Have you ever stepped into your living room and thought, “This space is smaller than I remember?” It’s a common problem, and often, it’s not because of the actual size of the room, but due to how we fill it with stuff. Over time, we accumulate items that clutter the room, making it feel cramped and claustrophobic.
This post will guide you through nine things you can remove from your living room to create a more spacious, airy, and inviting atmosphere.
1. Oversized Furniture
Yes, that gigantic sofa might be extremely comfortable, but it could also be eating up your living room space. Oversized furniture, especially in small living rooms, can make the space feel congested and small. This is because large pieces of furniture can break up the room and obstruct the flow of movement.
If your furniture is too big for the room, consider replacing it with smaller, more proportionate pieces. Opt for clean, sleek lines rather than bulky designs. A simple, streamlined couch can make the room feel bigger, as can armless chairs or compact coffee tables. Remember, less is more when it comes to making your living room appear larger.
2. Excessive Decorations
It’s nice to have a few pieces of art or family photos on the walls, but too many can make your space feel cluttered and cramped. The same applies to knick-knacks and decorative items on shelves or tables.
Try to keep wall decorations to a minimum. One large piece of art can make a statement without overwhelming the space. Also, be selective about what you display on shelves and tables. Choose a few key pieces that you love, and rotate them periodically for a fresh look.
3. Large Rugs
While rugs can add color and texture to a room, a rug that’s too big can swallow up the floor space, making the room look smaller. The wrong size rug can also disrupt the flow of the room and make it feel disjointed.
Instead of one large rug, consider using several smaller rugs to define specific areas in the room. Alternatively, you can opt for a rug that’s just big enough to fit under the front legs of your furniture. This will help to anchor the room without taking up too much space.
4. Bulky Entertainment Centers
Entertainment centers tend to be bulky and take up a lot of floor space. They can also draw the eye, making the room feel smaller than it actually is.
Consider replacing your entertainment center with a sleek, wall-mounted TV. This will free up valuable floor space and make the room feel more open. If you need storage for media equipment, consider floating shelves or a slim console table.
5. Dark Curtains
Dark, heavy curtains can make a room feel smaller by blocking natural light. They can also make the room feel closed off from the outside world.
Replace dark curtains with lighter, more sheer options. This will allow more natural light into the room, making it feel larger and more open. If privacy is a concern, consider blinds or shades that can be adjusted to let in light while still providing privacy.
6. Clutter
Clutter is a common culprit in making rooms feel smaller. Items left out on tables, floors, and other surfaces can quickly make a room feel cramped and congested.
Commit to regular decluttering sessions. Keep surfaces as clear as possible, and make sure everything has a designated place. Not only will this make your room feel bigger, but it will also create a more calming, peaceful environment.
7. Too Many Pillows
While pillows can add comfort and style to a room, too many can make a room feel overcrowded and small. This is especially true if the pillows are large or brightly colored.
Limit the number of pillows on your sofa to a few key pieces. Choose pillows that complement your decor without overwhelming it. Remember, sometimes less is more when it comes to making a room feel larger.
8. Large Plants
While plants can bring life and color to a room, large plants can take up a lot of space and make a room feel smaller.
Consider replacing large plants with smaller ones, or opt for hanging plants that don’t take up floor space. If you love the look of large plants, try placing one in a corner where it won’t disrupt the flow of the room.
9. Books
Books can add personality to a room, but too many can make a room feel cluttered and small. This is especially true if the books are piled up on the floor or overflowing from a bookshelf.
Consider donating books you no longer read or need. If you’re a book lover and can’t part with your collection, consider creative storage solutions, like floating shelves or under-the-coffee-table storage.