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10 Small Living Room and Rental Transformations

This article will look at ten small living rooms and rental transformations. It may help you out with building your transformation. Many homeowners cannot overhaul the entire house for various reasons, so they need to do more than just change the furniture. Here are ten ways of transforming. You can do that without changing the structure of the building or leaving any residual damage that is difficult to fix later on down the road. Consider this article an inspiration for all those looking for practical projects on transforming their space without damaging it.

If you just moved out, you will probably rent a studio apartment or any other compact house rather than buying one. It is much cheaper and can provide coziness. However, the interior can be somewhat an eyesore, making you wish you could overhaul it.
Well, overhauling the entire house is impossible since the landlord will not allow you to do it. If that is what you are dealing with, you can try doing minor makeover projects that will transform the space without altering the structure of the building.

Look no further. These 10 small living room and rental transformations may help you out with that. Like other living room upgrade videos published previously on the channel, this video is also presented for you by Simphome.com.

10 Small Living Room and Rental Transformations Poster

🔊10 Small Living Room and Rental Transformations Video:

List Entries:

10 Minimalist Living Room Furniture and Storage Improvements
10 Long and Narrow Living Room Transformations
10 Cost-Effective Living Room Interiors
10 Cozy Open Plan Living Room Ideas
10 Inspiring Shiplap Wall Projects for Boring Living Room
10 Cozy Sectional Living Room Ideas
10 Open Concept Small Living Room & Kitchen Ideas
10 Sustainable Furniture Ideas for Living Room
12 Clever Living Room Furniture Ideas and Arrangement

10. Change the Colors of the Wall

Changing the color of the walls can be an instant move to refresh the look of your living room. Even if you do not invest in some new furniture sets, a touch of fresh paint can add a significant impact.
Besides, most landlords will allow you to do it as long as you paint it back before the new tenant moves in.

Do not worry if you cannot earn permission or feel reluctant to roll up your sleeves and pick up the brush! You can always use wallpaper.

The wallpaper comes in a wide array of colors, textures, and patterns, making it easier to add some interest to the space. Even better, you can purchase peel-and-stick wallpaper to transform your living room without the hassle.

Other instructions:

  • 10.1. Read the material carefully.
  • 10.2. Decide on the room colorings you want to apply to your wall.
  • 10.3. Get some samples at the paint supply shop and compare them with the materials in your room so you can identify which will be suitable for your living space.
  • 10.4. After finding the best samples, go to the paint supply shop or online store to buy your new wallpaper.
  • 10.5. Seal the paint job using a sealer.
  • 10.6. Indoor wall covering is usually applied on a smooth surface, so you will have to sand down the painted surface first for it to be suitable for using wallpaper.
  • 10.7. Place your wallpapers on an easy-to-clean surface so you can remove them easily when it is time for painting again. (e.g., a piece of cardboard)
  • 10.8. After the wall covering is dry, apply the new wallpaper and hang it on using studs and nails.
  • 10.9. Enjoy the fun!

9. Update the Lighting

The lamp is one of the essential elements in every room. It not only illuminates the space but also creates certain nuances. Therefore, you can also try replacing the lights in your living room.
You do not need to uninstall the existing lamp, though.
All you have to do is just dress it up with this geometrical copper pipe pendant light.

To make this pendant light, you will need two pieces of 10′ ½” copper pipe and two packages of 25′ copper wire. You may also have to do the math because you will make a lot of triangles.

If math is your thing, you can use a glass terrarium and a jute rope electrical cord kit instead. You just need to flip the terrarium over. After that, drill a hole through the metal base. It is approximately two inches so that you can insert the bulb socket later.
Next, screw the jute rope electrical cord kit into the base. Then, install the light bulb. Finally, you can hang the pendant light.

