Is a 15 x 11 Living Room Too Small?: How to Make the Most of a 165-Square-Foot Space Without Feeling Cramped

As someone who’s redesigned dozens of compact spaces over the last decade, I can tell you a 15 x 11 ft living room isn’t necessarily ‘too small’—it’s just a size that needs some thoughtful layout planning. At 165 square feet, it definitely falls into the small-to-average range, but with the right furniture scale, lighting, and visual tricks, it can feel airy and inviting.

My Take

One of my favorite projects was for a young couple who thought their 15 x 11 space was unusable for guests. We used slim-profile seating, a wall-mounted media unit, and layered lighting. The room went from cramped to cozy in under a week.

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Pros

Smaller living rooms are inherently more intimate. They encourage conversation, they’re easier to style cohesively, and heating/cooling is cost-efficient. A modest footprint also forces you to prioritize what matters in your furniture selection.

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Cons

You will have less flexibility for large sectionals, oversized coffee tables, or multiple seating zones. It’s easy to overfill the space, and circulation can feel tight if you don’t plan for pathways.

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Tips

1. Choose multi-functional furniture like ottomans with storage.
2. Float furniture away from walls to make the room feel less like a box.
3. Use vertical space—tall shelving draws the eye upward, making the ceilings feel higher.

For example, using an open-shelf layout with light woods can visually expand the room.

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Conclusion

No, a 15 x 11 ft living room isn’t too small if you approach it with the right design mindset. As HGTV notes, spaces under 200 square feet can feel large with strategic placement of mirrors and appropriately scaled furniture. The real key is avoiding clutter and keeping a clear flow for movement.

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FAQ

1. Is 15 x 11 considered small? – It’s on the smaller side, but not unusually so for apartments and townhouses.
2. Can I fit a sectional in this size? – Yes, but opt for a small L-shaped sectional along one corner to preserve space.
3. How should I arrange furniture? – Keep main pathways clear and balance seating to face each other for better conversation.
4. What’s the ideal TV size? – For a viewing distance of 7–9 feet, a 50–55 inch TV is usually comfortable.
5. Will light colors really help? – Absolutely, they reflect light and make the space feel bigger, per architectural color theory studies.
6. Should I mount my TV? – Wall-mounting is a great way to save floor space in compact living rooms.
7. Can I add a dining table too? – If you choose a drop-leaf or wall-mounted fold-down table, yes.
8. Is a rug necessary? – A well-chosen rug can define the seating area and visually expand the room; just be sure it’s scaled to fit under key furniture pieces.

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