7 Ways to Improve Your Living Room Design in Cardiff

1. Choose the Right Furniture – And Use Multifunctional Pieces

Oversized furniture can quickly overwhelm smaller Cardiff homes, especially older properties with compact rooms. Swapping to slightly smaller pieces—like downsizing from a king bed to a double—can instantly make a room feel more open.

Practical swaps include:

• Fitted shelving over bulky bookcases

• Clothes rails instead of wardrobes

• Stools instead of oversized living-room chairs

Look for multifunctional furniture too, such as:

• Sofa beds

• Coffee tables with lift-up dining functions

• Ottomans with hidden storage

These clever pieces reduce clutter and free up more floor space.

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2. Think Vertically

Vertical design is essential for making Cardiff’s smaller homes feel larger.

Try these vertical tricks:

• Tall, slim bookcases

• Shelving positioned close to the ceiling

• Wall-mounted TVs to save floor space

• Avoid short, wide cabinets that visually “flatten” the room

Even subtle vertical-stripe wallpaper can create the illusion of higher ceilings—perfect for older Cardiff terraces with lower rooms.

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3. Plan Your Layout Carefully

Before you start shifting furniture around your Cardiff home, sketch the room’s shape and test different layouts on paper. This saves time and helps you visualise how the space will flow.

When buying new furniture for your Cardiff living room or bedroom, choose pieces that complement the room’s shape and size rather than dominate it.

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4. Keep It Light

Natural light is one of the easiest ways to visually expand a room—something especially important in Cardiff’s cosy city flats and terraced homes.

Light-maximising tips:

• Replace dark curtains with blinds

• Choose neutral curtain colours if blinds aren’t an option

• Avoid heavy fabrics that block your light source

Blinds also free up your windowsill, perfect for displaying a few photos or plants without making the space feel cluttered.

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5. Keep It Neutral — But Add Statement Pieces

Neutral tones help small spaces feel calm and open, but too much beige can make a Cardiff home feel sterile. Mix in texture—like throws, cushions and rugs—to create warmth, then add bold statement items to draw the eye.

Try:

• A bright accent chair

• A unique lamp

• Bold artwork

These focal points create personality without making the room feel busy.

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6. Use Lighting Properly

Good lighting is essential for opening up smaller living spaces.

Tips for Cardiff homes:

• Use layered lighting (ceiling lights + wall lights + accent lighting)

• Add pendant lights above dining spaces

• Stick to wall-mounted lighting where possible

• Avoid bulky floor lamps that eat into valuable space

Effective lighting helps define “zones,” which is ideal for open-plan Cardiff apartments.

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7. Add Some Unique Touches

Even a small living space needs personality. Without your favourite items on display, it may feel like a show home rather than a cosy Cardiff residence.

Try displaying:

• Travel souvenirs

• Framed family photos

• Unique ornaments

• Books or collections on narrow shelving

A few well-chosen pieces add warmth and character without overwhelming the space.

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Need Help Making the Most of Your Cardiff Home?

Whatever the size of your Cardiff property, thoughtful design and layout changes can make a huge difference. With the right approach, you can transform your home into a spacious, welcoming environment that suits your lifestyle.

For expert Cardiff property advice—whether you're buying, selling or improving your home—contact the team at Fortis.

📞 02920 561111
📧 hello@fortis.homes
Or pop into our Cardiff office for a friendly chat.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Living Space Improvements in Cardiff

My Cardiff flat has limited storage space. How can I maximise it?

Use vertical storage such as shelves, hooks and over-door organisers. Choose furniture with built-in storage like ottomans or beds with drawers.

Our living room feels cramped. Will smaller furniture help?

Yes. Downsizing furniture or choosing multifunctional pieces—like nesting tables or drop-leaf coffee tables—can instantly create a more open feel.

I love dark curtains, but my dining room is small. What are my options?

Choose light-coloured, sheer curtains to reflect natural light and brighten the space while still enjoying the look of fabric.

My kitchen has very little counter space. What can I do?

Add wall-mounted shelves, magnetic spice racks, hook rails and rolling kitchen islands that can be stored away when not in use.