9 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Space

A small space doesn’t have to be a big challenge! Decorating a small space, just like decorating a large space, just requires design intelligence and a good understanding of what works and what doesn’t, the general design rules are pretty much the same. So, if you need guidance on how to best utilize your space in a not-so-spacious home, follow these small space decorating tips and make your home shine!

Take advantage of natural light

Natural light is your best ally. Choose thin, light-colored curtains that allow more light to enter the space and place mirrors opposite the balcony doors and windows that will reflect the light, scattering it throughout the room and at the same time tricking the eye into thinking that the space is larger than it actually is. Also, where possible, make sure that there are no obstacles in front of the entrances of light, so that as much as possible enters.

Think vertically

When you have limited space to work with, every square inch is valuable. This means you should make the most of the space, both in length and width, as well as in height. Place wall shelves above the sofa , bed or anywhere else your space allows to gain valuable extra storage space and opportunities to showcase your decorations . Be careful though, this doesn't mean you have to fill every inch of the space, it's very important to have spots that are more empty, allowing the eye to "rest".

Leave space between

The negative space around an object is just as important as the object itself. Pull your furniture back a little from the wall and give it some room to “breathe.” The temptation in a small space is to push everything as far out as possible, but having a gap between the furniture and the wall tricks the eye into thinking the wall is further back than it actually is, and therefore makes the space feel larger.

Avoid dividing spaces

First, avoid artificial dividers like screens , as they create visual separation and make the space seem even smaller. Then, if you have many small rooms, choose a single color palette to "unify" these spaces in the eye. This means that rooms that are next to each other should be painted the same color or one that is close enough to it, for example, the one immediately before or after them on the color chart.

Match the ceiling to the wall

Sticking with the color theme, another smart idea is to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. This approach makes it difficult for the eye to tell where the wall ends and the ceiling begins, giving the impression that the ceiling is higher than it actually is. Opt for light colors, as dark colors absorb light instead of reflecting it, making the space seem slightly more "closed."

Choose the right furniture

Move away from heavy and bulky furniture and opt for smaller, simpler pieces. Choose glass or plexiglass instead of solid wood wherever possible, as the eye can see through them and perceive the space they occupy as smaller. Also, opt for furniture with built-in storage, or furniture that folds up after use or nests inside each other (like coffee tables ). Finally, where possible, use furniture with exposed legs, which allow you to see the floor underneath.

Use contrast

Contrast in colors and textures is your ally, so use curtains and bed and sofa covers in bold, bright colors and don't be afraid to experiment. You might be pleasantly surprised with the result!

Adopt a more minimal approach

Too many decorative items can make a space feel claustrophobic, so opt for fewer, larger decorative items . This mentality can even be applied to furniture ; a large L-shaped sofa will almost always present a less "complex" image to the eye than two separate ones.

Hang your curtains smartly

Hang your curtains as high as possible from the ceiling. Also, let them touch the floor or end just short of it, but don't leave a large gap between them. This will make the eye think the space is higher than it actually is.

What methods do you have for making the most of a small space? We'd love for you to share your secrets with us in the comments below!