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This post shows you the best modern minimalist small living room ideas.
Small living rooms can be challenging to design, especially when every inch counts. It’s easy to make them appear too empty or crowded, so finding the right balance is very important.
A modern minimalist living room is perfect for keeping a small space open, clutter-free, effortlessly stylish, and chic.
I’ve compiled photo inspirations, ideas, and tips to help you create the perfect, functional, modern, minimalist living room.
1. Use calm neutrals in your color scheme
Credit: bij_spiertjes_thuis
Neutral tones like grey, beige, and soft whites work beautifully in small spaces. These shades are a good foundation to set the tone of a modern minimalist living room. It’s one of the tricks I recommend that helps reflect light, making your small living room space feel more spacious and inviting.
To add subtle depth without keeping things too boring and plain or overwhelming the room, I would say a light-textured, neutral peel-and-stick wallpaper makes for a timeless backdrop. This minimalist wallpaper keeps things interesting while maintaining a clean, modern look.
To complement it, add a pillowcase with a slight pattern or print to create texture and balance in the space, enhancing its minimalist aesthetic. Shop a stylish pillowcase here.
2. Get a cute sofa
Credit: lisahuhome
I would say choosing the right sofa is one of the most important choices when it comes to picking pieces of furniture. It’s like the anchor of your living room. You need to be looking out for quality and comfort to create that cozy and inviting tone in your living room.
I love how good a curved sofa looks in a small living room, especially in white or cream. With this, there’s no need to add accent chairs, in my opinion. This saves space and maintains that modern minimalist look in your living room while looking sophisticated and chic. This curved sofa is a great option.
3. Use a multifunctional square coffee table
Credit: Pinterest
A cute table with a sleek and modern look will definitely contribute to the aesthetics of your space. If you’re going for a minimalist modern look, a nice square glass-top table like the one above is a good choice.
It feels modern, light, and blends easily with any other items in your living room. It also serves as a multifunctional piece, meaning it’s a great place to add decor on top of, like books, your TV remote, or even flowers.
You need to be extra intentional when it comes to finding storage in small spaces; that’s why a double-tiered design is a smarter option. It gives you extra room to maximize space without sacrificing style. Here’s one I love!
4. Add a minimalist round side table
Credit: Desenio
Although it may seem like a small detail, end tables are great additions to a living room. They are functional pieces, but also an extra platform to add more visual interest to your home.
I love a balanced look, so an end table that complements your coffee table will help create a well-put-together space. Choosing an end table with a similar material or finish as the coffee table keeps them feeling connected without looking too matchy-matchy.
A round, double-tiered end table with light, airy details and slim legs adds dimension while keeping the space open and uncluttered. Paired with a square coffee table, mixing shapes like this helps soften the overall look and prevents the room from feeling too structured. This one strikes the perfect balance.
5. Get a floating TV stand
Credit: home_history_
A floating TV stand is a great way to organize and make your living room feel more neat and polished. I am a big fan of how it effortlessly keeps things uncluttered. A wall-mounted design creates a clean look and helps open up the space by maximizing floor space.
No more wires laying around or scattered remotes, everything stays neatly tucked away, giving your living room a sleek and organized feel. This one is a great choice.
6. Get sheer curtains
Credit: Pinterest
Sheer curtains are the perfect way to bring in natural light while keeping your space feeling soft and breezy. They add a soft, effortless elegance without making the room feel heavy or overdone.
I love how they filter sunlight beautifully, creating a warm, inviting glow throughout the day. It’s all in the perfect small details; floor-length white sheer curtains add the perfect modern minimalist look and make the space feel more open and relaxed. This set adds just the right touch.
7. Incorporate mirrors
Credit: Pinterest
Mirrors make a space feel larger, brighter, and more open by bouncing light around the room. A well-placed mirror can create the illusion of more space, making it a must-have for small living rooms.
For a minimalist, elegant touch, go for a mirror with a black-framed design that leans against a wall. Some additional tips: I would recommend placing it near a window to enhance natural light or positioning it behind a sofa or console for a polished, well-balanced touch.. This one is a beautiful choice
8. Add a modern floor lamp
Credit: Pinterest
Lighting always makes a huge impact on any space. It improves the ambiance of the space by creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for winding down in the evening, or adding a soft glow to your living room without relying on the harsh overhead lights.
For a clean, minimalist modern style, a slim, arched design that curves gently over a sofa or in a corner like this one is perfect!
9. Get a chic rug
Credit: bethany.homeinterior
A rug makes a room feel cozy and pulled together. It adds warmth and softens the space. In a modern minimalist living room, I love seeing a neutral rug with a simple pattern or texture. When picking the size, remember that a larger rug that fits under your furniture will make the space feel bigger, while a smaller one can add a nice touch of texture. This one is a great pick!
10. Use floating storage shelves
Credit: Pinterest
Floating shelves are a simple yet stylish way to add extra storage and display your favorite decor without taking up valuable floor space. They’re especially great for small living rooms, keeping things organized while showcasing your personality. Their versatility allows you to arrange them in different ways to make things more interesting. This floating shelf is a strong and stylish option.
Another creative idea I love is using floating shelves to create a personalized gallery wall with framed pictures or artwork. It’s an effortless way to make your space feel unique and reflect your personality. These modern photo frames are a great way to complete the look.
11. Add light decor
Credit: Pinterest
It’s important to keep the modern minimalist aesthetic going on with light decor. A few well-chosen pieces like books, art, or a sculptural vase can effortlessly elevate your coffee or end table.
I love how this unique, elegant ceramic vase set I saw on Amazon mixes different heights to create a layered look that complements the modern vibe of a space. Pair it with fresh greenery for a natural touch that instantly makes your living room feel more homey. Find this chic vase here.
12. Add modern art
Credit: Pinterest
Art is an effortless way to make a bold statement and elevate the overall design of your living room. Minimalist art pieces add a bit of drama to a space and enhance the modern aesthetic. This minimalist art set is a stunning option.
13. Decorate with plants
Credit: Pinterest
Plants are a great addition to ANY space, instantly making it feel more vibrant and refreshing while bringing nature indoors. They not only enhance your decor but can also help improve air quality. There are so many ways I love styling plants. You can hang them, put them on your window, or simply leave them on the floor. It is an amazing, space-saving, and decorative solution.
For a minimalist look, go for sleek planters with structured greenery like a snake plant or fiddle leaf fig. If you want something more effortless, cascading pothos or a ZZ plant adds life without requiring much maintenance. If you don’t want the hassle of taking care of a plant, you can get this beautiful artificial plant that looks real.
Placing plants in your living room strategically can help draw attention to other features you want to highlight. And don’t forget the planter—a stylish, modern planter doubles as decor, elevating the entire setup. This one has been trending everywhere!
