See How a Stager Would Transform a Cramped Living Room with Just 5 Essentials

published Dec 4, 2025
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White living room with black accent and large circled fabric couch opposite to a black chair.

Furnishing (or staging) small spaces can be a challenge, but just because a room isn’t spacious doesn’t mean it can’t also look great. That’s why I asked Stephanie Treantos, a stager, home organization professional, and owner of Maine-based Lemonaid Solutions, how she’d refresh a cramped living room’s look using only furniture from Castlery, an online-only modern furniture store.

Desmond Armchair
$799$719

Available in cream-colored fabric or caramel-toned leather, this sophisticated armchair has brass-tipped legs and curved, sculptural armrests. Treantos says it’s a “great option for a smaller living space because it doesn’t feel bulky, but still gives you really comfortable, ample seating. The version with the ottoman creates a full little lounge moment without taking up the footprint of a chaise.” But if you don’t have room for that, you can just get the chair.

$719 at Castlery
Muna Area Rug, 5'x8'
$799

A nice rug can really transform a room no matter what size it is, and this area rug made from hand-knotted New Zealand wool provides a nice dose of mature elegance. “There’s some depth and variation in the pattern, which helps anchor a room without overpowering a small space,” Treantos says. “It’s an easy base that works with almost anything.” The smallest size (5x8 feet) can still fit under a king-size bed, while the biggest size (9x12 feet) can go under an eight- to 10-seat dinner table with room to spare.

$799 at Castlery
Cedric Floor Lamp with Table
$199

“In tighter spaces, doubling up on function is everything,” Treantos notes. “This gives you a lamp and a built-in little table, so you’re not squeezing in extra furniture just to have a place to set down your coffee. Clean, simple, and practical.” Plus, $199 is quite a good deal for a floor lamp, especially one that looks this distinct and attractive.

$199 at Castlery
Agnes Slipcover Storage Loveseat
$1,499

You may not have space for a pull-out couch in your living room, but perhaps you have room for this loveseat with built-in storage underneath the cushions. It “looks super cozy,” Treantos says, “but serves multiple purposes, which is ideal when selling [or] staging and living in small spaces.” You can choose from four different slipcover colors, each of which are removable and machine washable, and can even be ironed.

$1,499 at Castlery
Posey TV Stand
$1,299

Some TV stands can be very angular, but Castlery’s refreshingly stylish Posey TV stand is all curves and elegance. Within its subtle doors, you’ll find plenty of cabinet space and slots for organizing cables. “The rounded edges keep the room feeling open, and all the closed storage helps keep visual clutter hidden,” Treantos explains, adding that the ability to contain clutter while still being pleasing to the eye is “very important for staging and for anyone trying to keep a smaller space feeling visually calm and clean.”

$1,299 at Castlery

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