Are you interested in Small Living Room Ideas that fit in a tight area? If you’re working with a studio, a tiny house, or just want to update your living room without spending a lot, getting the right mix of style and function can be hard. How can you make a small space feel warm, deep, and unique without adding too much furniture?
You’ll find real solutions here, from picking the right furniture to using layout tricks that help the room look bigger. We’ll also explore ways to add different textures, use smart storage, and set up zones such as a dining area without disrupting the space. If you’re ready to unlock your home’s full potential, especially as we move into 2025, this article is your blueprint.
Very Small Living Room Ideas That Maximize Every Inch
In a very small living room, every decision counts. I usually go for a bright and open look, using soft white walls, light wood floors, and mirrors to help brighten the space. I make sure the middle of the room stays clear by using wall shelves and narrow storage pieces. A rug in neutral tones outlines the seating area and keeps everything open.
I like to use a love seat or a narrow bench-style sofa, a floating TV console, and tiered coffee tables that can be nested or separated. I include a tall plant or floor lamp as a vertical feature to help the room look longer. I don’t use heavy bookcases; I prefer open wall shelves.
This arrangement is most successful in studios or lofts that don’t have much space. I’ve used Elle Decor’s tip to pick furniture with legs, which helps show more of the floor and makes the room look bigger.
I would really like to have a fold-out wall desk here. It adds functionality without interfering with the visual flow.
How To Create A Cozy Vibe In A Tiny Living Room
To help a small living room feel cozy, I concentrate on adding warmth with color, texture, and lighting. Caramel, sage, and ivory earthy tones make the room feel softer, and comfort is added with layered textiles. It’s best to have gentle, warm lighting from different sources, like floor lamps, sconces, or candles. A soft rug on the floor makes the space feel more comfortable for bare feet.
Furniture should feel inviting. I usually go for a velvet two-seater sofa, a rounded ottoman, and a boucle accent chair. The look is finished with side tables in bronze and some wood shelving. Sheer curtains help soften the room and let daylight take the lead during the day.
I like to add more comfort to my home by layering throws and faux-fur cushions. According to Real Simple, mixing materials—like leather, knit, and linen—creates a tactile richness that screams “home.”
You might want to add a small faux fireplace or a candle alcove to help boost the cozy vibe.
Apartment Living Room Ideas That Feel Bigger Than They Are
If you’re decorating an apartment, your main aim is to make it look bigger. I suggest going with a monochrome or similar color palette and adding just one or two accent colors. A big mirror across from the window helps light reflect and makes the room look larger. Rugs are your best friend when defining zones, especially if you’re blending a dining area with a lounge.
Furniture needs to be scaled to fit. A loveseat, a modular storage unit, and armless side chairs help keep the space open. A narrow console under the tv keeps things tidy, and wall-mounted shelves give you storage up high without crowding the floor.
Personally, I’ve used IKEA’s BESTA wall units in multiple apartment projects for their shallow depth and customizability. According to Apartment Therapy, clear furniture such as acrylic tables keeps the space looking open, and I completely agree.
You might want to add smart lighting strips behind your tv wall or shelves for a current look.
How To Design An Apartment Cozy Corner You’ll Love
A cozy corner done right can take a forgotten spot and make it a favorite place to relax. I find that a soft, warm or pastel accent chair works well as the main piece. Use a round side table, a standing lamp, and a rug with texture with it. If you have enough room, putting a throw over the chair instantly makes the space feel cozier and more inviting.
You’ll need a cozy armchair, a ceramic lamp, a footstool, and maybe a fiddle leaf fig or monstera plant for this area. Keep your wall decor peaceful with things like line art, canvas prints, or framed quotes. A floating shelf above adds both character and storage.
I’ve used this arrangement in client homes to create spaces for reading or having coffee alone. Better Homes & Gardens suggests making use of corners instead of ignoring them, and I’ve discovered that a little change can really help.
Adding sheer drapery behind the chair would make the layout look even more inviting and soft.
Extremely Clever Storage Ideas For Small Living Spaces
In extremely compact rooms, storage must be smart. I usually go for furniture that does more than one job, such as ottomans with hidden storage, sofas with drawers, or coffee tables that lift up. These additions make a huge difference without compromising aesthetics. Having less stuff on the floor keeps the space looking open.
