Decorating a small space can feel challenging, but there are plenty of ways to make even the tightest spaces feel put together, curated, and designed. The key is to make thoughtful choices in colors, decor, and furniture positioning to maximize the use of the room you have. Here are a few tips to give your small room, nook, or corner an upgrade.
Choose the Right Colors
It’s probably no surprise that darker colors will make a room feel smaller. To brighten and expand the room, go with light, neutral tones such as white, gray, or pastel colors. This bounces light around the room, giving it a larger feel.
If you are going for a cozier vibe, darker colors can work, but you should still be intentional. Choose a few dark accents to give the space a warm and inviting feel, or even paint a single wall a darker color to add coziness without making the entire room feel smaller.
Adding mirrors is another way to give your room a bigger, more expansive appearance. They bounce light around the room and create the appearance of depth.
Go Up Instead of Out
Choosing vertical elements is a great way to draw the eye upward to create a larger feel. Think floor-to-ceiling curtains, bookcases, or cabinetry. You can also use design elements like shiplap or create a gallery wall using photos and artwork to create the same look. This allows you to maximize space without a big footprint.
This can make the ceiling feel taller and give the illusion of a more spacious room.
Make Your Furniture Work
When you have limited space, each piece of furniture should be thoughtfully chosen. Choose items that aren’t too bulky or stuffed. It’s also a good idea to go with items that provide function rather than just aesthetics. Think storage ottomans, beds with additional drawers underneath, or tables with storage space added.
Go with tables and seating with open legs at the bottom. This adds visible wall space behind each piece and creates a more expansive appearance. This is especially true for larger pieces, such as sofas, sideboards, and tables.
Cut Down on Clutter
Nothing makes a room feel smaller than clutter. Keep accessories and decor to a minimum, choosing a few favorite pieces to add personality and color, but not enough to make the room feel closed in. A couple of larger pieces placed strategically works better than several small pieces.
You can utilize baskets and other decorative pieces to hide away smaller items that you use regularly. Built-in shelves and cabinets are another good option for hiding away clutter without bogging the room down. Don’t be afraid to hang baskets and other small storage solutions on the wall, as well.
For items you do wish to sit around to infuse the space with personality, modern decor tends to have a more streamlined and sleek appearance, allowing it to appear less cluttered.
Keep Things Light
Natural light is a great way to make a room feel less cluttered and more open. Windows are obviously ideal, but make sure you don’t close them off with heavy drapes or blinds. Go with sheer curtains or light-filtering shades to let the sunshine in.
If your room doesn’t have many windows, consider adding your own lighting with overhead lights, accent sconces, and reading lamps to help you complete tasks. Wall lighting is a great way to add more illumination without taking up space on nearby tables or shelves. If you don’t want to wire in a new sconce, there are numerous plug-in options available. All you need is a nearby outlet.
Let Your Personality Shine
Having a small space doesn’t mean you shouldn’t liven it up with your own personal touches. The important part is being intentional with your design choices. Choose items that reflect your own sense of style, whether it’s a family heirloom, artwork you love, or pieces chosen in your favorite color or fabric. Don’t be afraid to go bold, even in a small space.
Pay Attention to Flooring
Placing a larger rug in a small room may be counterintuitive, but it can make your space feel bigger by drawing the eye outward. Choose a rug large enough to partially sit beneath your furniture, and ensure the color isn’t too dark.
When choosing a rug, it’s also a good idea to go with a lower pile. Anything overstuffed can make a small room feel smaller. Don’t be afraid of patterns and color, however. Making your rug the focal point of a space is a great way to add personality without adding bulk.
Considerations and Design Concepts to Avoid
Just as there are concepts to add in a small space, there are also design elements you should avoid if your goal is to maintain a space that looks well thought-out and put together.
Ditch the Overuse of Patterns
Choose a single piece as your focal point with a fun pattern, and keep other linens and decor simpler with neutrals and pastels that coordinate with your overall theme.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make the Most of Space
Make use of vertical space and other out-of-the-way places to get more out of your room. Consider hanging desks that fold up when not being used, hanging bookshelves, and even storage placed behind doors out of sight. When you have a small room, you can make the most of it without adding clutter.
Don’t Push Furniture Against the Wall
It might seem like the opposite of your intuition, but having furniture against the wall can actually make a room feel smaller. Having your furnishings placed toward the center of your room creates the illusion of movement and makes your space feel lighter and more open.
Don’t Avoid Large Wall Hangings
You may think a small room should mean small mirrors or wall hangings, but designers say this isn’t the case. Small bathrooms, for instance, feel instantly larger with a wall-to-wall mirror. The same can be true for large works of art and photographs when placed along a single wall.
Putting it Together
The biggest tip to keep in mind is that your designs should be intentional. Every piece you choose should be there because you love it or it serves a purpose within the space. If an item doesn’t give you joy to look at, don’t add it. Have fun, and make the space your own! Even the smallest of spaces can be full of personality and high in function.
You may also like to read,
- The Benefits of a Clutter-Free Home
- Tips on cleaning the kitchen
- Remodeling ideas when moving into a new home
