Small Space Decorating Solutions
Follow These Space-Saving Tips for Every Room in the House
Jul 17, 2009
It seems as though everyone is always wishing for more space, but why? Small spaces can be fun to decorate, and there are plenty of ways to maximize space.
Decorating a Small Entryway or Foyer
Entryways are generally small, yet they’re a very important part of the home. Maximize the space in the foyer and keep things organized.
- If there’s no closet, create one with a series of hooks. Place gloves, scarves, and hats in baskets on the floor or on a shelf.
- Use a chest of drawers in the entryway to store excess items.
- Use sconces in a small area and free up table space.
Maximize Living Room Space
In small spaces the living room also acts as the family room or den. It’s important that it be as comfortable and organized as possible.
- Forgo the coffee table to keep the space from feeling too heavy.
- Use large-scale furniture. Several small pieces in a small room can feel cluttered. A few large pieces will trick the eye into making the room feel bigger.
- Choose sofas and chairs without arms.
- Use mirrors to open up the space.
- Paint with light colors (especially the ceiling).
- Don’t use too many different colors. Fabrics and furniture in similar tones will look more streamlined and clean.
How to Decorate a Small Dining Room
Use dining rooms as a place to eat, entertain, and store a myriad of items.
- Drop-leaf tables and tables with leaves are great space-savers.
- Consider built-in bookshelves in the dining room. They can fit a ton of items, including extra dishes and linens.
- A custom table skirt over any old table or console will provide a hidden storage area.
- Use overhead lighting and sconces instead of table and floor lamps.
Small Space Kitchen Solutions
Kitchens are cluttered by nature. There’s so much that needs to go into them that it’s easy for them to become disorganized. Small kitchens in particular can pose some challenges.
- Make use of wall space. A wall mounted organizer doubles as a small home office.
- Small-scale appliances save space without sacrificing function.
- Open shelving where dishes are kept can give the kitchen a lighter look, but only for people who can keep their shelves tidy. Messy displays will make the space look cluttered.
- If there’s a seating area, opt for stools that can fit under the table as opposed to chairs.
Make Space in a Small Bedroom
The bedroom isn’t just for sleeping. It often acts as a relaxing retreat. Make it as comfortable as possible.
- If there’s no room for bedside tables, hang a shelf above the bed. Use it to display favorite items.
- Use the space under the bed and store extra items (such as out-of-season clothes). Or purchase a bed that has built-in storage.
- Murphy beds can be a terrific option. They fold right up leaving lots of free space in the room.
Tiny Office Decorating Solutions
Even people who don’t work from home often need a place to take care of household management and pay bills. But not everyone has a lot of space for an office.
- Use fold down desks, which can easily be closed, their contents hidden.
- Shelving, shelving, shelving! Line the room with shelves, built-in or store-bought. Consider using floating shelves for an open, streamlined look.
- No space? No problem! An extra closet can easily be turned into a home office. A makeshift desk and some shelves can provide an excellent area for working. The best part – the door can be closed when the work is done.
A Few Basic Space Saving Tips
- Reduce visual clutter and don’t over accessorize
- Install shelves above doorways.
- Use large mirrors to open up space.
- Buy furniture that has more than one use. For instance, use an ottoman or a chest with interior storage as a coffee table.
- Instead of a sofa table, place low bookshelves across the back of a couch.
- Use baskets and boxes to contain items like magazines and remote controls.
- Stick with a monochromatic color scheme.
 |
