Need to upgrade your small apartment living room? These simple ideas, like cozy pillows, LED candles, and curtain lights, will transform your space into a warm and stylish home.
When I moved into my first small apartment, I struggled to make my living room feel like home without spending a ton of money. Over time, I found that little upgrades, like adding soft LED candles, cozy curtain lights, and stylish throw pillows, made all the difference.
If you’re looking to turn your living room into a Pinterest-worthy space you’ll love coming home to, these 19 simple and affordable upgrades are a game-changer. Trust me, you don’t need a huge budget to create a space that feels cozy, stylish, and totally you!
This post is all about Small Apartment Living Room.
19 Pinterest Worthy Small Apartment Living Room Upgrades
1. Inviting Living Room
Create a balanced and sophisticated living room by pairing a bold blue sofa with a timeless leather armchair. The gold-accented glass coffee table adds a touch of modern elegance, while the built-in shelving displays personal touches like framed photos and decorative pieces. With its light and airy design, this space feels both inviting and effortlessly stylish.
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2. Match A Rug To Your Sofa
Make your small apartment feel like a stylish loft with a comfortable sectional sofa and an oversized patterned area rug that ties the space together. Add a touch of greenery with a potted plant to bring life into the room, and keep things practical with a sleek, modern coffee table. This setup combines functionality and charm, perfect for lounging and hosting.
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3. Coffee Table Styling
A well-styled coffee table can completely change the vibe of your living room. Stack a few of your favorite books—ones that really reflect your personality—to add a little charm. Pair them with a simple candle to bring in warmth and a cozy feel. It’s such an easy way to make your space look put-together without trying too hard!
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4. Woven Basket Coffee Table
Dual-purpose pieces are a small apartment’s best friend! This woven basket serves as a coffee table while doubling as hidden storage—perfect for stashing blankets or board games. Add a decorative tray on top to organize books, candles, and cute accents, making your space feel stylish yet functional.
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5. Cozy Workspace Corner
This charming workspace setup is perfect for adding a functional yet inviting vibe to your small apartment. A sleek wooden desk paired with woven accents like a basket for books and a rattan floor lamp creates a warm, natural look. Top it off with botanical wall art for a serene and personalized touch that makes working or studying feel less like a chore.
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6. Wall Shelf Ideas
Wall shelves are such an easy way to make your living room feel more put together without much effort. Add a floating shelf and style it with some greenery, a candle, and a vase to create a simple but cozy vibe.
If you want to save a little money, check thrift stores or even your own collection for decor you already love. Pairing it with a round mirror above the shelf gives your space that trendy yet functional look without overdoing it.
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7. Use the couch to break up the dining table
This idea won’t cost you a thing!
In many small apartments, the dining and living spaces are combined. Try placing the back of your couch against the dining table to create a natural division and add some visual interest with angles.
8. Use Ottomans
Ottomans are an amazing alternative to chairs when hosting guests. They’re compact, budget-friendly, and super comfortable—perfect for saving space without sacrificing style or functionality!
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9. Buy A House Plant
Nothing breathes life into a small apartment like a house plant. It’s an easy way to add color and texture while also purifying the air in your space. If you’re not a plant person, there are so many low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos that thrive on neglect. Plus, they make your apartment look Pinterest-perfect!
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10. Hang Long Curtains
Hanging long curtains can instantly make your living room look taller and more elegant. Opt for light, airy fabrics to let in natural light or go for blackout curtains if you need more privacy. Pro tip: Hang them higher than your windows for a dramatic, designer look without spending a ton.
11. Full-Length Mirror
Adding a full-length mirror is the ultimate hack for making a small apartment feel bigger. Place it near a window to reflect natural light and create the illusion of more space. It’s not just functional for checking your outfit but also doubles as a chic decor piece.
12. TV Led Lights
TV LED lights are a game-changer for creating a cozy, cinematic vibe in your living room. These lights are super affordable, easy to install, and add an instant glow to movie nights. You can even customize the colors to match your mood!
13. Add Some Throw Blankets
Throw blankets are the easiest way to make your living room feel inviting. Drape them over your couch or keep them in a chic blanket basket. Not only are they practical for those chilly nights, but they also add a pop of color and texture to your space.
14. Flower Candle Warmer
A flower candle warmer is such a cute and functional decor piece. It makes your living room smell amazing without worrying about an open flame. Plus, the floral design adds a soft, feminine touch to your space.
15. 8-Cubed Storage Cabinet
Storage is key in a small apartment, and an 8-cubed storage cabinet is the perfect solution. Use it to organize books, decor, or even shoes while keeping everything looking neat and stylish. The best part? It doubles as a display shelf for your favorite decor pieces.
16. Tall Display Shelf with Dimmable LED
A tall display shelf with dimmable LED lighting is the perfect blend of style and functionality. It’s ideal for showing off your favorite decor, books, or plants while the LED lights add a soft glow. Bonus: You can adjust the brightness to create the mood you want!
17. Upgrade Your Pillows
Sometimes, upgrading your pillows is all it takes to give your living room a fresh, cozy vibe. Go for a mix of textures and patterns to add depth, and don’t forget some oversized pillows for extra comfort. Bonus: They’re an affordable way to transform your space without buying new furniture.
18. Battery-operated LED Candles
Battery-operated LED candles are perfect for adding a warm, inviting glow to your living room without worrying about fire hazards. They’re ideal for cozy nights in or even as a nightlight. You can place them on a coffee table, bookshelf, or windowsill for an instant mood boost.
19. Curtain Lights
Curtain lights are a magical way to add ambiance to your apartment. Hang them behind your curtains or on a blank wall for a dreamy, Pinterest-worthy vibe. They’re especially great for small spaces since they double as decor and soft lighting.
Free Spring Cleaning Checklist
Spring cleaning for small apartments made easy (and a little fun)! Declutter, deep clean, and refresh your space—because cleaning sucks, but a clean home is worth it.