How to make a small lounge look fantastic!

Seating:

If you have a small lounge area, arranging seating that suits both entertaining and watching telly can be tricky.  Start by putting your couch against a wall, and set your armchairs on either side (rather than using 2 couches) facing each other to allow for conversation when entertaining, forming the classic U-shaped arrangement.  The chairs can be turned back towards the TV once the visitors are gone.  This will maintain the flow of space and traffic and allow the arrangement to serve two purposes: entertaining and watching television.  VAST TIP: instead of the bulkier armchairs that match the sofa, you could use occasional chairs that are smaller to give extra space.  If you still want them to look like they match, get them upholstered in the same fabric as the lounge.  If you’re keen to get funky, try an alternative accent upholstery on the armchairs and tie it in with the main sofa using cushions or by choosing the same base colour with a pattern.


Clutter:
Keep clutter to a minimum by choosing a coffee table and TV display unit with drawers, baskets or boxes in shelving units, or cabinetry that can also serve as art.  Another great option is to choose furniture that can multitask.  For example, instead of using a coffee table, opt for an ottoman with storage – and it can also be used as seating. Nesting tables are also fantastic for small lounge areas. VAST TIP: choose an ottoman that you can have upholstered to tie in with your lounge furniture.

Colour:

Lighter-coloured walls can make a room seem bigger, but can end up making the room look dreary; use brilliant hues in your fabrics to brighten the room, add an accent wall, or use a few select accessories to tie the place together. Use bold colours in your patterned fabrics and anchor the colour with solid fabrics in a neutral shade – but keep in mind that heavily patterned upholstery can make a room look busy. VAST TIP: changing the colour of your cushions and decorative items can give you an economical way to freshen up your room.

Accessories:

Use accessories sparingly, but use them to bring in colour and texture. Large canvases of colourful artwork, oversized pots and floor cushions stacked in a corner all add splashes of colour and a tactile sense to the room.  Avoid covering your entire wall with pictures, or displaying all your collectibles at once. 

Mirrors:

Placing mirrors in strategic locations makes your small living room seem bigger. Choose a location where the mirror reflects the best view. Hanging the mirror on a wall that is across from a picture window makes it appear as though you have more windows. The mirror can also reflect the view of the outdoors and bring in more light. Placing a mirror at the end of the living room, facing the entrance, makes the room seem longer.  VAST TIP: make sure you use the right type of hook system for your walls when hanging pictures and artwork - consult a hardware specialist to find out what's right for you.

*thanks to ehow.com for some of these ideas.