13 Best Tips for How to Decorate Small Spaces

Figuring out how to decorate small spaces might seem impossible, but some fantastic tricks can work to maximize floor space and utilize every square footage. From welcoming more light to choosing the right furniture, these tips will allow you to create space while maintaining character in a small room.

Decorating a tiny space comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether you want to create a bedroom office combo, integrate a dining table into a small living room for convenience, or find smart storage solutions for your shoes, decorating a small area is all about finding ways to make the most use of limited space.

Getting the decor right does not mean you need to sacrifice style. Instead, you can make your room look bigger, maintain your interior designer flair, and make your small areas more convenient.

Allow this guide to become your interior design bible so that you can utilize the best tips when learning how to decorate a small space.

Reasons You Need To Know How To Decorate Small Spaces

• Maximize functionality – In compact environments, every piece of furniture and decor should serve a purpose, making the space efficient and tailored to your needs.
• Create comfort in limited space – Thoughtful decor choices, such as soft textiles, warm lighting, and strategically placed furniture, contribute to a welcoming environment that may be challenging to achieve in larger spaces.
• Express personal style – Every decor choice becomes significant, allowing you to curate a space that reflects your taste and personality without the need for an extensive collection of items.
• Optimize storage solutions – Knowing how to utilize underutilized areas, implement vertical storage, and incorporate multi-functional furniture helps keep the space organized and clutter-free, essential for a comfortable living experience.
• Learn spatial awareness – Make the most of every inch, from organizing your living room to efficiently arranging furniture in any space you encounter.
• Environmental consciousness – Help people understand what they do and don’t need in their homes, as smaller spaces generally require fewer materials for construction and furnishing, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

13 Small Space Decorating Ideas

This how to decorate small spaces guide will help you master your organization and practicality when decorating your small space. With interior design tips and tricks in mind, you can confidently tackle the challenge.

To help enhance your small home, utilize space, and master the decoration of a small space, utilize these to your full advantage.

1.) Focus on Lighting

Natural light and evening lighting choices are key in making an entire room look more spacious. Lighting is a small room’s best friend, so let in as much light as possible. When the evening draws in, ensure to utilize bright and warming bulbs in your floor lamps, wall sconces, ceiling, and wall lights to maintain the spacious feeling of the room.

Plus, you should never underestimate the power of natural light. Drawing back the blinds or removing them altogether will help a room look lighter and airer.

2.) Choose the Right Rug

Choosing a rug can be quite a challenge. Most people might consider small rugs under a coffee table or bed over large ones. However, a larger rug enhances the size of the room. So, choose a rug as big as you can. Regarding color and texture choice, lighter shades and natural materials will make any room feel like a larger room from floor to ceiling.

Large rugs are best for making rooms appear more prominent. Yet, you should consider using a small rug between open yet separate spaces, as it will give the room individuality and make the interior flow better.

3.) Mirrors are Your Friend

Mirrors help to bounce light around a room and give the illusion of a bigger space, so make them your friend. A large mirror from floor to ceiling is ideal for maximum light and a double-duty illusion. Small mirrors will not have the opposite effect, so don’t worry. They will still help with your small space design and provide clever solutions to help make any room feel bigger.

4.) Opt for Smaller Furniture

Statement pieces can be placed in small spaces if selected appropriately. Choosing a statement canopy bed or an elegant small sofa will serve its purpose and not take up unnecessary room. Modular sofas can help when it comes to small spaces. They can be adjusted as needed and customized to fit your space perfectly.

5.) Don’t Be Afraid to Be Bold

If you enjoy bright colors on the walls, ensure to equal the eccentricity with simple furnishings. Or, if you prefer bold furniture items, you can balance the room with simple wall colors.

6.) Utilize Vertical and Negative Space

Likewise, vertical space shouldn’t be underestimated. It is a handy way to make more storage space in the home. You can use your unused vertical space for built-in shelves and extra cupboards or create a gallery wall with the pieces you sit on the floor.

All homes have negative space. A great example is a space between your wall cabinets and countertops. Instead of filling the side tables and tops with bowls and utensils, hang them from hooks or adhere them to the wall, making more room for convenience.

7.) Keep the Base Clear

A master tip for decorating and maintaining a small space design is to keep your floors clear. Putting things away in storage and keeping the home tidy will make it feel as large as possible.

8.) Use White and Dark Colors Correctly

White walls are a go-to choice for small rooms as the color helps to bounce around the natural light, which allows any tiny space to appear more prominent. Whereas dark colors can make a small space feel more impactful and full of character. Balance the room’s dark colors with other light colors to fulfill your interior taste and make the room appear more open.

9.) Choose Folding Pieces

Should you not have enough room for particular furnishings, go for folding pieces. Choose a folding coffee table for your small living room instead of considering a grand piece. Or, add folding chairs to your tiny dining room instead of considering banquette seating so you can move around the room freely when the table isn’t in use.

10.) Having Closed-In Arrangements

Having items on display can make a home appear messy and smaller. Choosing closed-in arrangements, such as closed cabinets and shelving, can make a home feel more organized and spacious.

11.) Declutter

Clutter won’t help when trying to decorate your home. Tidy up as you go for a visually appealing and ample home. Put your jewels away in your jewel box and your paperwork away in the office.

Plus, crowding surfaces with any object can hinder the spaciousness of a room. Instead, add extra storage solutions to your rooms and walls to help you keep your home tidy and functional.

12.) Go with Lighter Curtain Materials

Heavy and bulky curtains will hinder your room and the light that can pass into your room. Choose lighter colors and materials to enhance the natural lighting, such as sheer curtains.

13.) Don’t Incorporate Overwhelming Patterns

Loud patterns can take over small spaces and should be used in moderation. Consider adding an accent wall if you wish to instill prints and texture into your decor scheme.

Key Considerations to Successfully Decorate Small Spaces

Some other ideas to help you decorate a small home and space include adding reflective materials to your rooms and installing smart lighting. Anything mirrored or shiny will help light bounce around. Plus, smart lights will switch on when the home feels dark to maximize light and airiness.

Alternatives to Decorate Small Spaces and Unique Storage Ideas

Some alternatives for further enhancement include investing in convenient pieces instead of statement options. For example, an ottoman day bed or built-in seating will enable you to use the furniture in many ways, for use and storage. You can use it for storage, sitting, and sleeping. It can work as a focal point that adds purpose and style.

Another alternative and smart storage idea is to utilize your basement or loft. Removing clutter from a living room, hallway, bathroom, or bedroom can help free up space and allow you to live comfortably in your small home.

Wrapping Up

In summary, using these tips for how to decorate small spaces in the home, from your living room to your bathrooms and bedrooms, will help you maximize space and make more use of your square footage. Simply choosing furnishings wisely, strategically lighting, and utilizing vertical space can make your spaces feel much larger.