I really like using floating bookshelves, ladder-style shelving, and TV stands with closed compartments. Storage benches give you a place to sit and also store blankets or board games. Putting baskets on open shelving gives a neat and organized appearance.
I’m often asked by clients how to deal with clutter in small rooms, so I suggest using hidden storage whenever I can. The Spruce says that hidden storage helps keep small rooms feeling less cluttered, and I completely agree.
Putting cabinets on the wall above doorways is a good way to add storage without using up extra room.
Dining Area Solutions For Tight Living Room Spaces
It’s possible to add a dining area to a small living room with good planning. I like to use fold-down tables, drop-leaf designs, or narrow consoles that can also be a bar or desk. Using a rug or pendant light helps to visually separate the dining area from the lounge.
A bistro-style round table with stackable chairs is ideal. I’m also a fan of built-in banquettes along the wall because they’re comfortable and give storage space. Having the same materials and tones in both areas makes the space look unified. You can put a floating shelf above the dining area to display decor or keep dishware handy.
I’ve made use of the FÖRHÖJA IKEA console in my designs, using it for both preparing food and dining. Houzz recommends combining styles for multifunctional rooms, so I use different textures to achieve this.
What could complete this design? You can add a tall plant or a piece of art to highlight the eating area and finish the look.
Modern Small Living Rooms With Sleek Finishes
Modern small living rooms focus on simple shapes, bold contrasts, and special details. I usually go with black, white, and warm beige or taupe to help the design look refined and grounded. Track lights or hanging pendants, when used thoughtfully, make the space stylish and useful.
The main furniture here is a low-profile modular sofa, a sculptural coffee table, and storage with a matte finish. A statement chair made of leather or metal gives the space both texture and a bold look. Art is kept simple but strong, like abstract lines or framed pictures.
One of my best projects in this style had matte black wall sconces and a floating credenza. Dwell frequently points out that luxury comes from simple, well-done design. Adding a snake plant or fiddle leaf fig is my way of bringing life into modern rooms.
What I’d add here? A TV wall that hides cables and has built-in shelves would help the room look more modern and less cluttered.
Minimalist Living Room Designs That Still Feel Warm
I make sure to keep things simple and soft when designing minimalist spaces that still feel warm and personal. The base of the room should look tidy and open, with colors like oatmeal, warm gray, or ivory. With less in a small living room, you get more space, but it shouldn’t feel cold or empty. I use organic textures, low pieces of furniture, and a good layout to make sure the space feels both useful and comfortable.
A clean linen sofa, a gently rounded wood coffee table, and plain drapes look great in this setting. I add softness by using ceramic table lamps and woven poufs. I like to include storage through closed cabinetry or floating shelves made of white oak or walnut. They don’t take up too much room, but they add layers of color and feel.
I’ve found that adding a jute rug with a soft cotton throw really changes the look. House Beautiful says that natural materials such as stone, raw wood, or greenery can stop minimalism from feeling cold.
I could also include a statement wall lamp or gallery-style framed art to add some character without breaking up the space.
Stylish Small Living Rooms With A Fireplace Focus
Having a fireplace in a small living room can immediately make it the main feature and organize the space. I often center the furniture around it, especially if it’s electric or built-in, to create symmetry and balance. Both traditional and modern fireplaces give a room charm and serve a purpose, especially in cold climates or small homes.
A corner-hugging sectional, along with a rectangular coffee table and a woven rug, keeps the area around the fireplace open. I usually put a simple piece of art or a round mirror above the mantel to help the room look bigger by reflecting light. Storage can go into slim built-ins located on each side.
In my experience, clients really enjoy the cozy feeling a fireplace brings to a room. HGTV experts suggest keeping the mantel or surround light to help the fireplace look less heavy in small rooms.
What could really complete this section? I’d add a firewood niche or stacked logs as decor—they’re useful and add warmth and authenticity to the design.
Super Simple Tricks To Make Your Living Room Feel Larger
I have some really effective ways to help small living rooms look bigger. I love using low furniture to help keep the space looking open. I use oversized rugs, big art pieces, and drapes mounted on the ceiling to lift the eye line. These changes gently alter the scale, making the room look more spacious.
Some important elements are a low, leggy sofa, a floating TV console, and glass-top tables. I like to put mirrors opposite windows to help light reflect around the room. A monochromatic or similar color palette brings the room together and makes it look bigger. Light wood floors or large tile also stretch perception.
