10 IKEA Living Room Ideas for Small Spaces: Smart, Stylish & Space-Saving IKEA Living Room Inspirations from My 10+ Years of Design Experience

As an interior designer who has been obsessed with small spaces for over a decade, I’ve seen a surge in demand for compact yet stylish living rooms. The current trend leans toward multi-functional furniture, warm minimalism, and clever storage. I truly believe small spaces spark big creativity — especially when you borrow some clever solutions from IKEA. In this article, I’ll share 10 IKEA living room ideas for small spaces, blending my personal experience with expert-backed data from sources like Houzz and Apartment Therapy.

1. Minimalist Sofa with Hidden Storage

My Take: In my first studio apartment, my IKEA Friheten sofa saved me — not just for lounging, but also with its generous hidden storage. I kept extra blankets, winter sheets, and even board games inside without cluttering the space.

Pros: Hidden storage sofas maximize your usable area, a key in small apartment living room design. IKEA’s versions are surprisingly deep and easy to access, with durable fabric options.

Cons: The lifting mechanism can feel a bit stiff at first, and cushions tend to need fluffing more often than non-storage models.

Tip: Pair with minimalist IKEA-inspired living room storage solutions to keep visual clutter low.

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2. Wall-Mounted Shelves to Free Floor Space

My Take: I once transformed a client’s narrow living room with IKEA LACK shelves mounted in a staggered pattern. It looked like art, but doubled as a display for plants and books.

Pros: Maximizes vertical space, and IKEA shelves are lightweight and easy to install. Perfect for renters since they can be removed with minimal wall damage.

Cons: Not ideal for very heavy items — keep it decorative, not industrial.

Case Insight: Vertical shelving can boost perceived ceiling height by 10–15%, according to a 2022 interior design study by Elle Decor.

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3. Glass Coffee Table to Create Airiness

My Take: In tight spaces, swapping a bulky coffee table for a glass IKEA VITTSJÖ made my client’s room feel suddenly bigger and brighter.

Pros: The transparency tricks the eye into seeing more space, and glass is incredibly easy to maintain when tempered.

Cons: Frequent fingerprints, and not ideal for households with toddlers.

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4. Multi-Functional TV Unit with Storage

My Take: IKEA BESTÅ units have been my go-to for combining media storage with hidden compartments for cables, routers, and random knick-knacks.

Pros: Adjustable shelving and clean lines fit almost any style. Great for small spaces where every inch counts.

Cons: Assembly can take patience — I’ve built some that took a solid two hours.

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5. L-Shaped Sectional for Open-Plan Living

My Take: In open-plan apartments, I use IKEA’s KIVIK L-shaped layout to subtly divide zones without building walls.

Pros: Defines different functions while keeping the space social. Gives more seating than a standard sofa.

Cons: It can dominate tiny rooms if not measured carefully.

See my full case on how an L-shaped layout creates more countertop-like living space in micro-apartments.

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6. Light-Colored Rugs to Expand the Visual Field

My Take: I found that soft beige or light grey rugs from IKEA can visually widen a narrow room.

Pros: Neutral tones reflect more light and blend easily with various sofa colors.

Cons: Light fabrics show stains more easily — be ready with a washable option.

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7. Modular Cubes for Flexible Storage

My Take: IKEA’s KALLAX cubes let me redesign storage layouts as clients’ needs change.

Pros: Can be stacked, used as a room divider, or fitted with baskets for hidden storage. Affordable and versatile.

Cons: Open cubes can become clutter magnets if not styled intentionally.

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8. Foldable Dining Table in the Living Room

My Take: In several tiny apartments, I’ve popped an IKEA NORBERG foldable wall table right under a window to serve as both dining space and work desk.

Pros: Saves precious floor space and folds away when not in use. Great for keeping the living room adaptable.

Cons: Small surface area means it’s not for big dinner parties.

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9. Statement Wall with Removable Wallpaper

My Take: IKEA’s playful patterns help my clients add personality without long-term commitment.

Pros: Transforms the feel of the room instantly, renter-friendly, and budget-conscious.

Cons: Can peel over time in high-humidity areas.

Pro Tip: Pair bold walls with simple furniture to avoid a chaotic feel.

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10. Indoor Plants for Warmth and Energy

My Take: Adding greenery via IKEA’s SÖDERHÄLL planters always makes small living rooms more inviting.

Pros: Plants improve air quality and give the room life, an effect supported by NASA’s Clean Air Study.

Cons: Some plants require more maintenance — not ideal for frequent travelers.

Case Note: I love how wood accents bring warmth into plant-filled corners for small Scandinavian-inspired spaces.

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Summary

Small living rooms aren’t limitations — they’re opportunities to design smarter, multifunctional spaces that reflect your lifestyle. IKEA offers clever options to make the most of every inch, and even tiny changes can create big impact. Which of these 10 IKEA living room ideas for small spaces would you try in your home?

FAQ

1. What is the best IKEA sofa for small spaces?

Compact options like the IKEA Friheten or KLIPPAN are ideal since they offer storage or smaller footprints.

2. How can I make my IKEA living room look bigger?

Use light colors, glass furniture, and vertical storage to open up the room’s feel.

3. Can I customize IKEA furniture for my small apartment?

Yes, many IKEA pieces are modular, making it easy to adapt to your layout.

4. What’s the most budget-friendly IKEA living room idea?

Wall-mounted shelving and foldable tables offer big impact at low cost.

5. Are IKEA glass tables safe?

Tempered glass is strong and designed for household use, but avoid high-impact activities around it.

6. Do IKEA rugs work well for small spaces?

Absolutely, especially light-colored rugs that help visually expand the area.

7. How do I maintain IKEA furniture in small living rooms?

Regular dusting, avoiding direct sunlight, and using washable covers keep them looking fresh.

8. Where can I find inspiration for IKEA living room layouts?

Browse IKEA’s showroom or explore design case studies like those on this small space layout inspiration for real-world ideas.