ready to Redesign Your Living Room?
At Shangri-La Decors, we curate furniture and storage solutions designed specifically for modern Australian homes.
Small on space? Big on style. Let us help you bring comfort home.
👉 Explore our modern storage range for small spaces →
👉 Shop compact living room furniture →