According to Domino designers, using large art or big drapes in a small space makes it look more intentional, not more packed. I’ve used this method in small condos and it has worked out well.
One improvement here? I’d like to bring in more layered lighting, for example sconces and under-shelf LEDs, so that every corner is bright and shadows are gone.
Farmhouse Charm In A Small Living Room Layout
A farmhouse look works just as well in a small living room. I usually kick things off with soft whites, light grays, and earthy tones. You can get that country feel by using shiplap walls or wallpaper with a rough texture. Cozy, vintage vibes come from soft lights and using reclaimed wood in the decor.
I go for a slipcovered loveseat or settee, a distressed coffee table, and lighting with metal accents. Plaid pillows, a jute rug, and galvanized planters help pull the whole look together. Open shelving paired with decorative baskets gives a warm touch and is an affordable way to store things. Think charming, not cluttered.
Clients who appreciate homey touches always like this style. Better Homes & Gardens regularly points out that using vintage items and repurposed materials makes farmhouse style more accessible, and I’ve seen this work in many types of homes.
If I had to suggest one extra, I’d go for a compact blanket ladder that holds throws and looks great on the wall.
Small Living Room With TV Setup That Saves Space
Putting a tv setup in a small living room without making it feel crowded takes some careful planning. I usually put the tv on the wall or install it into a built-in unit to save space on the floor. A tv wall design gives a strong focal point and also hides wires and provides more shelving.
You’ll need a simple console, small media storage, and wall shelves that float for both decor and remote control storage. I usually go for a low sofa that doesn’t block the view of the screen. A swivel TV mount makes it easier to change the viewing angle based on where you sit.
I’ve found that clients really like how neat their rooms look when cables are hidden and tech is stored out of sight. Architectural Digest says that TV walls with built-in cabinetry and ambient lighting are popular in 2025.
What’s missing here? Adding a few framed artworks around the TV might help soften its look and make the wall look more put together.
Rustic Small Living Room Designs Full Of Character
A focus on warmth, texture, and charm in rustic style can change the feel of even the tiniest rooms. I recommend starting with exposed wood beams (real or faux), distressed furniture, and cozy textiles. The palette leans earthy: browns, creams, and soft greens. Layering is key to creating that inviting feeling.
Furnishings should feel timeworn yet functional. I tend to use a leather accent chair, a wood trunk as the coffee table, and a thick knit throw. Light fixtures made of wrought iron or antique bronze help finish the style. Adding vintage books, old crates, or ceramic pots gives the room more character and personality.
Adding rustic accents in my work usually leads to interesting conversations. Country Living regularly emphasizes the need to mix new and old, so I always include a salvaged or handmade item in my designs.
I’d add a large vintage rug to make the seating area feel anchored and to boost the nostalgic feel.
Bohemian-Inspired Small Living Room Decor Ideas
Bohemian decor is great for people who want their space to feel lively and full of character. I tend to kick things off with layered rugs, macrame wall art, and colorful pillows. Even a small living room can handle this style, as long as you repeat certain tones and shapes.
The ideal pieces of furniture are a rattan chair, a pouf on the floor, and a low couch in warm neutral colors. I really like to use vintage trunks as coffee tables and decorate open shelves with books, plants, and artisanal items. Go for warm and moody lighting, like woven pendant lights or Moroccan lanterns.
I like designing this style because it gives clients a chance to display their travel souvenirs and personal items. Apartment Therapy advises using only three main colors in bohemian decor to keep things from looking too busy, and I always do this.
Adding a canopy or a draped fabric to a corner gives the room a soft, playful look.
Scandinavian Living Room Designs For Small Spaces
I make sure to keep balance, simplicity, and light at the center when designing Scandinavian-style small living rooms. Clean lines, bright colors, and natural materials are all important in this style. I begin with light-colored walls and bring in softness through rugs and throws. Because natural light is so important, I choose sheers or leave windows open to the light.
I always use a slim-legged sofa, a coffee table made of light oak or birch wood, and a woven accent chair. I find that wall-mounted shelves help the room feel open, so I style them with ceramic vases and some greenery. I use just enough lighting, usually a matte metal floor lamp or a pendant with exposed bulbs. I use mostly soft neutrals for the color scheme, adding a bit of sage or muted blush for contrast.
