This Unexpected Trick Will Make Your Small Living Room Look Bigger (It’s So Easy)

When it comes to decorating a small living room, you might assume you have to think small. I mean it makes sense — small space, small furniture. But according to interior designer and TikTok creator Brie Turton, when it comes to putting a  media console in your small living room, you should go against your instincts and go big. 

Though this sounds counterintuitive, Brie explains that longer units that go the length of your living room wall are always a better use of your space. If you’re wondering why they work so well, I asked a couple of pros to weigh in on the benefits of long units in small spaces, and it turns out there are quite a few. 

“A longer unit draws the eye horizontally, making the room feel more expansive. It effectively utilizes what would otherwise be dead space, offering both function and style without overwhelming the area,” says Giverny Simm, lead designer at Studio Howes.

It’s not just about making your space feel bigger, though; there are aesthetic benefits, too. Designer Amanda Foster, founder of Foster Decor says, “A larger media console becomes an instant focal point, adding a touch of drama and sophistication [and] giving your room a sleek, organized look.” Creating a balanced look is important in any space, and “using larger furnishings in small spaces creates a sense of scale and structure,” Simm adds.

And then there’s the biggest gripe of all for small-space dwellers — creating enough storage. A longer media unit “offers a treasure trove of storage for all your gadgets, gizmos, and DVD collections” Foster says. A wider console also gives you more surface area to play with so you can “display your quirky knickknacks, set up a minibar, or create a cozy reading nook — the possibilities are endless!” she adds.

With that in mind, here are a couple of wall-length media units for making the most of a small living room.

This mid-century style media unit from Saracina Home at Target offers a good balance of open and hidden storage. At 80 inches wide, there’s plenty of countertop space, too. The slim silhouette and sleek black finish means it’ll fit into different decor styles.

This wood arched TV console from Nathan James may be a bit of a splurge, but its flexibility and sophistication make it a worthwhile investment. It’s cleverly made up of individual units (costing $379.99 each) that measure just over 30 inches each, meaning you can shop as many pieces as you need to fit the width of your wall.