10 Ways to Decorate Small Spaces: The Ultimate Guide

A small house or apartment can be just as beautiful as you want it to be. All you need is good furniture and imagination. 

Here are ten simple ways to decorate small spaces! With housing costs on the rise, more and more American adults are living with roommates. 

While sharing a space with housemates saves you monthly money, it also limits your personal space. The good news is that just because your space is small, it doesn't have to feel cramped or ugly. 

If you follow these simple tips for decorating small spaces, you can make any room in your home look good, no matter the size. Ready to get started? Check out these small space design strategies.

1. Use Vertical Space When Decorating Small Spaces

Vertical space refers to the area above your head and below your feet. When horizontal space is limited, utilizing this space can make the room look bigger. 

You can use vertical space to hang items like jewelry, kitchen utensils, etc. Displaying wall hangings or framed photos can also be a good use of vertical space. Hanging these items high up on your walls will draw attention to the ceiling, making people look up to the ceiling and making the room look bigger.

Think of installing tall bookshelves or cabinets that go up to the ceiling. This will give you storage and height in the room. Vertical storage solutions can be everything from hanging pots and pans in the kitchen to installing vertical shoe racks in your closet.

2. Creative Storage

If your room has limited space, use every square inch of storage. There are a couple of ways to do this. For instance, choose furniture for seating that has storage. 

Or, if the couch doesn't have a storage compartment, choose a sofa with some extra space off the ground.

This way, you can slide storage containers under the couch. Under-furniture storage can be an excellent place to store games or movies. 

Beds with built-in drawers or loft beds with space underneath for a desk or seating area are great space savers. 

To avoid clutter, use storage ottomans, benches with hidden compartments, and coffee tables with storage.

3. Hang Curtains High

Choosing window treatments wisely is another way to make a space look bigger. Hanging curtains from the middle of the wall will make your walls look half as tall while hanging curtains from the top of the wall will draw the eye to the ceiling, making the room look bigger.

Choose curtains in light, airy fabrics to let natural light filter through and brighten the space. Sheer curtains can give a soft, elegant look while allowing plenty of light. Pair them with heavier drapes for privacy and insulation during colder months.

4. Maximize Light

A well-lit room is good for your health and good for your room's aesthetic. Both light fixtures and natural light will brighten the room and make it look bigger. 

If you need to add light fixtures, don't choose lamps that take up floor space. Instead, consider wall sconces, pendant lights, or under-cabinet lighting. 

These options will give you plenty of light without taking up floor space. Mirrors placed strategically can also bounce natural light around the room. 

Choose light fixtures with adjustable brightness to create different moods and ambiances.

Wall sconces, pendant lights, and under-cabinet lighting will give you plenty of light without taking up floor space. 

Mirrors placed strategically can also bounce natural light around the room. Choose light fixtures with adjustable brightness to create different moods and ambiance.

5. Choose Colors Well

The colors you use in your small space will significantly impact its feel. A dark color will make the room feel cramped or cave-like, while a bright color will make the room look bigger, especially with enough light.

Go for a neutral color palette, which typically includes soft whites, creams, pastels, and light grays. These colors can create a calm and open space. 

Add colorful throw pillows, artwork, and decorative items to inject personality and vibrancy without overwhelming the space.

6. Use Shelves

Every empty wall in your room can be a storage space. Floating shelves mounted directly to the wall can better use space than a bookshelf. 

A floating shelf will only take up space on a wall, whereas a bookshelf will take up space on the floor. Consider pairing a floating shelf with a bench underneath it for seating.

Install shelves in the kitchen for spices, cookware, and dishes. Use them in the bathroom for toiletries and towels. 

Floating shelves in the living room can display books, photos, and decorative items. Customize the arrangement of shelves to your needs and style.

7. Use Mirrors

Another way to make rooms look bigger than they are is to hang mirrors. Mirrors create the illusion of more space, which makes the room feel less cramped. 

Place a big mirror directly across from a window to reflect natural light and make the room look brighter and more open.

Mirrors with attractive frames can also be decorative. Create a gallery wall with a mix of mirrors and artwork. Lean a tall mirror against a wall for a sleek, modern look that adds depth to the room.

8. Multi-Functional Items

With limited space, every item in your room should have a purpose. Ideally, items with multiple purposes will make better use of space. We've already talked about seating with storage, but there are other ways to make more than one use out of items.

For example, if you have a guest room office, you can choose items that serve both purposes. A desk with shelving and drawers can be a place for guests to store their belongings when they visit. The same goes for sleeper sofas. With this type of furniture, you have a place to relax when it's just you at home and a place for guests to sleep when they're in town. So you don't need an extra bed for guests who only come once a year.

9. Movable Items

If an item doesn't have multiple uses, another option is to choose items that are easy to move or stow away. An item can only take up space 100% of the time if you use it 30% of the time.

For example, a folding card table is an excellent choice for small spaces. When you have company, you can set up the table; when they leave, you can hide it behind a dresser or in a closet. 

Stackable chairs, nesting tables, and foldable desks are other terrific options for maximizing space and flexibility.

10. Downsize

Of course, one of the best ways to make a small space look bigger is to fill it with less. Whatever downsizing you can do will make the room look bigger. 

An excellent place to start is with items you have to store, like books, movies, or games. Purging some of these items will free up space on your shelves and drawers, making the room look less cluttered.

Be minimalist by keeping only what you need and love. 

Declutter regularly and donate or sell items that no longer serve a purpose. This will create more space and a more organized and peaceful living space.

Start Decorating Small Spaces Now

With these tips for small spaces, you'll be on your way to making even the smallest room your favorite space. Need help finding the right furniture for your space? 

Contact us today to get answers to your questions. Our team of experts can help you choose stylish, multi-functional pieces that will maximize your space and reflect your personality.

Using these genius ideas, you can have an open, airy, inviting home no matter the size. Small space design doesn't have to mean sacrificing style or comfort. 

With creativity and planning, you can have a significant style in even the smallest spaces. Embrace the challenge of small spaces and enjoy the journey of making your home yours.