Clients with small urban apartments tend to love Scandinavian design in my work. Dwell magazine often says it’s important to combine warmth with clarity, and I see that happen with tactile but tidy decor.
A soft sheepskin throw or a small bench in the entry is a nice way to add comfort if there’s room.
Small Living Room Layout Tips That Actually Work
A good layout is what makes a small living room really shine. I always look at how people move around and use the space every day. Zoning becomes necessary if your living room needs to be used for dining or working too. Moving the sofa off the wall or rotating furniture can really help the room look bigger.
I usually set up a two-seater sofa across from a slim coffee table, and put a console behind the sofa or on the wall for more storage. When the room is not very wide, I sometimes go for two armchairs facing each other instead of a regular couch. Open-back bookshelves or screens let you separate areas without stopping the light.
Clients I’ve worked with have noticed big improvements just by moving their furniture. HGTV suggests using rugs to separate spaces, and I always add this to my layout changes for better definition and style.
Another way to improve the space is by including a corner shelving unit or wall niche for more vertical storage.
Simple Decor Ideas To Instantly Refresh A Small Space
If clients want easy ways to upgrade, I always recommend: start with the decor. Changing out textiles or wall art in a small living room can totally change its atmosphere. Changing out throw pillows, rugs, and curtains to new colors or patterns can make a space feel lively again. Switching out the lighting can help the room look both bigger and brighter.
I like to recommend botanical prints, pillow covers in neutral colors, and rugs made from jute or sisal. Wall sconces keep the floor clear, and mirrors help the room look more open. A gallery wall with just a few pieces can completely change the look of a blank wall. You should also consider how new hardware on your furniture can change the look.
I refreshed my own living room by adding a couple of woven baskets and a big plant, without spending much. Real Simple suggests swapping out accessories with the seasons, and I think that’s a great way to stay inspired.
A new lampshade or a sculptural floor vase is a small detail that can really change the look of your space.
Eclectic Small Living Rooms That Mix Styles Beautifully
A small living room can still look amazing when you mix styles the right way. What really matters is adding layers of different textures, styles, and eras on purpose. I think it’s best to start with a unifying feature, such as a neutral rug, matching metals, or a central color, and then layer in your own items.
I often put together a mid-century modern couch, a vintage sideboard, global textiles, and abstract artwork in these rooms. It’s about personality and surprise. Having layered rugs, different cushions, and lighting such as floor lamps and lanterns gives the room more layers. It’s important that the room looks like it grew over time, not put together all at once.
These kinds of rooms tend to stay with me during consultations. According to Elle Decor, having a strong anchor point is key for eclectic rooms, so I always use a bold sofa or patterned wallpaper in these projects.
What could enhance this look even more? A statement mirror or a sculptural wall piece might help create a clear focal point in the mix.
Unique Touches That Make Small Living Rooms Stand Out
Even a tiny room can feel special and unique with a design surprise. I like to recommend built-in seating that has storage, furniture with curved lines, or unusual color pairings. A snug room doesn’t have to be ordinary—it should suit the person who lives there.
Adding custom banquettes, choosing a dusty pastel for the ceiling, or going for asymmetrical shelves can all make a space more interesting. I’ve separated areas using sculptural chairs, wall-mounted planters, and graphic rugs. A bold lamp or a handmade vase is often what draws the eye in a room.
There was a project where we only painted the ceiling pale peach, and it gave the space a gentle, floating warmth. This idea is called “ceiling magic” by Domino, and it’s very effective in tight spaces.
If I were to include something more, I’d put in a wall niche with LED-lit art or souvenirs—it’s a personal detail and makes use of space that could otherwise be wasted.
Cozy Tiny House Living Room Designs You’ll Adore
The main focus in tiny house design is making things work, then making them look nice. I use modular pieces, flexible zones, and storage that’s built right into the walls. Because I often work with under 200 square feet, each decision really counts. I make use of foldable seats, storage under the benches, and tables that can be put away to keep the space open.
I use a daybed that turns into a sleeper, storage ottomans, and fold-down tv consoles in most of my designs. Soft fabrics and layered lights make the room feel more inviting. Light wood, soft whites, and cozy accents such as throws and lanterns help make the space feel inviting.
