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Writer's pictureSylvia Westphal

Decorating for Small Spaces

Look around Instagram and Pinterest, and most interior design inspiration images and videos showcase large and open spaces. But having a small apartment or home doesn't mean you have to give up on fabulous design. In fact, with the right tips and tricks, you can transform your small living area into a stylish, functional, and welcoming space. The key is understanding the ideas and solutions to help maximize every inch of a small space without sacrificing comfort or style.


Maximizing Floor Space with Multifunctional Furniture


Multifunctional furniture is a game-changer when it comes to small space decorating. Versatile pieces, such as storage ottomans or convertible sofas, provide multiple functions while saving valuable floor space. For example, a stylish ottoman can double as a coffee table and extra seating for guests. Similarly, a trunk can serve as a coffee table while offering bonus storage space.


To further enhance the sense of openness in your small room, opt for furniture with an airy base, like an acrylic coffee table or a sofa with legs.


We have created a collection in our Herringbone & Brass shop with pieces that are beautiful and multifunctional. Check out the collection HERE.



Brightening Your Small Room with Strategic Lighting


Strategic lighting can work wonders in brightening up small spaces and creating the illusion of a larger area. Layered lighting is key – use pendant lights, table lamps, and wall lights to create a beautiful effect.


Position a table near a window to incorporate natural light and add cheerfulness to the room. Opt for blinds or shutters instead of curtains, as they can make the room look taller and free up space on either side of the window, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.



Creating Visual Space with the Right Color Palette


A cohesive color palette can improve the sense of space in your small living room. Light and neutral colors like beige or taupe can create a sense of spaciousness. Limiting your color palette to one or two hues can bring a neat and harmonious look to the space.


An all-white design can also make your room feel more open and inviting. Consider painting woodwork, trim, and doors the same color as the walls to help them blend seamlessly into the background.



Vertical Space: The Untapped Resource


Maximizing vertical space is a clever way to maximize space in small spaces, making them feel larger without sacrificing floor space. Enhance your living area with tall shelves or floor-to-ceiling cabinetry for additional storage and display space. Or, create a stunning focal point with a beautiful chandelier or pendant light that draws the eye upward.


Wall-mounted storage units placed near the ceiling can also help you make the most of vertical space.


Clever Storage Solutions for Precious Floor Space


In small living rooms, every inch of floor space is precious. Implement clever storage solutions like under-stair storage or built-in cabinetry to save valuable floor space. You can also make use of old furniture by refurbishing it and utilizing it in creative ways, such as turning a china cabinet into a pantry for storing dry goods.



The storage staircase we designed for our Cambridge project.
The storage staircase we designed for our Cambridge project.



Focal Points That Transform a Small Living Room


Creating eye-catching focal points in your small living room can make a big impact without overwhelming the space. Consider statement art pieces or a gallery wall to add visual interest.


Bold furniture, like a brightly colored sofa or a unique coffee table, can also serve as a striking focal point that draws attention and adds personality to your small living room.



Making the Most of Natural Light


Natural light is a valuable ally in small spaces. Enhance the flow of natural light in your small room by:

  • Using sheer curtains that allow light to filter through without obstructing the view

  • Regularly cleaning your windows

  • Keeping window sills clear of clutter

These steps will allow more light to enter the room, making it feel more spacious and inviting.


A new coat of paint in a light, neutral color can dramatically change the appearance of your small space and create a sense of openness and brightness.Opt for colors like bright beige, subtle taupe, or crisp white to reflect more light and make your small room feel larger and more inviting.



The Art of Illusion: Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces


Mirrors and reflective surfaces can create the illusion of more space and amplify natural light in your small room. Strategically place mirrors around your space to reflect light and create depth.


Propping a free-standing mirror against a wall can also greatly enhance the sense of space.



Furnishing with Scale in Mind


Achieving balance and harmony in your small space starts with selecting furniture that is the right size and scale for the room. Opt for linear furniture designs with sleek profiles, and avoid overcrowding the space with oversized pieces.


