Do you have a narrow living room and don’t know how to make the most of it? Don’t worry — below we share multiple smart and functional solutions to furnish a narrow living room in a stylish, practical way that also boosts the value of your home or tourist apartment.
1. Mount the TV on the wall to save space
Mounting the TV on the wall is one of the most effective ways to furnish a narrow living room. By eliminating the need for a TV stand, you free up floor space that can be used for more functional elements.
Additionally, a wall-mounted TV allows you to optimise space distribution, improve visibility from different angles, and create a cleaner, more modern atmosphere.
2. Choose a sofa that fits a narrow living room
The sofa is the key piece of furniture in a narrow living room. Choosing a model that matches the room’s dimensions is essential to maximise space, allow smooth movement, and maintain a cohesive interior design.
- L-shaped sofas, modular or compact, are perfect for corners or narrow areas.
- Designs with high legs or low backrests provide a lighter, more open look.
- Neutral colours add a sense of space and balance to the whole room.
A well-chosen sofa not only enhances the look but also increases the functional value of the living room — a great advantage for property owners looking to boost rental appeal.
3. Recessed lighting for small spaces
An efficient solution to decorate and furnish a narrow living room is to replace hanging lamps with recessed lighting. It provides even lighting without taking up physical space — ideal for compact apartments.
- Better use of vertical space.
- Even light distribution to visually expand the living room.
- Improved safety and comfort by avoiding obstructions in low ceilings.
Built-in lights are a great ally for decorating small interiors and are perfect for attracting future tenants or guests. Discover more ideas in our article on lighting trends for rental apartments.
4. Mix shapes to balance the design
To create a sophisticated look in a narrow living room, we recommend mixing straight and curved shapes. This softens the visual rigidity and creates a more balanced effect.
For example, pair a rectangular sofa with a round coffee table, or alternate linear furniture with organically shaped chairs. This mix adds dynamism without overwhelming the space. Get inspired by our 2025 decorative trends.
5. Choose low, minimalist furniture
In a narrow living room, less is more. Opting for low-profile furniture allows light to flow freely and prevents visual clutter, creating a greater sense of openness and clarity.
- Low coffee tables or horizontal shelving to enhance perspective.
- Light colours and smooth finishes convey order and cleanliness.
- Scandinavian or Japanese styles are ideal for small spaces.
Low furniture is a great choice for those looking to offer a comfortable and modern experience in tourist apartments. It also helps natural light flow better in poorly lit spaces.
6. Use corners strategically with accent furniture
Empty corners in a narrow living room are a great opportunity to add smart storage or relaxation zones. Making use of them is key for a functional design.
- Corner sofas or storage benches under the windows.
- Small nooks turned into reading corners with soft lighting.
- Vertical decorations or plants to add style without taking up floor space.
Find more inspiration in our article on smart storage solutions for property owners.
7. Use mirrors to visually expand the living room
Mirrors are a foolproof trick to create depth in narrow living rooms. They reflect both natural and artificial light, visually enlarging the space.
- Place them opposite windows to reflect outdoor light.
- Use decorative mirrors with elegant frames to add style.
- Visual symmetry: Two identical mirrors on either side of a sofa create balance.
Avoid reflecting clutter and use mirrors to enhance the room’s style.
8. Paint the walls in light tones
Light colours such as off-white, cream, or light beige are your best allies when it comes to decorating a narrow living room. They enhance brightness, improve spatial perception, and pair well with any style.
- Increased light reflection, both natural and artificial.
- Visual unification that brings harmony and balance.
- They help counteract the “hallway effect” of long, narrow spaces.
They also help keep the living room cool and bright in summer, improving comfort for your guests or residents.
We hope these tips on how to furnish a narrow living room have been helpful. If you’d like to read more about how to optimize your property or are looking for expert advice as a property owner, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We’ll help you unlock your apartment’s full potential!
