Small keeping rooms often present a big challenge. I know this firsthand—my kitchen’s adjoining space seemed impossible to decorate at first.
In this article, you’ll find simple ways to transform your small keeping room into a space you’ll love spending time in. I’ve tested these ideas in real homes (including my own), and they work even when space is tight.
You’ll learn how to:
- Select the right furniture that fits your space without overcrowding it
- Use color effectively to make the room feel larger and more inviting
- Add personal touches that make the room feel special and uniquely yours
By the end of this article, you’ll have clear steps to turn your challenging space into a cozy spot that enhances your home and daily life. Let’s get started with simple changes that make a real difference.
Beautiful Ways to Style Your Small Keeping Room Off Kitchen
A small keeping room connected to your kitchen can become a cozy, functional space that enhances your home’s flow and provides an extra living area.
These beautiful spaces—historically used as warm gathering spots near the kitchen hearth—now serve as versatile transition areas between kitchens and the rest of the home. With thoughtful styling, even compact keeping rooms can become favorite family spaces.
1. Define Your Room’s Purpose
Start by deciding what you really need from this space. Your keeping room can serve many purposes. Do you want:
- A quiet reading corner?
- A spot for morning coffee?
- A place for kids to play while you cook?
- A small dining area?
Pick one main use or, at most, two. My keeping room works as both a coffee spot and a reading nook. Trying to make a small room do everything often leads to a crowded, confusing space.
Make this decision first. Everything else—furniture, colors, and storage—will flow from this choice.
Tip: Don’t overdo it. One or two clear purposes will make the room more useful and easier to design. Pick one main use or, at most,t two.
My keeping room works as both a coffee spot and a reading nook. Trying to make a small room do everything often leads to a crowded, confusing space.
2. Select Small Furniture
Big furniture in small rooms doesn’t work. Always look for:
- Love seats instead of full sofas
- Armchairs with slim profiles
- Round tables instead of square (easier to walk around)
- Benches that can be tucked under tables
I found a small 48-inch loveseat that seats two people comfortably without taking over my keeping room. Think about scale, too. A few properly sized pieces feel much better than many tiny items that make your room look cluttered.
Tip: Check furniture depth, not just width—shallow chairs and loveseats save space and still feel comfy. I found a small 48-inch loveseat that seats two people comfortably without taking over my keeping room.
3. Use Built-In Storage
Hidden storage makes small rooms look bigger. Built-in shelves or cabinets along one wall can:
- Hide everyday items
- Display only your prettiest things
- Use vertical space that would otherwise go to waste
In my keeping room, I added low cabinets under the window. They store extra kitchen items but also serve as a window seat with cushions. Wall-mounted solutions save floor space, which is gold in small rooms.
Tip: Match built-ins to your wall color for a seamless, less bulky look.
In my keeping room, I added low cabinets under the window. They store extra kitchen items but also serve as a window seat with cushions.
4. Create a Focal Point
Every room needs one thing that catches your eye first. Good options include:
- A small fireplace
- A striking piece of artwork
- A bold patterned chair
- A statement light fixture
My keeping room has a small bookshelf painted in deep blue that draws attention and sets the mood for the space. Without a focal point, small rooms can feel flat and boring. With one, the space feels planned and pulled together.
Tip: If your space is mostly neutral, a pop of deep color or texture can do the job without making it feel busy. My keeping room has a small bookshelf painted in deep blue that draws attention and sets the mood for the space.
5. Choose Soft, Light Colors
Light colors make walls seem to recede. Paint your keeping room in:
- Soft whites
- Pale grays
- Light blues
- Gentle greens
I painted my keeping room walls cream with white trim, which makes it feel connected to but distinct from my kitchen. You can add color with smaller items like pillows and art. The walls and big furniture pieces should stay light to create a sense of openness.
Tip: Match your trim to your kitchen’s trim color—it helps connect the two rooms visually. I painted my keeping room walls cream with white trim, which makes it feel connected to but distinct from my kitchen.
6. Welcome Natural Light
Sunlight is your small room’s best friend.
