When you own a home, it’s important to get the most from it. There are things you can do to make it look twice as good and to make it more practical and functional. If you’re living in a limited space, it doesn’t have to remain cramped and cluttered. With a little bit of creativity, you can make your small living area feel spacious and comfortable. In this article, we’ll discuss some decorating tips for making the most of your small space.
Use Multi-Purpose Furniture
A great way to save space is to use furniture that has multiple uses. For instance, an ottoman can be used as a coffee table or extra seating. A bench can be used as a coffee table, extra seating, or even a place to put your shoes on in the morning. Get creative and think about how you can use each piece of furniture in more than one way.
If you have a sofa and a bed in the same room, why not replace them with a single item? There are specialist websites that display sleeper sofa designs and that review the 12 best examples on the market. They discuss mattress sizes, construction quality, and warranties, and also post articles on things like bedroom essentials.
Use Furniture With Built-In Storage And Think Vertically
One example of furniture with built-in storage is a coffee table with drawers. You can use the drawers to store coasters, remotes, magazines, and other small items. Another example is an ottoman with a removable top. Underneath the lid, you can keep blankets, pillows, or even board games. Some beds come with built-in storage (such as drawers or shelves), which makes them perfect for storing bedding and clothes.
When you’re limited on floor space, it’s important to think vertically. One way to do this is to hang curtains from the ceiling instead of the windows. This will make your ceilings appear higher, and your room will feel more open. Another way to add vertical space is to install floating shelves. These are great for displaying decor items or storing books and other knick-knacks. You can also use corner shelves to make the most of those difficult-to-decorate spaces.
Use Light Colors
Dark colored paints can make rooms feel gloomy, dull, tired, and small. In contrast, light colors can make a space appear larger. They help reflect light and make rooms feel bright and airy. Stick with cool tones like blues and greens, or neutrals like white and beige. You can also add a few pops of brighter colors throughout the room to create interest and visual contrast. However, too much color can make a small space feel cramped and cluttered.
It’s also worth using lighter-colored fabrics for your window treatments, furniture, and flooring. For instance, if you have dark hardwood floors, try a lighter-colored rug. Or if you have heavy drapes, consider switching to light-colored shades or blinds.
Use Mirrors
Mirrors are another great way to make a small space feel brighter and larger. They reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Hang mirrors on walls opposite windows to maximize the amount of natural light in your room. You can also place them behind lamps to brighten up dark corners.
Don’t overdo it with too many mirrors, as this can make a space feel cold and impersonal. Some examples include:
- Sunburst mirrors
- Floor mirrors
- Wall mirrors
- Decorative mirrors
- Mirror tiles
Declutter Your Space
To do this, you’ll need to get rid of anything that you don’t need or use anymore. If you have clothes that you never wear, donate them to a local thrift store. If you have books that you’re never going to read again, give them to a friend, colleague, or family member. Every piece of furniture in your home should serve a purpose – if it doesn’t, get rid of it! Some charity shops will collect large items from you, to make life easier.
If you have items in good condition (and in full working order), why not sell them if you need the cash? You could either have a yard sale or sell them online using sites like eBay. If there are things that need to be disposed of, be sure to do them responsibly. Use recycling centers and be careful with things like toxic chemicals (e.g. paint and batteries). Once you’ve finished decluttering, your rooms will feel more spacious. Be sure to keep your home tidy and don’t allow junk to build up again.
Maximize Your Storage
If you have limited space, you need to be extra mindful of how you’re using your storage. As we said earlier, you can use corner shelves to make the most of tight spaces. Tubs, baskets, and cabinets can also be used to store lots of things.
If you buy plastic tubs, stackable ones will look best and will also take up less space. You’ll also need to factor in the room decor and colors when buying these items. If you want to be really organized, why not label your tubs, so you can see at a glance what they contain? Make sure the most important items are stored at the front for easy access.
Add Plants And Flowers
One way to immediately make a small space feel brighter and more inviting is to add plants and flowers. Not only do they add color and life to a room, but they can purify the air, boost your mood, and improve your productivity.
If you don’t have green fingers, there are loads of low-maintenance choices out there. Some examples include aloe vera, spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies. Alternatively, you could try fake plants if you’re really not up for the real thing.
With the help of these decorating tips, you’ll soon be able to maximize your small space. You’ll have improved the look and feel of each room, and will enjoy being at home more than ever. Your household will appreciate the changes, and so will all who come to visit you.
