Small living room solutions

Storage
In order to keep a small living room tidy, you will need to carefully plan your space. Cupboards keep clutter out of sight, but if they are too big, they can end up dominating a small room. Fitted cupboards that make use of alcoves are best for a small lounge.

Use shelves for items you really want to display, but in a cramped space it is best not to have too many objects on show. Similarly, don't try to display too many photographs, as this will make your area feel claustrophobic. Floor to ceiling shelves make good use of all the space you have at your disposal.

As an alternative to cupboards, you could consider covering shelves with fabric panels on runners, which doesn't look as heavy, but still keeps unsightly objects out of view. If you have lots of DVDs and magazines, opt for a TV storage unit with a slide-across front panel to give your living room a streamlined look whenever you are not watching the box.

Furniture
The best type of TV for a small living room is a wall-mounted flat screen. As well as looking stylish, flat screens save space because they do not need a stand. If you get one with an integrated DVD player, that's another ugly electronic box you can do away with.

In an awkward-shaped living room, consider whether a corner sofa would be more practical. Opt for armless chairs and consider a chaise longue instead of a sofa if you want to create a more open feel. Before choosing a sofa, think about how many people normally use the space and how much seating you really need. Sofas range in size from around 174cm to over 200cm, so choose the smallest sofa you can that will still meet your needs.

Look for furniture that has hidden storage, such as footstools with lids, and if your lounge doubles as a home office, choose a fold-away bureau so that you can keep work out of sight when you want to unwind.

Colour & lighting
Pale colours are best for small rooms, so go for white, neutrals or cool blues and greens. A monochromatic colour scheme, using different tones of the same colour, will help to make the furniture and other features recede and appear to take up less space.

Let in as much natural light as possible, and use lots of spotlights at night. Paint low ceilings brilliant white or a lighter tone of the same colour that's used on the walls to create the illusion of height. If you have a narrow, corridor-like living room you can make it feel more square by painting the two shorter walls in a slightly darker tone.

Patterned wallpaper will make a room feel smaller, but if you have your heart set on it, choose a light wallpaper with a fine motif rather than anything too bold. Paint window frames and skirting boards in the same colour as the walls with an eggshell finish to create a seamless look.