
Designing a long, narrow living room can be tricky. Our quick guide will help you make an informed decision.
Wondering how to make the most of a long, narrow living room? Every element in the long living room can be edited to make it more aesthetically pleasing and optimally functional. For clarity, let’s discuss each element of interior design in more detail.
Use the corners of the room efficiently by placing a single or pair of armchairs, side tables and a small coffee table to create a relaxing reading nook.
Place your sofa furniture across the room rather than along the long walls. This will push your walls outward and make them appear visually larger.
Create specific zones within the large living room to create two different conversation areas, such as a dedicated TV area or reading nook. Use lights and rugs to make it look intentional.
Adjust furniture to fit a long living room, but make sure you don’t block walkways or overcrowd the space unnecessarily.
Make sure furniture is placed in the middle of the room, leaving the sides “open” and “clear.” This will also help you create two narrow walkways on either side of the furniture arrangement.
You can also opt for alternating furniture groups so that the traffic flow forms an S-shape.
Add storage with shelves and closed doors to avoid too much visual clutter accumulating in the room.
When furnishing a long living room, consider both the width and depth of the sofa.
Use furniture with soft, rounded edges that soften the visually harsh long horizontal lines, such as a round coffee table, ottoman, small round tables, etc.
A narrow living room benefits from only being able to survey the room at one time, so each decor element gets equal attention. The basic rule, however, is to make sure the decor looks “just right” and the style factor remains high. This can be achieved in many ways, such as:
Hang decorative mirrors on the walls to make your narrow living room look airier and brighter. Choose between a wooden or an iron frame.
Accentuate your large windows with sheer curtains to allow ample natural light to come in during the day and pair them with thick drapes for privacy during the night hours.
Place some medium to large potted plants to bring a touch of natural greenery into the narrow living room. This will increase the visual height of your living room without obstructing the view of the space at eye level.
Don’t overdo it with artwork on the walls as this will only add more visual clutter. Instead, opt for wall paintings which look much more attractive as a decorating idea for long living room walls.
Add dramatic life to your long, narrow living room by adding a splash of color here and there in the form of throws, pillows, ottomans, upholstery and colorful laminates.
A ceiling fan with built-in lighting is a super space saver as it combines two functions in one.
A false ceiling for a long living room with alcove and recessed lighting will brighten up the space.
A ceiling chandelier or pendant lights will perfectly light up the corners of the living room.
A spotlight, wall light or floor lamp will add warmth and distinctive character to your living room.
Finishing the flooring and walls for a small, narrow living room
Opt for light, wide floor tiles/planks as they create a seamless look.
If you already have dark flooring, opt for a light floor carpet or rug.
Use a mix of vibrant wallpaper and neutral colors to highlight the walls of a long living room.
Browse through our collection of the most stunning long and narrow living room design ideas for modern homes and get inspired for your next project.
This long and narrow living room and dining room combination is a real feast for the eyes. A single light grey fabric sofa with armchair is placed against the wall, creating a visual separation between the two areas. The yellow and black patterned rug and cushions provide a striking contrast to the furniture. The sliding door to the balcony and false ceiling lights let in ample light and brighten the space.
This long and narrow country style living room has a very rustic feel thanks to the angular ceiling with wood beam panels and the weathered accent tiles on the wall. The vertical space in the room has been maximized by installing wall shelves at different heights to add a sense of depth and drama to the overall ambiance. The beige furniture, curtains and art decor reflect the aesthetic beauty of the space.
This rectangular room showcases a brown-toned geometric patterned rug and colorful floral patterned pillows running the length of the sofa. The green plants also add elegance and a unique charm to the room. The cream floor tiles, center table and white walls provide the perfect base for the other decor elements to stand out visually. An L-shaped layout reduces the apparent length of the room.
This long and narrow living room looks simple yet modern and luxurious thanks to the installation of innovative interior design solutions in the room, such as the muted wallpaper on the adjacent walls, the large windows with sheer and draped curtains, the floating cabinet with translucent doors and more. The tall floor lamp makes it easy to read your favorite books during the evening and night hours.
This small narrow living room instantly gives off a nautical vibe thanks to the blue sofa and armchair with a comfortable seat cushion to rest your legs on. The sheer curtains provide much-needed privacy and make the space appear larger. The large reading lamp and recessed lighting also accentuate the aesthetic.
We hope these long narrow living room ideas have inspired you enough to take the next step when planning a home renovation or redesign.
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