How To Decorate A Small Room
Smart and simple tips for decorating a small room to make it look bigger, function better, and feel beautifully pulled together.
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Do you have a small room that’s challenging to decorate? Decorating a small room can be a little tricky, but with a few smart tips, you can make it feel bigger, more comfortable, and beautifully styled.
Today I’m sharing how I decorated our small sunroom/family room. We certainly do a lot of living in this room! Our family loves this room. It’s light, the furniture is comfortable, and it’s where the TV is! This room gets used often!
Decorating a small room, like our sunroom, that gets used a lot, is really a balancing act. We want a small room to feel spacious, but we also want enough seating so people are not sitting on the floor.
Like all decorating, it is part science, part art, with a bit of practicality thrown in! We can decorate a small space that gets lots of use and have it be both attractive and useful.
Here are some helpful small living room design ideas that will help you to decorate the small spaces in your home.
Pick A Color Palette
Wall and ceiling color is very important in a small room. A lighter color will give the illusion of more space while a darker color will make a small room feel cozy.
Think about how you want your room to feel and paint it accordingly.
One thing I would wave you off about is painting an accent wall in a small room! It creates a visual separation in a room instead of creating a cohesive look. It does make a big statement but one that works against the visual flow of a small room.
Our room is painted white like the rest of our home, and it gives this living area a larger-than-it-is feel. It also helps this room flow easily into the dining room and kitchen.
Wall Color
Wall color can completely change the way a small room feels. And in a small space, the color you choose for the walls and ceiling matters even more.
Lighter wall colors will make a room feel more open and airy. They reflect light and help visually expand the space. If you want your room to feel bigger and flow easily into other areas of your home, light-colored walls are a smart choice. Darker wall colors, on the other hand, will make a room feel smaller—but in a cozy, cocooning way. If you want your small space to feel warm and intimate, you might love a deeper, moodier color on the walls.
Before picking a paint color, think about how you want the room to feel—light and bright or snug and inviting—and go from there.
One tip to avoid in a small room is painting just one accent wall. This tends to visually break up the space and makes the room feel more closed in. It’s better to keep the wall color consistent to create a cohesive look throughout the space.
Our sunroom is painted white, just like most of the other rooms in our home. That soft white backdrop helps it flow right into our dining room and kitchen and making the space feel larger than it really is.
Pay Attention To Size, Scale, And Proportion
Getting the size, scale, and proportion of your furniture right is one of the most important things you can do when decorating a small room.
These three design principles work together to help a room feel balanced and pulled together. And in a small space, there’s not much room for error.
Before bringing anything into the room, consider how each piece will fit—not just physically, but also visually. How will it look next to the other furnishings? Does it feel too bulky? Is it too tall or too low? When furniture is in proportion to the size of the room and to each other, your space will just feel right. Everything will work together and create a sense of harmony, even in a tighter space.
In our sunroom, I gave a lot of thought to how each piece would work in the layout of the room and with each other. That extra effort made all the difference!
You might want to read WHY SCALE AND PROPORTION ARE SO IMPORTANT WHEN WE DECORATE.
Negative Space Is Very Important To Small Room Layout
It’s easy to think a small room needs more furniture than it really does. You want seating, surfaces to set things on, and maybe a little storage, too. But here’s the truth: one of the best things you can give a small room is negative space.
Negative space is just open, empty space. And it’s just as important as the furnishings in a room. It gives your eye a place to rest, makes it easier to move around, and helps your room feel uncluttered and calm.
Too much furniture or too many accessories can make a small space feel cramped and heavy. Instead, try to embrace a less-is-more approach. Choose only what you really need and leave space around it. Be sure to read “Decorating With Less.” It is full of ideas and ways to use less and create a more attractive-looking room.
In our sunroom, I was very intentional about spacing out the furniture. There’s enough seating and function, but also room to walk through the space comfortably.
Negative space is both a practical and pretty design decision. It helps a room breathe and it makes everything in it stand out a little more beautifully.
Read more about negative space and how to make the space in your home work best. See WHY SPACE IS IMPORTANT WHEN WE DECORATE.
Choose The Biggest Piece Of Furniture First
When decorating any room, especially a small one, always start by choosing the biggest piece of furniture first. This one crucial choice will help you make better decisions about everything else that goes in the space.
In a bedroom, the bed is usually the largest item. In a living or family room, it’s probably the sofa. Once you decide where it goes and what size works best, the rest of the room can come together more easily.
For most small rooms, the largest piece should go on the longest wall. It helps anchor the space and gives you a natural layout to work with.
In our sunroom, we placed an eighty-seven-inch sofa along the long wall with windows. It faces the TV and flows nicely into the dining area. This one choice helped guide all the other furniture in the room.
