Small space living doesn’t have to mean small space living. However, when you live in close quarters and your living and dining rooms are pretty much one and the same, sometimes it’s hard to establish a defined floor plan. With a few simple tips, you can maximize every square inch of your space and create the living room/dining room combo of your dreams.

Arranging Furniture in Your Living/Dining Room

Furniture placement is vital in a living room/dining room combo. Creating separate zones will help maximize each space. One thing to do is think about how you use the space and lay out your furniture accordingly. So, get out your tape measure and take a look at these fun and trendy ways to arrange your living room/dining room furniture.

• Use room dividers or area rugs to define each space.
• Choose the size of your furniture based on the square footage of your space – too small or too large can either make the room appear smaller than it actually is or look crowded with too much furniture.
• Avoid putting all of your furniture against a wall as that can make your space seem smaller. Try placing the back of your couch toward the dining room and add a sofa/console table behind it.
• Angle your armchairs inward to make the living area feel cozy.
• Add a larger coffee table as a centerpiece that brings in all of your living room furniture.
• If there is room behind the couch, separate the dining room with several feet of walking space – on either end of the walk space, add in a sideboard or buffet to fill in the open wall.

Décor for Your Living/Dining Room Combo

A smaller living room and dining room combo doesn’t have to mean small style and decor. This is the perfect time to have fun with accents to round out the space. Here are a few of our favorite ideas.

• Use mirrors. It’s been said before and for good reason – using a mirror in a smaller space will create the illusion of more space. It will also bounce light throughout the room if you position mirrors across from any windows.
• Utilize space-saving techniques like built-in shelves for books, storage and décor; an extendable dining room table; ottomans with storage; benches instead of chairs around the dining room table, etc.
• Aim for accent pieces that will create the illusion of more space: taller, oversized pieces in a small room elongates walls, opening up the room.
• If your living/dining room space is very small, avoid busy color palettes. Instead, tie together both color and style. With the right color combination, you can connect the living and dining room without taking away their distinct areas.
• Harmonize couch throw pillows with dining room chair cushions. Have an accent piece that you can’t live without, but it happens to be a bold, in-your-face color? Find living room throw pillows to match it.
• Wall art and accent pieces should be able to carry through both areas – so much so, they could be moved around from space to space and remain consistent in style, theme and palette with both rooms.
• Got curtains? It should go without saying that they also need to be coordinated with each space. Choose a consistent color palette or print between the two rooms for a seamless style.

How you design your living room/dining room combo sets the tone for everything you will be doing in that space. Whether you’re working from home, relaxing with your pets, eating a family meal, watching TV or hanging out with friends, it’s crucial to set the stage for maximum living so you can make the most of your space.