To maximize light:
- Use sheer curtains or simple blinds
- Place mirrors across from windows to bounce light
- Keep window sills clear
I chose simple roller shades that pull completely away from my windows during the day. A bright room always feels bigger and more welcoming than a dark one, no matter its actual size.
Tip: Avoid heavy window treatments—they can make the space feel boxed in. I chose simple roller shades that pull completely away from my windows during the day.
7. Add Fresh Greenery
Plants bring life to any space, no matter how small. Try these easy options:
- A small potted herb near the kitchen entrance
- A hanging plant in a corner
- A slender fiddle leaf fig beside a chair
My keeping room features a small lemon tree in a white pot—it adds color and a fresh scent. Even one plant can make your keeping room feel more finished and lived-in.
Tip: If you’re short on natural light, look for low-light plants like snake plants or pothos. My keeping room features a small lemon tree in a white pot—it adds color and a fresh scent.
8. Mix and Match Textures
Different textures add depth without taking up space. You can combine these:
- Soft throw blankets
- Woven baskets
- Smooth ceramics
- Natural wood elements
In my space, I paired a wool throw with a smooth leather chair and a wooden side table. This creates interest without clutter. Texture works like color to add character but without making your space feel smaller.
Tip: Use textures in neutral tones to keep things interesting without overwhelming a small space. In my space, I paired a wool throw with a smooth leather chair and a wooden side table. This creates interest without clutter.
9. Include Personal Items
Your keeping room should feel like it belongs to you. You can try displaying:
- Family photos in simple frames
- Books you love
- Small items collected on trips
- Artwork made by family members
I have a small shelf with cookbooks and family photos that makes the space feel connected to our home life. Skip the generic store decor. Real items with meaning create a room that tells your story.
Tip: Rotate personal items seasonally to keep the space fresh without buying new decor. I have a small shelf with cookbooks and family photos that makes the space feel connected to our home life.
10. Ensure Easy Movement
You should be able to walk through your keeping room without bumping into things.
Remember to:
- Leave clear paths (at least 30 inches wide)
- Avoid placing furniture on walkways
- Consider how the room connects to your kitchen
In my keeping room, I angled the chair away from the kitchen entrance to create a clear path between rooms. No matter how pretty your room looks, it won’t work if moving through it feels like an obstacle course.
Tip: Angle furniture slightly if a straight layout blocks natural walking paths. In my keeping room, I angled the chair away from the kitchen entrance to create a clear path between rooms.
Conclusion
Styling a small living room takes some thought, but it doesn’t have to be hard. The key is working with your space—not against it. Choose furniture that fits, keep colors light, add personal touches, and always prioritize comfort and function.
The most important things to remember:
- Choose furniture that fits properly for your specific space
- Keep colors light and uplifting to create a sense of openness
- Add personal touches that tell your story and make the space feel lived-in
A well-designed keeping room becomes more than just an extra space—it turns into a favorite spot for morning coffee, quiet reading, family game nights, or simply catching up at the end of a busy day.
Start with one idea from this list and build from there. Small changes make big differences in small spaces. And remember—your keeping room doesn’t need to look like a magazine photo to be perfect.
What’s your biggest challenge with your keeping room? I’d love to hear about it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Keeping Room and A Living Room?
A keeping room is smaller and located next to the kitchen, while a living room is larger and meant for entertaining or relaxing away from cooking spaces.
Can I Use a Rug in A Small Keeping Room?
Yes, a small rug can define the space and add warmth. Choose a size that fits under furniture without crowding the room.
Should My Keeping Room Match My Kitchen Style?
It doesn’t have to match exactly, but it should complement your kitchen in color, tone, or texture for a natural flow between the spaces.
Is a Tv a Good Idea in A Keeping Room?
It depends on your needs. If it’s a space for relaxing, a small wall-mounted TV can work without taking over the room.
How Do I Make My Keeping Room Feel Separate from The Kitchen?
Use a rug, different paint colors, or a piece of furniture to divide the space while still keeping it connected visually.