If you are shopping for a sofa for a small space, look for one with a slimmer profile. Avoid large, rolled arms or overstuffed cushions. Smaller-scale furniture looks more natural and balanced in a small space.
Choose The Right Rug
A rug is an important part of decorating a small room, and the size you choose can make a big difference. A rug that is too small will break up the space and make the room feel even smaller. But a rug that fits the space well can actually make the whole room feel more spacious.
If you’re using a rug in a small living space, opt for the largest size that fits the layout. Bigger rugs help define a room and give it a sense of unity. They also trick the eye into thinking the room is larger than it actually is.
In our sunroom, the room’s size made it a little tricky to find the perfect fit. We chose a standard size rug that works well, even though it is not ideal. That is just part of decorating sometimes. The goal is to get as close as possible to what works best in real life, not just in your imagination.
A rug should connect the main pieces of furniture in the room. The rug should go under at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs, rather than being too small and just sitting under the coffee table.
Choosing The Right Chairs
Adding the right chairs to a small room requires some planning. You want them to look attractive, be the right size, and withstand everyday use.
There are three types of chairs to think about.
- Foundation chairs are sturdy and made for regular use.
- Accent chairs add style and comfort but may not hold up as well over time.
- Occasional chairs are primarily decorative and not intended for everyday use.
In a small room, chairs usually get a lot of use. So it is best to choose foundation or accent chairs that are well-made and feel supportive. Save occasional chairs for a corner or spot where they are more decorative than functional.
The chairs you select should be proportionate to the room and the other furniture within it. Slimmer arms, smaller frames, and tighter upholstery are all good choices for small spaces. You can even find wing chairs or club chairs that have a scaled-down look.
We recently moved two chairs from our loft to add to our sunroom. They are scaled down with a wide and comfortable seat. I would call them accent chairs. So, they are stand-ins until I find chairs to live in this room or permanently. I’m enjoying the style they ad to the sunroom.
Coffee Table
Choosing a coffee table for a small room can be a daunting task. You want something that looks aesthetically pleasing, fits the layout, and complements the other furniture in the room.
Begin by considering size and shape. A coffee table should leave enough space around it so people can move easily through the room. You don’t want to bump into it every time you walk by.
In a small room, a round or oval table is a great choice because it softens the layout and helps the room feel more open. Apartment-sized tables are another good option. Just be sure that whatever table you choose feels in proportion to your seating.
I found a small coffee table that’s similar in color to our sofa. Keeping the colors close makes the table feel like it takes up less visual space. This is a simple trick that works well in any small room.
The best coffee table is one that fits your space, functions well, and adds to the look of your room without overwhelming it.
You can see more about WHY KNOWING ABOUT VISUAL WEIGHT WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER DECORATOR.
Side Tables And End Tables
Side tables and end tables are important pieces in a small room, but they need to be chosen with care. In a tighter space, every inch matters.
It’s helpful to use slim tables that fit well next to your seating. Think of narrow, simple lines and a style that complements your coffee table and sofa. A matched set of tables is not something I usually recommend, but in a small room, it can create a nice cohesive look and keep the space from feeling busy.
In our sunroom, we used slim end tables that coordinate with the coffee table and sofa. The matching finish actually helps everything blend together and takes away some of the visual clutter.
Our tables are just big enough for oversized lamps and a couple of coasters, and that’s all we need.
If your room is too small for traditional side tables, get creative. Here are some smart options for small space surfaces:
- garden stools
- a large stack of books
- drink tables
- floating shelves
- a decorative ladder
- stacked baskets
- a folding tea table
- a small crate or barrel
You don’t have to use a traditional end table to get the function of one. Just find something that works and looks pretty, too.
Get ideas and good decorating concepts, read HOW TO DECORATE A SMALL END TABLE.
Lamps
Lighting is such an important part of decorating any room, but especially in a small space. The right lighting helps a room feel warm, inviting, and functional.
There are three basic types of lighting used in decorating:
- Ambient lighting gives general light to the room. This is usually from overhead fixtures.
- Task lighting is focused lighting that helps you do things like read or work. Think reading lamps or under-cabinet lighting.
- Accent lighting highlights something special in a room, like artwork or architectural details.
In a perfect world, every room would have a mix of all three types of lighting. But in a small room, that is not always practical or necessary.
I rarely use overhead lighting. Even a pretty chandelier can throw harsh shadows and make a room feel flat and unflattering. Overhead light can wash everything out and make a small room feel stark or cold. That is not the look I want. Instead, I like to use lamps. Floor lamps, table lamps, and even task lighting placed behind a chair or sofa will give off a softer, more beautiful light. Ideally, you want overlapping pools of light throughout the room.
In our sunroom, we use table lamps on each end table and a floor lamp behind one of the accent chairs, where I like to read. The overhead light is there, but we never turn it on. For a small space, that is all the lighting we really need. And it makes the room feel warm and comfortable.