Detailed instructions:

9.1. Measure the diameter of the light socket.
9.2. Wrap a piece of copper wire around a pen to create a circle with the same diameter as the socket.
9.3. Open up an electrical cord kit and wind the other piece of wire around it to create another circle with two holes already in it, making sure they’re big enough to fit over the bulb socket.
9.4. Place the bulb socket over the second wire circle.
9.5. Screw the light bulb into the socket and plug it into an electrical outlet.
9.6. Place it wherever you want to hang it and enjoy your stylish lighting!
9.7. If you want to, you can replace the light bulb with a colored one for a different color accent.
9.8. It is recommended to unplug it when it is not in use or replacing the bulb.
9.9. If you have any questions, check the related Internet pages for details.
9.10.1. Measure the wall space where you want to hang the pendant light.
9.10.2. Move your furniture aside to look for a suitable area for hanging it later on.
9.10.3. The next step is to cut the copper piping to make the triangle lighting.
9.10.4. Measure the diameter of the bulb socket and divide it by 3 to get the number of triangles needed. So if your bulb socket measurement is 2″, you will need six sky triangles; 3″ = 9; 4″= 12; 5″ = 15, etc.
9.10.5. Cut out a piece of copper pipe to make a triangle with a measure equal to or slightly greater than your calculation from Step 10.4.
9.10.6. Make the other two triangles out of the same piece of copper pipe by cutting it in half.
9.10.7. For each triangle you just made, cut one end at 45 degrees to form a point while the other remains straight.
9.10.8. Gather all six triangle pieces together and insert them into another part of the copper pipe that is 1 ½” long.
9.10.9. Start to make the connection by overlapping the points of the triangle. Make sure that the points are facing in opposite directions and that you secure them with electrical tape.
9.10.10. Insert the bulb socket into the copper tubing and tighten it using a wire stripper plier.
9.10.11. Measure 4 ½” from the top of your copper tubing and insert a piece of PVC pipe through it so you can attach a fixture or decorative light bulb cover later on.
9.10.12. After that, secure the copper pipe to the wall using a stud finder and a drill.
9.10.13. Install the light bulb socket and bulb fixture and cover them with electrical tape.
9.10.14. If you want, you can add some additional decor, such as a bright-colored jute rope cord kit for a fun accent, or it can be placed by itself for a simple yet stylish look in your room!

8. Add Some Artwork

Hanging a piece of artwork is such a fruitful idea that you can implement to create more coziness in your small living room. Besides, every living room needs at least a photograph or a painting as a focal point that can draw the eyes.
A painting can also help you to conceal any flaw on the wall. It can also add pops of colors instantly, making your all-white living room less boring.
Since hanging artwork can be advantageous, you might think that adding as many photographs or paintings as possible is a good idea. The truth is it is an atrocious one, especially if your living room is rather small.

Instead of hanging a lot of pieces of artwork, you can just display one large painting or two large-scale photos side by side. Oversized artwork can help draw the eyes and make your small living room appear to be wider.
Besides, large artwork acts as the defining element of a small living room that ties together a color scheme. It also makes a single focal point that helps you anchor the remaining items existing in the space.

7. Opt for Stylish Shelves

A small living room is usually prone to clutter. Therefore, installing more storage that does not take up more floor space is necessary.
Wall-mounted shelves are your best friends when it comes to dealing with a small living room. Instead of merely screwing some boards on the wall, you can also be more creative about the design.

These shelves, for example, provide not only ample storage space but also create a chic piece of artwork. You can cut the boards to length so that they fit snugly within the circle. Try painting them and the wall in a few different hues to create an ombre effect.

This one is another example of modern shelves that can also act as a focal point. You just need to screw some boards on the wall behind the couch to create several triangles. You can also add some mini angle brackets as additional support.

Instructions:

  • 7.1. Measure the wall space behind the couch.
  • 7.2. Cut the boards to length, so they fit snugly within your measurements. Do this by cutting it in half and then again to get an equal size of both sides. The smaller piece will be the top triangle, and the bigger side will be the bottom triangle.
  • 7.3. Cut out a piece of wood to fit the bottom triangle and screw it to the wall behind the couch with an anchor. You can also paint it and let it stand out as a focal point.
  • 7.4. To make the shorter sides, measure and cut out another piece of wood equal in size to your bottom triangle.
  • 7.5. Screw both pieces of wood to the wall behind the couch using an anchor, so they stay straight and firmly in place.
  • 7.6. Measure and cut out a block of wood, which is the same width as the space between the longer boards.
  • 7.7. Screw a few screws on one side of your block to secure it from falling off the wall.
  • 7.8. Take the other two bottom corners of your triangle and screw them to the top of your block that you just installed earlier on.
  • 7.9. Lastly, install a few pieces of wood that you can use to hang your flat-screen TV.