By carefully considering the scale and proportions of your furniture, you can create a harmonious and unified look in your tiny living room, even if it’s a small room.



More Tips:


Here are a few mote tips from our design team:


  • In small spaces, hidden storage becomes indispensable. Incorporate storage options like under-bed storage and built-in cabinets to keep your space organized and clutter-free. Clever storage solutions not only help you make the most of your limited square footage, but also keep your belongings safe and organized.

  • Regarding small dining areas, opt for space-saving solutions like round tables and built-in banquettes that can make the most of your limited square footage. Round tables are not only stylish, but they also offer comfortable seating and easier movement around the table. Built-in banquettes provide flexible seating options that can be easily tucked away when not in use.

  • Creating an open and flowing layout in small spaces is essential for maintaining a sense of spaciousness. Avoid bulky furniture and maintain clear pathways to enhance the flow of the room. Opt for furniture arrangements that evenly distribute visual weight and create a sense of balance and harmony in your small space.

  • Nooks and alcoves are often overlooked in small spaces, but they can be transformed into functional and cozy areas with a bit of creativity. Turn an unused nook into a comfortable seating area, workstation, or storage solution by incorporating built-in benches or shelves.

  • Choose low-profile furniture, such as low-set sofas and chairs without arms, to create a sleek and uncluttered look in your small space. These pieces not only save floor space, but also create a sense of openness and airiness, making your room feel larger and more inviting.

  • Keeping a clutter-free environment in small spaces is fundamental for establishing a sense of calmness and order. Implement organizational tips like modular storage, wall-mounted hooks, and hidden storage solutions to keep your room tidy and organized.

  • Rethink your home office in small spaces with wall-mounted desks, floating shelves, and versatile seating options. These innovative solutions not only save floor space but also provide a stylish and functional workspace that adapts to your needs.



Ingenious Uses of Corners and Angles

Utilize corners and awkward angles in your small space with innovative furniture arrangements and storage solutions. Some creative solutions to make the most of every nook and cranny in your small space while maintaining a stylish and functional design include:

  • Corner shelves

  • Angled seating

  • Built-in storage units

  • Floating shelves

  • Wall-mounted hooks and racks

  • Under-bed storage

  • Over-the-door organizers

By incorporating these ideas, you can maximize the use of your small space and create a more organized and efficient living area.


Bringing the Outdoors In

Connect your small space with the outdoors by incorporating plants, natural materials, and seamless transitions to outdoor areas. Adding elements of nature to your small space can create a sense of calm and tranquility while enhancing the overall design and aesthetic of your room.


Summary

Decorating small spaces doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tips and tricks, you can transform your tiny living area into a stylish, functional, and welcoming sanctuary. From multifunctional furniture to innovative storage solutions, we hope these ideas have inspired you to help create a beautiful and efficient living space. Remember, when it comes to small spaces, sometimes less is more!


Frequently Asked Questions


What is the best way to decorate a small space?

Brighten up your small space with bold colors, prints, and textures to create a dynamic and inviting atmosphere. Focus on creating a focal point with an eye-catching piece of artwork or wall hanging, lower the furniture to open up the room, and play with scale by incorporating some statement pieces.


How to decorate small room in low budget?

Decorating a small room on a budget doesn't have to be difficult. Focus on minimalism, use one single color, add high and low furniture pieces like a loft bed or a low bed, add mirrors, contrast colors, and layers to create the illusion of more space and breathe life into the room.


How do you decorate a small empty space?

Bring life to your small space by choosing a statement piece, displaying a gallery, adding an accent wall, hanging curtains, styling the floor with rugs, getting printed furniture pieces, and playing with lighting.


How do you make a small space look luxurious?

Make your small space look luxurious with cozy comfort, declutter for visual spaciousness, invest in luxe fabrics and window treatments, add depth to create luxury, choose rich colors, opt for classic hardware, and make a statement with art.


What are some great examples of multifunctional furniture for small spaces?

For small spaces, multifunctional furniture such as ottomans, poufs, daybeds, trunks, and ladder-style shelving can provide great practical and aesthetic benefits.

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