Decorating a small living room is no easy feat — you want it to be personalized and inviting, but still functional and liveable. Though it may be tempting to blow out a wall or add an extension, an easier (and much more cost-effective) solution is to design in a way that tricks the eye.

Here are 10 ways that you can save on space when configuring your living room space:

Mounting Your TV

Even if you do have room for a stand, mounting your TV leaves more table space for other things, like picture frames, game consoles, and decorative accents.

Incorporating Pieces That Do Double Duty

Soft coffee tables that double as seats, deep couches that double as a bed, and tables with built-in drawers can help you accomplish multiple things with just one piece of furniture.

Thinking More and Small

Though it can sometimes be tempting to add as few pieces as possible to a smaller space, sometimes “more and small” is better than “few and large.” Take a coffee table, for example — two small tables are easier to maneuver around and one can be removed if you’re having a larger gathering.

Playing With Mirrors

It’s a classic for a reason! Mirrors are the easiest way to make a space feel bigger because it literally creates the illusion of more room. Mirrors will also reflect light — something that also makes a room feel larger. If you don’t have much natural light, consider adding mirrors to large, windowless walls.

Considering Free-Flowing, Airy Curtains

Thick, heavy curtains can come out several inches from the wall — something that makes a small space feel even smaller. But luckily, light, sheer curtains do just the opposite! Light curtains (both in color and texture) maximize natural light and give the room a more open feel.

Trimming Existing Curtains

When you have a smaller living room, every square foot counts. Though pooling curtains look grandiose, they can take up much-needed floor space. If you can, cut your curtains so that they end where the floor begins.

Choosing Stationary Shutters or Blinds

If you’re considering forgoing curtains altogether, shutters and blinds are a brilliant, space-saving solution. Because they lay flush against your windows, they don’t encroach on your living space and add a decorative element to an otherwise bare wall.

Downsize Your Furniture

If you are working with a smaller space, big furniture can be difficult to work with. Replacing your furniture with smaller alternatives can allow you to configure your space in new ways and make the space appear more open.

Bookshelves as Storage

Get creative with bookshelves, not only with what you store on them but also how you configure them. Unique bookshelf placement can open the space and allow you to put stuff in new places.

Implement a Color Scheme

A color scheme can help any space appear more cohesive, especially when that scheme is implemented through a whole house. Segmenting themes or colors per room can make small spaces seem more pronounced. A connecting theme can make even a small space seem limitless.

At Gotcha Covered, we pledge to do so much more than just help you find window treatments you’ll love. With high-quality products and services that will exceed your expectations and add beauty and safety to your environment, we’ll help you create the space of your (and your children’s) dreams!