You don’t have to hide your style because you don’t have a big house. Decorating a tiny area, like decorating a large one, involves creative ability and an eye for what works and what doesn’t. And, while the emphasis will naturally be different while dealing with less square footage, the essential design guidelines will remain the same. We assure that living in a small space does not have to be difficult! So, whether you’re trying to figure out how to personalize your new studio apartment, add new bathroom accessories or need some suggestions on how to make the most of space in a not-so-large house, follow the tips below for decorating a small space below and make your home sparkle.
Allow light to shine through
With the appropriate lighting, a tiny space can appear much larger. In addition to allowing natural light to stream through the windows (avoid the blackout curtains!), use extra lighting around your area to provide warmth. If you don’t have enough space for floor and table lamps, go for lighting solutions that don’t take up much space, such as string lights, wall sconces, or pendant lighting.
Keep larger things on the room’s perimeter
There’s no need to avoid big furniture pieces while designing a small space, but you should be selective about where you place them. Keep bigger things, such as hutches, couches, and bookcases, against the wall rather than in the middle of the floor to create a sense of depth in a space.
Look for multi-functional and/or foldable furniture.
Furniture that can serve two functions can save you both room and money. And, thanks to the tiny house/tiny apartment movement, there is no shortage of clever furniture items that either serve several functions or fold up to save room in your home when not in use. Desks, dining tables, and even king-sized mattresses are available in models that can be readily stored to allow more room for movement. Similarly, you can find furniture that serves many functions, such as beds that transform into sofas and side tables that convert into desks.
Use mirrors
Mirrors, speaking of double duty, give both extra light and the illusion of greater square footage to rooms by reflecting both natural and non-natural lighting and giving the illusion of more square footage. They’re also useful on their own. Use one giant mirror or scatter a few smaller ones throughout the area. You can even make a mirror gallery wall, just as you would with art.
Get rid of unnecessary stuff
One of the major advantages of living in a smaller place is that it compels you to reduce the number of things you have in your house. As a result, you get rid of items that don’t actually serve a purpose in your life, they could be impractical, pointless, or just don’t offer you joy. If you are having a hard time with getting rid of items, there are options that can help give you the knowledge to do this. Even if you have the best room or the best kitchen layout decorating a tiny space takes some inventory taking, otherwise you risk overloading your space.
Be cautious of clutter
When it comes to creating a well-designed little area, less is more. On the same theme as the last suggestion, when you don’t have a lot of space to deal with, you should keep the overall number of items you own to a minimal. But keeping clutter at bay goes beyond that. Make sure to leave lots of open space in your small house for both ease of mobility and function. This applies to all visible surfaces, including the floor, counters, and the amount of space between furniture pieces.
Be inventive with your storage
There are several excellent storage choices available that can act as stunning pieces of décor. Choose furniture with additional storage options, such as ottomans that can hold linens and under-bed storage that appears like stylish cabinets. Look into other storage solutions versus simply stuffing everything into a closet.
Take risks
Small spaces lend themselves nicely to vivid colors, patterns, and textures; just be sure to incorporate some neutrals as well to avoid overwhelming the area. If you’re afraid of going too strong, use colors and designs in smaller doses—for example, on an accent wall, throw cushions, or even simply picture frames. Alternatively, go big and hang some bright and colorful wallpaper, or finally get that blue velvet couch you’ve always wanted. As long as the space is balanced, there’s no reason you can’t add a splash of bold color or pattern.
Make use of big carpets
Decorating a small space is all about deceiving the eye into believing there is more than there is. You see—and think—tiny when you use small carpets in a small room. Decorating with enormous carpets, on the other hand, creates a sense of grandeur and the illusion of a larger room. Finally, how a space is designed and the appliances and furnishings inside it will determine the optimum size rug to look for, but always strive to go as large as possible.
Use vertical space to your advantage
Don’t ignore your walls. Making the most of vertical space involves both experimenting with taller objects and affixing items like shelving and paintings to your walls, which provide vertical dimension to the openness you’ve worked to create on the floor. If you have an item that you love but can’t find a place for, such as a treasured vase, hang it on a sturdy shelf instead. When hanging curtains, place the rod approximately 2 inches below the ceiling or crown molding to provide the sense of more height.
Plants and flowers can brighten up any space
Adding greenery and flowers to a small space can give life and style to it, as long as you don’t overcrowd it. However, keep in mind that dead or dying plants have the opposite impact. If you’re worried that you will not be able to handle the work that comes with caring for your plans and flowers (or if you just don’t have a green thumb), there are fantastic alternatives for fake ones that appear natural.
Experiment with symmetry
We are inherently drawn to symmetry, whether in features, nature, or our houses. If you truly want a lot of seats in your small living room or you just can’t live without some more storage cabinets, make them work by having the components in the room mirror each other. It will make the area feel cleaner and more visually appealing.
Make use of nooks and corners
A nook that would otherwise be left empty in a bigger room can be used in a tiny space to provide usefulness, such as a workstation or a bar table. Try to think of inventive ways to use commonly underutilized nooks and corners instead of chalking them up to wasted space if it won’t clutter the area too much.
Divide and conquer
Using thin curtains, rice paper room dividers, or open shelves to create different rooms without cramping up your living area, you can divide up your small space without making it feel too cramped. All of these alternatives enable light to stream through, which is essential for keeping your space feeling bright and open. These types of separators may also function as stunning design features in their own right, adding flair to your house.
Conclusion
When designing a small space, trust your instincts and avoid introducing anything that doesn’t feel or look appropriate. At the end of the day, the idea is to make the most of the area you do have, maximizing its potential and truly showcasing it at its finest. While no design guideline is absolute, the ideas above should assist you in achieving your goals.