Everyone says the kitchen is the heart of the house but for me, it’s the living room!
For my family, it’s where we talk and relax and get caught up on everyone’s day.
But if you’re working with a small space, like I have in other places I’ve lived, it can be hard to make it feel cozy without feeling crammed.
So I wanted to share what’s worked for me in the past plus some other cozy sitting room ideas that don’t feel overwhelming.
If you’ve got a small living room that needs a cozy makeover, these ideas are for you!
The Perfect 2 Chairs Sitting Area
One of my favorite setups for small living rooms is the two-chair sitting area.
It doesn’t take up a ton of room, but it can instantly make a space feel more pulled together.
All you have to do is put two super comfy chairs by the window with a small table in between.
Now you have a go-to spot for morning coffee and chit-chats!
You can also add a soft throw blanket on one chair and a little plant on the table.
It’s nothing fancy, but it can really bring the whole space to life!
You can put this setup by a window, but you can even do this in a corner or even right in the middle of a small room if you angle the chairs just right.
Or, you can check out these other small sitting room ideas that I totally love:
Small Sitting Rooms To Copy
You’ve got a tiny space but major style goals?
These small sitting rooms are straight-up inspo you’ll wanna copy ASAP.
Recliner and Bookshelf Reading Nook
If you’re a bookworm looking for a peaceful little spot to read, you can tuck a comfy recliner into a corner next to a tall bookshelf.
Don’t forget to add a soft blanket and a small side table to hold your coffee or book!
Two Chairs with Ottoman and Gallery Wall
Pair two chairs with a shared ottoman that you can use to put up your feet or set down a tray.
Behind the chairs, hang a mix of family photos or art for a stylish look.
Petite Recliner with a Stool Table
A smaller recliner can work wonders in a tight space!
And stools are great to use as tables because they are small and compact.
This can be a great little spot to watch TV, read a good book, or sip on some tea.
Two Accent Chairs Facing a Fireplace
If you have a fireplace in your living room, you can use it to create the coziest sitting area.
Put two accent chairs across from your fireplace with a low table or pouf to tie the space together.
Want to make it feel super cozy? Add in a few candles!
Slim Recliner Beside a Ladder Shelf
You can tuck a narrow recliner beautifully next to a ladder shelf where you can put books, plants or some decorative touches.
The best thing you can do in a small area is use vertical space, and ladder shelves are perfect for this!
Throw in a side lamp and some comfy pillows on the chair and you have the perfect sitting room for your home or apartment.
Matching Club Chairs with Window View
I absolutely love club chairs!
You can place two matching ones side-by-side near a window with a slim table in between for drinks, books, or a lamp.
Putting a club chair in front of window makes the sitting area feel bright and open, especially if you add a sheer panel to filter natural light in.
Swivel Chairs with Round Coffee Table
Two swivel chairs angled around a round coffee table can give your little sitting area a soft of breakfast nook feel.
Swivel chairs are great for small spaces because they move around with taking up extra living room real estate!
If you want to really define your sitting area, add a cozy rug underneath.
Compact Recliner with Floor Lamp Corner
Tuck a compact recliner into an empty corner of your living room along with a floor lamp.
Add a small table for your drink and a textured pillow to keep your back happy.
I love how this little setup makes the most of an unused area!
Patterned Armchairs with Floating Shelves
If you want to add some color to a small space, use your furniture!
Two patterned armchairs are a great way to bring life to your sitting area without adding more clutter.
Install floating shelves above the chairs or beside them for books, plants, or small decor.
Two Cane Chairs with a Low-Profile Rug
To keep your room looking open and light, pair two cane chairs with a flat-woven rug.
This boho combo works great in small rooms!
You can add in a simple coffee table to tie it all together and decorate with natural wood tones or colorful cushions.
Leather Recliner Paired with a Storage Bench
Leather furniture has this look that will make any small sitting space feel sophisticated.
Tuck one into the corner of your livingroom along with a storage bench to hold blankets, books, or even games.
Throw in a rug and floor lamp and you have a cozy little spot for relaxing.
Two Armless Chairs Framing a Console Table
If you want to help your small space feel more open, think about getting a couple armless chairs.
And when you put them on either side of a narrow console table, you get a nice streamlined look.
Decorate the table with plants, candles, or a stack of your fave books.
These low-profile chairs don’t overwhelm the sapce while keeping your sitting area nice and comfy.
Arm Chair in Front of a Statement Wall
To make your sitting area pop, you can put an armchair in front of a brightly painted wall or a wall with bold wallpaper.
Add some throw pillows or a blanket that match the colors on the wall.
This way, your chair becomes part of the decor!
Chair and Pouf by a Tall Plant
When you have a small area, sometimes it’s just fun to play around with vertical space!
Take a comfy chair and add a pouf (you can use it as a foot rest or put a tray on it) to draw the eye down, but use a tall plant to draw the eye back up.
I love this balanced look for a living room sitting area.
Big Cozy Vibes for Small Spaces!
No matter how tight the space, there’s always a way to add a sitting area that is comfy and cozy.
I’ve loved playing around with different setups over the years and I hope you have fun bringing some charm to your home!
Just remember to try layouts that fit your life, not just the space.
Which idea are you excited to try?