From my experience working on tiny homes over the last two years, I know how important visual cohesion is. Better Homes & Gardens advises using clear sightlines and surfaces that reflect light in small spaces, and I always use this in my layouts.
One more detail? I prefer to use sliding barn doors or curtains as dividers because they keep the space open and look nice.
TV Wall Ideas For Small Living Rooms With Style
Putting together a tv wall for a small living room means balancing what works and what looks good. I like to treat the tv wall as a focal point by using materials like wood, stone, or matte plaster. When you mount the tv and use floating cabinetry or shelving, clutter is kept to a minimum.
A slim console, a soundbar mounted on the wall, and hidden storage for media are all important. I like to put bookcases or niche lighting on both sides of the tv wall to achieve balance. Details such as fluted wood panels or LED backlighting help the design look more like architecture than just technology.
A favorite idea of mine is to use art prints or built-in shelves around the tv. Architectural Digest says that today’s top media walls mix technology with good design. I always aim for that dual purpose.
I’d also think about installing a Samsung Frame TV or using a moody charcoal paint on the wall to help the screen fade into the background when not in use.
Small House Living Room Layouts That Feel Open
I always try to make the living room in a small house look and feel as open as it can. Open-concept designs are best, but even if the rooms are separated, smart zoning and a unified color scheme can really help. Light walls, matching flooring, and smart furniture arrangement help the space feel open and connected.
I prefer to set furniture back from the walls and go for narrow designs. A neutral area rug under the sofa helps define the space, and armless chairs let you see through the room. A console behind the sofa or a sideboard on a shared wall gives you hidden storage and keeps things looking tidy.
I’ve noticed that repeating textures, for example linen curtains, jute rugs, and woven baskets, ties adjacent spaces together. According to House Beautiful, matching furniture to the way people move through the room makes things feel more natural, and I’ve found it really helps the space work better.
If the space permits, I’d put in a small entry bench or a built-in niche to quietly outline the living area’s boundary and serve a useful purpose.
Elegant Small Living Room Ideas On A Budget
It can seem hard to make an elegant space on a budget, but it’s really about picking a few key pieces and using materials smartly. I begin with a simple foundation: soft whites or greiges on the walls, classic crown molding (even faux), and metallic or mirrored accents to bounce light and elevate the aesthetic.
I suggest using seating with a velvet or textured fabric, coffee tables with slim legs and metallic finishes, and picking up secondhand brass lamps or vintage mirrors. Curtain panels don’t have to be expensive; hanging them high and wide makes them look elegant. Styling with symmetry—matching lamps, balanced artwork—brings a polished look.
I’ve put together stylish apartment living rooms by using thrifted gold frames, repurposed furniture, and peel-and-stick marble contact paper. Architectural Digest says that changing out lighting is a fast way to make a space look more elegant without spending a lot, and I fully agree.
Adding artificial flowers in big vases is an easy way to complete the look and make the room feel put together.
A Budget-Friendly Approach To Small Space Decorating
A good way to decorate a small living room on a budget is to mix practicality with striking looks. I always choose paint as my first step because it’s budget-friendly and can totally change the room’s feel. I also look for furniture that does double duty, thrift store finds, and DIY projects that make the space look great without costing a lot.
A loveseat, cube ottomans for blanket storage, and nesting tables that stack are all good ways to save space. I tend to use adhesive tiles or wall decals for a fast style change. You can change the atmosphere of your room a lot by buying rugs and curtains online.
I really like helping clients use what they already have in new ways. Real Simple recommends “shopping your home” to get new ideas for old pieces, and I’ve used this by making bookshelves into open consoles or bench seating.
You might also try removable wallpaper or pegboards on the wall, as they’re both stylish and budget-friendly ways to add character.
Indian-Style Small Living Room Decor Ideas With Soul
Indian-themed small living room decor brings a lot of character, color, and detailed accents. I find that combining earthy textures and fancy patterns helps everything feel balanced. This style works well for adding coziness to small rooms. Use soft neutrals or warm terracottas as your wall color, then add color with your fabrics and accessories.
The main pieces of furniture are carved wood coffee tables, jali-style dividers, and low poufs or floor cushions. I tend to use silk or block-print pillows, woven dhurrie rugs, and a statement brass or mosaic lamp. Using incense holders and handmade ceramic trays helps to create a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
Clients looking for a cozy yet lively apartment always get great results with this style. Elle Decor India says that Indian modern design is about adding texture and respecting tradition, so I use handmade or heirloom pieces to do this.
