How to style a small living room

A small living room asks for choices, not compromises. These five moves keep it open, calm and easy to live in.

Start with the rug

Lay the rug first and let it set the seating area. Front legs of the sofa and chairs on the rug is enough to pull the corner together.

Pick one large piece, then go light

A proper three-seater earns its floor space because it does the sitting. Around it, choose pieces with legs and air beneath — a lounge chair, a slim side table — so the eye travels under them.

Lift the light

A floor lamp in a dark corner doubles the sense of space after dark. Keep the shade at seated eye level so nobody stares into the bulb.

Hang the mirror opposite the window

A round mirror facing the brightest window bounces daylight across the room. It reads as a second window from the sofa.

Leave one surface empty

A clear coffee table or an empty shelf gives the room somewhere to breathe. Small rooms feel full fastest at table height, so guard it.