When picking a cosy rug, note that an undersized rug will make a small room seem smaller and a large room look disjointed. Opt for larger area rugs that will more likely complement whatever type of living situation you have.  The trick is to always place these where they truly belong – under furniture. Lay the rugs below at least the first set of legs of your couch or chairs for the best look.

Try Middle-Eastern style rugs like these ones!

Lights can make or break your living room decor. Make sure to maintain balance by installing lights at varying heights throughout each room and be mindful of hanging random, fancy lights because they can affect the mood of the room. Too much brightness or glare from fluorescent bulbs might exaggerate the ambiance in your living room while too-dim lamps might feel isolating and are bad for your eyes. 

READ MORE: This Lighting Trend Will Make Your Dining Area Super Chic

Basically, the higher you hang your curtains, the better. Don’t hesitate to hang drapes from the ceilings down to the floor of your living room as this can visually expand your living room; it would make the ceilings seem higher than it really is. Hanging your curtains too low, however, or cutting them off at the windows, will make your room look smaller and crammed.

It’s tempting to place the couch against the wall, but doing this can shrink a room by drawing attention to the wall. The trick is to leave a gap between the wall and your sofa, even if it’s a few inches. This creates some breathing space for your furniture and opens up the room. It can also make cleaning the area behind the sofa much easier!

READ MORE: How To Find The Perfect Sofa For Your Personality

If you have a narrow living room, pick a skinny but long coffee table. Just like area rugs, a carefully chosen coffee table can make your living room look spacious even when it’s not. It’s a great way to ground your decor too, and you can craft beautiful vignettes on it. Read this for some ideas on creating a unique display at home!

Besides being incredibly space-saving, it’s also more aesthetically pleasing and reduces the visual clutter of wires. Besides, the television shouldn’t be the main attraction in your living room – let your furnishings shine instead of drawing the eye towards what is really just a big black rectangle. 

READ MORE: 10 Ingenious Ways To Decorate Your TV Wall

Wall-mount your mirrors opposite windows to bring in more light and visually enlarge a space. Inviting natural light into your living room will reap a more homey feel and provide the serenity that you deserve as you lounge on your couch or bed. Alternatively, you can place your mirrors opposite something something visually arresting, like your favorite painting or any piece of furniture that has an impact on you.

Design: Kate Dale Interiors, Source: Loftez

READ MORE: 
10 Furniture Pieces That Make Your House Look Smaller
Home Decor Ideas To Inspire Every Nature Lover
Beautiful Home Renovations In Singapore That Are $20,000 And Below (Really!)

Text: Deborah Austria / Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew

This article first appeared on Loftez, South East Asia’s premier social media platform for home owners, interior designers and product owners.