This post shows you the best small apartment living room ideas on a budget.

Decorating your small apartment can be challenging, but you're in the right place!

Finding decor you love can feel impossible when you have minimal space and are on a budget.

However, you can create your own cozy and stylish living room with the right decor and mindset. You just have to learn the best way to work with the space you have.

I have just moved into my first apartment and know the challenge firsthand.

That's why I'm showing you some living room ideas that you can include in your small apartment that won't break the bank but will still make your space look beautiful.

Now, let's get into these small apartment living room ideas on a budget.


1. Choosing the Perfect Coffee Table

A coffee table with books, candles and a plant.

In a small living room, every piece of furniture must be both functional and space-efficient.

Coffee tables can be a great focal point in a living room, but they also can hold cute decor accents like books, candles, and flowers!

They can also be a holder for small decor accents like books and candles!

Tables made of natural materials such as rattan and bamboo can be cheaper while still looking stylish.

2. Mirrors!!

A black and white living room

Mirrors are my favorite tip for small apartments.

They create an illusion of more space, adding depth and light to a room.

The key to getting a full length large mirror while on a budget is to keep an eye out at local thrift shops! That's where I found my dream mirror that fits my price range.

3. Hanging Shelves

Hanging shelf with plants

This is a great way to incorporate more storage into your small space and display all your favorite items.

You can easily DIY these with some pieces of wood and rope; there are also lots of assembler kits online.

4. Black and White Living Room

A living room with gold accents, natural materials, a large gold mirror, plants and artwork

How incredible does this living room look??

Neutrals are your best friend when decorating your small living room.

5. Utilizing the Fireplace Mantel

A living room with a fireplace

If you're one of the lucky ones with a fireplace mantel, I hope you're making the most of it.

Placing decor above the fireplace is an easy way to display your favorite items.

Consider adding a circular mirror to create the illusion of a larger space.

6. Buy a Big Piece of Art

A living room with leather chairs and an accent wall

Using a single large piece of art in a small apartment living room can make a bold statement and create a focal point without overwhelming the space.

Unlike multiple smaller pieces, which can make the room feel cluttered and busy, one big artwork draws the eye and anchors the room.

7. Incorporate Ottomans

silver macbook on brown woven round table
Photo by Studio Crevettes / Unsplash

I am OBSESSED with ottomans; they are a fun way to add extra seating to your room.

Plus, they create such a cozy vibe!

8. Create a Small Breakfast Nook

An orange and terracotta living room with a ottoman

If your dining area is in your living room, turn your dining table into a small breakfast nook.

It provides a charming spot for casual meals, morning coffee, or even working from home without taking up much room.

Unlike a full dining table, a breakfast nook can fit snugly into a corner, maximizing your living space.

9. Simplicity Is Key

A wooden ladder with a blanket on it

When designing your small space, you want to place each piece of furniture with intention.

The less cluttered your area is, the better.

A leather, white and earthy toned living room with a fireplace

Adding a few art prints can add personality and charm to your space.

However, it is easy to go overboard and make the space feel overwhelming and cluttered.

Make sure you place every piece thoughtfully.

11. Throw Pillows

A grey couch with throw pillows and an ottoman

Throw pillows are an affordable and one of the easiest ways to update your space.

The best part? They're interchangeable! You can switch out throw pillows whenever you want.

Check out the funky ottoman as well.

12. Couch with Storage Space

Fairy lights draped around a room with natural materials

If you have limited space, getting a couch with extra storage space can be a good idea.

This might be an expensive purchase, but it will last you years.

13. A Couch with Thin Legs

A living room with wooden furniture and green and white pillows

Couches like these with angled skinny legs are fantastic in a small studio apartment as they create an illusion of more space.

A couch with thin legs often appears more elegant and modern, adding a touch of sophistication to your decor.

You need to pay attention to every tinydetail when choosing furniture for your smaller space.

14. Floating Shelves

A living room with an accent wall

Floating shelves are a perfect way to create extra space.

It's a simple way to show off your picture frames and small decor accents.

15. Area Rugs

A living room with a large white area rug
Photo by Goran Ivos / Unsplash

Using a large area rug in a small living room can work wonders in making the space feel more cohesive and expansive.

Additionally, a large area rug can introduce color and texture, adding warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.

16. Skinny Lamps!

A skinny lamp and brown couch

Skinny lamps are a fun and modern way to save floor space in your living room.

17. Using a Round Mirror

A circular mirror

Using fun shaped mirrors in a small living room can add a playful and stylish element to the space.

These unique mirrors can act as statement pieces, drawing the eye and adding an interesting visual focal point.

Not to mention, they help bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and more open.

18. L-Shaped Couches

A L-Shaped couch in a living room

A L-shaped couch can be a game-changer in a small living room.

It offers more seating without the need for additional chairs that can clutter the space.

This clever piece of furniture fits cozily into corners, providing a comfortable, spacious area for lounging and socializing.

19. Hanging Planter

A hanging plantar

Hanging plants can be a great way to include greenery in your space if you don't have enough floor space.

You can make them yourself, or they are inexpensive at stores like Target.

20. Use Side Tables

A side table holding ceramic bowls and books

Side tables are another great way to add style and storage to your living room.

It's an excellent place for vases, ceramic bowls, candles, and display books.

Antique shops are a great place to find them if you have a low budget.

21. Pops of Color

assorted throw pillows on gray couch
Photo by micheile henderson / Unsplash

Including pops of color adds playfulness and energy to your space.

Incorporate throws, blankets, or plants to quickly add some color into your space.

22. Accent Chair

A wooden accent chair

A wooden accent chair can be a great addition to your living room if you have enough space.

By selecting a chair with a slim legs, you can maintain an open and airy feel in the room.

Additionally, an accent chair can act as a statement piece, drawing attention and creating a focal point that enhances the overall aesthetic.

23. Console Table

brown wooden framed mirror on brown wooden shelf
Photo by Tina Witherspoon / Unsplash

I love this idea!

Including a console table in a small living room is a brilliant way to add both style and storage without taking up much space.

24. Table Behind Your Couch

brown wooden sideboard beside beige fabric sofa
Photo by Julie Kwak / Unsplash

This is such a genius idea!!

Placing an entry table behind the couch is a smart and stylish way to utilize space in a small living room.

Use it to display personal touches like family photos and fresh flowers, or store other items inside it, like blankets and books.

25. Wall Decor

white and brown wooden end table near wall inside room with wall art
Photo by Vladimir Mokry / Unsplash

Wall decor is critical to creating a stylish space; it can bring the whole space together when done right.

White walls are great in a smaller space.

It brightens the place and provides a fantastic backdrop, which makes art stand out.

26. Style Floating Shelves

floating shelves

I'm bringing up floating shelves again because, in a smaller living room, you need to use these shelves to make the most of the space!!

They are easy to install and very affordable.

27. Multi-Purpose Dresser

A multi purpose dresser and wall art

A multi-purpose dresser is great in a small space because you can use it for storing books, electronics, or other household items, while also acting as a decorative focal point.

Pop cute items on the top to enhance the room's aesthetic.

This post shows you the best small apartment living room ideas on a budget.

Small Apartment Living Room Decor Ideas On a Budget

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