Decorating a small rectangular living room can seem complicated if we do not take into account a series of fundamental aspects, especially related to the distribution.
In this article we will give you the best tips and keys to make your living room look aesthetic and functional in equal parts.
The best layout for decorating small rectangular living rooms

To achieve the most successful distribution of a space is necessary to think about the shape of the surface, so if you want to decorate small rectangular living room is essential to take into account both its size and its shape, so you can place the different elements that make up the environment, in the best possible way.
Small rectangular living rooms are those whose width is less than 4 meters, so if this is your case, take note of how you should put the main pieces that dress a living room:
- To create a more functional space it is necessary to leave a free passage area, so that you can move comfortably through the space. Therefore, place the most voluminous pieces, such as the sofa, on the same line of the wall.
- Next to the sofa, add the side tables you need as support pieces, of a shape and size proportionate to the seats.
- Choose a coffee table that is also proportionate to the size of the sofa, although, in the case of very small rectangular living rooms, we recommend that you choose pieces that have some mobility, so you can move them easily, leaving a free space in the center.
- In front of the sofa, you can add a piece of furniture for the TV that is long and narrow, although if it is possible, from Paratureforma we recommend that you hang the TV on the wall, so that you get to gain more space for the passage area.
- Dispense with furniture that is not absolutely necessary and you will make the space appear larger and uncluttered.
How to choose a sofa

The shape and size of the sofa are also fundamental factors in decorating a small rectangular living room in the right way.
In this case, you can opt for a compact one-piece model with the right seating capacity for the members of the family and add an extra seat on the front wall, in the form of an armchair or a chaise longue, if you have enough space.
If you prefer, you can opt for a sofa with a built-in chaise longue or a corner or modular sofa that adapts to the proportions of the space, as long as you can place the chaise longue or corner sofa on the back wall of your living room.
Always choose a quality sofa design, whose structure is made of hard and resistant woods, and seat and back cushions of high density foam or feathers, depending on your preferences and specific needs.
As for the upholstery, preferably choose a type of fabric that is long-lasting and washable, in case you have small children or pets; neutral colors such as grays or browns are perfect for this type of situation, while white sofas, of great beauty, are ideal for multiplying the feeling of spaciousness and brightness of the space, although they are more delicate.
Ergonomics in the living room

In the design of any space it is necessary to know what are the most appropriate measures and distances, to create harmonious, proportionate and functional spaces and especially when decorating a small rectangular living room, since it is essential to optimize the maximum available space, avoiding overly saturated or inefficient environments.
Therefore, take note of these indispensable tips to design a small, practical and aesthetic rectangular living room:
- Between the sofa and the coffee table you should leave about 40 cm of distance to be able to move freely around it.
- To make the space look well-proportioned, choose a coffee table that measures 1 meter less than the length of the sofa; that is, a sofa 200 cm long would correspond to a coffee table of approximately 100 cm long.
- Make sure that the height of the coffee table is not higher than the height of the sofa seat; this will make the room appear larger.
- Look at the width of the sofa arms: you will find models with wider arms, which will take away seating space, and others with narrower arms, which will give you more room to sit.
- Between the sofa and the side tables you should leave about 15-20 cm so that the environment is not saturated, although in the case of decorating small rectangular living room you can choose to replace one of these tables for a floor lamp, which takes up less space.
Colors for decorating small rectangular living room

Unify the colors of the walls and furniture becomes one of the best tricks to decorate small rectangular living room.
It also ensures that pavements flooring that you choose are totally integrated, at a chromatic level, with the rest of the elements of the space.
In this way, you will make the furniture blend in with the rest of the space, creating a very flattering visual effect and multiplying the feeling of spaciousness of your living area.
If you want to add some color details, do it in rugs, accessories and textile complements; it will achieve the chromatic detail you are looking for without saturating the space.
Order and functionality
In small spaces, such as small rectangular living rooms, it is essential that the environment is always perfectly tidy, so you can resort to pieces with storage capacity, such as sofas with interior storage area, trunk coffee tables or nesting tables, as an ideal option instead of traditional side tables.
Avoid excesses, both in furniture and accessories, and go for ‘less is more’ to enjoy a comfortable and well-organized living area.
If you need it, think about the storage possibilities that the walls can provide. Making the most of their height by installing a tall custom-made bookcase will help you keep the room perfectly tidy.
Decorative complements and accessories to embellish the space

Decorating a small rectangular living room does not mean you have to do without any ornament or decorative object, you just have to choose the right one!
Add a plant that brings naturalness and freshness to the space, textile complements such as cushions or plaids and blankets to multiply the comfort of your sofa or armchairs, a soft rug in the sofa area and few but well-chosen accessories.
Paratureforma tips for decorating small rectangular living rooms
- If you are renovating your house and the living room is rectangular and small, consider opening the kitchen to the living and dining room to design an open space, a trendy solution that makes better use of the available space.
- Add mirrors on the walls of your living room to multiply the feeling of spaciousness and brightness of the space, an easy and essential decorative resource.
- Furniture on wheels is perfect for decorating small rectangular living rooms due to its versatility and ease of movement, so go for it!