Whether you live in a 300 sq foot “apartment” in Manhattan or 900 sq foot home in San Francisco housing a family of four, you can live stylishly and comfortably in a small space. All it takes is a few steps and dedication to utilizing every single inch you have. Check out these tips to maximize a small space and give your home more breathing room.
“Make sure to be precise as to the function of each area within the space. Ask yourself questions about how you use the room. For example, do you need storage for kids toys? Is a sectional a necessity or will a sofa and a chair be fine? Would a round table be a better fit for your dining area? Asking these types of questions will help you identify your specific problem areas — and viable solutions before you start to purchase furnishings, which will ultimately save you time and money.
Don't immediately assume that a small-space issue is a bad thing—it can be an opportunity for a great design moment to be really creative! In small spaces, storage is key, so make that a priority.
Mirrors
Using a mirror creates the illusion of a bigger space by reflecting what’s already there. Don’t be afraid to put a mirror in an unconventional space! Fun frames will serve as decor, or an unframed mirror seamlessly blends into the wall and will enhance the magnifying effect.
Go Vertical
There are tons of tutorials out there about DIY shelves and other wall-mounted storage units. Find a few favorites and get crafting! Having extra shelving or space to display knick-knacks will provide you with more valuable real estate on your side tables and counters. Or even better, use wall shelving as temporary desk! Think Vertical! Exploit the often under-utilized space between the tops of furniture and a room's ceiling with hanging or high-mounted elements. Take bookcases and cabinets all the way up — it'll make the room feel higher.
Use Color Carefully
While color is a fun way to spice up your home, in a small space it can quickly become overwhelming. Stick to a few splashes of bright hues (colorful books, bedding, or rugs are fun ideas) and keep everything else neutral.
Don’t Loose Yourself
In a small space it can sometimes feel like there’s not even enough room to let your personal design style show. Fix this problem by paying attention to the little details in your house that allow you to express yourself. Vases of flowers in your favorite colors, a vintage tray, or a mini-gallery wall of your personal photos can help. Constant and deliberate editing of your home will be a must.
Ditch the Media Table
A media console is the biggest space waster in a small living room. Mount your TV on the wall or above a fireplace and you'll regain necessary floor space.
Opt for Pocket Doors
Pocket doors with glass windows allow for shared light to flow throughout the space while also creating separation. And even better, they slide right into the wall when not being used, taking up much less space than swinging doors.
Keep It Neutral
Calm, even-toned rooms fool the eye into thinking they're more spacious than they are. Make sure to add a variety of textures to keep the space from falling flat. Consider painting a low ceiling the same color as the walls, especially if there are uneven ceilings or obtrusive ductwork.
Use Bigger (But Fewer) Furnishings
It may seem counterintuitive, but outfitting a small space with just a few large-scale pieces (rather than a mishmash of pint-size furniture) can actually make it feel grander. Resist the urge to push all of your furniture up against the walls. If you create space behind the furniture, it makes the room look wider than it is.
Play With Scale
There’s no need to use pint-size furniture and decor in a small space. The key is choosing a few statement pieces that will really draw the eye. You can use regular-size furniture and large-scale art; you’ll just need to use fewer pieces in the room overall.
Keep It Cohesive
There are only so many things to look at in a small space, so make sure they all fit. Stick to a limited color palette, whether it’s light and airy or dark and dramatic. Looking at items with an editor’s eye will help make sure pieces really belong and keep the space from becoming cluttered.
Keep the Floor Clear
You need space for the essentials, but even the most perfectly decorated small room doesn’t work if you can’t walk in it. Try floating pieces, such as shelves and nightstands, to keep the ground clear of obstacles and create space for extra storage beneath if needed. Opt for sconces and wall lights rather than floor lamps.
Hang Drapes Higher
Hang drapes as high as you can to give the room “breath-ability” and to make to room feel taller, larger, and more open.
Keep furniture off the walls
One of the easiest small apartment ideas to manage is to keep all furnishings drifting towards the middle of a room rather than against walls as the space will come off as cramped and uncomfortable for no good reason.