Mirrors And Art
Mirrors and artwork are excellent ways to add beauty and personality to any room, but they are especially helpful in a small space.
A mirror is a smart decorating choice because it reflects light and gives the illusion of more space. Hanging one mirror in the right spot can make a small room feel brighter and more open. If you’re only going to add one mirror, opt for something a little larger. A big mirror in a small room can look amazing.
Art is also important. It brings color, style, and interest to your walls. In a small space, one larger piece of art often looks better than several smaller ones scattered around. It provides the eye with a clear focal point and prevents the room from feeling cluttered.
You can also balance a larger piece of art with a small grouping of pictures or frames if your layout allows it. But too much on the walls can quickly make a small room feel busy, so a lighter touch is always best.
Our sunroom has windows on three sides, and the fourth side opens to the dining room. So instead of hanging art, we let the beautiful views from the windows be our art. It is something I never get tired of looking at.
When you are choosing mirrors and art for a small room, go for fewer, larger pieces instead of a lot of little things. The result feels cleaner, more peaceful, and a little more curated.
Curtains
Curtains can add softness and style to a small room, but how you hang them makes a big difference. In a smaller space, keeping things simple is always a good idea and that includes your window treatments.
To make a room feel taller and more spacious, hang curtains as high as possible. Even if your windows are short, raising the curtain rod closer to the ceiling will draw the eye upward and create the feeling of height.
Choose curtain panels that are light and uncomplicated. Lighter fabrics work well in small rooms, and simple patterns or solids help keep the space from feeling cluttered.
In our sunroom, I wanted the curtains to highlight the high ceilings without overwhelming the room. So I hung a single linen panel on each end of the longest wall of windows. The panels feature a delicate French knot design that adds just the right amount of texture without stealing the show.
In a small space, less is usually more. Keep the focus on letting in natural light and making the room feel open and welcoming.
Accent Decor
Accent decor is where you can really let your personality shine. But in a small room, it’s important to edit thoughtfully.
Items such as pillows, candles, books, plants, bowls, baskets, and other decorative pieces add character and warmth to a space. These are the finishing touches that make a room feel lived in and loved. But in a small room, it’s easy to go overboard.
Too many accessories can make a space feel busy and cramped. Instead, choose just a few pieces that support your color palette and have meaning or visual interest.
Try layering a couple of pillows on a chair, adding a small stack of books on a table, or placing a bowl of moss or a small vase of flowers in a corner. These little touches go a long way without overwhelming the space.
In our sunroom, I chose just a few well-loved accents that work together and feel collected. The goal is to keep things simple, pretty, and personal.
It is always better to underdress a small room than to overdress it.
Where To Put The TV
If your small room is used for watching TV, finding the right spot for it can be a bit of a puzzle. In a smaller space, you want to make the most of every inch, and that includes the placement of the TV.
The smartest solution is to hang the TV on the wall. It saves valuable floor and surface space, helping to keep the room feeling open. If you can, use a wall mount with a swivel arm. That way, you can move the TV for the best view without having to rearrange the furniture.
In our sunroom, there was only one small wall that would work for the TV. So we mounted it and chose a slim swivel arm. It was one of the best decisions we made regarding the room’s layout.
Hanging the TV on the wall helps keep the room from feeling crowded and creates a cleaner, more functional space.
Use The Walls
n a small room, every bit of space counts—including the walls. When floor space is limited, think about how to use vertical space to add both function and beauty.
If you have an open stretch of wall, consider adding a small bookshelf, a slim storage cabinet, or a few floating shelves. These options can hold decorative accents, books, baskets, or even lamps without taking up valuable floor space.
You can also mount sconces for extra lighting, which frees up space on end tables or eliminates the need for one altogether.
In our sunroom, I tucked a narrow bookcase between a chair and the wall. It holds a few favorite books and decorative accents without feeling bulky.
Think up, not out. Using the walls is one of the best ways to make a small room feel more open and stay functional.
Storage Space In A Small Room
Storage space is at a premium in a small room. Here are items to consider using to add storage…
We have no built-in places to add storage to our sunroom. So we make the most out of baskets to store books and my latest DIY projects.
A small room can be a little jewel in your home. Offering a place to watch TV or read a book, have a snack, and entertain! With these savvy tips, small rooms can be decorated to meet the needs of your family and guests and look very attractive.
An informative companion to this post is “Decorating a Small Space.” It has so many doable ideas you can use.
Sources And Links For The Sunroom
Frequently Asked Facts And Questions About Decorating A Small Room
Use light colors, keep furniture in scale, and leave a little breathing room around everything. Mirrors, a large rug, and simple window treatments will also help create the feeling of more space.
