Small spaces can be difficult to lay out and decorate, particularly if you have a large family or like to entertain and need a lot of seating space. But there are some decorating tricks and things you can do to maximize seating in a small space without creating a cluttered room.

Scale Your Furniture.

When you’re working with a small room, the last thing you want to do is choose oversized furniture. A fluffy couch and large recliner take up much more room than a modern sofa and simple 4-legged chair.

Add a Window Seat.

There are certain corners of a home that you might not immediately think of for seating purposes, but in a small space they can be incredibly useful. A small bench along a window ledge can add a few extra seats without taking up too much space in your room.

Consider an Ottoman.

In your traditional living room, you might have a sofa, loveseat, maybe a chair or two, and a coffee table. But by using an ottoman instead of a coffee table, you can have a space to put drinks and other items (just use trays if you need a flat surface) that can also double as extra seating if you have guests.

Get Creative With Storage.

No matter how small your space is, you always have things to store. So in your small space, you have to get creative with how you store things. Many stores sell ottomans with built-in storage. You can also keep items under your coffee table or side tables.

Utilize Removable Seating.

It’s nice to have some lightweight chairs or other pieces that you can bring in for guests but remove when it’s just your family so that the room isn’t too crowded.

Carefully Select Colors and Patterns.

Using light colors, neutrals, and patterns that draw the eye vertically, you can make your space seem a little bigger than it is. This doesn’t necessarily maximize seating space on its own, but by making the eye think the room is not so small, you may be able to fit an extra seat or furniture piece without having the room look too cluttered.

When it comes to small spaces, the line between cozy and cramped can be pretty thin. But the above tips can help you keep your room on the right side of that line.