Reimagining Cramped Terraced Living Spaces: Strategies to Enhance Perception of Size, Minimal Remodeling Required
Cramped quarters got you down? Terraced homes often come with narrow living rooms that need a little bit of TLC to shine. Fear no more, design enthusiasts! We've rounded up expert tips to help you take your terraced living room to the next level.
1. Color wisely
Harness the power of color in small living rooms. For south-facing rooms, opt for brighter palettes with tonal drenches that bring out the richness of daylight without overwhelming the space[1]. Conversely, for cooler-facing rooms, balance out the chill with soft pinks complemented by pops of mustard yellow to create a warm and welcoming vibe[1]. Always test your chosen color scheme in the room before committing – don’t forget, your eyes will see it differently in natural light!
2. Go Neutral for Brighter Spaces
If bold hues aren't your thing, a neutral palette can still make a statement while making small or darker living rooms feel brighter and more expansive[2]. Select light, neutral shades for walls and ceilings to create an airy feel that bounces light around. Pair soft greys, creams, and natural materials like linen or jute to add warmth and depth to this subtle color scheme.
3. Smart Flooring Choices Matter
The right flooring can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your living room. For small spaces, choose lighter finishes and straight planks to elongate the room and visually expand it[3]. And remember, a low contrast between the floor and wall color helps prevent harsh horizon lines that can make your room feel cramped.
4. Multilayered Lighting Know-How
In terraced homes, where natural light might be hard to come by, layered lighting is essential to keep the space feeling bright and inviting from morning to night. Invest in a variety of floor lamps, table lamps, and impressive chandeliers or pendants to light up every nook and cranny[4]. A well-planned lighting setup also lets you zone your living room, creating additional cozy spots or reading nooks in open-plan spaces.
5. Thoughtful Furniture Arrangement
Make the most of your living room space by placing furniture strategically. Opt for slim furniture pieces with raised legs to allow light to flow around them and create the illusion of more space[5]. Resist the urge to push furniture flat against the walls; even a small gap will help the eyes perceive the room as larger.
6. Use Built-In Alcoves Intelligently
In terraced homes, living rooms often come with chimney breasts that create natural alcoves. Treat these as design opportunities by installing built-in storage or shelving to utilize these often-ignored spots for additional storage[6]. And remember – don't forget to paint the alcove joinery in the same tone as your walls for a cohesive look and feel.
7. Textures for Depth
In characterless or boxy living rooms, use varying textures to inject subtle architectural interest. Consider living room panelling, limewash paint finishes, or exposed brickwork to bring depth and craftsmanship to your walls[7]. If structural changes aren't feasible, use tactile furniture pieces or statement rugs to ground the space and create visual appeal.
8. Multifunctional Furniture and Storage
In small living rooms, every piece of furniture needs to earn its space. Choose multifunctional furniture with built-in storage to save precious room while keeping your space tidy[5][8]. Nesting baskets, coffee tables with drawers, and ottomans are great storage-friendly furniture options that still provide style and functionality.
9. Make a Statement with a Gallery Wall
Transform your living room with a feature gallery wall. In long, narrow living rooms, gallery walls draw the eye upwards, giving the illusion of greater height and openness[9]. Remember to mix frame sizes, incorporate artwork, mirrors, and trinkets, and stick to a cohesive color palette to achieve a balanced and intentional look.
10. Simplify Window Treatments
Select light, airy curtains or sheer fabrics to maximize natural light in your living room[2]. Shutters provide further control over your living room's lighting levels while adding architectural interest[10]. Opt for off-whites, greys, or natural wood textures to create the perfect Zen living space.
11. Mirrors Cheat the Space
Maximize space and light in your living room with a well-placed mirror. Mirrors can amplify light, create intriguing reflections, and frame views while stretching the eye[7]. Find a mirror that's around two-thirds the width of the console or mantel it hangs above to get the maximum impact.
12. Style intuitively
Last but certainly not least, style your living room with intention. Add a statement lamp, choose accessories carefully, and leave Breathing Space on tables and shelves to prevent clutter. Below, we've gathered more inspiration, from modern living room designs to living room layouts, to help make your terraced living room your stylish sanctuary.
Sources:
[1] Annie Sloan: Chalk PaintTM creator and celebrated color and paint expert.
[2] Bailey Williams: Earthborn color expert.
[3] Victoria Robinson: Style and Trend Expert at Hillarys.
[4] Danielle Le Vaillant: Head of Photography & Film at Cox & Cox.
[5] Sam Tamlyn: Managing Director at California Shutters.
[6] Sophie Clemson: Co-founder of The Living House.
[7] Sue Jones: Co-founder, OKA.
[8] OKA: British furniture and lighting brand known for uniqueness and timeless eclectic design.
[9] Hillarys: Curtain and blind specialists offering customizable products for homes.
[10] California Shutters: Specialists in custom-made shutters created for various living spaces.
- To maximize daylight in small living rooms, choose brighter tones for south-facing rooms, or soft pinks and mustard yellow for cooler-facing rooms, creating a welcoming vibe[1].
- For a subtle, light, and airy feel, opt for a neutral palette in walls and ceilings, which helps bounce light around in smaller or darker living rooms[2].
- Selecting lighter floor finishes and straight planks can elongate small living spaces, making them appear visually more considerable[3].
- Layered lighting, such as floor lamps, table lamps, and impressive chandeliers or pendants, is essential in terraced homes to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere[4].
- Strategic furniture placement benefits small living rooms by using slim furniture pieces with raised legs, allowing light to flow around and creating the illusion of more space[5].
- Alcoves created by chimney breasts in terraced homes can be utilized effectively for built-in storage or shelving, enhancing these often-ignored areas[6].
- In bland or boxy living rooms, varying textures like panelling, limewash paint finishes, or exposed brickwork can introduce depth and craftsmanship to the walls[7].
- Multifunctional furniture with built-in storage helps save space while keeping terraced living rooms tidy[5][8].
- A gallery wall featuring an assortment of artwork, mirrors, and trinkets drawn upwards can give the impression of greater height and openness in long, narrow living rooms[9].
- Select light, airy curtains or sheer fabrics for windows to maximize natural light, while shutters can provide further light control and architectural interest[2][10].
- Mirrors strategically placed in living rooms can enhance light, create intriguing reflections, and appear larger by framing views[7].
- Lastly, style living rooms intentionally, incorporating statement lamps, accessories carefully, and leaving breathing space on tables and shelves to prevent clutter[12].
