You don’t need a large home to show off your style. Like decorating large spaces, decorating small spaces requires creativity and an eye for what works. While the focal point will be slightly different if you have less space, the overall design principles are the same.
It doesn’t need to be difficult to decorate a small space. You can make your small apartment stand out by following these 14 decorating tips.
Let there be light
With the right lighting, even a small space can be made larger. Let natural light through your windows, and don’t use the blinds. To add warmth to your space, you can also use additional lighting. You can choose to use string lights, wall sconces or pendant lighting if you don’t have enough space for floor and table lamps.
Place larger items around the rooms’ perimeter.
You don’t have to get rid of large furniture pieces if you decorate a small space. However, it would help if you were careful about where they go. You can maintain a sense of depth by placing larger furniture items, such as cabinets, couches and bookcases, against the wall.
Multi-purpose and folding furniture is a good option.
Furniture that can double as furniture will help you save space and money. Many furniture options can be used for multiple purposes, or they can fold up to save space when not in use. You can easily store desks, tables, and even king-sized bed frames to free up space. You can also find furniture with multiple uses, like beds that convert into couches or side tables that convert into desks.
Use mirrors
Mirrors double their purpose by adding light and space to rooms. They reflect natural and artificial lighting, creating the illusion of more space. Mirrors are also useful on their own. You can use one large mirror or several smaller mirrors throughout the room. Mirrors can be used to create a gallery wall, just like art.
Get rid of all your stuff.
Living in a smaller space has the advantage of requiring you to reduce the number of possessions in your home. You will find that you can get rid of things that no longer serve a purpose. Many resources are available to help you get rid of things if you have difficulty getting rid of them. You need to take inventory of your space before you decorate it. Otherwise, you risk overcrowding your space.
Beware of clutter
When it comes to designing a small space, less is more. As mentioned above, it is important to reduce the amount of stuff you have when you don’t have much space. However, clutter reduction goes beyond that. For utility and mobility, make sure you leave plenty of space in your small home. This goes for all areas visible, including the floor, countertops and the space between furniture.
Storage can be creative.
You have many storage options that can also be used as decor pieces. It will help if you are looking for furniture that offers additional storage options, such as ottomans that can store linens or under-the-bed storage that looks like cabinetry. You don’t have to stuff everything in a closet. There are other ways to store them.
Boldly go!
Bold colors, prints and textures work well in small spaces. However, you should also include neutrals, so you don’t overpower the space. You don’t want to go too bright. Instead, you can use smaller prints and colors on accent walls, pillows, or picture frames. You can also go bold and buy the blue velvet couch you have always wanted or brighten up your walls with colorful wallpaper. You don’t have to keep the space balanced, but you can add a splash of color or pattern as long as it’s not too overwhelming.
Use large rugs
It’s all about tricking your eye into believing there is more to a space than it is. Small rugs can be used in small spaces to make it seem larger. Large rugs can give the illusion of greater space and grandeur. The size of the room and the furniture will determine the size of the rug you should purchase. However, it is important to try to get as large as possible.
Vertical space is your opportunity.
Your walls are important. Vertical space can be maximized by using taller items or attaching art and shelving to your walls to increase the vertical depth. Hang a shelf on the wall to save the piece you love but don’t have a place for (a vase you treasure). When hanging drapes, make sure to place the rod 2 inches below the crown molding or ceiling. This creates the illusion of more height.
Get brightened up by flowers and plants.
If you don’t want to crowd your space, adding greenery or flowers can add style and life to it. Remember that dying or dead plants can have the opposite effect. Fake plants can look exactly like real ones if you are worried about maintaining them. Fake plants are now acceptable design choices. Joanna Gaines is a style star and Fixer-upper star.
Try playing with symmetry.
Symmetry is a natural attraction. It can be found in faces, nature, and homes. If you want to have a lot of seating in your small living room, or you can’t live without extra storage cabinets in your home, you can make the pieces work together by making them mirror each other. This will make your space appear cleaner and more pleasing to the eyes.
Use corners and nooks.
You can use a nook you would otherwise leave empty in a larger area to add functionality, such as a desk or a table. It doesn’t have to clutter up the space, so think of creative ways you can make use of these often-overlooked corners and nooks.
Divide and conquer
Open shelving, rice paper room dividers, and sheer curtains can be used to divide your space without making it feel cramped. These options let the light shine through and allow for space to feel as open and airy as possible. These dividers can also be used as design elements and add an extra flair to your home.
When decorating small spaces, listen to your instincts and force anything into the space. The goal is to maximize your space and show it off as best as possible. These tips will help you make the most of your space, even though there is no set design rule.
