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The other part of the room is dedicated to lounging and visiting. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more qualify for free standard shipping from participating Etsy sellers. One major downside of brick walls is the inability to drill into them easily like you can with drywall.

These apartment living room ideas will help inspire you to achieve the space of your dreams. Searching for a way to liven up a neutral living room without distracting from the color palette? City apartment dwellings give "small" a whole new meaning, and they also tend to require more problem-solving if the building has certain restrictions. So if you live in an apartment and you find yourself here looking for design ideas, tips, and advice from the pros, you're in good hands! We're spotlighting 15 examples of living rooms in apartments from some of our favorite designers to help you maximize your own. You can lean large wall decor against your walls or do away with hanging items altogether.
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A stylish chandelier illuminates this living room that showcases black wingback chairs and a modern sofa facing the TV against the polished wood panels. There’s an aluminum-framed window on the side covered in sheer curtains and valances. When fashioned properly, bold patterns and bright colors can be a recipe for a delightful living room scene. Looking for a fashionable way to bring more furniture into your small living room without taking up any floor space?
Try incorporating some muted tones—like the blush sofa seen in this living room on Squarefoot—throughout your monochrome living room to add some subtle visual warmth to the scene. Bold, chic, and more affordable than say, painting an entire room, upgrading your living room ceiling with paint makes a big interior statement without breaking your bank account. If you’re shy, try out a pastel, but if you’re about going for broke, you can’t beat the drama of black .
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You might also consider using a bold color for the window treatment. Turn the limited square footage and low ceiling of your tiny apartment into an asset. Your small living room is the perfect space to turn into a cozy living room design equivalent of a warm hug. Say no to an all-white living room and choose warm colors or deep hues. Dark blue, burgundy, or charcoal grey are all great paint colors.

If you’re going for a more bohemian, artistic, or even farmhouse appeal, then plants are an affordable decorating idea. Look for local places or private sellers who offer discounts. Buy plants with light requirements that your apartment can meet. Some need lots of direct sunlight, while others can happily survive with very little light. Another easy way to modernize your apartment is creating an accent wall using modern materials.
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When she’s not covering art, interiors, and celebrity lifestyles, she’s usually buying sneakers, eating cupcakes, or hanging with her rescue bunnies, Daisy and Daffodil. Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? Many sellers on Etsy offer personalized, made-to-order items. In many apartments, especially those with a small kitchen, the dining room and living area are all grouped into one space. Even if your current living room furniture isn’t exactly what you have in mind, there might be a way to change that.

Plus, it'll be an instant conversation starter when guests stop by. The key to a compact apartment living room is to be exceptionally well organized. The pursuit of the best living room organization tips may seem like a never-ending mission, but keeping your apartment neat and tidy is imperative. Love the look of potted plants but don’t have the most skilled green thumb? Designer Sarah Solis carved out a home office within the living room by installing a floating desk in the corner.
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Another important pointer is to place large pieces of furniture against walls so the open space in the middle is not broken up. Few things feel more sophisticated than a solid mix of earth tones in a living room, and no one knows that better than Joanna Goddard from Cup of Jo. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to decorate your apartment living room. You could buy a set of frames and hang pictures of your family, friends, pets, or adventures to create a gallery wall. If you’re creative, you could paint your own decor, weave unique wall hangings, or sew original accent pillows.

For a less permanent revamp, play around with using different throw pillows and blankets. This simple change could be all it takes to completely transform the look and feel of your existing living room furniture. The easiest way to decorate a small apartment living room on a budget is to reuse items you already own. Instead of designing a room entirely from scratch, curate your decor around the most expensive items already in your possession.
Command Strips and similar products are other options, but we don’t recommend using them for heavy or valuable artwork. Incorporate patterns into your living room decor in the form of blankets, throw pillows, or an area rug. Chunky knit blankets or poufs are another excellent way to add texture and whimsy. It’s time to stop throwing down any old sofa and coffee table and calling it good. Decorating for a small space rather than against it can help you maximize seating, increase floor space, and improve how you feel when relaxing at home.
Neutral living room schemes are the perfect choice for a small apartment. Many rooms are suited to the neutral look, but as they are so relaxing, monochromatically neutral designs are particularly apt for apartment living room ideas. When used carefully, a mirror can create the illusion of heightened space in the room, making its addition particularly impactful among small apartment living room ideas.
By eliminating the clutter, you’re letting the room breathe, and by extension, you’ll feel less claustrophobic in the space. Over time, we collect items, and they eventually begin to fill our homes. It’s especially problematic when you live in an apartment and have limited storage space. Eliminate the bulk of the decor that’s making the living room feel overstuffed and crowded. In general, it is better to have fewer large pieces of furniture than many small ones.
Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. This post was written by Jorge Fontan AIA a Registered Architect and owner of New York City architecture firm Fontan Architecture. Jorge has a background in construction and has been practicing architecture for 15 years where he has designed renovations and new developments of various building types.