Your small living room doesn't need to feel cramped and claustrophobic. With a few clever decorating tricks you can optimise every square inch to make your snug scheme feel open, airy and organised. Take a look at these ingenious living room ideas that prove that small can feel stylish and spacious too...

Small box-like living rooms have plenty of right angles so put those corners to work by filling the void with attractive artwork and practical storage. Optimise wall space by adding low-level storage that frees up a backdrop above for mirrors, photos and paintings; keeping other surfaces free for other purposes.

Free up as much floor and surface space by choosing wall-mounted lighting over floor lamps. And, don't think the alternative choice will compromise the cosy atmosphere as most sconces are dimmable. This allows you to easily adjust the lighting according to the occasion or mood.

Just because your living room is small doesn't mean it can't be on trend. To avoid overcrowding choose only one or two elements that tell the story like this opulent tropical living room with monkey print curtains and palm tree motif cushions. 

Clean lines, minimal embellishment and practical use mean furniture from the 1940s era is practically made for tiny living. A compact sofa, wood-framed armchair and basket-style coffee table all fit into this small living room without it looking cluttered thanks to the right-angles and narrow leg design.

Make your space clutter-free and contemporary with one fell swoop by hiding mismatched but necessary objects behind a luxe screen. Guests would never know this refined yet inviting small living room is also used as a family playroom filled with toys or a home office space with hot desk once everything is safely concealed and out of sight. 

Make your small living room feel larger by creating a separate seating area for reading or quiet reflection. Turn a small armchair away from the rest of the living area perhaps towards a window, then add a small side table, table lamp and creature comforts. 

Glass display cabinets will keep your small living room organised and orderly with accessories safe and dust-free inside. This metal olive coloured cabinet melts seamlessly into its the green backdrop and light reflects off the glazed doors to increase the sense of space. 

A large television can dominate small living rooms so think of genius ways to integrate the TV into your living room by blending it in with wall storage. The box-like design of these wall shelves echo the shape of the TV screen and so you have to look twice before you even notice it is there. 

Look for the stud wall in your small living room and hire a contractor to cut out custom-made shelves behind the sofa. The interesting alcoves make a great solution to creating flush storage without shelves protruding from walls at a hazardous level. 

Small apartment living rooms or studios can often include a kitchen area too so be sure to create boundaries. Here, an open-plan living and kitchenette has been divided with an island and statement flooring to create a galley kitchen. Midnight blue-toned cabinets have been colour matched to two-tone walls in the living area to tie the room together. The overall effect increases the sense of space. 

Small living rooms can often consist of four boring walls so why not give the space a sophisticated and on-trend feel without compromising floor space? For added interest add wall panelling and paint in two-tone soothing tones which will enhance the sense of space. 

If your small living room has a dual purpose divide the room in a style that doesn't compromise light. A room divider on wheels can help carve out a temporary dining space but then be moved with ease later when more space is needed. Or choose a cut-out design with built-in storage to maximise space and light. 

Swapping a large bulky sofa for two slim armchairs is a good space-saving idea if your living room is a bit of squeeze. Perhaps pop in an extra stool or collapsible chair to accommodate extra guests.

A small living room will benefit from a window dressing that's clean and smart rather than busy and bulky. Swap heavy curtains for stylish shutters or replace a bulky Roman blind with a flush roller version.

Adding texture to a small living room is a great way to transform it into a comfortable and warming space. To avoid it feeling cluttered, be discerning. Add a few tactile cushions, soft throws, grainy wood and perhaps an interesting rug for a super-snug finish. Choose a small number of richly textured furnishings rather than lots of pieces that could overcrowd the room.

It can feel daunting to use busy wallpaper in a compact room, but with the right colour combination, it can really make a small space sing. This blue print has breathed new life into the room thanks to the neutral panels and chalky sofa which balance out the bright focal point.

Picture ledges make a great alternative to regular shelving in small living rooms as their slim form maximises space. The width is usually wide enough for smaller accessories too such as candles or tall narrow vases and the step stops anything falling off. 

Just because a living room is small doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with paint effects. Bold artwork or a bright feature wall will actually open up a room by drawing the gaze upwards, whilst adding plenty of personality without taking up floor space. This fun graphic design pairs the muted grey sofa with ochre and pink.

If there's not a lot of space for side tables in your small living room look for narrow versions that stack on top of each other when not in use. These minimalistic tables look sharp and stylish, while the contrasting surfaces will make the smallest of rooms look chic. 

If you're brave enough, an all-white colour scheme will maximise light in a small living room and add an air of sophistication. Give the crisp look just a touch of colour with a few warming accents – a taupe vase paired with pastel cushions is soft and subtle.

Floor-to-ceiling shelving is not only a marvellous space-saving storage choice for a cosy living area, but it can also double up as a dramatic focal point for the room too. This budget unit looks visually stunning thanks to the colourful inserts. A cobalt sofa and ochre accessories tie together the uplifting scheme. 

Gallery walls make a creative and personal addition to living rooms. Avoid drowning a restricted space by choosing smaller frames – you will still get the same great effect but scaled down to proportion. We love the way this black-framed photo wall incorporates the flat screen TV too.

Decorating trends are becoming braver so don't rule these darker schemes out of a compact living room altogether. When paired with the right pieces, dramatic shades like navy, forest green or gunmetal grey can look atmospheric and inviting on your walls – just ensure you incorporate pops of bright furnishings to lift the look.

Convertible furniture with more than one function is always a small living room's best friend. This loft-style living space has managed to pack in a dining area thanks to this clever bookcase that features a retractable table for two – genius!

A space-efficient piece, a corner sofa, allows you to either spread out when alone or squeeze in the whole family. Small living rooms usually don't have much room to manoeuvre so it's best to choose a sectional version that comes apart. If you can, squeeze in a slim occasional chair in a different material for contrast. 

With the right furniture, you can carve a living room out of anywhere. This alcove is part of a hallway that's been transformed into a beautiful tiny lounge with help from a textured rug. This extra-large version frames the inviting space with a soft, vintage feel.

If your living room has space for a coffee table make sure it's a multifunctional one. This unique design opens up to create a multi-level table that's perfect for a quick meal. There are also slim drawers to hide bits and bobs, plus the two-tone legs look minimalist and modern. 

Space is often in short supply in rented apartments so pared-back schemes with light, skinny furniture are ideal – not only will they make the most of floor space but they can easily be transferred elsewhere when you come to move. This stylish setup with a narrow locker, relaxed seating and a storage trunk coffee table is flexible enough to work in a range of different layouts.

If you don't have room for a sofa but don't want to rule one out altogether, a loveseat or snuggler makes the perfect alternative. A great way to add that all-important comfort factor to your lounge, pair with skinny side tables and a rug for an inviting scheme that doesn't compromise on the essentials.

Like mirrors, furniture and accessories with reflective surfaces will maximise the amount of light in your small living room and make it feel bigger and brighter. Team with neutral tones and snug fabrics for a stylish and luxurious scheme. 

If your small living room has the benefit of large windows make the most of the added light by going for a bold colour choice on your walls. This living room has emphasised the colour feature further with a vibrant gallery wall. Offset the dazzling tones with a neutral sofa and pale flooring to even the look. 

Loved this? Check out these living room ideas for every style and budget