Brilliant Tricks and Tips for Small Spaces

In an ideal world, we would all live in homes that are overflowing with space. We wouldn’t have to worry about fitting all of our stuff into a tiny one-bedroom or studio apartment. But life is rarely ideal so we do what we can. 

The good news is that living in a small space doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, it can be very comfortable and cozy if you go about it the right way. 

Even if you’re a family of five in a two-bedroom apartment, you can make it work with these genius tricks and tips for small spaces. 

Think About Proportion

A small space doesn’t have to avoid full-size furniture. In fact, large furniture can actually make a space seem bigger than it is. Consider adding an oversized rug and plush couch to your living room to define it better. You can also play with proportion when it comes to your walls. A large painting or mirror can make a room seem larger than it is. 

Don’t Be Afraid of Light

Light is your best friend in small spaces. More light brightens up a tiny area so don’t be afraid to take advantage of any windows you might have—avoid heavy drapes—and add more light features. A funky lamp or large ceiling-mounted fixture won’t take up too much more room but will bring in the light you need. 

Stay Organized

One of the most important tips for small spaces is staying organized. When you don’t have a lot of room, you can’t afford to have stuff everywhere. Instead, don’t be afraid to utilize bookshelves, drawer dividers, and storage bins whenever you can. The key is to make sure that there is a place for everything and everything can be in its place.

Focus on Loves Not Likes 

In a small space, there’s no room for stuff that you only “kind of” like. If you have an on again and off again relationship with a piece of furniture or set of clothes, you need to get rid of them. Living comfortably in a small space is all about focusing on those items that you really love.

Use Corners 

Don’t waste corners; a lot can fill that space. Instead, one of our tips for small spaces is to maximize every corner with sectional sofas, dining room benches, floor lamps, or plush armchairs. You might be amazed by how much more space you can get out of your room by using every corner. 

Choose Neutral Colors 

While dark colors might be cozy, they can also make an already small space feel smaller. Instead, you want to choose light and bright colors that help a space feel open. We recommend starting off with a great neutral base in white, beige, gray, or light blue and then bringing in bolder and brighter hues as accents.

Consider Vertical Space 

How much space you have isn’t just about your floor space. There’s a lot of vertical space as well that you can take advantage of. For example, if you have room above a door, consider adding a tiny shelf for extra storage. Wall storage is a great invention. You can also take advantage of lower space by using the space beneath your bed for more room.

Decorating Tips for Small Spaces 

• Hang Items: If drawer and closet space is at a premium, then you need to take advantage of all the ways that you can hang items. For example, in the kitchen, you can place a magnetic knife rack on the wall to free up an extra drawer. You can also empty cabinet space by hanging your pots and pans on a pot rack.
• Create More Storage: If you have too much stuff and too little space, make more storage with functional storage furniture like mimish’s beanbag or lounger. In either case, you get a seat and a place to hide away items.
• Remove Closet Doors: Doors that swing into a room can take up a lot of space that you don’t have to give. Remove swinging doors and replace them with curtains to free up more space.
• Use Mirrors: Large mirrors can transform a room. Not only do they bring in more light, they create the illusion that a room is much larger than it actually is.
• Closet Space for Furniture: If you have a room that is too small for your furniture, try using the closet. A changing table, desk, or dresser might fit perfectly in a closet and give you more room.

 

It’s not always easy to live in a small home, but it’s possible. If done correctly, it can even be quite chic and comfortable. Just follow our tips for small spaces and come up with your own ways to save room.