Smaller spaces in your home hold both charm and challenge. You never want a space to feel cramped or claustrophobic! That doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice style. Over the years, I’ve learned through trial and errors the tips and tricks behind taking a small room and making it homey and spacious.
1. Choose Your Color Scheme Wisely
When it comes to making the most of a space, the color of the walls and ceiling can make all the difference. There’s a time and place for dark colors, but a small room is not one of them. Since darker colors absorb light, instead of reflecting it, they often make a room seem smaller (exactly what you’re trying to avoid).
Instead, opt for lighter colors such as white and beige.
2. Decorate Up, Not Out
Focus on going up, not out. It helps so much! In small rooms, floor space might be limited so you want to make sure you’re using the wall space to its full potential. This might include a functional piece of wall art like a horse shoe hat rack or tall curtains. Not only does this increase the sense of openness, but it creates a feeling of movement and flow in what could otherwise be considered a “cramped” space.
3. Use Mirrors
One of my favorite tricks to opening up a room is adding a mirror. By bouncing light around the room, it can increase the amount of natural light–trust me, this opens the space right up! Plus, by reflecting the view, you’re creating an optical illusion that tricks the eye into thinking the room is actually bigger than it is.
4. Invest in Floor to Ceiling Curtains
In smaller rooms, never hang curtains at the top of the window frame. It’s wasting vertical space (see tip #2)! Instead, hang them as high as you can. This might mean up to the ceiling as long as the curtain still touches the floor. Using this simple trick emphasizes the room height and makes it feel taller than it is.
5. Large Scale Art
When it comes to small rooms, there is not reason to shy away from big pieces of decor. You just need to be selective. Instead of hanging a bunch of small prints or decor on the wall, go big with one or two. This might be a styled painting such as CACTUS JACK. It makes the room feel overall less cluttered and allows you to express your style in bold pieces.
6. Layer Lightening
A small room should rely on natural light to help it open up during the day, but for nighttime, you’ll want to carefully consider how you are using light. I recommend you try to layer the height of your lightning. This will provide you a variety of options depending on what you’re doing. In a room for general hosting, focus on making the space taller with wall lights. But if you want to use the space for more personal tasks such as reading or working, you’ll also need options for smaller lamp lights as well.
7. Clear the Clutter
It probably goes without saying, but if you’re trying to make a small room feel bigger, you want to avoid clutter. Knick knacks and too many pieces of furniture and decor just end up making the space feel even smaller. One way to combat this with smart storage like these Foldable Seagrass Woven Storage Baskets. Not only are they stylish, but they allow you to subtly store items without overcrowding the room.
When it comes down to it, the size of a room should never stop you from making it your own. With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be able to turn even the tiniest space into your own.
To stay up-to-date on all your Western home decor tips, be sure to follow me on Instagram!