How To Decorate Long Narrow Living Room: Maximize the Space

Are you wondering how to make a long, narrow living room feel bigger and more inviting? This article provides solutions to that very question! We’ll cover layout ideas, furniture choices, color schemes, and storage hacks to transform your awkward space into a stylish and functional haven. Let’s dive in!

Image Source: somuchbetterwithage.com

The Challenge of the Long Narrow Living Room Layout

Long, narrow living rooms present unique decorating hurdles. The typical square or rectangular room design strategies often fail, leaving you with a bowling alley effect. But don’t despair! With thoughtful planning and creative execution, you can overcome these challenges.

Why is it so difficult?

• Limited Width: The narrow width restricts furniture placement and traffic flow.
• Awkward Proportions: The elongated shape can feel disproportionate and uninviting.
• Poor Natural Light: Light might only enter from one end, leaving the rest of the room dim.

Planning Your Long Narrow Living Room Design

Before you start buying furniture, it’s crucial to develop a comprehensive plan. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a cohesive and functional space.

Measuring and Mapping

Start by accurately measuring your room. Note the length, width, ceiling height, and the location of windows, doors, and outlets. Create a simple floor plan, either on paper or using online tools. This map will be your guide as you experiment with different layouts.

Defining Zones: Creating Functional Areas in a Long Living Room

Instead of treating the space as one long, unbroken area, divide it into distinct zones. This makes the room feel more balanced and provides different areas for various activities. Here are some ideas:

• Conversation Area: A seating arrangement focused on a coffee table, perfect for socializing.
• Reading Nook: A comfortable armchair with a floor lamp and a small side table.
• Home Office: A desk and chair tucked into a corner.
• Dining Area: A small dining table and chairs, ideal for smaller spaces.
• Entryway/Foyer: A console table and mirror at the entrance.

Carefully consider your needs and lifestyle when deciding which zones to include.

Visualizing the Space: Small Living Room Design Ideas

Use painter’s tape to mark out furniture placement on the floor. This visual representation helps you understand the scale and flow of the space before committing to any purchases. Consider the path you’ll take moving through the room. Will there be enough space to walk comfortably?

Living Room Furniture Arrangement in a Long Narrow Room

Strategic furniture arrangement is key to maximizing space and creating a functional layout.

Choosing the Right Pieces

Select furniture that is appropriately scaled for the room. Overly large pieces will overwhelm the space and make it feel cramped.

• Sofas: Opt for a sofa with a low back and slim arms. A sectional can work if placed against the long wall, defining a conversation area.
• Chairs: Choose chairs with open frames and exposed legs to create a sense of airiness.
• Coffee Tables: A round or oval coffee table helps soften the lines of the room and makes it easier to navigate.
• Consoles: A console table placed against a wall provides storage and display space without taking up too much floor area.

Furniture Item	Recommendation	Why?
Sofa	Low back, slim arms, apartment sized	Maximizes space, allows light flow
Chairs	Open frames, exposed legs	Creates airiness, visually expands the room
Coffee Table	Round or Oval	Softens lines, improves traffic flow
Rug	Large area rug that defines sitting area	Anchors the space, makes it look larger
Lighting	Layered lighting – ambient, task, and accent	Creates visual depth and eliminates shadows

Optimizing the Layout

• Anchor Pieces on Long Walls: Place your sofa or main seating against one of the long walls. This creates a focal point and defines the main living area.
• Float Furniture: Don’t push all your furniture against the walls. Floating a sofa or chair slightly away from the wall can create a sense of depth.
• Create a Walkway: Ensure a clear and unobstructed path through the room. Aim for at least 3 feet of space for comfortable movement.
• Mirror Placement: Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Consider placing a large mirror on one of the long walls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding: Avoid filling the room with too much furniture. Less is more in a narrow space.
• Blocking Light: Don’t place large pieces of furniture in front of windows, as this will block natural light.
• Ignoring Traffic Flow: Make sure the layout allows for easy movement throughout the room.

Narrow Space Decorating Tips

Beyond furniture, consider these decorating strategies to enhance the sense of space.

Narrow Living Room Color Schemes

Color plays a crucial role in visually expanding a room.

• Light and Bright: Opt for light and neutral colors like white, beige, gray, or pastels. These colors reflect light and make the room feel more open and airy.
• Accent Walls: If you want to add color, use it sparingly on an accent wall. Choose a color that complements the overall palette and adds visual interest. Using a darker color on the short wall can visually shorten the space.
• Monochromatic: Using different shades of the same color can create a sense of depth and sophistication.

Lighting: Illuminating the Space

Proper lighting is essential in any room, but it’s especially important in a narrow space.

• Layered Lighting: Combine different types of lighting to create a well-lit and inviting atmosphere. Use ambient lighting (overhead lights or lamps), task lighting (reading lamps or desk lamps), and accent lighting (wall sconces or spotlights).
• Natural Light: Maximize natural light by keeping windows clear and using light-colored curtains or blinds.
• Floor Lamps: Floor lamps are great for adding height and can be placed in corners to illuminate dark areas.
• Wall Sconces: Wall sconces are a space-saving alternative to table lamps and can provide both ambient and accent lighting.

