How to Decorate Small Spaces

When I was in my 20’s I lived in Chicago in a 500 sq. ft. studio apartment. It was small, but living downtown made me feel like a lucky girl. By necessity, I started tossing out the things I didn’t need and I learned how to decorate with furniture that would work in my small space (and my limited budget) without having to forgo comfort. Here are a few of my easy ideas for your small space:

Clean house – The easiest and least expensive thing to do is a massive house cleaning. Time to throw out some of the stuff! Does it serve a function? Is it something that you really need (physically or emotionally)? If you do not have a need for it, toss it. Pretend like you are moving and go through all your things as if you are packing. It gives a great opportunity to dust off, clean everything, and make a real judgment about whether or not you still need this item in your life. It can be freeing to rid yourself of useless items from the past.

Consider multi-use furniture – Think Murphy beds (beds that can double as a desk when stored), sleeper sofas (upgrade the mattress for more comfort), and day beds that can serve as a sofa during the day and a bed at night. There are coffee tables with raising lids to use as a desk, standing desks, or islands with casters (they can be purchased from home improvement stores and easily screwed on), which can then be moved where needed. There are even ottomans that can also be used as a coffee table and larger ones that fold out to a bed. Ensure the tables you do have are multi-purpose, with more than one tier to hold other items.

Clear the floor – This is where you will replace standing bookshelves with ‘floating’ shelves that attach to the walls, and wall-mounted swing-arm lamps will replace floor models. You may also be able to find extra storage underneath beds, chairs, and couches, or stairs.

Consider the light – If you are lucky enough to have lots of windows in your small space, you’re golden. If there is a lack of light in your small quarters add lots of lamps or pendant lights to the corners, and in every room. You may even find a great ceiling fixture that will do the job.

Don’t forget the mirror effect – You’ve probably heard it before because it’s true! Mirrors can make a room appear larger and brighter by reflecting light around the room and giving the illusion of more space. Bonus, they can be inexpensive (another home improvement store item).

Limit your color palette – Whether you choose the darkly dramatic or you prefer light and beachy, make sure the color palette is cohesive. Small spaces can look cluttered easily and limiting your color palette will keep that to a minimum.

Through the looking glass – Glass or acrylic furniture gives the illusion of more space because you can see through it. Transparent furniture is also a great way to add glam to a room without making it seem too cluttered.

A good rug can bring it together – Small room? Say NO to a small rug! Small rugs in a small room just don’t work. Instead, try a rug that will allow all of the room’s furnishings to be placed on top, which will make the room more cohesive. Either that or go wall-to-wall!

Try smaller furniture – Instead of a full-size sofa, try a loveseat. The smaller size works better in smaller rooms and as a bonus, they are usually much less expensive. Some retailers like Crate & Barrel are making furniture specifically for small spaces.

When you’re trying to redecorate and you are short on cash, look at the items and furniture you already have in a new way. Velcro can attach to anything and keep items such as remote controls and game controllers hidden and secure. Wine racks make great storage spaces for reusable bottles, rolled-up towels, craft supplies, you name it! Towel racks attached to the inside of cupboards or pantry doors can hold extra linens and even the lids to pans. Shower caddies work great under the sink to keep the clutter to a minimum. And a lot of these items can be purchased from a dollar store. I think you get the point – just about anything can be used as storage if you think creatively.

Small spaces can have loads of style. If you like dark colors, paint yours to look like a little jewel box. Craft your surroundings to ensure everything is functional and meaningful to you.