The Best Apartment Living Room Ideas
Space planning and decorating an apartment living room can be challenging—and I should know. As a designer living in a Toronto shoebox, I had to come up with a creative solution just to fit a TV into my (almost) non-existent living room. If you’re curious how I pulled that off, you can read: Small Living Room Layout: How to Fit a Couch and TV in a Tiny Space.
As a designer who works with plenty of clients choosing apartment living, I’ve designed my fair share of living rooms. I’ve put together a list of the best apartment living room design ideas to consider when furnishing your own space.
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Before you get into the fun stuff (buying furniture and decor), firstly, you’ll want to determine the best floor plan for your space. This will depend on your specific layout, so it’s important to plan before making any purchases. Avoid the temptation to start buying furniture without a clear layout in mind—it often leads to pieces that don’t quite fit or function well together. If you need help with space planning, you can refer to this resource: The Best and Worst Free Interior Design Layout Software
Next, define your design style and overall direction. This is where you can begin gathering inspiration and identifying what elements you want to introduce into your living room. Think about what works for your lifestyle, what reflects your personal aesthetic, and how each piece will contribute to the overall feel of the space.
By approaching your living room with both a functional plan and a clear design vision, you’ll create a space that not only looks great but also truly works for your day-to-day life.
1. Consider Chaise Lounges Instead of Sofas
Apartments are often small, which makes finding the right furniture a challenge. While apartment-sized sofas exist, they can limit your options. Instead, consider using a chaise lounge.
Personally, I love lounging on a chaise more than a small sofa—it gives you space to stretch out and feels more relaxed. If you’re living solo, this can be especially useful. You get the function of a sofa, but with a better fit for a compact space.
2. Decentre the TV
This might not be for everyone, but if you’re someone who doesn’t watch a lot of TV (like me), consider decentring it, or removing it altogether.
You could opt for a more discreet option like a Frame TV, a roll-away screen, or skip the TV entirely and design your living room around reading, socializing, or relaxing. Living rooms do not need to revolve around a screen.
3. Consider Modular Furniture
Modular furniture—like sectional pieces or modular coffee tables—is perfect for apartment living.
If you like to entertain, you can rearrange pieces to create more seating or open space. For example, separate a modular sofa into smaller sections or use two smaller tables instead of one large coffee table.
In apartments, flexibility is everything; your furniture should adapt to your needs.
4. Consider Alternative Wall Art
Instead of defaulting to standard framed prints, think about more unique wall features. Metal wall art, tapestries, murals, or sculptural pieces can add personality and act as conversation starters.
In smaller apartments, a full accent wall might feel overwhelming, so artwork can be a great way to create impact without overpowering the space.
5. Use Small Poufs or Ottomans
Adding small poufs or ottomans can provide the function of a coffee table without the heaviness.
They’re easy to move, can double as seating, and are great opportunities to introduce color and texture into your space.
6. Add a Tea Cart
Your living room often doubles as a dining space—let’s be honest. A tea cart can help keep things organized while also being functional.
You can roll it over when eating in front of the TV and easily move everything back to the kitchen afterward. Plus, there are plenty of stylish options that won’t feel like an eyesore.
7. Add Plants
Plants bring life and lightness into a space while also acting as décor.
If you don’t have floor space, consider wall-mounted planters, small shelf plants, or hanging greenery. Even a few well-placed plants can make a big difference.
8. Layer Your Rugs
Layering rugs is one of my favorite ways to add depth and personality.
If your rug feels too small, layering can help expand the visual footprint while adding texture and interest. And yes—as a designer, I fully believe more rugs can be a good thing.
9. Create Zones
If you have an open-concept apartment, consider dividing your space into zones.
You might create a living area and a reading nook, or carve out space for a small home office. Even in compact apartments, defining areas helps the space feel more intentional and functional.
10. Incorporate Floor Speakers
I don’t know about you, but I’m big on music—my living room is primarily designed for listening. If you’re the same, why not make a statement with your speakers by opting for floor-standing ones?
I think this is a really cool, contemporary idea that serves both function and style. That’s always my goal when designing for smaller apartment spaces—bringing together practicality and aesthetics in one thoughtful solution.
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