Decorating with Accessories

Accessories can add personality and style to your living room without taking up too much space.

• Rugs: Use a large area rug to define the conversation area and anchor the furniture.
• Artwork: Hang artwork on the walls to add visual interest. Choose pieces that are appropriately scaled for the room and hung at eye level. A gallery wall can be an impactful addition.
• Throw Pillows: Add throw pillows to your sofa and chairs to create a comfortable and inviting seating area.
• Plants: Plants can add life and color to your living room. Choose plants that are suitable for the amount of light in the room.
• Mirrors: Mirrors are your best friend! They visually expand a narrow room, especially when strategically placed to reflect light or a pleasant view.

Visual Tricks for Narrow Rooms

• Vertical Stripes: Vertical stripes on walls or curtains can visually elongate the room.
• Horizontal Lines: Horizontal lines can widen the room, especially in rugs or artwork.
• Create a Focal Point: Draw attention to a specific area of the room, such as a fireplace or a piece of artwork. This helps distract from the narrowness of the space.
• Minimize Clutter: Clutter can make a small room feel even smaller. Keep surfaces clear and organized.

Narrow Living Room Storage Ideas

Storage is crucial for keeping a long, narrow living room organized and clutter-free.

Vertical Storage

Maximize vertical space with tall bookshelves, cabinets, or shelving units.

• Bookshelves: A tall bookshelf can provide ample storage space and add visual interest.
• Wall-Mounted Shelves: Floating shelves are a great way to display decorative items without taking up floor space.
• Cabinets: Cabinets with doors can conceal clutter and keep the room looking tidy.

Multifunctional Furniture

Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes.

• Ottomans with Storage: An ottoman with a lift-up lid can provide extra seating and storage space.
• Coffee Tables with Shelves: A coffee table with shelves can hold books, magazines, or decorative items.
• Sofa Beds: A sofa bed is a great option for guest rooms or small apartments.

Creative Storage Solutions

• Baskets: Use baskets to store blankets, pillows, or toys.
• Hooks: Install hooks on the walls to hang coats, hats, or bags.
• Under-Furniture Storage: Utilize the space under your sofa or bed with storage containers.

Storage Type	Description	Benefits
Vertical Shelving	Tall bookshelves or wall-mounted shelves	Maximizes space, displays items
Multifunctional Furniture	Ottomans with storage, coffee tables with shelves, sofa beds	Serves multiple purposes, saves space
Hidden Storage	Baskets, hooks, under-furniture storage	Keeps clutter out of sight, utilizes unused space
Built-in Storage	Custom cabinets or shelves integrated into the walls	Seamless integration, maximizes space in a tailored solution

Awkward Living Room Solutions

Every room has its unique quirks. Here are some solutions for common awkward living room situations.

Dealing with a Fireplace

• Symmetrical Layout: Create a symmetrical seating arrangement around the fireplace to balance the room.
• Focal Point: Use the fireplace as a focal point and arrange furniture to emphasize it.
• Above-Fireplace Decor: Hang artwork or a mirror above the fireplace to draw the eye upward.

Managing an Off-Center Window

• Balance with Artwork: Hang artwork on the opposite wall to balance the off-center window.
• Curtain Placement: Use curtains to visually widen the window or create the illusion of symmetry.

Correcting Low Ceilings

• Vertical Lines: Use vertical stripes or tall furniture to draw the eye upward.
• Light Colors: Paint the ceiling a light color to make it appear higher.
• Low-Profile Furniture: Choose furniture with low profiles to maximize the sense of space.

Recap: Maximizing Space in a Long Living Room

Successfully decorating a long, narrow living room is all about creating zones, optimizing furniture arrangement, and using visual tricks to enhance the sense of space. By following these tips, you can transform your awkward room into a stylish and functional living area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best color to paint a long narrow living room?
  The best colors are light and neutral shades like white, beige, light gray, or pale pastels. These colors reflect light and make the room feel more spacious. Consider using a slightly darker shade on the short wall to visually shorten the space.
  

• Can I use a sectional sofa in a long narrow living room?
  Yes, you can! But choose a sectional that is appropriately sized for the room. Place it against one of the long walls to define a conversation area and avoid blocking the traffic flow. A smaller, apartment-sized sectional is often a better choice.
  

• How do I create a focal point in a long narrow living room?
  You can create a focal point by using a fireplace, a large piece of artwork, or a statement furniture piece. Arrange your furniture to emphasize the focal point and draw the eye towards it.

• What are some good storage solutions for a long narrow living room?
  Vertical storage solutions like tall bookshelves and wall-mounted shelves are great for maximizing space. Also, consider multifunctional furniture like ottomans with storage or coffee tables with shelves.

• Who is the best person to ask for help decorating a narrow living room?
  Consider consulting with an interior designer or space planner. They can offer personalized solutions tailored to your specific space and needs. You can also find inspiration online and in home decor magazines.

• How do I prevent my long narrow living room from feeling like a bowling alley?
  Divide the space into distinct zones with different functions. Use rugs to define these zones and arrange furniture to create a sense of intimacy within each area. Avoid placing all the furniture against the walls.