Make the Most of a Small Space

Cramped, crowded, and cluttered.

Often our visions for small spaces don’t turn out the way we hoped. If you have a space in your home that’s just smaller than you want it to be, we can help. Here are some design tips that will help you make that small space look and feel larger than it is.

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Declutter

One of the easiest ways to make the most of a small space is to limit the amount of furniture (and stuff) you have within the space. Think functional. Find pieces of furniture that serve more than one purpose. For example, bed frames with storage drawers underneath and ottomans with hidden storage allow you to keep things close by and out of sight. Less is more in a small space.

Simplify Your Design

Keep the number of decorative pieces to a minimum. One large wall hanging looks less busy than a grouping of smaller items. You might be inclined to avoid larger pieces, but don’t worry. A large, vertical piece will make a simple statement while drawing the eye up. 

Skip the Rug

Rugs are used to break up a space and draw the eye down. If your space is small, you don’t need to do either of these. Ditch the rug to open up more floor space and limit visual distractions.

Airy Design Selection

Keep two things in mind when designing a small space: air and light. Allow air and light to flow freely through the space. How? Opt for chairs or a sofa that has legs that lift the piece off the ground. This gap gives the eye a sense of spaciousness and allows you to see more of the floor, making it feel larger. Mirrors are another lifesaver when trying to make a space feel larger than it is. You can trick the eye into perceiving more space with a large mirror wall or mirrored furniture. Clear glass pieces can do the trick, too.

Brighten with Light

No matter how you have to do it, maximize light. If you have a window available, let that natural warmth pour in. Don’t bother blocking that light with curtains or drapes. A mirror on the opposite wall can also help bounce that light back and brighten the space even more. Now, if a window is nowhere in sight, you can improvise. Hang a bright fixture from the ceiling or place two bright lamps in opposite corners. Try to let that light touch every square inch of the room.

Draw the Eye Up

The amount of floor space isn’t the only way to measure a room. Often there is unused space overhead. A well-designed space will draw your eye up to help you notice the openness. Draw vertical lines with a tall shelf, vertical shiplap, a hanging fixture, or floor to ceiling curtains. Or create extra space overhead by selecting furniture that sits low to the ground and hanging your wall decor lower than usual. The blank space on the walls above will create an open, airy feel.

When it comes to small spaces, the bottom line is just keep it simple. Don’t overcrowd the space. Keep it tidy and organized, and that small space will feel larger than before.

Need more ideas?

Check out these additional online resources for more tips on designing a small space.

• Solutions for Small Spaces
• 11 Tips for Making a Room Look Bigger

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