The real challenge of designing a small space isn’t the lack of square footage — it is using furniture, rugs, and accessories that are too large or too busy for your space. Any home, no matter the size, can be both beautiful and functional. When you’re decorating a smaller room, the goal is to make it feel more open, bright, and functional without crowding it with large or bulky items. It’s a delicate balance but I’m here to simplify things a bit. Let’s take a look at how to make the most of your small space with my top 5 designer secrets!
#1: Keep The Floor Clear
Keeping pathways and floors free from clutter is the best small-space hack in the book. Look for furniture and fixtures that float off the ground in order to maximize your space. Shelves that double as nightstands, wall sconces in place of floor lamps, and desks that fold against the wall when not in use. Drop-leaf tables are another good solution for small spaces, giving you the flexibility to use as much or as little of the table’s surface as you need. In kitchens and bathrooms, cabinetry can also be mounted to the wall so they float, giving you the feeling of extra space while making the floors easier to clean.
#2: Strategic Use Of Mirrors
Mirrors are such a simple but great tool for fooling the eye, even magicians use them! Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. They can be simple or decorative — the secret is in the placement. Tall floor mirrors look great when placed behind console tables or at the end of a hallway. Mirrors can also be used in place of wall art, or and headboards, and used as a backer for bookshelves. You can also use mirrors that are shaped like windows to create a lighter, brighter atmosphere. Look for mirrors that have beautiful details such as antiquing, arches, and panes.
#3: Take Advantage of Lighting
Out of all of the tools in a designer’s toolkit, lighting has the greatest impact on a space. Lighting options include more than just lamps, chandeliers, and pendants. Compact track lighting and recessed lights are the perfect way to light a small space because they go almost unnoticed while allowing for the aiming of light on specific surfaces. For instance, track lighting can be used to illuminate ceilings, artwork, cabinetry, and work surfaces simultaneously. In a narrow, long space, placing ceiling lights down the center of the room will only make it feel more claustrophobic. Instead, opt for wall sconces. Their placement on the wall will help lessen the height of the room and make the space appear less cavernous.
#4: Choose The Rug That is Just Right
Rugs can make or break the vibe of your entire space. When it comes to choosing rugs, it’s sort of a Goldie Locks and The Three Bears situation. A rug that is too small makes the furniture feel like it’s floating in space. A rug that is too large makes a small space feel even smaller. A rug that is just right, however, will enhance your space and complete your decorating vision.
In a living room, area rugs should be large enough for you to place at least the front legs of your furniture on the edge of the rug. For a home office, consider placing a rug under your desk and chair rather than in the center of the room. This placement will anchor your space and make your working area the focal point. If you’re having trouble finding the right area rug for your small bedroom, consider using two rectangular runners and place them along both sides of the bed. You’ll achieve the look of a full-size area rug at a fraction of the price. If you opt for an area rug that covers almost the entire room, measure the room and choose a rug that will allow a little bit of floor to show around the perimeter of the room.
When it comes to color and pattern, the choices you make are equally important. If your walls and furnishings are light/neutral, consider a patterned rug to add some interest. Stripes are an especially helpful pattern that can be used to widen or lengthen a room, depending on the direction of the stripes. If your space is very colorful or has dark floors and dark furniture, a solid rug in a neutral color is your best bet.
Pro Tip: For spaces with heavy foot traffic choose durable cotton, polyester, or wool rugs. While natural fibers like seagrass, sisal, and jute are beautiful, they are more fragile and require more care. Avoid using natural fiber rugs in high-traffic areas or in spaces like offices, where wheeled chairs can crush and shred the fibers.
#5: Double-Duty Furniture
Small spaces get a bad rap for being — small. In my experience, designing for small spaces is a way to challenge my creativity and provide clients with clever solutions. Furniture that folds, flips and tucks away gives you the flexibility to accommodate overnight guests and host parties, or just to have more space at your disposal. Murphy beds are a popular solution for dual-purpose spaces, like a bedroom that also serves as a home office. Other smart furniture solutions include wall-mounted folding desks, collapsable console tables, and bookshelves that transform into full-size dining tables. If you’re designing a small bedroom for children to share, consider using bunk beds. They can be found in various bed sizes and configurations, including twin over twin, twin over full, triple bunks, trundles, and L-shaped double bunks that sleep up to four kids.
In my next post, I’ll explain how selecting the right wall art for your home is the key to creating a beautifully authentic space. From custom pieces by local artists to art prints that can be ordered online, I’ll explain how to get an expertly curated look that expresses your personality in unique and fun ways.
Until then,
Laura
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