When you’re designing any kind of smaller space, there’s one magic word to keep in mind: scale.

Your square footage and layout will dictate the ways that you can arrange your space, but to choose the right furniture, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right scale. That means — in a small living room — opting for sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, and side tables that aren’t so large that they look out of place or overwhelm your room. Designing this kind of interior is less about opting for fewer pieces and more about choosing the right pieces to make your space work best for you.Generally speaking, smaller spaces will be better suited to loveseats and sofas over sectionals, and more compact armchairs and accent chairs over more sprawling chaises. 

To help you find the right small living room furniture for your space, Havenly designer Kelsey Fischer rounded up a few of her favorite options in all the most important categories. These pieces can help you maximize your minimally sized space.

Sofas

1. Small Living Room Furniture: Burrow Ember Sofa

When you’re going for classic style, it’s hard to beat a mid-century sofa. This sage-colored option from Burrow is well-suited to a smaller space, though it has comfortable, deep seats that make it great for lounging.

2. Small Living Room Furniture: Interior Define Scarlett Sofa

The angular frame of this sofa from Interior Design gives it a modern feel, though its clean corners make it a versatile piece. The bench-style cushion of this sofa is ideal for stretching out; it also gives off a polished look. 

3. Small Living Room Furniture: The Inside Classic Sofa

Those with more traditional tastes may gravitate to this seating choice from The Inside. The Classic Sofa’s T-shaped back and caster legs take inspiration from antique options, while looking perfectly fresh. The striped indigo upholstery of this sofa packs ample personality in a relatively constrained package.

Accent Chairs

4. Small Living Room Furniture: Interior Define Sloan Petite Accent Chair

There’s something so charming about the narrow frame of this accent chair from Interior Define. Its 32-inch width makes it especially suitable for small living rooms, whether it’s positioned alone in a corner or paired with its twin across from a loveseat or sofa.

5. Small Living Room Furniture: Burrow Lodge Chair

An angular, wood-framed chair often acts as a defining piece in a living room, even if it’s not the most dominating size-wise. The leather seat and Danish-inspired silhouette of this chair make it a dynamic option as an accent.

6. Small Living Room Furniture: The Inside Club Chair

When you don’t have a lot of room to work with, an intricate print can do a lot in a small package. The diminutive size of this club chair makes it easy to prop in a corner, but its rounded feet, curved arms, and floral upholstery give it plenty of presence.

Coffee Tables

7. Small Living Room Furniture: The Citizenry Penida Coffee Table

Bringing a new texture into your space is an easy and effective way to give it more dimension. This double-layered wicker table has a cool organic-modern vibe, yet sleek enough to meld well with a range of interior styles. 

8. Small Living Room Furniture: Burrow Cassett Coffee Table

Sometimes, it’s hard to beat simplicity. This rectangular coffee table offers sneaky storage while presenting a clean, modern form. You can keep the bottom platform clear or use it to store your most beautiful coffee table books.

9. Small Living Room Furniture: Burrow Serif Coffee Table

Another storage-friendly option is this coffee table, which features a lower shelf that works great for displaying books or decorative objects. Its rounded edges give it an elegant, thoughful look.

Side Tables

10. Small Living Room Furniture: The Citizenry Kovai Side Table

A good stool always comes in handy — especially in a small living room. This one from The Citizenry has an artistic flair, thanks to its hand-turned details and deep cocoa finish.

11. Small Living Room Furniture: Burrow Kettle Side Table

The hourglass silhouette of this Burrow side table has a sculptural appeal that’s distinctly modern. The marble tabletop adds to its cosmopolitan cool.

12. Small Living Room Furniture: The Citizenry Mishka Wood Side Table

At once modernist and bohemian, this solid wood stool has the makings of an heirloom piece. It’s also hard working; use it to prop up a plant, a drink, or a few of your favorite decorative items.

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