Decorating your home is supposed to be a fun experience, but for many, it can also be a stressful one. This is because, if you aren’t decorating in a way that suits your space, you could end up with results that simply don’t seem pleasing.
This is why you need to know a few things about decorating for a small space, and this post is here to help with that by sharing four tips that you can use.
Choose smaller furniture
It simply makes sense that smaller pieces of furniture will work better for smaller areas. After all, if you have a small space to work with but you try to fill it with big furniture, the odds are that the place will look cluttered. Unfortunately, this may mean that you need to make some sacrifices – such as opting for a small, round table instead of a big, traditional dining room table.
You can also look at furniture designed specifically for smaller homes. For example, if you’re in the market for a couch, have a look at some sectionals for small spaces.
When decorating a small space, choose furniture that won’t take up too much floor space and create an overwhelming feel. Instead of one large couch and two chairs, opt for a loveseat and an armchair for maximum seating with minimal floor area taken up.
When shopping for furniture, consider the height as well; lower profile pieces actually help to make spaces look bigger. Use pieces with legs or open bases instead of ones that go right down to the floor.
Opt for lighter colors
Of course, you can decorate your home in whatever colors you prefer, but you need to understand that some colors are better for smaller spaces.
Check out multi-functional furniture
When decorating for a small space, having the right furniture is key. It’s best to pick multifunctional pieces that can serve more than one purpose. Examples include an ottoman that doubles as storage, a sofa with hidden drawers beneath the cushions, or a coffee table that transforms into a dining table.
Each of these double-duty items will help you make the most of any limited square footage while also providing additional convenience and function. Plus, they come in all sorts of styles and sizes, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find something that perfectly fits your room’s aesthetic.
Bigger pieces go to the walls
One of the key components to successfully decorate a small space is placing larger items on the perimeter of the room. This doesn’t just mean using smaller furniture, it also means using space-saving pieces such as shelving instead of bulky armoires or tables.
When decorating with any type of statement furniture, like couches or armchairs, it’s important to keep them near walls and windows in order to maximize space while still creating a visually stimulating living area.
Make use of mirrors
One tip for anyone trying to create a bigger looking room using decorative tricks is to use mirrors.
Strategically placed wall mirrors can make any space look larger, more open, and full of light because mirrors reflect what’s in front of them and bounce that light back into the room.
When used correctly, these reflective pieces of decor can act as additional wall art that has practical applications. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors create an intriguing illusion of height and provide plenty area to admire one’s reflection or that of nature’s splendor outside.
More specifically, lighter colors tend to work best for smaller areas, because they create the illusion of space, whereas darker colors can make a room feel much more cramped than it actually is.
If you prefer bright or dark colors, you can still bring these into your home by adding pops of these colors here and there, but when it comes to bigger things like your walls or wood floors, choosing lighter colors may be the best solution for smaller spaces.
Consider the layout
It’s not just the size of the furniture that will play a role in how big or small your space looks and feels, but also the way that the furniture is laid out.
Think about it – if all of your furniture is placed close to each other, you won’t have as much space to move around, whereas you can create more space by pushing tables, couches, TV stands, and chairs, up to a wall.
The layout of a specific room can entirely change how the room is perceived. If you’re interested in learning more about this, you may find it helpful to look into feng shui.
Utilize the vertical space
Look for tall furniture pieces that won’t take up too much floor space, such as bookshelves and dressers. If possible, consider building shelves into the walls to add additional storage while also keeping the floor area open.
Also make sure to maximize your windows – hang things like indoor plants or lightly colored window shutters to not only make use of the vertical space but also brighten up the area with natural light.
Finally, find pocket storage systems that can be easily tucked away and pulled out as needed – this will ensure your place stays clutter free and visually appealing.
See what you can do with the nooks and corners
Nooks and corners are often underutilized in such spaces, but this can be a great way to maximize the potential of a space by utilizing even the smallest of areas.
You can easily install shelving and seating options in these mesmerizingly blank spaces, as well as create clever storage solutions. Alternatively, you could also use them to showcase items that may have not found a place anywhere else like vintage furniture pieces, artwork, or hanging plants. Even something as simple as an LED light string can transform an empty corner into the perfect cozy spot for reading.
Divide the space into different sections
If you have a space that feels much too crowded, divide the items into several areas or groupings which can help fortify the limits of each area and make the smaller walls feel bigger. The goal is to create natural boundaries so each nook or section feels separate, organized and airy.
For example, put a couch with a coffee table in one corner for a cozy sitting area; designate another corner for your workspace with an office chair and desk; or create lounging areas with bean bags or low furniture. By dividing the space into different areas like this, you can give a roomy feeling and make sure each spot serves its own purpose.
Try to increase your natural light
In the same way that lighter colors make a room feel more spacious, light also plays a role in this. At night, dim lights will create a cozy feeling, whereas bright lights will make a room feel bigger.
Similarly, during the daytime, natural light plays a big role in making your space look bigger. Having closed curtains or limited light entering the room is bound to make it look and feel smaller. Increasing the natural light in your home is an easy way to make a room look bigger, and it’s a solution that won’t cost you much.