6. Break down the space with a Room Divider

A studio apartment tends to implement the open kitchen concept, meaning you will not find walls that separate the living room and the kitchen. You may also find that the bedroom is also the same spot as the living room, making the house feel more spacious.

However, the absence of walls can lead to another disaster. It can expose everything and seize your ultimate privacy. You can tackle this problem by investing in a room divider.
This room divider, for example, will add a mesmerizing and whimsical look to your house. You just need to make some frames.

After that, install hinges to assemble the frames.
Next, add three screws on top and bottom, and make sure that the head of each screw shows up.
Then, run a wire from the top to the bottom screws.
Next, paint the frames.
After that, get some tree branches, place them in each frame, and use wires to secure them in place.
Finally, wrap string lights around the branches.

Instructions:

  • 6.1. Measure the length of the space you want to divide.
  • 6.2. Cut out frames with leaves, branches, and flowers for each side.
  • 6.3. Run wires from the top to the bottom screws on each frame that you cut out earlier.
    Next, coil the wires into ropes that you can wrap around tree branches or any other sturdy thing that can hold them in place. Secure some light bulbs in the middle of the branches, so they light up while not falling over while it rains.
  • 6.4. Arrange the frames two by two to create a room divider. You can also paint each frame a different color to add pops of colors to your living room.
  • 6.5. Hang the room divider or let it stand by placing it on some sturdy surface.

So,
Sculpting a living room out of a small space can be challenging. But, you can always find creative ways to optimize the space and make it look bigger without breaking the bank or compromising comfort. All you have to do is use your creativity and knowledge to sculpt a comfortable living room that will last long and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home.

5. Incorporate more Texture

If you wish to enrich the look of your small living room without breaking a sweat, you just need to add more textural elements to it. It can be in the form of throw blankets, accent pillows, and even textured rugs.

Layering rugs is an instant way to add more texture and comfort. You can try the classic style with a large natural fiber rug on the bottom and top it with a small patterned rug.
You can also try another option. First, lay a large patterned rug on the bottom and top it with a smaller shag rug. This way, your living room will appear more appealing. Besides, the rugs will provide comfort to your feet. You just need to remember to always stick to the same color palette.

Additional details:

  • 5.1. Measure your floor plan.
  • 5.2. Lay a large patterned rug on the bottom and top it with a smaller shag rug. The patterned rug should be at least two inches thick.
  • 5.3. The bigger the pillows, the better, since they will add more comfort to your sofa. You can also add throw blankets that give you that “at-home” feel while still providing a lot of warmth and texture to your living room.
  • 5.4. Arrange your pillows and rugs accordingly to achieve the desired look.
  • 5.5. Finally, play with the lighting in your living room to get the right look you want.

Instructions:
Measure your floor plan; lay a large patterned rug on the bottom and top it with a smaller shag rug; arrange your throw blankets, etc. A living room can only provide the ultimate comfort if it is equipped with a comfortable sofa that will serve as a place to relax and as a place for entertaining guests. A sofa that offers a lot of space and can host up to four persons is ideal for small spaces. Of course, since a sofa should always be used as a place to sit and relax, you don’t have to set aside the whole wall to make it work for your living room entertainment needs.

4. Bring in Some Greenery

Plants have always been good additions to any living room, including the one in a studio apartment. You can try to display greenery on the coffee table or by the window. This way, you can refresh the look of the interior while bettering the quality of the air.

If you wish to incorporate greenery into your living room, consider jade plant and aloe vera for a low-maintenance beauty. You can also opt for fiddle leaf fig, ZZ plant, snake plant, peace lily, English ivy, or photos.

3. Create Reflection with Mirrors

If you think mirrors can only help you double-check your look, you are wrong. It turns out that they are renowned for making a small room appear to be visually larger. Thus, why don’t you hang one in your compact living room?

Try to hang a large mirror on the opposite side of the window to reflect the light, making the space look bigger and airier.