If I could add something else, it would be a wall niche or mandala mural in a corner—it brings focus and ties the room to its cultural story.
Small Living Room Trends That Will Rule 2025
In 2025, I think small living room trends will be all about making spaces personal and sustainable. Clients want comfort, individuality, and smart, eco-conscious choices. You’ll notice a lot of curved shapes, organic textures, and surprising color pairings in design. Smart storage and adaptable layouts will also stay strong.
Important pieces are modular seats with hidden storage, textiles that are biodegradable, and soft furniture such as curved armchairs and poufs. I think you’ll see more tone-on-tone palettes, for example terracotta and blush or moss and sage, which help make the space feel peaceful. Ambient lighting (especially in layers) is going to be big in modern interiors.
According to Dwell’s 2025 outlook, more people are interested in built-in wireless charging and custom tv wall units. I’ve started to use these trends in my latest projects, and clients really enjoy the combination of comfort and innovation.
To make this space adaptable for the future, I’d include at least one piece that does more than one job, like a charging lamp or a smart side table with storage and tech ports.
Multifunctional Furniture For Smarter Small Living Rooms
Multifunctional furniture is something you can’t do without in small or cozy houses. I usually choose sofas that can be beds, coffee tables with secret storage, and bookshelves that also act as room separators. These choices create flexibility and help the room evolve with the user’s needs.
I’ve included nesting stools for both seating and side tables, wall-mounted drop-leaf desks, and ottomans with tray tops in a number of projects. Apartment living benefits a lot from furniture that can be converted. Lightweight, mobile pieces allow the room to be set up for different activities, such as movie night or working from home.
My favorite innovation? Murphy sofas with fold-down workstations or beds. The Spruce includes them among the best solutions for 2025 and afterwards. I’ve put a few of these in New York lofts, and they immediately increase the room’s use without losing style.
If you have the space, foldable wall hooks, modular shelving, or a pocket door are great ways to add more flexibility.
How To Use Mirrors To Expand A Small Living Room Visually
Mirrors make it easy to increase the feeling of space in a small living room. I usually place them to reflect sunlight, open up narrow rooms, or copy the look of windows. If you put mirrors in the right places, they can make the space feel bigger.
If you put long mirrors across from windows, they reflect light and brighten the space. Mirrored panels or pieces of furniture also make a tight space feel bigger. I occasionally put together a group of small, uniquely framed mirrors to act as both art and a way to visually expand the space.
My own projects have shown that mirrors placed behind lamps or near where people sit can make the space look more elegant and bright. Domino suggests putting mirrors in dark corners to brighten them up, and I think this is a clever, underused design trick.
I’d like to see a mirror made to fit above the sofa or a mirrored storage niche used in the design. It adds shine without clutter.
Vertical Storage Solutions For Tiny Living Rooms
When there isn’t much floor space, I always point clients toward vertical solutions. Tiny living rooms benefit from vertical storage since it makes the room feel bigger and more interesting. I usually go for tall shelving units, wall-mounted cabinets, and stacked storage niches when working on apartments and small house makeovers.
I like to arrange tall bookcases on either side of the tv, add floating shelves to the wall, and put triangular shelves in the corners. I also add slat paneling to the wall with hooks so I can hang bags, hats, or throws. A ladder shelf by the window gives you display space and helps soften the room’s edges.
I usually combine closed cabinets at the bottom with open shelves on top in my projects to keep things looking light and useful. HGTV recommends putting storage and decor on the top third of the wall, and I’ve used this idea in several New York apartment cozy renovations.
To go a step further, mirrored cabinet fronts or glass shelving can keep your space open and give you more storage.
Conclusion
Whether you have a tiny apartment, a snug tiny house, or a modern space, these Small Living Room Ideas show you can have big style without lots of space. Whether you’re drawn to minimalist, Indian, or bohemian aesthetics, or just want to work smarter with what you have in 2025, there’s a solution that fits your lifestyle and your budget.
If this guide gave you ideas for your next makeover, I’d love to know about it. Drop a comment below and share which idea you’re planning to try. Got a super smart solution of your own? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