Select furniture that suits the room’s size and features a slim profile. Pieces that sit lower to the ground or have legs you can see under help a space feel more open. Avoid bulky, overstuffed pieces that visually occupy too much space. And don’t overdecorate a room. Leave some breathing room, or negative space.
Stick to just a few accent pieces you really love. Choose furniture that doubles as storage when possible, and leave open space around key pieces. Fewer, larger decor items usually look better than lots of smaller ones in a tight space.
Yes, but use them carefully. A deep wall color can make a room feel cozy and inviting, especially when paired with lighter furniture and plenty of good lighting. Just keep the overall color palette consistent and straightforward.
Start with the longest wall and place your largest piece of furniture there. This gives you a natural layout and helps the room feel balanced. Build the rest of the room around it using pieces that support function and comfort.
Stick to just a few accent pieces you really love. Choose furniture that doubles as storage when possible, and leave open space around key pieces. Fewer, larger decor items usually look better than lots of smaller ones in a tight space.
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Hanging curtain panels only on the one window facing into the kitchen was an ‘out of the box’ move. I never would have done that, thinking the others would look unfinished but it works. It adds that little bit of softness and frames your beautiful new sofa.
Yay! That’s a decorating win!
Where did you get the curtains?
Linda – I’m pretty sure they are from Ballard Designs.
Yes, they are from Ballard. You can see them here.
Yvonne,
Another great post! Especially since we have settled on a twin home development with a vaulted sunroom. Now one has to become open?. Curious, I thought you had a deck off of your sunroom. Maybe I am mistaken. Just curious.
Loved yesterdays post about moving and our kids adapting. So much great info. Even shared the post with my hubby?
Curious, when you downsized did you part with your china? I have not entertained with mine for 21 years. My favorite dishes are from Pottery Barn and their caterer box. Classic white and we use them daily. You would think they were just unboxed.
Hi June, congratulatons on making the move to downsize! We do not have a deck, but a covered patio on the back of our home. I do use my wedding China, but not as often as I would probably like. Like you, I use my everyday white dishes the most. Happy Fall!
Where did you find your rug?
The rug came from esale.com and was very reasonable. It is no longer in stock but you can see it here:https://esalerugs.com/silver-8×10-heritage-area-rug-33132758
Yvonne,
I am always using your tips in my home. I have recently redone my daughter’s room, but the rug chosen is just lacking and is a bit distracting (too small)! I have been looking every weekend for a 9×12 rug that sends us both over the moon. Well, when I showed her your sunroom, she asked (much to my delight), “Will that rug do in my room? I think it’s the one.” I did too. It is not listed in the sources and links. Would you mind sharing?
I absolutely hate to disappoint you, but that rug is out of stock. You can see it here and maybe ask when it will be back in stock.https://esalerugs.com/silver-8×10-heritage-area-rug-33132758
I love this topic. We are in the process of looking for the right downsized home. The lack of options in our search area and huge inflated asking prices have left us disheartened. We know that when the appropriate home comes on the market we will have to make big decisions as to decor. I have read that decorators recommend not buying anything new until after a move to see if you can use some existing pieces, and that the new trend is using a blend of repurposed heirloom pieces and new items. The sunroom is a real inspiration, and I love the neutral colors.
Thank you, Lyn. I know downsizing is daunting!!! Have you read my downsizing series? It’s so helpful! Start here:https://stonegableblog.com/category/downsizing/
This post is very helpful. You’ve given me a few ideas for my spare room. I was wondering about the size of your sunroom/TV room.
I think it is a 48 inch.
I really appreciate your suggestions on how to decorate a small room. I struggle with a small living room with one wall of windows. I’ve noticed that you haven’t used plants in your decor. Is there a reason for that? Since I have an abundance of windows I’ve used a variety of green plants as part of my decor. Now I’m wondering if they create a look that is too heavy for a small room.
I do use one plant occasionally on the coffee table. I’ve tried using other plants but they seem to overwhelm the room.
Yvonne, all your ideas are wonderful and your home is beautiful! We can’t all afford such beauty but you give ways to duplicate as best we can. About the tv in sunroom: What do you do about glare from the windows?
We have blinds on the windows that help.
You are always so helpful and I love your style of decorating. I have a small family room with a busy stone fireplace to decorate around. I would love your advice! Do you still do design consults? Thank you!
Hi Rebecca, I no longer have time for design consultations. My best advice, without looking at your home, is to keep the rest of your room calm. Your busy fireplace will always grab attention so let it! The rest of your room should have a tight color palette and not be fussy. Hope this helps.
Where did you buy the rug?
I found it on erugsales.com. However, they no longer carry it. I’ve looked everywhere for it and cannot find it anymore.
Hi! Where did you get the couch and white hutch?
The sofa was a local find. Here is the link to the white buffet:https://rstyle.me/+yO5zUAy7jDiiScTB7mhP8w