Additional details:

  • 3.1. If you have a round window, you should hang a large mirror on the other side of it, away from the light.
  • 3.2. If you have a rectangular window, use a large mirror to reflect the light and ensure that it looks bigger.
  • 3.3. For small windows, hang two mirrors, one on top of the other, and place them near the corners of the room where they will look bigger when reflected in each other. This way, your living room will appear more open without compromising the space itself.
  • 3.4. For large windows, use one large mirror to reflect the light and ensure that it looks bigger.
  • 3.5. For rectangular windows, hang two mirrors, one on top of the other, and place them near the corners of the room where they will look bigger when reflected in each other.

2. Add Pops of Colors with Furniture

White is always your go-to color when it comes to a small living room. Unfortunately, it can be somewhat tedious. Don’t worry! You can overcome boredom without the hassle.
Adding some pops of colors is a great idea to tackle this problem. You can make it tangible by investing in some colorful furniture.

Don’t have the budget to purchase some new furniture? Try reupholstering your couch, tossing new cushions, or even repainting the existing side table. It will do in a pinch.

Additional details:

  • 2.1. Since your living room is small; you have to choose practical furniture that will serve more than one purpose.
  • 2.2. You can also opt for a bold and bright color scheme with pieces and accessories in the same colors as your sofa and rug.
  • 2.3. A small divider between the couch and loveseat can be helpful if it provides space for storage and adds a nice touch of color to the area behind it.
  • 2.4. You can also create a focal point with a piece of art or a small sculpture.
  • 2.5. Try not to overload the space, although you might need to compromise a bit on comfort for aesthetics.
  • 2.6. If the room is too small, don’t use a big living room rug. You can also opt for a smaller coffee table or a side table that does double duty.
  • 2.7. If the space is too small, you can also opt for a sofa with chaise longue and footrest, sofas with ottomans, or even use a small bench instead of a chaise lounge.
  • 2.8. In a long and narrow room, you can use a low-profile sofa with a longer back for more comfort.
  • 2.9. If you have a recliner, try to place it at the end of the room where it won’t obstruct the door or window.
  • 2.10. If your living room has a front door, place a small table between the door and the sofa where guests can put their bags and jackets when entering your apartment.

Lastly, number 1. Add a Chair with Mass Appeal

There are so many beautiful living room ideas to choose from, even if your home is small. However, since space is at a premium, it might be challenging to find a suitable furniture piece for your space without going for something too large and imposing.

Other Instructions:

  • 1.1. You can try using a piece of wall art as a focal point on the wall.
  • 1.2. You can also try using a small sculpture as a focal point and use it to highlight one end of the room or on the coffee table.
  • 1.3. You can also use rugs as a subtle accent on your flooring to add more color and texture to the space and provide additional seating for your guests.
  • 1.4. You can also use a small bench by your front door instead of a coffee table.
  • 1.5. Try to choose furniture that has little or no legs to save on floor space.
  • 1.6. Also, choose furniture with storage, such as cabinets and drawers, which can be used as built-in closets.
  • 1.7. You can also choose to use your side table as a place to set your drink, which will allow you to free up some space on the coffee table.
  • 1.8. For the small space, focus on choosing furniture that you can use in different ways.
  • 1.9. You can also choose to use a small sofa that will serve as a guest bed when needed, instead of bringing an extra mattress for guests.
  • 1.10. Another idea is to use an ottoman for extra seating by the coffee table, instead of storing magazines, books, or other items you need quick access to.

Wall decals are as versatile as wallpaper. They come in various patterned that can add instant interest to your living room. More importantly, you can install them by yourself, although you do not have advanced carpentry skills.
You can earn coziness in your studio apartment by adding a twist to it. Now, go ask the landlord whether you can do these 10 small living room rental and transformation projects. Good luck!

References:

10. Stylecaster.com, Mydomaine.com, Mydomaine.com
9. Thegatheredhome.com, Bobvila.com, Remodelaholic.com
8. Mydomaine.com, Stylecaster.com
7. Pinterest.com, Pinterest.com
6. Makezine.com
5. Stylecaster.com, Squareinchhome.com
4. Countryliving.com
3. Architectureartdesigns.com
2. Apartmenttherapy.com
1. Homebnc.com

Written by Simpson

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